Health Insurance in Kollam

Health Statistics of Kollam

Here are the health statistics of Kollam:

• Around 18,325 cases of diarrhoea were recorded in Kollam in 2022.
• Around 6,151 people visited government hospitals in Kollam for fever in a single day in May 2024.
• Kollam reported the highest number of tomato fever cases in 2022.
• Leptospirosis affected 155 Kollam residents in 2022.
• Kollam recorded a total of 446 fever cases in the first five months of 2024.
• Breast cancer and thyroid cancer are the most prevalent cancers among females in Kollam.
• Kollam reported the third-highest number of Hepatitis B cases in Kerala.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Kollam?

Check out some compelling reasons to consider buying health insurance in Kollam:

1. High Incidence of Viral Infection

   In recent years, Kollam has faced a surge in viral infections. According to official data, the Kollam district recorded 82 cases of tomato fever between May and July 2022. These viral infections can lead to expensive treatments, but with health insurance plans, you do not have to worry about the financial burden.

2. Prevalence of Vector-Borne Diseases

   The rise of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, is a major concern in Kollam. As per the state health department, more than 20 locations across Kollam and Kozhikode were marked as dengue hotspots in July 2023 due to the increasing number of cases. Hospitalisation due to such diseases can be financially burdensome, but you can manage the treatment costs effectively with plans like dengue health insurance and health insurance for malaria.

3. Surge in Communicable Diseases

   Infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B, remain a persistent issue in Kollam. Based on the Kerala Government's Communicable Disease data for 2022, the number of Hepatitis B cases in the state almost doubled in one year. Treating such illness can be costly, putting a strain on your finances. However, with a comprehensive health insurance plan, you can obtain the necessary treatments without worrying about the expenses.

4. Rising Medical Costs

   While Kollam boasts of one of the most advanced healthcare systems in Kerala, it comes with a high cost of hospitalisation and medical treatments. For instance, treating critical illnesses like cancer can often cost you lakhs of rupees. A mediclaim insurance policy can reduce this financial burden, allowing you to get treated without worrying about the medical inflation in the city.

5. Access to Quality Healthcare

   Not everyone in Kollam can afford top-notch medical care, leading people to compromise their health or seek cheaper alternatives. However, buying the best health insurance plan in India can allow Kollam residents to obtain quality medical treatment whenever and wherever required.

Major Health Problems in Kollam

Kollam faces several major health issues that have shown concerning trends in recent years. Take a look at them below:

1. Hepatitis B

   The spread of Hepatitis B in Kollam is alarmingly accelerating. The Communicable Disease data of the Kerala Government indicates that Hepatitis B cases jumped from 89 in 2021 to 173 in 2022, leading to 3 deaths. Private clinics and dental practices are suspected to be the source of this rise in cases. Moreover, Hepatitis B is most common among people aged between 40 and 59 years in Kollam.

2. Leptospirosis

   Leptospirosis is a significant health issue in Kollam. As per the Kerala Directorate of Health Services report, Kollam reported 155 cases of leptospirosis in 2022 along with 4 deaths. The infection spreads mainly through contact between open wounds and pathogens present in water bodies.

3. Diarrhoea

   Diarrhoea has emerged as a significant health problem in Kollam, with cases skyrocketing by 216% in just one year. According to the Kerala - Communicable Disease Data, diarrhoea cases rose from 7,005 in 2021 to 18,325 in 2022. This surge is mainly due to the consumption of impure water and contaminated food.

4. Chickenpox

   Kollam has witnessed a notable rise in chickenpox cases over the last few years. As per the data on Communicable Disease in Kerala, chickenpox cases surged from 292 in 2021 to 812 in 2022. This viral infection is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected individual.

5. Dengue

   Dengue fever poses a severe health threat in Kollam. According to a report by The New Indian Express, the Kollam district reported 133 confirmed cases of dengue in less than two weeks in June 2023. Moreover, the high number of cases led the District Medical Office (DMO) to issue an alert against dengue fever in the city. The increase in the number of cases is mainly due to excessive mosquito breeding, ineffective pre-monsoon sanitation, waterlogging, etc.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Kollam?

Insurance industry experts recommend choosing a health insurance plan that offers coverage equal to at least half of your annual income. However, if you live in Kollam, selecting a mediclaim insurance policy that can adequately cover all your healthcare expenses, including the costs of treating critical illnesses, is crucial.

Given the increasing healthcare expenses in Kollam, it is recommended that you opt for a health insurance plan with a minimum sum insured of ₹5-10 lakh. If you are looking to cover your whole family under a single plan, a family health insurance policy with a sum insured of at least ₹20 lakh is ideal. For senior citizens, a senior citizen health insurance policy with a sum insured of ₹15 lakh or more is advisable.

Health Insurance in Kollam for NRIs

NRIs from Kollam can easily purchase health insurance from any insurance provider in India. The policy can be used to pay for unforeseen medical expenses that may arise during their visit or stay in Kollam. Additionally, if an NRI plans to return to Kollam after a few years, they can continue using the same health insurance for NRIs policy without needing to serve a fresh waiting period.

Moreover, NRIs can buy health insurance for parents living in Kollam, providing financial support to them during a health crisis. In fact, if NRIs pay taxes in their country of residence, they can get an 18% GST refund on premiums paid when purchasing a health plan from India.

People also read: GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs

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

No.

The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) is a health insurance scheme launched by the Kerala Government to provide financial protection to low-income families. The scheme offers coverage for secondary and tertiary medical care expenses in both public and private empanelled hospitals. Though KASP covers around 1,573 medical procedures, it falls short of covering all medical expenses of Kollam residents.

The table below shows why the KASP scheme alone may not be enough for comprehensive healthcare in Kollam:

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Kollam

Take a look at the wellness and prevention tips in Kollam:

• Avoid contact with contaminated water and soil in Kollam.
• Keep your surroundings clean to prevent rodent infestation.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothes in Kollam.
• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B in Kollam.
• Avoid sharing needles or personal items like razors.
• Drink clean and purified water.
• Avoid eating food from unhygienic sources in Kollam.