The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 or coronavirus as pandemic. The virus has spread to all corners of the world, infecting more than 24,72,260 people and killing close to 169,986. In India (at the time of publishing this story), more than 18000 people have been tested positive for coronavirus and more than 590 people have died, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.



What is corona virus

Corona viruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. 

What is COVID-19 
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered corona virus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. 

How does COVID-19 spread
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.



Importance of Health Insurance and Its Features
For every individual in India, health insurance has become a necessity. It provides risk coverage against expenditure which is caused by unforeseen medical emergencies. Today, when the medical inflation rates are so high, failing to hold an adequate health cover can prove costly financially. However, the awareness about health insurance is on the rise in urban India. A study jointly conducted by Max Bupa and Nielsen in 2014-15 which covered 1500 consumers revealed that 70% of the respondents felt that health insurance was more important than life insurance. 60% of the consumers were aware that health cover provided by the employer may prove to be inadequate.


Health insurance is one way to get an insurance which covers all expenses related to:

  •  Medical tests, doctor fees
  •  Costs of the ambulance
  •  Hospitalization charges
  •  Post hospitalization charges which includes doctor visits, diagnostic tests and medicines.
  • Room rent Capping
  • Family Floater