Navigating Dengue & Malaria: Why Targeted Health Coverage Matters

India’s public health system is actively trying to address the challenge of vector and other air-borne illnesses which have seen a massive resurgence across both urban and rural regions; particularly dengue and malaria. In 2023 alone, India reported over 94,000 dengue cases and thousands more affected by malaria and other related infections. With this rise in vector-borne afflictions, hospitalisation costs have escalated as well, from diagnostics to ICU care; thus underscoring the growing need for affordable and disease-specific insurance solutions.

Understanding Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens such as viruses, parasites, and bacteria. These pathogens are transmitted from animals to humans, or in some cases, from humans to humans, by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Most often, these diseases can be contracted by humans unknowingly but can prove to be quite fatal in nature. Some common examples of vector-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, plague, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis. Globally, vector-borne illnesses are responsible for over 7,00,000 fatalities every year, as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Several factors influence the spread of vector-borne diseases such as environmental conditions creating a breeding environment, regional population density, and rapid urbanisation. Areas with stagnant water bodies, tall grass and a history of frequent outbreaks tend to create a higher risk of contracting vector-borne diseases.

These illnesses frequently go under-covered by traditional health insurance solutions. Hence, targeted plans offer quick and cost-effective support without the paperwork burden of large policies.

Accessible & Affordable Health Protection

Preventive measures, public awareness campaigns, and comprehensive health insurance solutions are crucial in reducing the frequency and impact of these illnesses. Having access to specific health insurance coverage can provide substantial financial protection.

To address this need, PhonePe has introduced a low-cost Dengue & Malaria Insurance Plan, starting at just ₹59 per year, offering coverage up to ₹1 lakh. The policy covers over 10 high-incidence, vector and air-borne diseases and is available instantly on the PhonePe platform, thus making health protection accessible to millions of Indians especially in Tier 2, 3 cities and beyond.

This coverage plan safeguards users against medical expenses arising from Mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis as well as Air-borne infections such as Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Typhoid, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Meningitis. The coverage includes in-patient hospitalisation (including ICU), diagnostics, prescribed treatments, doctor consultations, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses and home care, wherever medically advised. It is ideal for those without any insurance coverage or for buyers looking to supplement their existing plans with disease-specific add ons.

Unlike any other seasonal cover, this plan ensures 12-month uninterrupted protection, extending beyond the monsoon months when off-season outbreaks may occur.

How to Buy Dengue & Malaria Insurance Plan in 4 simple steps

1. Open the PhonePe app
2. Go to the Insurance section
3. Select Dengue & Malaria Plan
4. Purchase instantly with digital confirmation

Diseases like dengue and malaria are unpredictable, but financial preparation doesn’t have to be. With a small annual investment, you can unlock significant health coverage for yourself and your loved ones.