Health Insurance in Kota

Health Statistics of Kota

Take a look at some of the health statistics of Kota:

• Kota reported Rajasthan’s second-highest number of dengue cases in 2023
• Over 6,847 patients were treated for seasonal illnesses in Kota in the first eight days of August 2024.
• 30 suicide cases were reported in Kota in 2023.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Kota?

Here are some of the reasons why getting health insurance plans in Kota is essential:

1. Increasing Vector-Borne Diseases

   Kota has been experiencing an increase in vector-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria. According to the State Health Department report, dengue cases in Kota spiked from 46 to 435 in 2023 in just one month. Although most cases are mild, severe ones can require expensive ICU treatments. Investing in plans like dengue health insurance can protect you from these high medical costs.

2. Major Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases

   Lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes, are highly prevalent in Kota women. As per the National Family Health Survey-5, 16% of women in Kota between the ages of 15-49 years are suffering from hypertension. The treatment for these diseases continues for a long time and, thus, can get expensive. With policies like health insurance for high blood pressure, you do not have to worry about the treatment cost of these lifestyle diseases.

3. High Stress Levels

   Kota's intense academic environment often leads to high stress levels among students, resulting in mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. According to official reports, Kota reported a record-high number of 30 student suicides in 2023, earning it the name of ‘Kota factory’. Getting medical help for mental illnesses at the right time can save many lives. Health insurance for mental health enables students in Kota to access the required medical help from experts without worrying about the treatment costs.

4. Access to Top-Quality Treatment

   The rising cost of healthcare in Kota makes it difficult for many families to afford the best treatment. As a result, most people delay their treatment or opt for an alternative but less effective one. Buying the best health insurance plans can help bridge this gap, ensuring you receive quality medical care without any financial hardship.

Major Health Problems in Kota

Check out the concerning health problems in Kota:

1. Dengue

   Dengue fever has become a recurring and serious seasonal issue in Kota. According to the Rajasthan Health Department report, Kota reported more than 2,036 dengue cases in 2023. This surge in cases is likely due to inadequate mosquito control and changing weather patterns in the city.

2. Lifestyle Diseases

   Lifestyle diseases have a high incidence in Kota. As per the National Family Health Survey-5 report, hypertension is the most common among Kota women between the age of 15-49 years, followed by obesity and diabetes. Poor lifestyle habits, including lack of physical activities and bad food habits are responsible for the rise in lifestyle diseases in the city.

3. Anaemia

   Anaemia is highly prevalent in Kota, particularly among young children. According to the National Family Health Survey-5, 67% of children under the age of five years are anaemic in Kota. This is mainly due to poor nutrition and limited access to iron-rich foods.

4. Respiratory Issues

   Respiratory problems have been growing substantially in Kota over the past few years. As per a study by Current World Environment Journal, around 885 deaths due to lung cancer and 272 deaths from acute lower respiratory infections were reported in Kota between 2018-2022. The moderately high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 concentration in the city's air are major contributors to these diseases.

5. Scrub Typhus

   Scrub typhus is another significant health concern in Kota. As per health professionals, Data shared by a local doctor indicates 73 cases of scrub typhus were reported in Kota in the first eight months of 2023. This disease is usually spread by mites and can lead to life-threatening complications like multiple organ failure, if not treated promptly.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Kota?

Experts in the insurance industry suggest people to choose a health insurance plan with a coverage amount of at least half of their yearly income. In Kota, it is important to select a health policy that sufficiently covers all your medical expenses, especially for treating critical illnesses.

As medical inflation is rising in the city, you should consider buying a health insurance plan with a minimum coverage of ₹5-10 lakh. If you are willing to insure your entire family under one policy, a family health insurance plan with a sum insured of at least ₹20 lakh would be more suitable. For the elderly, a senior citizen health insurance plan with a coverage of ₹15 lakh or more is recommended.

Health Insurance in Kota for NRIs

NRIs from Kota can easily buy health insurance for NRIs from any Indian insurance company to cover any unanticipated medical expenses during their visit or stay in this city. If they plan to return and settle in Kota after a few years, they can continue using the same NRI health insurance policy without having to serve the waiting period again.

Additionally, NRIs studying or working abroad can buy health insurance for parents living in Kota, ensuring them financial support during health emergencies. In fact, NRIs are also eligible for an 18% GST refund on the health insurance premiums paid for policies purchased from India.

People also read: GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs

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

No.

The Rajasthan Government introduced the Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Yojana to offer cashless health insurance coverage to economically weaker families in the state, including those in Kota. It covers 1,798 diseases and medical procedures along with a personal accident cover. But even with these benefits, the Yojana does not provide extensive health coverage to Kota residents.

Refer to the table below to understand why the Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Yojana is insufficient to cover medical costs in Kota:

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Kota

Following are the wellness and prevention tips for people living in Kota:

• Wear long sleeves, trousers, and closed shoes to reduce skin exposure in Kota.
• Keep your home and surroundings clean to minimise mosquito and mite habitats.
• Minimise exposure to dust, smoke, and pollution in Kota.
• Incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet.
• Engage in regular physical exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, in Kota.
• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and consistent physical activity.
• Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-calorie drinks.
• Apply repellents on exposed skin to ward off mites and mosquitoes in Kota.