Does Health Insurance Cover the H3N2 Virus?

Posted on: May 17, 2023 | | Written by:

Does Health Insurance Cover the H3N2 Virus?

Published on May 17, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

While we are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the H3N2 virus is rapidly spreading around the country and causing a situation of concern. Although most people infected by the virus experienced mild to moderate symptoms, some severe cases required hospitalisation. In situations like these, the best you can do is follow healthy lifestyle habits to boost immunity, take necessary precautions, and keep an adequate health insurance policy handy. Since all health insurance policies in India cover this condition, you need not buy new or separate health insurance for the H3N2 virus if you have one already.

Understanding H3N2 virus

H3N2 is a non-human influenza virus that causes symptoms identical to the flu or common cold. Influenza viruses comprise four categories: A, B, C, and D. H3N2 is a sub-category of the influenza A virus.

Usually, the H3N2 virus infects the upper respiratory tract with seasonal influenza and causes mild to moderate symptoms. Being a highly contagious virus, it can easily spread from one person to another through virus-infected droplets.

So, if an infected person coughs or sneezes and a healthy person comes in direct contact with the virus-infected droplets, he/she can get infected with this influenza virus. While the infection usually lasts 5 to 7 days, it may take about 2 weeks to recover from this viral infection completely.

H3N2 Virus: Symptoms

The common indications of the H3N2 virus are:

• Sore throat and cough

• Fever

• Runny nose

• Difficulty in breathing

• Chills

• Headache

• Muscle and joint pain

• Fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dehydration

• Abdominal pain and diarrhoea

Those with a severe H3N2 infection can experience the following symptoms:

• Increased rate of breathing

• Chest pain

• Low blood pressure

• Confusion or disorientation

• Seizures

• Bluish face or lips

Do health insurance policies in India cover the treatment of the H3N2 virus?

If you have a medical insurance policy, it will cover the treatment of H3N2 infection.

H3N2 is an infectious disease, and all health insurance policies in India cover contagious diseases. Hence, you can file a reimbursement claim if you get infected with the virus and incur associated expenses, such as in-patient hospitalisation, ICU charges, ambulance charges, and OPD treatment bills. The insurance company will check your claim and provide a refund depending on the sum insured and the policy terms and conditions.

What is the waiting period for H3N2 virus infection under health insurance?

Most health insurance policies in India have an initial waiting period of 30 days. So, if you get infected with the H3N2 virus, you can file a reimbursement claim only if the initial waiting period is over.

Since the waiting period of a healthcare plan can differ from insurer to insurer, make sure you check your policy’s terms and conditions when buying health insurance coverage.

H3N2 virus prevention tips

The H3N2 influenza virus is highly contagious, so it is important that you take the following precautions to keep yourself safe and prevent the spread.

• Wear face masks

• Avoid touching your mouth and nose

• Frequently wash your hands with water and soap

• Keep a sanitiser handy

• Avoid going to crowded places

• Never spit in public places

• Always remember to cover your mouth whenever you cough and sneeze

• Remember to increase your fluid intake to keep yourself hydrated

• Eat healthy and immunity-boosting foods

• Try to get a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night

• Exercise regularly

• Get in touch with a physician at the earliest if you experience one or more symptoms

In a nutshell

It is essential that you take the necessaryH3N2 virus prevention measures to protect yourself and your loved ones and check the spread. Also, if you are not covered under medical insurance, invest in an individual health insurance plan or a family floater policy to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. If you feel your healthcare plan is inadequate, you can opt for add-ons like critical illness insurance to cover your hospital bills and other associated expenses. This will save you from paying them from your pocket. When you have medical insurance, you can avail of the finest treatment without worrying about exorbitant hospital bills.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

How to Download COVID Vaccine Certificate Online?

How to Get Beneficiary ID For COVID-19 Vaccine: Step-by-step Guide

Healthcare Insurance Premiums in India are Rising - Here’s Why

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health During times Like Covid

Advantages and Benefits of Working out At Home