The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Monkey Pox (Mpox) a public health emergency. Believed to have originated in Africa, this infectious virus can be fatal. In 2022, the Republic of Congo saw an outbreak of the disease before spreading to other countries. According to the WHO, the virus may have been transmitted to humans through monkeys and squirrels.

The virus spreads through physical contact with an infected animal or human. It can also spread by consuming contaminated meat and is not properly cooked. It can spread via skin-to-skin, mouth-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth contact or if one is near someone carrying the virus. Contact with clothes and other objects touched by an infected person can also increase the infection risk.

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Is Mpox Fatal?

Mpox can be fatal if treatment is delayed or your immune system is weak. A suspected Monkey Pox case has recently been reported in Delhi, highlighting that it may strike anywhere, including the national capital.

So, let’s learn about its symptoms.

An infected person will have fever, body ache, headache, sore throat, low energy, and rashes on the body, which initially start on the face before spreading to other body parts. The rashes turn into blisters which are usually itchy and painful. The virus can infect another person if they come in contact with the liquid inside the blisters. The symptoms start within a week of contamination.

Who Is At Risk?

Anyone with a weak immune system, such as pregnant women, children, and frail seniors, is at a higher risk, as complications can develop, and the virus can sometimes be deadly. The treatment currently focuses on managing symptoms like fever, rashes, etc., but there is no direct cure.

Does Health Insurance Cover Monkey Pox?

Parthanil Ghosh, director & chief business officer at HDFC ERGO General Insurance, says, “Over the years, there has been a paradigm shift in the global health insurance landscape with the emergence and resurgence of various ailments, including outbreaks such as Mpox. We cover hospitalisation costs and associated outpatient treatment, diagnostic tests, etc., among other medical expenses for all seasonal diseases, including emerging infectious diseases, e.g. Mpox.” He adds that Mpox is covered under its comprehensive insurance policy.

However, one should remember that all standard health insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period, and a claim arising during this period will not be covered.

Also, standard health policies cover basic expenses, such as hospitalisation for more than 24 hours due to minor illnesses, room rent, consultations, diagnostic tests, and more. However, comprehensive health plans offer more extensive coverage, including critical illnesses, preventive care, and emerging diseases like Mpox and COVID-19.

Therefore, when purchasing health insurance, you must check which illnesses are covered under the policy, including emerging diseases, to avoid surprises when you need the coverage.

How To Select A Health Policy And Coverage?

People often purchase policies based on an insurer’s or an agent’s recommendations. However, it is crucial to understand the policy coverage, exclusions, and other vital details to ensure the best coverage. Ghosh suggests thoroughly reviewing policy coverage and benefits before opting for one. Comprehensive policies also cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as delivery kits, ortho kits, recovery kits, and disposables like buds, gloves, nebulisation kits, etc., which can account for 7-10 per cent of the claim cost.

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Additionally, one should choose coverage that suits one’s needs rather than following the agent’s recommendation. Besides this, check the hospital network empanelled with the insurance company. Don’t forget to check the policy’s waiting period and exclusions, which are important aspects people often forget to check properly. Further, one can also check the claim settlement history of the insurer and opt for one with a higher claim settlement ratio.