Mpox outbreak: Understand what your insurance covers for Mpox treatment

Days ago, a 26-year-old, infected by the clade-2 variant of Monkeypox, became India's first confirmed case of the viral infection that is currently wreaking major havoc in African nations. A month after the WHO (World Health Organization) declared Monkeypox clade-1 a global public health emergency, neighbor Pakistan already has 5 confirmed cases. Three weeks ago, Thailand had also confirmed the first case of Monkeypox's newer variant (clade 1b) in Asia, which is considered far more deadly than its previous counterpart.

Common symptoms of this viral infection include rashes on face, hands, feet and mouth. Mpox is generally characterised by pus-filled blisters, which generally last about 2-4 weeks. Other symptoms of this infection also include fever, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. While it is not deadly, Mpox is highly infectious and spreads on close contact.

Since July 2022, India has reported 30 cases of Monkeypox. But with the outbreak of infection now looming larger than ever, here's a concise guide on navigating through your insurance, in case you or your loved ones are afflicted by Monkeypox.

Note that at present, there are no separate insurance add-ons or riders for Mpox, unlike Covid-19. But since it is a viral infection, coverage for Mpox hospitalization, diagnostic tests and treatment is already present in your standard health insurance policy.

But remember that hospitalization, and even recovery expenses for infectious diseases such as Mpox can be enormous, especially in private hospitals and urban centers. That is why, not only should you have an adequate insurance cover, but you should also make sure you are comprehensively covered when it comes pre and post hospitalization expenses, ICU charges, room rent etc. Since Mpox demands complete isolation of the patient, it is important to ensure that there are no limits on the room you opt for, while being hospitalised.

Mahesh Yelapure, Head of Health Underwriting & Health Claims, Go Digit General Insurance also cautions that you should confirm with your respective insurers, if there are any recent changes in terms, conditions of insurance policies, when it comes to Mpox treatment.

Additionally, you should also be aware of any deductibles, sub-limits, or co-payment options of your policy. Deductibles is minimum amount you will have to pay before your insurer starts footing the bill for a particular disease or illness, while sub-limits refer to the maximum amount your policy will offer as coverage for a particular condition. This varies, depending on the policy and insurer, so always undertake thorough research to get yourself the best deal.

Insure your travels

If you are planning to travel abroad, be sure to buy a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. Your travel insurance policy will typically includes medical coverage, which can help cover the costs of hospitalization for conditions like Mpox and other diseases. Keep the policy document handy, and also add a nominee, in case any extraordinary situation arises.

If you require medical treatment for Mpox and require stay in a hospital for more than 24 hours, your policy may provide financial assistance, especially in a foreign country, where the cost of medical treatment might be super high.

However, Yelapure also advises to look out for government-issued travel advisories before planning any travel.

"If the government issues a travel advisory prohibiting citizens to travel to certain countries where the number of confirmed cases of Mpox is high, and one anyway decides to travel despite the issued advisory, and one contracts the
disease, the claim may get rejected by the insurer", he says.

As of last month, cases of Mpox Clade 1b virus have been skyrocketing in 13 countries, which include Congo, Burundi, Kenya, South Africa, Liberia, South Africa, Cameroon, Uganda, Rwanda and Nigeria. In Asia, apart from Pakistan and Thailand, Mpox cases have also been reported in Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia.