Health Insurance in Dehradun

Health Statistics of Dehradun

Have a glance at some of the health statistics of Dehradun:

• Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common among women in Dehradun
• Oral cancer is the most prevalent among Dehradun men
• Non-communicable diseases make up 57.8% of all cases in Dehradun
• 58% of dengue cases in Uttarakhand were reported from Dehradun in 2023
• Dehradun leads Uttarakhand with the highest number of overweight people
• Upper respiratory tract infections and acute gastroenteritis are extremely common in Dehradun

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Dehradun?

Take a look at the reasons why buying health insurance in Dehradun is important:

1. Rising Air Pollution

   Rapid urbanisation in Dehradun has significantly increased air pollution. According to the Urban Ambient Air Quality Status report by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, the PM2.5 levels in Dehradun increased to 98.87 µg/m3 and PM10 levels to 224.96 µg/m3 in January 2024, both exceeding WHO standards. This rise in pollutants can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis, especially in children and older people. Buying health insurance for asthma patients can help you cover the high costs of treating these respiratory issues.

2. High Incidence of Vector-Borne Diseases

   Dehradun frequently experiences outbreaks of vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. As per the official data, about 1023 cases of dengue and 13 deaths were reported in Dehradun as of October 7, 2023. While mild cases can be managed at home, severe ones require hospitalisation, resulting in high medical expenses. To secure proper treatment without any financial burden, having health insurance for vector-borne diseases is recommended.

3. Access to Quality Healthcare Services

   Rising healthcare costs force many Dehradun residents to seek treatment at more affordable hospitals with limited healthcare facilities. Buying a mediclaim insurance policy can allow you to access top-quality healthcare services in the city without worrying about paying the bills.

4. Increasing Healthcare Costs

   Healthcare expenses in Dehradun can be overwhelming for a substantial chunk of the population. Even a short hospital stay in the city can cost lakhs of rupees, depending on the hospital and the procedure. With the best health insurance plan, you do not need to worry about increasing medical costs, as your insurance company will pay them up for you.

Major Health Problems in Dehradun

Listed below are some of the major health issues faced by Dehradun residents:

1. Respiratory Diseases

   Respiratory diseases are a common occurrence in Dehradun due to its rich flora and fauna. As per the Government Doon Medical College & Hospital, around 170-180 people (particularly young children and elderly) came to emergency wards on an average daily in October 2022 complaining of respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma. Moreover, the air quality in Dehradun is moderately polluted, which is comparable to smoking more than two cigarettes a day.

2. Dengue

   Dengue fever is a major concern in Dehradun. According to official data, about 1,023 cases of dengue were reported in 2023 by October 7. Breeding of mosquitoes in stagnant water near industries and construction sites in the city is mainly behind this rise in dengue cases.

3. Chikungunya

   Chikungunya is another prevalent vector-borne disease in Dehradun. As per the Dehradun Health Department data, about 1185 chikungunya cases were reported in the city in 2023 by October 17. Waterlogging from frequent rains has been responsible for creating the ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit this vector-borne disease.

4. Cancer

   Cancer has a high incidence in Dehradun. According to oncologists, oral cancer among men and breast cancer & cervical cancer among women are the most common in Dehradun. Lifestyle factors, such as unhealthy diet, stress, excess consumption of alcohol, less physical activity, etc., contribute to the rise of cancer cases in the city.

5. Obesity

   Obesity is growing rapidly among the people of Dehradun. As per reports, 28.1% of people in Dehradun are overweight, which is the highest in the state. Lack of physical activities, wrong food habits and poor lifestyle are reasons for the growing number of obese people in the city.

6. Musculoskeletal Pain

   Musculoskeletal pain is becoming common in Dehradun. According to the November 2023 data of the Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, approximately 31.4% of people in Dehradun suffer from musculoskeletal pain. Moreover, it is more common among women in the city.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Dehradun?

Choosing the right health insurance coverage in Dehradun is important to avoid any financial burden. Insurance experts recommend having a health insurance plan with a sum insured of at least half of your annual income. But remember that your coverage amount must be sufficient to cover all potential medical expenses, including treatments for critical illnesses like cancer in Dehradun.

Given the rising healthcare costs in the city, individual health plans with a sum insured between ₹5-10 lakhs are advisable. For comprehensive family coverage in Dehradun, choosing a family health insurance policy with a sum insured of ₹20 lakh or more is recommended. Moreover, if you seek coverage for senior citizens in your family, a senior citizen health insurance policy with a minimum sum insured of ₹15 lakh is advisable.

Health Insurance in Dehradun for NRIs

NRIs or Non-Resident Indians from Dehradun can purchase a medical insurance policy from any health insurance company in India. The policy can help cover unexpected medical expenses incurred during their visit or stay in Dehradun. NRIs can also use this health insurance for NRIs policy if they plan to move to Dehradun in the future, as the waiting period will be over by that time.

Additionally, NRIs can buy health insurance for parents living in Dehradun, providing financial support to their parents even from afar. Moreover, NRIs with health insurance in Dehradun can receive a GST refund on the premium paid to an Indian insurer if they pay tax in their foreign country of residence.

People also read: GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs

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

No, it is not.

The Uttarakhand Government launched the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana (MSBY) in April 2015, aiming to provide cashless treatment to needy people at empanelled government and private hospitals. Both BPL (Below the Poverty Line) and APL (Above the Poverty Line) families can benefit from this cashless scheme. However, this Chief Minister's Health Insurance scheme does not provide comprehensive coverage for residents of Dehradun.

Refer to the table below to understand why the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana falls short of covering all medical expenses in Dehradun:

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Dehradun

The wellness and prevention tips to stay healthy in Dehradun are as follows:

• Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet in Dehradun.
• Avoid smoking in Dehradun to protect your lungs.
• Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, and soups to stay hydrated in Dehradun.
• Take steps to control mosquitoes around your home in Dehradun.
• Include nutrient-rich foods in your diet for essential vitamins and minerals.
• If you have asthma, avoid areas with high pollen counts in Dehradun to reduce symptoms.
• Engage in regular physical activity as it is great for your overall health.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellent when going out in Dehradun.
• Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
• Practise deep breathing to maintain your lung health and manage stress in Dehradun.