Do you cover for coronavirus tests under your health policy?

New Delhi: To make coronavirus tests relatively easier, twelve private laboratories across the country including Metropolis, SRL Labs, Suburban Diagnostics and Thyrocare have been allowed to carry out the coronavirus test.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has appealed to private diagnostic centres to offer the service free of charge and the central government has put a cap of Rs 4500.The good news here for all health policyholders is that even if you have a normal health cover, the indemnity-based policy will cover your COVID-19 test as a part of pre-hospitalisation expenses. Though, there are certain conditions attached to it.

But, one must note that you should not go ahead with the test just because you have an easier access to the test. Only if you or someone with whom you’ve come in contact with recently has an overseas travel history in the last 14 days or you have developed COVID-19-like symptoms.

Your insurance company will reimburse you the COVID-19 test’s cost only if it leads to hospitalisation for being tested positive. Remember, your diagnostic test will only be covered only if the test has been conducted up to 30 days prior to the hospitalisation.