Covid 19 Health Insurance: Essential Guide for 2025
Rakesh Kumar, a 34-year-old IT professional from Pune, thought he had planned his finances well. But in early 2024, when his whole family tested positive for a new Covid 19 variant, he was shocked by the hospital expenses. Even after government support, his bills went beyond ₹2.35 lakh, including isolation, medicines, and post-Covid therapy. Rakesh had basic medical insurance, but it did not cover the broad and recurring costs of Covid 19. His story is not unique.
According to IRDAI data from 2024, over 18 lakh Indians used Covid health insurance claims, with claim amounts rising over ₹5600 crore in the past year. In 2025, Covid 19 health insurance remains crucial, as new strains and aftereffects continue to affect Indian families.
Covid 19 health insurance, sometimes called coronavirus insurance or pandemic medical cover, is a special plan designed to protect you financially against the medical costs of Covid 19. With rising Covid treatment costs in 2025, the demand for such insurance plans is stronger than ever.
At a Glance: What is Covid 19 Health Insurance?
Covid 19 health insurance is a specific type of policy covering hospitalization, isolation, treatment, and medicines related to the coronavirus. It is either a standalone plan or a rider with your existing medical insurance. It comes with unique benefits for pandemic situations in India.
Key points to know:
- Offers coverage for all Covid 19 variants in 2025
- Includes hospitalization, ICU, ventilator, and home care expenses
- Covers pre and post-hospitalization costs as per IRDAI guidelines
- Available for individuals as well as families
- Specially designed with reduced waiting and simple claim process
Why is Covid 19 Health Insurance Important in 2025?
What risks does Covid pose to Indian families this year?
The Covid pandemic is not fully over. In early 2025, WHO and Indian health authorities have warned about new hybrid variants causing fresh local outbreaks. Even for vaccinated people, chances of severe illness and expensive hospital stays have increased, especially for senior citizens and children.
Recent reports show:
- Average Covid-ICU stay costs more than ₹45,000 per day in top metros like Delhi and Bangalore.
- Over 58 percent of infected families face at least one member needing isolation and regular follow up therapy.
Regular health insurance policies may exclude pandemics, or have restrictions on room rent, medicines, and special consumables. Dedicated Covid 19 health insurance removes these limitations and provides security against unexpected costs.
Did you know?
According to health experts, more than 40 percent of Covid hospitalizations in India involve post Covid therapy sessions, which regular policies often do not cover fully.
Key Features and Highlights of Covid 19 Health Insurance
What benefits can you expect from these plans?
Covid insurance plans introduced after late 2023 are much improved and now include several useful protections.
Core Features Include:
- Hospitalization Cover: Expenses for room rent, ICU, nursing, oxygen, ventilators, PPE kits, and regular medicines.
- Home-Care Treatment: If advised by doctor, home isolation or quarantine expenses are covered up to certain limits.
- Pre and Post-Hospitalization: Bills for investigations, doctor consultations, and medicines up to 15 to 60 days before and after hospitalization.
- Ambulance Charges: Emergency ambulance costs reimbursed.
- Cashless Facility: Nearly all plans offer wide network hospital cashless treatment in India.
- AYUSH Treatment: Recognized traditional therapies are included under many new policies.
- Coverage for All Age Groups: From 3 months old to 65 years and beyond, can be added.
Extra Highlights:
- Short waiting period of 15 days (select plans)
- Coverage of all Covid variants in 2025
- No claim bonus for claim-free policy years
Here is a table comparing key features of two popular Covid policies in 2025:
| Plan Name | Entry Age Range | Sum Insured | Room Rent Limit | Home Care Covered | Waiting Period | Renewal Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corona Rakshak | 18-65 | 50,000 to 2,50,000 | No Limit | Up to 14 days | 15 days | Not Renewable |
| Care Covid Care | 3 months - 60 years | 3 lakh to 5 lakh | Up to SI | Yes | 15 days | Lifetime Renewal |
Expert Insight:
Financial planners recommend a minimum coverage of ₹5 lakh per family for Covid 19 in 2025 to account for multiple hospitalizations or recurring treatment cycles.
Types of Covid 19 Health Insurance in India
Which policy should you choose and why?
You can choose from mainly three types of coronavirus insurance in India for 2025:
1. Standalone Covid 19 Health Insurance
- Specially designed only for Covid related protection.
