Health Insurance in Kochi starting at just ₹8/Day*

Health Statistics of Kochi

Listed below are some of the health statistics of Kochi:

Kochi reports the highest number of communicable diseases in the state every year.
Hypertension is the most prevalent lifestyle disease in Kochi.
26% of adults in Kochi have high or very high blood sugar levels.
Around 20% to 25% of people visit outpatient clinics for diarrhoea every day.
Kochi reports the highest number of dengue cases in Kerala.
Leptospirosis is a leading cause of death from infectious diseases in Kochi.
Kochi's PM2.5 levels are 2.4 times higher than the safe limit set by the WHO.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Kochi?

Check out the top reasons why it is important for everyone in Kochi to buy a health insurance policy:

High Incidence of Lifestyle Diseases

Kochi has a high burden of lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cancer. According to a 2023 survey by the District Health Department, hypertension and diabetes are the most prominent lifestyle diseases in Ernakulam, with over 2.6 lakh people suffering from them. Since these diseases involve long-term treatment and are expensive, they can exhaust your savings in no time. But if you have health insurance for high blood pressure or health insurance for diabetes, your insurance company will take care of the treatment costs.
Increase in Vector-Borne Diseases

Heavy rains in Kochi often lead to waterlogging, creating the perfect breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for spreading vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. As per official data, around 547 confirmed dengue cases were reported in the Ernakulam district in June 2024. Although most people recover from these mosquito-borne diseases at home, severe cases may require hospitalisation, leading to a hefty hospital bill. To stay financially protected from such medical exigencies, buying health insurance for vector-borne diseases is necessary.
Prevalence of Water-Borne Diseases

Drinking water scarcity is a major problem in Kochi. As a result, the rise in water-borne diseases like hepatitis and diarrhoea is a serious concern. According to the Health Department data, more than 4,700 diarrhoea cases have been reported in Feb-March 2024. If it leads to hospitalisation, you can end up depleting your finances quickly. However, buying the best health insurance plan enables you to get timely treatment in Kochi without the stress of draining your savings.
Rising Medical Costs

Healthcare costs in India are rising rapidly, including in Kochi city. No wonder even short hospital stays generate bills worth lakhs of rupees. In case of major illnesses, the expenses can shoot up to ₹20-40 lakh. With a mediclaim insurance policy, you can afford quality treatment at any Kochi hospital without worrying about the costs.
Cashless Treatment Facilities

Arranging money for upfront hospital bill payments during a medical emergency can be very stressful. With health insurance in Kochi, you can avail cashless treatment at any hospital in the city, thanks to the cashless everywhere facility. Thus, you can focus entirely on your recovery while your insurance company handles the payment of bills directly with the hospital.

Major Health Problems in Kochi

Here are some of the major health issues in Kochi:

Hypertension

Hypertension is the most common lifestyle disease in Kochi. According to a 2023 Health Department survey on NCD, approximately 1.4 lakh people in Ernakulam suffer from hypertension. Experts blame stress, lack of exercise, unhealthy food habits, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking for the high incidence of hypertension in the city.
Diabetes

Diabetes has a major prevalence in the coastal city of Kochi. As per the NCD survey conducted by the Health Department in 2023, more than 1.2 lakh people in Kochi are living with diabetes. Obesity, unhealthy diet patterns, sedentary lifestyles and family history are responsible for the growing burden of diabetes in the region.
Dengue

Dengue fever is a significant concern in Kochi. According to the Health Department data, Ernakulam reported 3,834 cases of dengue in 2023. The numbers were alarmingly high in June 2024, earning the city the title of the ‘dengue capital of Kerala’. Health officials have identified intermittent rains, inadequate fogging & cleaning, waterlogging in open ducts in buildings and indoor plants in flats as the main reasons for the spike in dengue cases in the city.
Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a persistent problem in Kochi. As per the official data, about 2,940 cases of diarrhoea have been reported in Ernakulam in February 2024 and 1,834 cases in March 2024. The unhygienic conditions in certain parts of the city and the consumption of contaminated food and water have contributed to the spread of this disease.
Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis cases have sharply increased in Kochi. According to health officials, about 6 people died of leptospirosis in Kochi in the first four months of 2024. This disease has mostly affected people with underlying diseases and poor access to timely medical care.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Kochi?

If you live in Kochi, buying the best health insurance plan is important to protect you and your family against sudden medical expenses. Experts recommend that your health insurance coverage should be at least 50% of your annual income in Kochi. However, you must ensure that the sum insured is adequate to cover the costs of treating critical illnesses like cancer.

Healthcare in Kochi is costly, and thus, choosing a health insurance coverage of at least ₹5-10 lakh per person is important. To cover the whole family under one policy, a family health insurance policy with a sum insured of ₹20 lakh or above should be considered.

Moreover, senior citizens living in Kochi should purchase a senior citizen health insurance policy with a minimum coverage amount of ₹15 lakh.

Health Insurance in Kochi for NRIs

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who frequently visit Kochi can buy health insurance for NRIs from any health insurance company in India. This policy can cover their medical expenses during their visits or stays in Kochi. Additionally, if they eventually return to Kochi after living abroad for several years, they can continue using the same NRI health insurance policy.

NRIs can also purchase health insurance for parents residing in Kochi, even if they live abroad. This will offer financial support to their parents in case of a medical emergency in Kochi.

Moreover, purchasing a health insurance plan in Kochi makes NRIs eligible for an 18% GST refund if they pay taxes 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 Kochi?

No.

The Government of Kerala launched the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) scheme to provide financial support for medical care to over 42 lakh poor and vulnerable families of Kerala. However, KASP does not provide comprehensive coverage to Kochi residents, necessitating the need for private health insurance.

The table below highlights why the KASP scheme is insufficient for comprehensive medical coverage in Kochi:

Category	Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) Scheme	Private Health Insurance
Sum Insured	The scheme offers a sum insured amounting to ₹5 lakh per household annually.	Private health insurance provides coverage for up to ₹6 crore, based on the individual's budget and preferences.
Eligibility Criteria	To be eligible, one must be a resident of Kerala, belong to a BPL or APL household with an annual income under ₹3 lakh, and provide the required documentation.	Private health insurance is available to everyone based on their age and health.
Scope of Coverage	The KASP scheme provides coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.	Private health insurance covers various diseases, surgeries, medical procedures, and therapies.
Procedures Covered	The KASP scheme covers around 1,573 medical procedures, including treatment-related expenses such as drugs, diagnostic services, and physician fees.	Private health insurance covers a wide range of procedures, including medical treatments, day care treatments, pre & post-hospitalisation costs, and OPD treatments.
Pre and Post-hospitalisation Expenses	The KASP scheme covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalisation and 15 days of post-hospitalisation expenses.	Most private health insurance plans typically cover pre-hospitalisation expenses for up to 60 days and post-hospitalisation expenses for up to 90 days, depending on the chosen plan.

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Kochi

Consider these wellness and prevention tips to maintain good health in Kochi:

Use mosquito repellents daily to protect yourself from mosquito bites in Kochi.
Wear long-sleeved clothing outdoors to minimise skin exposure from mosquitoes in Kochi.
Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
Drink only boiled or filtered water in Kochi to avoid consuming contaminated water.
Manage stress through deep breathing or meditation in Kochi.
Wash hands with soap frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
Get vaccinated to protect against common infectious diseases in Kochi.
Drink plenty of clean water to stay hydrated in Kochi.
Avoid walking in floodwaters or muddy areas in Kochi to reduce exposure to contaminated water.
Wear protective footwear in wet environments to minimise the risk of Leptospirosis infection in Kochi.

Health insurance companies

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Disclaimer: The list mentioned is according to the alphabetical order of the insurance companies. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in