Health Insurance in Varanasi

Health Statistics of Varanasi

Check out the health statistics of Varanasi:

• Mouth cancer is the most common type of cancer among Varanasi men.
• Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in Varanasi.
• Men in Varanasi generally have a higher waist circumference, while women have a higher body fat percentage.
• Over 50% of cancer cases in Varanasi men are linked to tobacco consumption.
• About 2.7 lakh women in Varanasi were reported obese in 2020.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Varanasi?

Take a look at some of the reasons why it is important to buy health insurance plans in Varanasi:

1. Rising Cancer Concerns in Varanasi

   Cancer is becoming a growing issue in Varanasi. According to the Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) report, 1 in every 15 males and 1 in every 17 females are at a risk of developing cancer in Varanasi. Moreover, mouth cancer is more prevalent among urban males compared to those in rural areas. Given the high cost of cancer treatment, opting for a cancer insurance plan can help you access the necessary medicare without exhausting your savings.

2. Surge in Vector-Borne Diseases

   Vector-borne diseases, like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, are increasingly affecting Varanasi. Data from the District Malaria Officer reveals that Varanasi recorded 451 cases of dengue, 124 cases of chikungunya and 27 cases of malaria in 2023. While mild cases might be managed at home, severe cases require hospitalisation, leading to costly medical bills. By investing in dengue health insurance plans and health insurance for malaria, you can get treated for these vector-borne diseases without worrying about paying the bills.

3. Growing Seasonal Illness Cases

   Seasonal illnesses are becoming more common in Varanasi, particularly during weather changes. As per official data, around 350 patients with seasonal illnesses sought treatment at hospital OPDs in a single day in July 2024. Regular trips to the doctor can burn a hole in your pockets. Having a mediclaim insurance policy can help secure proper treatment for seasonal illnesses without causing any financial burden.

4. Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases

   Lifestyle diseases, particularly obesity, are on the rise in Varanasi due to poor lifestyle choices and lack of physical activity. These conditions not only increase health risks but also come with high treatment costs, affecting your financial stability. Purchasing the best health insurance plan in Varanasi can help tackle the cost of treating these diseases.

5. Increasing Healthcare Costs

   Healthcare costs in Varanasi have significantly risen in recent years. A few days of hospitalisation in a private hospital in the city can easily result in expenses amounting to lakhs of rupees. So, by buying a health insurance policy, you can protect your funds from rising medical costs in Varanasi.

Major Health Problems in Varanasi

Given below are the major health problems in Varanasi:

1. Cancer

   Cancer is increasing rapidly in Varanasi. As per the Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) report released in February 2024, 15,725 cancer patients in Varanasi have been registered since 2017, with 8,596 male and 7,129 female patients. The increasing number of cancer cases are often linked to tobacco and alcohol use, poor lifestyle choices, obesity, and other related factors.

2. Anaemia

   Anaemia is a prevalent issue in Varanasi, especially among women and children. According to the National Family Health Survey-5, 51% of women aged 15-49 years and 59% of children below 5 years are anaemic in Varanasi. Poor dietary intake of iron-rich foods, frequent infections, and inadequate access to healthcare are the major causes of anaemia.

3. Dengue

   Dengue fever sees a significant rise in Varanasi, especially during the monsoon season. According to the health department, more than 450 cases of dengue were reported in Varanasi in 2023. Moreover, officials identified 34 dengue hotspots in urban areas and 28 in rural regions of the city. The primary contributors to this surge in dengue cases are unsanitary conditions and stagnant water, which provide the ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

4. Viral Fever

   The viral fever situation in Varanasi is alarming. According to official data, around 1,097 people in Varanasi were found with symptoms of viral fever in the first 20 days of August 2024. The high number of cases is largely attributed to seasonal changes.

5. Obesity

   Obesity is a major problem among Varanasi residents, with a noticeable rise in cases. As per the National Family Health Survey-5, the obesity rate among women aged 15-49 years in Varanasi increased from 18% in 2016 to 23% in 2020. Lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy dietary habits are the primary reasons for the rising obesity cases in the city.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Varanasi?

A good rule of thumb is to buy a health insurance plan with a sum insured equal to at least half of your annual income. But more importantly, the coverage should be enough to handle the high costs of treating critical illnesses prevalent in Varanasi.

Considering the expensive healthcare in Varanasi, experts suggest investing in a health insurance plan that provides coverage of ₹5-10 lakh. For complete family protection, consider purchasing a family health insurance policy with a sum insured of at least ₹20 lakh. Moreover, older people in Varanasi must consider buying a senior citizen health insurance policy with a sum insured amounting to ₹15 lakh or more.

Health Insurance in Varanasi for NRIs

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) from Varanasi can obtain health insurance from any medical insurance provider in India. The policy will cover the medical expenses incurred during their visits or stays in Varanasi. Moreover, the same health insurance for NRIs policy will remain valid even if they decide to return to Varanasi after living abroad for several years.

Additionally, NRIs can buy health insurance for parents living in Varanasi even if they stay overseas. Doing so ensures financial support for their parents during medical emergencies in Varanasi. Moreover, an added benefit for NRIs purchasing health insurance from India is eligibility for an 18% GST refund on premiums, provided they pay taxes in their foreign country of residence.

People also read: GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs

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

No.

The Uttar Pradesh Government introduced the Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan (MMJAA) in March 2019 to provide access to quality medicare to registered workers in the unorganised sector and their families. Currently, the MMJAA scheme covers around 8.43 lakh families, including those residing in Varanasi. While the scheme offers significant healthcare support, it does not fully cover all medical expenses for residents of Varanasi.

The table below highlights some gaps in the Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan, showing why it is insufficient for people living in Varanasi.

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Varanasi

Consider these wellness and prevention tips to maintain good health in Varanasi:

• Avoid smoking and tobacco products to lower cancer risk.
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
• Include iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, and lean meats in your diet.
• Use repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under nets to avoid mosquito bites in Varanasi.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially during dengue outbreaks, in Varanasi.
• Eat a nutritious diet, exercise, and get enough sleep to boost your immune system.
• Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks to manage weight effectively in Varanasi.