Health Insurance in Agra

Health Statistics of Agra

Below are some of the significant health statistics of Agra:

• 9% of people in Agra have diabetes
• Oral cancer and breast cancer are the most common cancers among men and women in Agra.
• Agra reports the highest number of road accident deaths caused by overspeeding in Uttar Pradesh.
• Over 5,000 children are malnourished in the Agra district.
• Agra district reported the highest dengue cases in 2021 in the last 10 years.
• Agra reported the 2nd highest tuberculosis cases in UP in 2023.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Agra?

Here are some of the reasons why buying health insurance in Agra is necessary:

1. Dangerous Air Quality

   Agra has a massive problem with air pollution. According to reports, the city has approximately 10 times higher PM2.5 concentration in the air than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe levels. The polluted air is a cause of several respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, asthma and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Treating these illnesses can deplete your savings substantially. Thus, it is essential to buy a comprehensive health insurance cover to stay prepared for any financial implications of these diseases.

2. Coverage for Accidental Injuries

   Agra currently has one of the highest road accident fatality rates in the country – 41 persons per lakh population. Getting injured in an accident not only harms your body but can also harm you financially by emptying all your savings. However, buying a health insurance plan for accidental injuries can cover the surgery cost, in-patient hospitalization charges, ambulance charges and post-hospitalization expenses like doctor’s consultation fees and physiotherapy charges arising out of an accident.

3. Prevalence of Vector-borne Diseases

   There have been increasing cases of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria, in Agra. In 2021, the city reported black marketing of platelets due to a 6.5 times rise in platelets demand resulting from a high number of cases. This clearly indicates how expensive treating these diseases in Agra can be. But with health insurance for vector-borne diseases, you can easily afford the treatment without worrying about medical bills.

4. Obtaining the Best Quality Medical Treatment

   With the massive risk of several vector-borne diseases and respiratory ailments in Agra, the chances of getting these illnesses are high. Besides, the frequency of these diseases and treatment time may be extensive. As a result, these diseases can easily exhaust all your savings. However, purchasing the best health insurance plan can help you get quality treatment in Agra without worrying about the funds.

Major Health Problems in Agra

1. Cancer

   Cancer has been growing at an alarming rate in cancer. According to health experts, oral, breast and throat cancer cases in Agra have increased by 50% in the last 10 years. Smoking and consumption of alcohol & tobacco are the primary causes of cancer in Agra.

2. Diabetes

   Diabetes is a major cause of concern in Agra. As per a study by Agra Diabetes Forum, 9 out of every 100 people in Agra have diabetes. It also revealed that stress is one of the biggest reasons for diabetes among the people in the city.

3. Obesity

   Obesity is highly prevalent in Agra. According to the National Family Health Survey, 25% of the women aged 15 to 49 years in Agra are obese. High consumption of packaged food and lack of physical activities are responsible for the rise in obesity cases in the city.

4. Hypertension

   Hypertension has a high incidence in Agra. As per the National Family Health Survey reports, 17% of the women in Agra aged 15 to 49 years suffer from hypertension. Experts blame sedentary lifestyle among people for the rise in hypertension cases in the city.

5. Malnutrition

   Malnutrition is a big issue in the Agra district. In 2021, the city detected an alarming total of 5,000 cases of malnutrition in children aged 6 months to 6 years old. As a result, these children are either underweight or experiencing stunted development.

6. Mental Health

   Mental health is a serious health concern in Agra. According to reports, mental health patients in Agra increased by 5% in the previous 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there is an absolute hesitancy and lack of awareness about mental health in Agra.

7. Bone Diseases

   Agra struggles with a significant underground water crisis. As per reports, the fluoride content in the water is higher than the acceptable limit, resulting in deformities in the body. In fact, bone cases have doubled in the last 5 years in the city due to a lack of safe drinking water.

8. Asthma

   Asthma has a high prevalence in Agra. In 2022, there has been an increase in the cases of asthma in Agra due to the poor air quality. In fact, most of the patients who suffered asthma attacks were in the age group of 30 to 60 years.

9. Dengue

   Dengue is a common problem faced by the people of Agra. In 2021, over 1,100 cases of dengue were reported in Agra district, the highest in the last 10 years. In fact, 60% of the patients admitted for dengue in the city were children.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Agra?

With the increasing number of health issues due to poor air quality, groundwater mismanagement and increasing population, getting health insurance coverage in Agra is necessary. According to experts, your health insurance coverage in Agra should be at least half of your annual income.

To adequately cover all your medical expenses in Agra, it is necessary to avail personal health insurance coverage of at least Rs 5-10 lakh per person. To cover the medical expenses of your entire family in Agra, buying a family floater health insurance policy with a minimum sum insured of Rs 20 lakh is recommended.

Similarly, to protect yourself from increased health risks after the age of 60 years, you must purchase a senior citizen health insurance policy of Rs 15 lakh or above to ensure comprehensive medical coverage.

Health Insurance in Agra for NRIs

With Agra being the home to several health hazards, having health insurance coverage is a necessity for NRIs or non-resident Indians. It will help them to cover medical expenses while residing in Agra for a short or a long duration. Moreover, NRIs do not have to serve additional waiting periods if they continue the same health insurance for NRIs policy after moving back to Agra permanently.

As an NRI, you can also purchase health policies to insure your parents living in Agra at an affordable price. This health insurance for parents policy will make it easier for you to settle your parents’ medical bills in Agra with the help of the insurance company.

Additionally, as an NRI, you can receive an 18% GST refund on your premiums if you get a health insurance plan in Agra if you have already fulfilled your tax obligations in your country of residence.

People also read: GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs

Is Government Health Insurance Enough to Cover Medical Expenses in Agra?

No.

The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan (MMJAA) in March 2019 to provide secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to vulnerable sections of the state. The scheme, however, fails to provide comprehensive coverage for your medical expenses in Agra. Know why the Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan health insurance scheme will not be able to cover your medical expenses adequately in the table below:

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Agra

Check out some of the wellness tips to stay healthy in Agra:

• Consume a high protein and energy diet to deal with malnutrition in Agra.
• Avoid eating processed foods to maintain the right amount of nutrients.
• Tuberculosis and asthma patients in Agra should avoid going to public places.
• Avoid mosquito bites by wearing clothing such as long shirts and pants.
• Keep water from stagnating near your home in Agra.
• Keep your houses and other surroundings in Agra clean and dry.
• Cover your face with a mask while stepping out of your house in Agra.
• Use mosquito nets and repellents to avoid mosquito bites at night.
• Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise.
• Practice yoga for at least 30 minutes every day in Agra to manage stress.