When we talk of healthcare coverage, nearly half of the world’s population, that’s whopping over 3.5 billion of us, do not have access to inclusive healthcare. In addition, over 100 million people are forced into extreme poverty every year due to out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
We have seen how countries struggled to deal with the aftermath of COVID-19 back when the deadly delta variant was rampant—crippling the healthcare infrastructure and pushing health systems to their limits. It is no surprise that vaccine coverage fell in ten years, with a surge in mortality rates due to tuberculosis and malaria.
According to WHO and World Bank data, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to halt two decades of global progress toward Universal Health Coverage. More than half a billion people were already in or forced into extreme poverty before the pandemic; the pandemic has aggravated the situation to a new low.
The Rising Health Care Expenses
The pandemic has brought us to face one of the most troublesome economic downturns since the great depression that dates to 1930—no wonder this has made it extremely difficult for people to pay for rising healthcare services.
Against this backdrop, the question we must address now is how can we collectively cut the expense of Medicare while also contributing to making Universal Health Coverage a reality for all. The solution is to make better use of technology.
Technology and Universal Health Coverage
Have you ever considered how technology has influenced healthcare availability and accessibility? Consider the example of a CT scan. Previously, the scan cost was out of reach for many people, but because of technical improvements, there are now several CT scan machines available, allowing scans to reach a larger population; the same is true for diabetic medications. The availability and accessibility of newer technologies have reduced the per capita cost of healthcare due to economies of scale.
Universal Health Coverage Day
Universal health coverage ensures that people have access to the health care they require, when and where they need it, and without financial hardship. That means facilitating an entire range of essential health services, including steps imperative to prevent the disease onset, treatment, and palliative care.
How does Health Insurance promise to cover your healthcare expenses?
Getting a health insurance policy for yourself and your family is critical because medical care is costly, particularly in private settings. Hospitalization might drain your bank account and throw your finances off track. It will be even more challenging when the earning member is in the hospital. All of this can be avoided by just paying a small annual premium, which will reduce your stress in the event of a medical emergency. The best health insurance policy would usually cover expenses made towards doctor consultation fees, costs towards medical tests, ambulance charges, hospitalization costs and even post-hospitalization recovery costs to a certain extent.
Benefits of a Health Insurance Policy
- Cashless Treatment: This is a bonus element granted to the insured if they do not file a claim for any treatment in the previous year.
- Medical Exam: The insurance policy also includes alternatives for health examinations. Some insurers will also provide a free health assessment based on your previous NCBs.
- Room Rent: Depending on the premium paid by the insured, the insurance policy may also cover room expenses.
- Tax Advantage: Health insurance premiums are tax-deductible under section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
- Pre and Post-Hospitalization Cost Coverage: The insurance policy also covers pre and post-hospitalization expenditure for a period of up to 60 days, depending on the health insurance plans bought.
- Transportation Charges: Most health insurance policies also cover the sum paid for the ambulance for the insured’s transportation.
- No Claim Bonus (NCB): This is the bonus element that is paid to the insured if the insured does not file a claim for any treatment in the previous year.
- Medical Checkup: Based on your NCB’s you might even be entitled to free health checkups offered by some insurers.
- Room Rent: The insurance policy also covers room expenses depending on the premium being paid by the insured.
- Tax Benefit: Premium paid on Health insurance is tax-deductible under section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Selecting the Best Health Insurance Policy
Choosing the best health insurance policies is tough because all insurance companies offer the same insurance plan. As a result, some of the critical elements that every person should consider before considering any health plans which are as follows-
- Sum Assured
- Minimum Entry Age and renewability clause
- Room Rent Capping
- Inclusion and Exclusion
- No Claim Bonus
- Other Benefits
Health Insurance Eligibility Criteria
People under the age of 45 in India are not required to undergo an obligatory health checkup when purchasing health insurance coverage. They must, however, report any pre-existing diseases, like diabetes or hypertension.
Gigadocs -A Frontier in Revolutionizing Healthcare
Just as technology has bought economies of scale, furthermore, decreasing the cost of healthcare accessibility. Similarly, Gigadocs teleconsultation and digital healthcare facilities have proven to be a frontier in revolutionizing healthcare with its on-demand consultation for chronic and non-chronic diseases at your convenient time from the safety of your home.
Book the best doctors around you for winter allergies, cold and flu and even for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which are quite common during the winter season.
Download the Gigadocs app from-
- IOS App – apple.co/2W2iG4V
- Android App – bit.ly/33AQoRC
To know more and schedule a Virtual Consultation demo, e-mail, at info@gigadocs.com
