Star Health launches insurance cover at Rs 459

Star Health has introduced a ‘simple no questions asked Corona’ cover.   “The benefit policy covers the age group from 3 months to 65 years and it is paid straight when the patient walks out of the hospital after a positive diagnosis. The insured has to show that he tested positive for Covid-19 and get the money,” said V Jagannathan, executive chairman of Star Health. Under the policy, the policyholder is not asked about the recent travel history before the purchase or during the time of claim. The COVID-19 insurance cover will assure a sum insured of Rs 21,000 and Rs 42,000 is promised for a premium of Rs 459 and Rs 918 respectively. Claims can be applied after a mere 16-day waiting period, with the incubation period for the novel coronavirus standing between two and 14 days. All existing Star Health policyholders are already covered for expenses incurred for treatment and hospitalization of Coronavirus under present health covers. Jagannathan said, “The very objective of this policy is to cater to an audience that is not insured yet and of lower income. Many still do not know the importance of having a health insurance cover. Customers can buy this policy from our online platform and agents. Soon, if our bancassurance partners are interested we may sell these to their customers as well.”