As Covid fears return, these questions worry policyholders and first-time buyers. Are yours on the list?

With Covid-19 cases on the rise, a familiar wave of concern is sweeping through consumers. But this time, things are slightly different. Existing policyholders and first-time buyers of health insurance are displaying an informed approach, showing renewed interest in preparedness. The questions are sharper and more specific than the previous waves.

The pandemic seems to have had a great influence on insurance decisions. “In a recent survey, 75% of people who donated in campaigns launched on crowdfunding platform Impact Guru cited Covid as one of the reasons for buying or renewing their policies,” said Pankaj Nawani, CEO of CarePal Secure. “Donors on our platform are already aware of the devastating emotional and financial toll that comes with inadequate health cover in serious illness scenarios,” he added.

A major concern resurfacing among consumers is whether the current health policies cover Covid-specific treatments. “There’s a recurring fear that existing policies may fall short,” Nawani said. To address this, regulators and insurers introduced Covid-focused plans such as Corona Kavach, an indemnity-based policy, and Corona Rakshak, which pays out a lump sum upon diagnosis.

Siddharth Singhal, head of health insurance, Policybazaar, confirmed a shift in consumer awareness. “People now frequently ask whether standard plans cover Covid treatment. The good news is, under Irdai (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) guidelines, Covid-19 is treated like any other illness, and hospitalisation due to it is typically covered under most comprehensive health insurance policies.”

What sets this new wave of consumer interest apart is the focus on outpatient and home care. “We’re seeing a surge in enquiries about OPD (Outpatient Department) coverage,” Singhal said. “In cases where hospitalisation isn’t required, OPD benefits help cover consultations, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medication. It signals a more proactive and preventive mindset than what we saw in earlier waves.”

Another emerging concern is home treatment. The chaos of the first and second waves, when hospital beds were hard to find, still lingers in public memory. Now, buyers are carefully checking if their insurance plans offer reimbursement for home care, including costs for nurses, oxygen support, and doctor visits at home. “Some insurers now provide this under defined conditions, but awareness and clarity are still evolving,” Singhal pointed out.

Interest in telemedicine has also spiked. “Virtual consultations are in demand again, not just for Covid but for overall health management,” Singhal said. The convenience and safety of remote care are resonating with policyholders who prefer to avoid hospitals whenever possible.

Finally, the ease of claim settlement remains a pressing issue. Consumers want to be sure that their claims, especially Covid-related ones, will be handled smoothly. “Insurers are working to simplify and digitise claims, in line with Irdai's directions, to reduce the stress on families during critical times,” he added.

In short, the shadow of Covid has returned, but this time, it has brought with it a more conscious, better-prepared consumer, the one who is asking the right questions before making decisions.