- Includes home isolation and pre post hospital expenses.
2. Covid 19 Riders on Existing Health Plan
- Add on to your main medical policy.
- Offers limited but cost effective coverage, often with bundled discounts.
3. Group Covid Insurance for Corporates
- Offered by employers to protect all employees.
- Fast claims and bulk coverage but may have lower sum insured per person.
People Also Ask:
Do family floater Covid insurance plans cover parents and in-laws in India?
Yes, many 2025 floater policies let you include dependent parents, in-laws, and children in a single sum insured, as per plan rules.
What is Covered and Not Covered Under Covid 19 Health Insurance?
Which expenses are included?
Covered Expenses:
- Hospital room rent, ICU, diagnostic tests like RT PCR, doctor fees
- Covid medication, consumables, PPE kits, syringes
- Oxygen supply, ventilator support
- Ambulance transfer up to policy limit
- Home care or isolation (as per doctor’s advice)
- Pre and post hospitalization for Covid up to set days
- Ayush or traditional treatments for coronavirus, if needed
What is Not Covered?
- Pre existing diseases unless the waiting period is completed
- Self isolation without doctor’s prescription
- Expenses not linked to Covid 19, or for other infections
- Cosmetic treatments and experimental therapies not approved by IRDAI
- Hospitalization for less than 24 hours except for certain day care
How to Buy Covid 19 Health Insurance in 2025?
Where and how to compare the best plans?
With most insurance now digital in India, buying Covid 19 health insurance is easy and quick online.
Simple Steps to Apply:
- Visit fincover.com: Go to the official website.
- Compare Plans: Enter your family details, age, and location to see available Covid policies.
- Check Features: Compare sum insured, premium, hospital network, and waiting period.
- Fill basic details: Name, phone number, email, members to insure.
- Upload Documents: ID proof and health declaration.
- Review and Pay: Choose the plan, pay the premium, and receive e-policy in minutes.
Did you know?
Over 65 percent of health insurance buyers in India now use comparison sites like fincover.com to select optimum Covid 19 cover before applying.
Documents Required for Covid 19 Insurance Application
- Aadhaar card or any government photo ID
- Address proof
- Photograph (digital copy)
- Medical declaration or previous reports (if any)
No medical test is needed for most individuals below 45 years, unless you mention medical history.
Claim Process for Covid 19 Health Insurance
How do you make a Covid insurance claim?
- Inform Insurer: Immediately contact your insurer or TPA on diagnosis or if hospitalization is needed.
- Submit Admission Proof: Provide Covid positive report, doctor’s prescription.
- Treatment and Bills: Take treatment at network hospital for cashless or pay bills for reimbursement.
- Documents: Submit discharge summary, pharmacy bills, and relevant receipts online or at insurer office.
- Claim Approval: Insurer verifies reports, and releases the claim payout to you or to hospital.
Pro Tip: For home isolation, keep all prescriptions, invoice slips and doctor consultations as digital copies.
People Also Ask:
What if claim is denied due to wrong or late document submission?
Insurance companies now allow you to re-submit documents with proper justification within 15 days, as per IRDAI pandemic claims guidelines.
Covid 19 Health Insurance: Premiums in 2025
Is it affordable for an average Indian?
The premium for Covid 19 health insurance in 2025 is reasonably low, starting from ₹340 for a sum insured of ₹50,000 for individuals up to age 45.
Factors affecting premium:
- Age of insured – higher for elderly
- Sum insured – more coverage, higher cost
- Family size – adding members increases premium slightly
- Existing medical history, if any
For example:
- Family floater (2 adults and 2 kids) with ₹5 lakh coverage: ₹2300 to ₹3200 per year
- Senior citizen individual cover with ₹3 lakh: ₹2800 to ₹4000 per year
Always check for renewal and portability options.
Did you know?
Most insurers provide a relaxation in Covid insurance premium rates for frontline workers as a gratitude gesture.
How to Choose the Best Covid 19 Insurance Plan?
What to check before buying a policy?
When selecting your Covid 19 health insurance for 2025, keep these points in mind:
1. Wide Hospital Network:
Check if cashless is available at all major hospitals in your city or town.
2. Waiting Period:
Shorter waiting period is better. Opt for plans with 15 days or less.
