Is Treatment for Climate-Related Health Conditions Covered in Insurance?

Heatwaves, floods, air pollution episodes and seasonal disease outbreaks are more frequent in many areas as a result of climate change. Health insurance companies usually cover the treatment for these conditions if the policy includes hospitalisation and medical care for the illness. But terms and exclusions differ based on the policy type.

Coverage for Climate-Related Health Conditions

Covers Hospitalisation for Heat-Related Illnesses

Heatstroke, dehydration and severe exhaustion are all covered by most health insurance plans if you're admitted to the hospital. The policy may cover: hospital room rent, doctor's visits, diagnostic tests, and medicines while in the hospital.

Covers Respiratory Conditions Caused by Pollution

Numerous insurance policies cover the cost of treatment of asthma attacks, bronchitis, and respiratory ailments stemming from bad air quality. If this increases the severity of an underlying respiratory condition and hospitalisation is required, the medical bills usually will be covered by insurance, depending on the specific terms of the policy.

Covers Vector-Borne Diseases

With the increase in mosquito transmission, diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya are generally covered by insurance companies. Most plans will cover the hospitalisation cost, diagnostic tests and medications prescribed for these diseases.

Covers Waterborne Disease Treatment

Typhoid, cholera and severe gastroenteritis can be spread by contaminated water and flooding. If the patient requires medical supervision or hospital care, the cost of such treatment is usually covered by health insurance.

Covers Emergency Medical Care During Natural Disasters

Emergency treatment coverage is offered by some insurers for injuries or illnesses suffered during floods, storms or heatwaves. Coverage might consist of ambulance costs, emergency treatment, and hospital treatment.

Covers Daycare Procedures and Diagnostic Tests

New health plans could include assistance for daycare and other advanced diagnostics for climate-sensitive diseases. If the policy permits daycare procedures, patients could be covered for a short period of time in observation status, receive IV fluids, oxygen treatment or scans without 24-hour hospitalisation.

Limitations and Exclusions

May Exclude Pre-Existing Conditions Initially

If a person has heart struggles or chronic lung disease, and/or asthma, before buying the policy, then the insurance company may set up a waiting period

• Does Not Always Cover Outpatient Treatment

Most conventional health insurance policies deal with hospitalisation costs. They might not cover expenses for regular doctor visits, inhalers, allergy medications or outpatient care unless the policy includes OPD benefits.

Applies Waiting Periods for Specific Diseases

Depending on the plan, some diseases that are caused by vectors or seasonal factors might have a waiting period. The insurer may refuse the claims that come in while this time is in force.

Requires Treatment at Approved Hospitals

Insurance companies only settle cashless claims at ‘network hospitals.' Outside the network, treatment may require the policyholder to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement.

Final Thoughts

Most health insurance policies will include treatment for health problems that are related to the climate, particularly if hospitalisation or emergency care is required. Before purchasing a policy, understand the waiting periods, exclusions and list of hospitals in the network to know what the insurance provider will cover.