Health Insurance in Gurgaon

Health Statistics of Gurgaon

These are some health statistics about Gurgaon:

• 5% of people in Gurgaon suffer from asthma
• Gurgaon saw a 20-25% jump in respiratory issues from Oct 2023 to Nov 2023.
• Bronchitis cases among kids doubled in Gurgaon between Nov 2023 and Dec 2023.
• Gurgaon reported the 2nd highest number of dengue cases in 2022 in the last 7 years.
• Around 22.1% of children in Gurgaon below the age of 5 years are stunted.
• 34.6% of people in Gurgaon have health insurance coverage

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Gurgaon?

Here are some compelling reasons why it is essential for everyone to purchase health insurance in Gurgaon:

1. Extremely Poor Air Quality

   Air pollution is a major concern in Gurgaon due to vehicular emissions and construction dust. According to data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Gurgaon crossed the 450 mark, falling into the 'severe-plus' category in some areas in November 2023. Breathing poor air quality can hinder lung function and cause respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema, that are expensive to treat. Buying a comprehensive health insurance plan can help you pay for the rising cost of respiratory treatment and medications, including inhalers & nebulizers.

2. Prevalence of Vector-borne Diseases

   Vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria, are quite prevalent in Gurgaon. Stagnant water due to poor household and commercial waste mismanagement is the leading cause of these diseases in the city. As per the official data, Gurgaon reported around 250 cases of dengue by October 2023. Having health insurance for vector-borne diseases can ensure access to the best possible medical treatment without straining your finances.

3. Access to Quality Medical Treatment

   Gurgaon has top-notch hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern conveniences. However, availing healthcare services from these hospitals can be financially draining and may deplete your savings substantially in a single hospitalization. To tackle such challenges, purchasing mediclaim insurance can help you receive excellent medical treatments at a reasonable premium.

4. Rise in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)

   The maternal mortality rate in Gurgaon has increased by 14% in 2022. One of the most common causes for this is postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), infection due to poor sanitation and poor ambient hygiene. Additionally, accessibility to health facilities also contributes to MMR. Thus, getting a health insurance plan to access good health infrastructure and treatment at an affordable price is essential.

5. Rising Cost of Medical Treatment

   As per reports, India has one of the highest medical inflation rates in Asia. The trends are similar in Gurgaon, where healthcare facilities and treatment are becoming more expensive with each passing year. Hospitalization for even a few days in Gurgaon can reduce your savings substantially. To safeguard your lifelong savings from a medical emergency, buy the best health insurance plan in India.

Major Health Problems in Gurgaon

Take a look at some of the significant health problems in Gurgaon:

1. Diabetes

   Diabetes is highly prevalent in the millennium city of Gurgaon. According to the National Family Health Survey data, 15.4% of men and 13.5% of women in Gurgaon have high/very high blood sugar levels or are taking medicines to control diabetes. Poor diet, lack of exercise, air pollution and increased mental stress are some of the major reasons for the surge in diabetes cases in Gurgaon.

2. Obesity

   Obesity is increasing rapidly among the people in Gurgaon. As per the data from the National Family Health Survey, 24.3% of women in Gurgaon between 15 and 49 years are overweight or obese. Lack of physical activities, wrong food habits and poor lifestyle are some of the reasons for more people becoming obese in Gurgaon.

3. Typhoid

   Typhoid is a prevalent water-borne disease in Gurgaon. According to reports, the city reported around 500 cases in the summer of 2023, which is unusual. The prevalence of inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices are responsible for the surge in typhoid cases, as they provide favourable conditions for the growth of typhoid bacteria.

4. Influenza

   Gurgaon witnessed alarming cases of the H3N2 influenza virus in 2023. As per data, government and private hospitals in the city saw a rise in influenza cases by 30% and 40% respectively. Doctors blame the rapid shift in weather conditions of Gurgaon for the increased influenza cases in the city.

5. Dengue

   Dengue is an annual menace in the city of Gurgaon. According to reports, Gurgaon was one of the five most-affected districts by dengue in Haryana in 2023. Experts attribute Gurgaon's persistent rains as the ideal breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, which spread the disease.

6. Respiratory Diseases

   Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, lung infection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are on the rise in Gurgaon. As per doctors in Gurgaon, they see around 30-35 cases of acute or chronic bronchitis daily in the city. The rising air pollution levels in the city are the leading cause of respiratory diseases.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Gurgaon?

Experts say your health insurance coverage amount should be at least half of your annual income in Gurgaon. However, determining the appropriate sum insured for your health insurance policy is crucial. While selecting a lower coverage amount may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses, opting for a higher sum insured can significantly increase your premiums. Therefore, you must choose a health insurance coverage amount that adequately covers all your medical expenses in Gurgaon, particularly when treating critical illnesses.

Given Gurgaon's expensive health infrastructure and medical facilities, opting for a minimum health insurance coverage of Rs 5- 10 lakh per person is highly advised. To cover the medical expenses of your entire family in Gurgaon, buying a family floater health insurance policy with a minimum sum insured of Rs 20 lakh is advisable.

Similarly, senior citizens in Gurgaon can purchase a senior citizen health insurance policy of Rs 15 lakh or above to ensure comprehensive medical coverage.

Health Insurance in Gurgaon for NRIs

Gurugram is India's most prominent medical tourism hub, where nearly 50% of NCR's medical tourists avail treatment. Hence, NRIs or Non-resident Indians from Gurgaon who occasionally visit the city for personal or professional reasons can also buy health insurance in Gurgaon, both for themselves and their loved ones.

This health insurance for NRIs offers coverage for healthcare expenses in case of a potential relocation back to Gurgaon. Furthermore, NRIs can purchase health insurance for parents residing in Gurgaon, supporting them financially during any medical emergencies despite being in a different country.

Additionally, NRIs can receive an 18% GST refund when they obtain a health insurance plan in Gurgaon since they have already fulfilled their tax obligations in their country of residence.

People also read- GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs.

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

No.

The Haryana Government introduced a notable healthcare insurance scheme called the Chirayu scheme in November 2022. The scheme aims to expand the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme across the state. However, the coverage provided by the Chirayu health insurance scheme does not offer comprehensive coverage. To understand why the Chirayu health insurance scheme is insufficient to adequately cover medical expenses in Gurgaon, refer to the table below:

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Gurgaon

Given below are some of the wellness tips for people living in Gurgaon:

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, and clear soups, to stay hydrated in Gurgaon.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, to avoid mosquito bites.
• Do not allow water to stagnate near your home or office in Gurgaon, as it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Consume fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products in Gurgaon.
• Use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets at night to prevent mosquito bites.
• Keep your houses, society complexes and other surroundings in Gurgaon clean and dry.
• Carry an umbrella or raincoat while stepping out to avoid getting wet.
• Cut down on food with high sugar & salt, and avoid processed junk food.
• Sleep for at least 7-9 hours to rejuvenate your body.
• Use a face mask while stepping out of your house in Gurgaon.