3. Sum Insured:
Match your coverage to the expected cost in your locality (metros vs non metros).
4. Add-ons:
Consider policies that cover post Covid therapy or mental health support.
5. Easy Claim Process:
Choose insurers with strong customer service and digital claim facility.
Comparison Table: Popular Covid Plans in 2025
| Feature | Corona Kavach | Star Corona Raksha | ICICI Lombard Corona Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sum Insured | ₹50,000 to ₹5L | ₹50,000 - ₹2.5L | ₹1L - ₹10L |
| Room Rent Limit | No Cap | No Cap | Up to SI |
| Waiting Period | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days |
| Renewable | Upto 9.5 months | Single Term | Annual/Lifetime |
People Also Ask:
Can I port my existing health insurance to Covid plan in 2025?
You cannot directly port, but you can add a Covid rider or purchase a standalone policy while continuing your regular policy.
What are the Exclusions or Limitations?
- No coverage for diseases other than Covid 19
- No claims if diagnosis/test is not recognized by government labs
- Treatments without doctor’s advice or unauthorized therapies
- Pre existing illnesses covered only after waiting period
Expert Insight:
Policyholders should always read the terms and conditions of their Covid 19 health insurance to avoid surprises during claim time.
Tax Benefits on Covid 19 Health Insurance Premiums
Can you save tax under Section 80D?
Just like regular health insurance, the premium you pay for Covid 19 policies is also eligible for tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Limits:
- Up to ₹25,000 for self and family
- Additional ₹50,000 for parents, if senior citizen
Keep your premium payment receipts safe for ITR filing.
Renewal and Portability of Covid Health Insurance
Some Covid 19 specific plans like Corona Rakshak are for fixed tenure of 3.5 to 9.5 months, while others like Star Health Covid Plan offer annual renewal and lifetime cover.
Renewal is automatic with online payment. For best results, opt for yearly renewable polices for extended protection.
Did you know?
Some insurers provide wellness apps and free teleconsultation as a bonus when you renew your Covid health insurance during 2025.
Who Should Prefer Covid 19 Health Insurance in 2025?
- Senior citizens and those above 50 years
- Families with kids or chronic patients
- Anyone living in a crowded city or working in high contact jobs
- Small business owners, gig workers without employer medical cover
Misconceptions about Covid 19 Health Insurance
- Coronavirus policies are not only for the elderly. Young people and kids can also face high expenses.
- Covid 19 insurance is NOT the same as regular health policy, as it focuses on pandemic situations.
- You do not need a medical test for most standalone policies, only declaration of health status.
People Also Ask:
What happens to Covid 19 policy if the government declares Covid is no longer a pandemic?
Most plans auto lapse after expiry but some comprehensive health plans continue to cover Covid as a listed illness.
Conclusion: Do You Need Covid 19 Health Insurance in 2025?
Yes, protecting against unforeseen medical expenses is essential in the current times, even if you already have health insurance. Covid 19 continues to show new patterns, and a Covid specific policy or rider can save entire families from huge financial shocks. Compare, select, and buy the right plan using trusted platforms like fincover.com for complete peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions: People Also Ask
Q1: Can I buy Covid 19 health insurance for just 3 months in India?
Yes, many insurers offer short term plans from 3.5 to 9.5 months.
Q2: Is vaccination compulsory for Covid claim in 2025?
No, claim is paid irrespective of vaccination status, if other terms are met.
Q3: Will my Covid insurance cover new variants detected in 2025?
Yes, most policies now cover all new Covid variants, unless specifically excluded.
Q4: How long does it take to settle a Covid 19 insurance claim?
Most cashless claims are processed in 24 to 72 hours; reimbursement can take up to 7 working days.
Q5: Can I buy Covid 19 insurance for my parents above 65?
Yes, many 2025 plans allow senior citizen entry up to 70 or even above with specific terms.
Q6: Will my regular mediclaim cover hospital isolation for Covid?
Some mediclaim plans do, but special Covid insurance has broader inclusion and fewer limits for room rent, consumables, and PPE.
Q7: What documents must I submit for a reimbursement claim?
Covid test report, hospital bills, doctor’s prescription, discharge summary, pharmacy receipts, and ID proof are generally required.
By securing a proper Covid 19 health insurance plan, you can focus on recovery without stress about medical bills in 2025 and beyond. Stay safe, stay prepared!