Health Insurance in Madurai

Health Statistics of Madurai

Check out some of the recent health statistics of Madurai:

• Over 3.5 lakh women in Madurai are obese.
• Hypertension cases doubled in Madurai within 5 months in 2024
• Around 1.8 lakh Madurai women are suffering from diabetes.
• 54% of children below 5 years are anaemic in Madurai.
• 21.3% of people in Madurai have high blood cholesterol levels.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Madurai?

Below are the key reasons why you should buy health insurance in Madurai:

1. Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases

   Madurai is seeing a rapid increase in lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. According to a study published in the Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology in June 2023, around 87% of Madurai adults have high blood pressure levels. The cost of managing these lifestyle diseases over a long period can be financially burdensome. However, with a critical illness insurance policy, you can easily afford the best quality treatment without exhausting your savings.

2. Rise in Dengue Cases

   Vector-borne diseases like dengue are on the rise in Madurai. The local health department reported 45 new dengue cases in a single day in January 2024. While most cases can be treated at home, severe ones may require hospitalisation or even ICU care, which can cost a substantial amount. A dengue health insurance policy can help you manage the treatment costs without worrying about the expensive medical bills.

3. Surge in Viral Fever

   Viral fever has become increasingly common in Madurai, affecting a significant portion of the population. According to official data, approximately 80-90 cases of viral fever were reported daily in Madurai in January 2024. Treating serious cases of viral fever can get expensive as you may require a week or 10 days of hospitalisation. As almost all health insurance plans cover viral fevers, it is recommended to buy one.

4. Increasing Medical Costs

   Healthcare costs in Madurai have risen significantly in recent years. For example, the average cost of an open heart surgery in Madura is around ₹1,60,000 - 3,00,000, depending on the hospital. For many Madurai residents, these expenses are unaffordable. If you want to stay prepared for any impact of medical inflation on your hospital bills, buying a mediclaim insurance policy with a sum insured between ₹5,00,000 - 10,00,000 is a great choice.

Major Health Problems in Madurai

Here are some of the considerable health problems in Madurai:

1. Hypertension

   The rise in hypertension cases in Madurai is a significant concern. According to the District Health Department report, around 2.51 lakh people in Madurai are suffering from hypertension as of June 2024, compared to 1.2 lakh in January 2024. In fact, the majority of those affected are in their 40s. Stress, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activities among the people of Madurai are primarily responsible for this spike in high BP cases.

2. Viral Fever

   Viral fever has become a widespread issue in Madurai. Medical experts in the city highlighted that around 75-100 patients in Madurai visited the hospital daily with symptoms of viral fever in March 2023. The rapid spread of viral fever is due to close contact with infected individuals, particularly through droplets from coughing or sneezing.

3. Obesity

   Obesity is highly prevalent in Madurai city. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5, the prevalence of obese women (aged 15-49 years) in Madurai increased from 35% in 2016 to 41% in 2020. This surge is largely due to the unhealthy lifestyle and lack of physical activities among Madurai residents.

4. Diabetes

   Diabetes has a high incidence in Madurai, particularly among women. The National Family Health Survey- 5 reveals that 21% of women aged 15-49 years in Madurai are diabetic. This high prevalence of diabetes among women is largely due to bad food habits, sedentary lifestyles and genetic factors.

5. Anaemia

   Anaemia is extremely common in Madurai. According to the NFHS-5, more than 1 lakh children under the age of five were found to be anaemic in 2020. The primary cause of this condition is the deficiency of iron, which is a crucial nutrient for growth and development in children.

6. Dengue

   Dengue is a constant menace in Madurai. As per the District Health Department data, 696 dengue cases were recorded in Madurai between October and December 2023, which is higher than the 371 cases recorded in 2022. Poor sanitation and stagnant water are the major culprits behind this large number of dengue cases in the city.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Madurai?

Health insurance industry experts in India advise people to buy a health insurance policy with a sum insured of at least 50% of their annual income. However, it is equally important for you to choose a medical insurance plan that can sufficiently cover all your medical expenses in Madurai, including the cost of treating critical illnesses like cancer, heart attack, etc.

Given the high cost of medical care in Madurai, you must purchase a mediclaim insurance plan that provides coverage of ₹5-10 lakh. If you want to buy a single health plan for the entire family, a family health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of ₹20 lakh is recommended. Last but not least, elderly people living in Madurai must consider buying a senior citizen health insurance plan with a sum insured of at least ₹15 lakh.

Health Insurance in Madurai for NRIs

For NRIs, having health insurance coverage in Madurai is essential due to the various health challenges in the city. Whether you are staying in Madurai for a short visit or a longer period, the health insurance for NRIs policy can help cover your medical expenses. Moreover, if you decide to move back to Madurai permanently and continue with the same health policy, you do not have to serve any additional waiting periods.

Moreover, if your parents live in Madurai, you can also purchase health insurance for parents to ensure that their medical bills are taken care of without causing any unexpected financial burden.

Additionally, if you have already met your tax requirements in your foreign country of residence, you are eligible for an 18% GST refund on the health insurance premiums for a policy purchased from India.

People also read: GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs

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

No.

The Tamil Nadu Government introduced the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) to provide world-class health care to millions of underprivileged people in Tamil Nadu, including those living in Madurai. Also known as the Amma Health Insurance, it scheme ensures that residents of Madurai can access cashless medical care without facing financial hardship during emergencies.

Despite these advantages, the scheme does not provide complete protection to Madurai residents. Below is a table highlighting why the Amma Health Insurance scheme may not fully cover all your healthcare costs in Madurai:

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Madurai

Consider the following wellness and prevention tips to stay in good health in Madurai:

• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight in Madurai.
• Manage stress through yoga or meditation in Madurai.
• Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking in Madurai.
• Avoid crowded places in Madurai during flu season.
• Limit consumption of sugary and high-fat foods in Madurai.
• Include vitamin C in your diet to enhance iron absorption.
• Avoid eating junk food that lacks essential nutrients.
• Use mosquito repellents to prevent mosquito bites in Madurai.
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours in Madurai.