Health Insurance in Nagpur

Health Statistics of Nagpur

Given below are some of the health statistics of Nagpur:

• Nagpur has the highest number of cancer patients per lakh population in Maharashtra.
• One in every 11 women and one in every 10 men in Nagpur is at risk of developing cancer.
• Nagpur reported the third-highest number of chikungunya cases in Maharashtra in 2024
• Oral cancer reports the maximum number of cancer cases in Nagpur.
• Around 421 cases of diarrhoea were reported in Nagpur in the second quarter of 2024.
• Nagpur reports two new dengue cases every day in Nagpur in August 2024.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Nagpur?

Check out the key reasons why a health insurance plan is a must-buy in Nagpur:

1. Prevalence of Cancer

   Cancer is a common illness in Nagpur. As per a recent study by the RST Hospital in the city, 90 women and 91 men per one lakh population are detected with cancer in Nagpur. Getting treatment for cancer can be extremely costly, but with a health insurance plan for cancer patients, you can obtain the necessary treatment without worrying about the medical bills.

2. Risk of Vector-Borne Diseases

   Nagpur frequently experiences the outbreak of vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. As per official data, around 8 chikungunya and 2 dengue patients are being hospitalised daily in Nagpur as of August 2024. The cost of hospitalisation for treating such diseases can be heavy on your pocket. With plans like dengue health insurance, you can obtain the required medical treatment at the right time without draining your funds.

3. Surge in Water-borne Diseases

   Water-borne diseases are a major risk in Nagpur city. With the arrival of the monsoon season in 2024, the city has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid. According to a Nagpur Municipal Nodal Medical Officer, around 587 gastro and diarrhoea cases were reported in the city in the first seven months of 2024. Treating severe water-borne illnesses can be financially draining as you may need hospitalisation, but a mediclaim insurance policy can help cover all the treatment expenses.

4. Rise in Viral Infections

   Viral infections are a significant concern in Nagpur, particularly among children. According to medical officials, viral infections like dengue, dengue-like fever, typhoid, and acute gastroenteritis had substantially increased in Nagpur in May 2024. Buying a health plan in Nagpur can help you manage the costs of treating these conditions without any financial burden.

5. Increasing Air Pollution

   Air pollution is increasing rapidly in Nagpur. According to a recent IQAir report, the PM2.5 concentration in Nagpur is 4.2 times higher than the WHO's recommended annual air quality guideline. This level of pollution can lead to respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, cold, cough, etc., and may result in extensive medical expenses. However, plans like Health insurance for asthma patients can provide the financial support needed to treat these respiratory problems.

6. Rising Healthcare Costs

   Healthcare costs in Nagpur are rising at alarming levels, with even a single day of hospitalisation costing lakhs of rupees. That makes it difficult for everyone to afford quality medicare. But by buying the best health insurance plan, you do not have to worry about these rising costs, as your mediclaim insurance policy will cover them for you.

Major Health Problems in Nagpur

Take a look at the major health problems prevalent in the Nagpur region:

1. Cancer

   Cancer has a high incidence in Nagpur. According to a recent study by the Rashtra Sant Tukadoji Regional Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Nagpur, 58% of the registered patients were diagnosed with cancer in a period of five years. Besides, oral cancer is the most prevalent in the city, followed by breast cancer and cervical cancer. This high prevalence of cancer in Nagpur is primarily due to high tobacco consumption.

2. Diarrhoea

   Diarrhoea cases are rising alarmingly in Nagpur. As per a Nagpur Municipal Nodal Medical Officer, 421 cases of diarrhoea were reported in Nagpur from April to July 2024. The primary causes behind this surge are the consumption of contaminated water and food.

3. Typhoid

   The situation of typhoid in Nagpur is equally concerning. According to data shared by a Nagpur Municipal Nodal Medical Officer, around 90 typhoid cases were reported in the city between January and July 2024, with more than 25% of cases reported in the first half of July. The rising cases are largely due to untreated borewell water consumption and the onset of the monsoon season.

4. Dengue

   Dengue has become a major health issue in Nagpur. As per official data, the number of dengue cases in Nagpur increased from 3,164 in 2023 to 5,779 in 2024 during the first seven months of the year. Untimely rains and an increase in mosquitoes are the main reasons behind this rise in dengue cases.

5. Chikungunya

   Chikungunya is rapidly spreading among the residents of Nagpur. As per official data, Nagpur saw more than 35% increase in chikungunya cases in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2023. Water storage in open containers and garbage piles are responsible for becoming the breeding grounds for mosquitoes in Nagpur, leading to the transmission of this vector-borne disease.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Nagpur?

According to the insurance industry experts, the sum insured of a health insurance policy must be at least 50% of your annual income. However, make sure that the coverage amount is sufficient to cover the medical expenses incurred on treating critical illnesses like cancer, which is prevalent in Nagpur.

If you live in Nagpur, you should consider purchasing a health insurance policy with a sum insured ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. If you want to cover your entire family under a single policy, a family health insurance plan with a sum insured of at least ₹20 lakh must be opted. Moreover, senior citizens in Nagpur are advised to buy a senior citizen health insurance policy with a sum insured of ₹15 lakh or more.

Health Insurance in Nagpur for NRIs

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) from Nagpur are eligible to buy a health insurance policy from any Indian insurance provider. They can use the policy to cover any unanticipated healthcare expenses that may arise during their visit to Nagpur. Moreover, NRIs who plan to return and settle in Nagpur are advised to buy the health insurance for NRIs policy as soon as possible to complete all applicable waiting periods by that time.

Additionally, NRIs can consider purchasing health insurance for parents in Nagpur, offering them financial support during medical emergencies. Besides, NRIs are also eligible for an 18% GST refund on premiums paid to buy health insurance policies in India, provided 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 Nagpur?

The Government of Maharashtra introduced the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) on July 2, 2012, to provide free, quality healthcare to the underprivileged sections of the society. This scheme covers listed illnesses under 34 medical specialities that require hospitalisation. However, the MJPJAY scheme does not offer comprehensive health coverage for all medical needs of Nagpur residents.

The table below highlights why the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana may not be enough for people living in Nagpur:

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Nagpur

Follow the wellness and prevention tips mentioned below to stay healthy in Nagpur:

• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption in Nagpur.
• Eat a balanced diet in Nagpur rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Drink only clean and boiled water to prevent the consumption of contaminated water in Nagpur.
• Wash hands properly before eating and after using the washroom.
• Avoid eating street food in Nagpur.
• Always wear long-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellents in Nagpur.
• Eliminate standing water around your home in Nagpur to prevent mosquito breeding.