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Life InsuranceCan You Have Multiple Life Insurance Plans? Everything You Need to Know
Yes, you can hold more than one life insurance policy in India. Here's how it works, when it makes sense, and what to keep in mind before you buy.
Corona Health Insurance Plans
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we look at health insurance forever. Corona health insurance plans were introduced to provide specific coverage for COVID-19 related hospitalization and treatment expenses. While the pandemic has subsided, these plans continue to offer valuable protection against future waves and similar respiratory illnesses. Whether you are looking for a standalone corona policy or want to understand how your existing health insurance covers pandemic-related treatments, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is Corona Health Insurance?
- Corona health insurance plans are specialized health insurance policies designed to cover hospitalization and treatment costs arising from COVID-19 infection. These plans were introduced by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) in 2020 to address the healthcare needs during the pandemic.
- These plans cover expenses such as hospital room charges, ICU costs, ventilator charges, PPE kits, medicines, diagnostic tests, and other related treatment costs. They are available as both indemnity-based plans (reimbursement of actual expenses) and benefit-based plans (fixed lump sum payout on diagnosis).
Types of Corona Health Plans
IRDAI approved different types of corona-specific health insurance plans to cater to varying needs:
Corona Kavach Policy
An indemnity-based health insurance plan that reimburses actual hospitalization expenses. Covers hospital room rent, ICU charges, treatment costs, and PPE kits. Also covers pre-hospitalization (15 days) and post-hospitalization (30 days) expenses. Available for individuals and families with sum insured ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakh.
Corona Rakshak Policy
A benefit-based policy that pays a lump sum equal to 100% of the sum insured. Payout is triggered when the insured is hospitalized for at least 72 hours due to COVID-19. No bills or receipts required — the entire sum insured is paid out directly. Available only for individuals (no family floater option) with sum insured from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2.5 lakh.
Comprehensive Health Plans with COVID Cover
Regular health insurance plans that include COVID-19 treatment as part of their coverage. Offer broader protection beyond just corona, including other illnesses and surgeries. Ideal for long-term health protection with pandemic coverage built-in. Available as individual and family floater plans with higher sum insured options.
Corona Top-Up Plans
Provide additional coverage above a deductible threshold specifically for COVID-19 treatment. Cost-effective way to enhance your existing health coverage for pandemic scenarios. Can be combined with your base health insurance for comprehensive protection.
Key Features of Corona Health Plans
- Corona health insurance plans come with specific features tailored for pandemic coverage:
- Short-Term Coverage: Most corona-specific plans are available for periods of 3.5 months, 6.5 months, or 9.5 months, making them affordable short-term options.
- No Waiting Period: Unlike regular health plans, corona-specific policies have minimal or no waiting period — coverage typically starts within 15 days of policy issuance.
- Home Treatment Cover: Many plans cover home treatment or domiciliary hospitalization for COVID-19 when hospital beds are unavailable.
- AYUSH Treatment: Coverage for treatment under Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy systems for COVID-19.
- Teleconsultation: Some plans include coverage for online doctor consultations related to COVID-19 symptoms and treatment.
- No Medical Check-Up Required: Most corona plans do not require a pre-policy medical check-up, making them easy to purchase.
What is Covered Under Corona Health Plans?
- Corona health plans typically provide coverage for the following expenses:
- Hospitalization expenses including room rent, nursing, and boarding charges.
- ICU and ventilator charges during critical COVID-19 treatment.
- Cost of medicines, drugs, and consumables used during treatment.
- Diagnostic tests including RT-PCR, CT scans, and blood tests related to COVID-19.
- PPE kits, gloves, masks, and other protective equipment charges.
- Pre-hospitalization expenses for 15 days before admission.
- Post-hospitalization expenses for 30 days after discharge.
- Ambulance charges for transportation to the hospital.
- Home treatment or domiciliary treatment costs where applicable.
How to Choose the Right Corona Health Plan
- Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a corona health insurance plan:
- Evaluate Existing Coverage: Check if your current health insurance already covers COVID-19 hospitalization. If it does, you may only need a top-up plan for additional coverage.
- Sum Insured: Choose a sum insured that can adequately cover COVID treatment costs in your city. In metros, COVID treatment can cost Rs. 2-5 lakh or more.
- Type of Plan: Decide between indemnity (Corona Kavach) and benefit-based (Corona Rakshak) based on your preference for bill reimbursement vs. lump sum payout.
- Network Hospitals: Ensure the insurer has a wide network of cashless hospitals in your area.
- Waiting Period: Compare the initial waiting period across different plans — shorter is better for immediate protection.
- Claim Settlement: Choose an insurer with a high claim settlement ratio for smooth processing.
How to File a Corona Insurance Claim
- Filing a claim under your corona health plan involves the following steps:
- Inform your insurer immediately upon testing positive for COVID-19 or being hospitalized.
- For cashless claims, visit a network hospital and present your health card or policy details.
- The hospital will coordinate with the insurer for pre-authorization of the treatment.
- For reimbursement claims, collect all original bills, discharge summary, RT-PCR test report, and prescription documents.
- Submit the claim form along with supporting documents to the insurer within the specified time frame (usually 15-30 days).
- The insurer will process the claim after verifying the documents and reimburse the eligible amount.
Post-Pandemic Health Tip from Policywings
Rather than buying a standalone corona policy, invest in a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers all illnesses including COVID-19. Look for plans with no sub-limits on room rent, coverage for home treatment, and teleconsultation benefits. These features, born from pandemic learnings, are now standard in most good health insurance plans for 2025.
Corona Kavach vs Corona Rakshak Comparison
| Feature | Corona Kavach | Corona Rakshak |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Indemnity (reimburses actual bills) | Benefit (pays fixed lump sum) |
| Sum Insured | Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakh | Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2.5 lakh |
| Claim Process | Submit hospital bills for reimbursement | No bills needed, 100% SI paid out |
| Trigger | Any COVID hospitalisation | Hospitalisation for 72+ hours |
| Family Option | Available as individual and family floater | Individual only |
| Home Treatment | Covered in many plans | Not typically covered |
Yes, most comprehensive health insurance plans now cover COVID-19 hospitalization and treatment as a standard inclusion. However, the extent of coverage may vary, so check your policy terms or contact your insurer for details.
