Seasonal Illnesses and Short-Term Health Insurance in India: Is It Worth It?

Understanding Short-Term Health Insurance in India

Short-term health insurance in India refers to health insurance policies that offer medical coverage for a limited duration, typically ranging from a few days to a maximum of 12 months. While normal health insurance plans require you to be committed and pay higher monthly fees, these plans are made for immediate use and are easy to end. So, these plans help those who wish to be protected against health problems that emerge during monsoon seasons, such as dengue, malaria, and typhoid.

Key Features of Short-Term Health Insurance Plans

1. Flexible Duration:

   With these plans, the policyholders choose the time period for the insurance by themselves. Whether you require a plan for just a few days during a trip or a 3-month health policy during the monsoon, short-term plans can be easily tailored. Being flexible allows people to avoid buying unnecessary coverage.

2. Affordable Premiums:

   Short-term plans tend to be much less expensive than annual plans. Because they are so cheap, students, gig workers, freelancers, and those between jobs often select them. It also suits people who already have long-term insurance but want seasonal illness coverage as an additional safety net.

3. Quick and Easy Enrollment:

   Since there are not many formal steps, you can often get these policies within hours. Fast protection is needed quickly, especially when you are in a surge or emergency.

4. Specific Illness Coverage:

   Certain plans offer temporary health cover for dengue, malaria, or COVID-related expenses. This ensures that your insurance plan is in sync with the typical health risks during a specific season. These features make short-term health insurance in India a practical and cost-effective way to safeguard your health during vulnerable periods.

The Rising Burden of Seasonal Illnesses

During the monsoon season in India, seasonal health problems cause a heavy burden on public health systems and also on individuals’ finances. If there is a lot of moisture, water standing around, and poor hygiene, it encourages the spread of harmful illnesses. It has been observed in recent healthcare data that the expenses for treating monsoon-related diseases, for example, dengue and malaria, can become as high as ₹1.5 lakh during the peak months. Even when a case is less serious, hospitalising patients, performing essential diagnostics and following up often makes the costs greater. These illnesses result in a lot of health insurance claims yearly, which shows how important it is to be covered promptly. This is where short-term health insurance in India splays a crucial role by offering targeted protection against such high-risk seasonal outbreaks. Taking seasonal illness coverage with a short-term health plan helps people pay for medical bills out of pocket, instead of using up their savings.

Common Seasonal Illnesses in India

1. Dengue and Malaria-

   These infections, which are carried by mosquitoes, often become widespread during the monsoon season because there is standing water everywhere. Severe cases of dengue usually must be treated in the hospital, which can result in high diagnostic and treatment costs. Specialised plans offering temporary health cover for dengue help mitigate such expenses.

2. Gastroenteritis-

   Drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food can cause gastroenteritis, and this may require hospital care and treatment for dehydration. When IV therapy and allies are not controlled, the costs can grow very high.

3. Influenza and Bronchitis-

   Both influenza and bronchitis usually become more common in the winter. While many think antihistamines are safe, they may cause problems for children and older adults, who may require medical treatment more often.

Benefits of Short-Term Health Insurance for Seasonal Illnesses

Short-term health insurance in India offers timely and practical protection, especially during periods when the risk of seasonal illnesses is elevated, such as the monsoon or winter months. These short-term policies are meant for people who want affordable and swift coverage but do not want a long contract. Below are the major reasons short-term health insurance is a sound choice for handling health problems that appear for a short time.

Case 1: Monsoon Travellers

During monsoon, those travelling are susceptible to diseases carried by mosquitoes such as dengue and malaria. For them, travel health insurance short-term plans offer timely protection during their journey, especially in high-risk regions.

Case 2: High-Risk Regions

People in flood-affected or densely populated regions with drainage issues have a greater risk of getting seasonal diseases. Short-term insurance gives seasonal protection for illnesses when people require it.

Case 3: Budget-Conscious Individuals

Those who find comprehensive health insurance unaffordable can still access basic health protection with low-cost, 3-month health policy cost options.

How RenewBuy Facilitates Informed Insurance Choices?

RenewBuy plays a pivotal role in helping individuals make smart insurance decisions, especially when it comes to short-term health insurance in India. The platform enables users to easily compare a variety of short-term plans from top insurers, including those offering seasonal illness coverage and temporary health cover for dengue. Features, premiums and claims are all easily available on RenewBuy, which makes it easy for users to decide on a health plan that fits both their lifestyle and finances. Whether you're looking for a travel health insurance short term plan or a 3-month health policy cost option, RenewBuy ensures transparency and accessibility. It is fast, does not require paperwork and is centred on customers, so coverage is available quickly when it is Under the old tax regime, you could get tax benefits in the form of deductions for premiums paid for your parents' life insurance. This is subject to the maximum limit of 1.5 lakh according to Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Under Section 10(10D), the payout you receive is exempt from tax. If you follow the new tax regime, the Section 80C deductions may not be applicable for you, but you can still get a tax exemption for the payout under Section 10(10D). needed most.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal illnesses present both health and financial risks during specific times of the year. Investing in short-term health insurance in India offers a practical, affordable solution to mitigate these challenges. With the right coverage and platforms like RenewBuy, individuals can remain financially protected without committing to long-term policies.

Disclaimer: The content published in this article is intended solely for the readers' informational purposes and should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions. It is advisable to seek advice from a qualified professional regarding specific concerns. The details provided regarding the plan are for reference purposes only. Please visit the insurer’s website for the latest updates on the plan. The company does not guarantee suitability, reliability, timeliness, or accuracy of the information, services, or any other aspects mentioned in this regard for any purpose. We do not endorse any insurance company or insurance product provided by any insurer.