Health Insurance in Vadodara

Health Statistics of Vadodara

Here are the health statistics of Vadodara:

• 15.1% of men and 16.67% of women in Vadodara have diabetes
• Vadodara recorded the highest number of vector-borne disease cases in 2021 since 2017
• Vadodara reported the highest number of chikungunya cases in 2021 in the last 10 years
• Only 22% of citizens receive clean water from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC)
• Approximately 60% of residents living near wetlands in Vadodara face risks of malaria, cholera, and chikungunya
• Vadodara is one of the most polluted cities in Gujarat

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Vadodara?

Below are some of the top reasons why you need health insurance in Vadodara:

1. Safeguard Against Vector-Borne Diseases

   Vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya, are an annual occurrence in Vadodara. As per official records, Vadodara reported 2,296 dengue and 1,673 chikungunya cases in 2021, the highest since 2017. Stagnated sewage water from damaged drainage lines has been contributing to the breeding of mosquitoes responsible for spreading these infectious diseases. In severe cases, you may require hospitalization, even an ICU admission, leading to a significant surge in your hospital bills. However, you can safeguard your finances by opting for health insurance for vector-borne diseases in Vadodara, ensuring treatment without straining your budget.

2. Water-borne Diseases are a Big Problem

   Vadodara has been facing the issue of water-borne diseases for years. In 2021, the city was struck by an epidemic of water-related diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea, and vomiting. More than 50% of the people in Vadodara were affected by water-induced ailments such as typhoid, jaundice, cholera, E. coli infections, or dermatological conditions. With the best health insurance policy in Vadodara, you can easily manage the healthcare costs resulting from the treatment of these water-borne diseases without depleting your savings.

3. Quality Healthcare Facilities

   Vadodara is equipped with modern healthcare facilities for planned and emergency treatment. However, these facilities are expensive and, thus, difficult for everyone to afford. To access the quality medical facilities in Vadodara without affecting your savings, you must purchase a comprehensive health insurance plan. Doing so will help you to pay for the treatments of vector-borne and water-borne diseases in the city at an affordable cost.

Major Health Problems in Vadodara

Check out some of the common health problems in Vadodara:

1. Dengue

   Dengue has a huge presence in Vadodara. As per reports, more than 2296 cases of dengue were reported in the city in 2021 compared to 231 cases in 2020. In fact, the city saw an alarming trend in dengue cases in 2022, where acute respiratory distress, severe damage to the liver, and hyper-inflammation were witnessed among patients apart from the usual symptoms.

2. Chikungunya

   Chikungunya is a highly prevalent vector-borne disease in Vadodara. According to official data, Vadodara reported 1,673 chikungunya cases in 2021 compared to 96 cases in 2020. Water accumulation due to urbanization and construction activities is the leading cause of chikungunya in the city, as it can result in a higher breeding of mosquitoes.

3. Diabetes

   Diabetes is a major concern in Vadodara. As per a recent study, 46% of women in nuclear families and 65% of men in joint families in Vadodara are diabetic. Moreover, housewives in Vadodara are more prone to diabetes than working women.

4. Hypertension

   Hypertension has a high incidence in Vadodara. According to the National Family Health Survey, 23.8% of men and 24.3% of women above 15 years in Vadodara suffer from high blood pressure. Lack of physical activities, high intake of salt and consumption of processed food are the major reasons for hypertension cases in the city.

5. Acute Diarrhea

   Vadodara often faces the issue of acute diarrhoea. As per official data, more than 230 cases of diarrhoea vomiting were reported in 2023 in Vadodara by July. According to experts, diarrhoea, if continued for more than 2 weeks without medical care, can lead to death.

6. Cholera

   Cholera is highly prevalent in Vadodara. According to VMC, Vadodara reported around 125 cases of cholera in 2021. Contamination of supply water due to parallel running drainage lines is the biggest reason for cholera cases in the city.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Vadodara?

Research indicates that 83.7% of households utilize their savings to pay for medical expenses. Given the increasing healthcare costs, it is crucial to choose an adequate sum insured for your health insurance plan. This coverage amount should be sufficient to cover the treatment of severe illnesses and high-priced medical procedures, operations, and specialized treatments. In fact, experts say that your health insurance coverage should ideally be a minimum of half your yearly earnings.

In a tier-2 city such as Vadodara, buying a health insurance policy coverage of at least Rs 5-10 lakh per person is recommended. Families can opt for a family floater health insurance policy that guarantees a minimum sum insured of Rs 20 lakh to cover the entire family's medical expenses.

Senior citizens living in Vadodara are advised to get a senior citizen health insurance policy with a minimum coverage amount of Rs 15 lakh.

Health Insurance in Vadodara for NRIs

If you are an NRI, health insurance in your foreign country of residence may not cover your medical costs while visiting India. As a result, securing a health insurance policy in Vadodara can benefit both vacation and business visits to the city.

Vadodara's healthcare services are generally more cost-effective than those abroad. Moreover, the premiums for health policies purchased in Vadodara are usually lower than those available abroad. Furthermore, non-resident Indians (NRIs) can avail health insurance for their parents living in Vadodara, providing a safety net for potential medical emergencies.

Additionally, you are eligible for an 18% GST refund on purchasing a health insurance policy in Vadodara if you have already met your tax obligations in your foreign country of residence.

People also read- GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs.

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

No.

In 2023, the Government of Gujarat introduced a revised health insurance scheme named Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Mukhyamantri Amrutam (PMJAY-MA). This scheme doubles the prior coverage, enabling individuals to receive free medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh.

However, despite its benefits, PMJAY-MA does not offer comprehensive coverage to all the people of Vadodara. To understand why the insurance scheme falls short in covering treatment expenses in Vadodara, consult the table below.

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Vadodara

Given below are some of the wellness tips for people living in Vadodara:

• Keep water containers in the house covered with an airtight lid.
• Use a mosquito net when sleeping at night in Vadodara.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins
• Keep the windows and doors of the house closed in the evening.
• Drink lots of fluids, especially water, as diarrhoea and vomiting can cause massive dehydration.
• Prevent water stagnation in Vadodara, as it may serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes.
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep every day in Vadodara
• Maintain cleanliness and dryness in your residences and surrounding areas in Vadodara.
• Avoid eating junk and street food during a cholera outbreak or typhoid.
• Carry hand sanitizer and breathing mask while stepping out in Vadodara.
• Keep your food covered in the kitchen in Vadodara.
• Manage your stress levels with the help of yoga and meditation.