The entire nation right now is caught in the throes of a pandemic due to the novel coronavirus. Personal and professional lives alike, have been massively affected by the nation-wide shut-down that COVID-19 triggered.
The most crucial thing that we’ll need to concentrate on, for the foreseeable future, is our individual and collective immunity. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the development of a vaccine or a cure for this rampantly spreading infection that is taking a massive physical and mental toll on everyone.
We are all trying to keep our physical immunities as strong as possible by following various suggestions from doctors and the government. A few things that help bolster our immunity are; a healthy vitamin-rich diet, an active lifestyle, and a regular and adequate sleep cycle. While these factors have been linked to affecting our immunity, there’s still one other factor that is most effective at affecting our immunities, and that is stress.
Stress and its impact on the immune system
Stress is notably the worst culprit when it comes to our immune systems. The current situation with COVID-19 has brought on considerable amount of stress on everyone, irrespective of their age. More than physical, it’s the mental stress that will have long-standing ill-effects on a person’s health.
One of the biggest triggers for metal stress in the country has been the economic and financial situations in each household. The pandemic has claimed many victims, who either succumb to the illness or their mental stress.
Many people have lost their jobs, have had a pay cut or lost the breadwinner of the family, to this treacherous infection. And overall, this pandemic has infused everyone with a general feeling of anxiety and existential dread that majorly stresses the immune system and makes us more vulnerable to the infection.
So, our main concern must be to reduce our collective stress levels, by all means possible. While activities such as yoga, meditation, spending time with family and loved ones, pursuing our hobbies, etc., might go a long way in reducing our stress levels, it is also very essential to manage our finances too, which in fact, turns out to be the biggest source of stress, to many.
Combat increasing stress levels by achieving financial immunity
Why is financial immunity so important?
Health-related problems are one of the biggest expenses that a person has to face in his/ her life. An unexpected accident, a long-term illness or a pandemic such as this is bound to drain a person’s finances, which in turn puts a considerable amount of stress on them.
It is always wise to have financial immunity for times like this. Being prepared never hurts anyone. When you have a financially secure health insurance plan in place, you need not worry yourself to an early grave during dire times.
You can be at peace knowing that you have both yourself and your family covered in case of an unfortunate occurrence.
Achieve financial immunity in the following ways
The government of India is also working tirelessly to help reduce the stress o its people. The IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has come up with a couple of effective health insurance policies, to help the citizens during these depressing times financially.
Two such health insurance policies have been released by the IRDAI specifically for offering financial protection to the low-income households during this time of crisis. An overview of these plans is given below.
Arogya Sanjeevani Policy:
Arogya Sanjeevani Policy This policy was launched on 1st April 2020, by the IRDAI. This is a standard basic health insurance policy that is being offered by almost all the insurance providers.
This policy comes with the same set of ground rules that govern any basic health insurance policy. But the notable benefits offered by it are low premium rates, co-payment rates as low as 5%, and it comes with both individual and group insurance options.
Corona Kavach health insurance policy
The Corona Kavach health insurance policy is the latest health insurance plan released by the IRDAI on 10th July 2020, a new policy released specifically for covering coronavirus treatment and related expenses.
This policy was launched, with businesses as their main targets, for them to offer group insurance coverage for their employees since many businesses have now opened up with 50% of their employees. Businesses are also finding ways to make sure that their employees remain safe and have adequate monetary coverage during these uncertain times.
This policy has both individual and group insurance options and comes with pretty much the same terms and conditions as any basic health insurance policy.
A few key things to keep in mind
These insurance policies, no doubt, offer some attractive health insurance benefits. But it is of utmost importance to note a few crucial points.
The maximum entry age in both these policies has been capped at 65 years, and they offer only a limited sum assured, which depends on the insurance provider. It is of utmost importance to scrutinize the underlying terms and conditions, as the policies may cover only treatments that have been approved by the government of India. Experimental trials may not be offered coverage.
On the benefits, though, these policies cover not only the hospitalization and treatment costs, but also, the quarantine, pre- and post-hospitalization and day-care procedure costs.
Secure your finances today
Being financially prepared is just another way to take care of yourself and your family. You never know when tragedy may strike, and having financial security for such times will only give you some peace of mind.
Invest in a good health insurance plan today to cover any such uncertainty and thereby relieve your stress regarding the matter. A stress-free life is a way to a healthy life. Stay safe, stay covered, and stay healthy, mentally, and physically.