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Health Insurance covering Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A coronavirus health insurance is a customized health insurance policy dedicated to covering hospitalization and treatment costs of the covid-19. There are various types of covid-19 health insurances online to choose from in India; such as the corona rakshak cover, corona kavach policy or better, you may even just get a comprehensive health insurance that also covers the coronavirus among other illnesses, diseases and healthcare benefits.

Health Insurance for Coronavirus (COVID 19) in India

2020 will be remembered as a crucial time in history. We’ve all evolved from being extremely fearful of the unknown to now learning how to live with it. This is the new normal as we all say today. It is now more crucial than ever to take necessary precautions to ensure we’re in the pinkest of both health and wealth.

The coronavirus hasn’t only brought to life a contagious virus but, also other repercussions such as financial instability and the global economic slowdown. This evidently means you don’t only have to protect yourself from the virus and other illnesses but, also ensure you are financially secure.

That’s why, today more than ever; getting a health insurance for COVID-19 is almost as necessary as it is for you to wash your hands! A coronavirus health insurance will help you manage your healthcare expenses and ensure you aren’t faced with any financial emergencies at such a time. 

Today, there are many health insurance policies covering the COVID-19. While some health insurance policies are customized to cover all illnesses including the coronavirus, some of them such as the Corona Kavach cover are specific to only covering treatments pertaining to the coronavirus.

Basis your healthcare and financial needs, you can learn more about each of them below, evaluate your choices and make a sound decision accordingly.

Health Insurance Plans in India What's great about Digit's Health Insurance that covers Coronavirus?

Simple online processes - From the process of buying a health insurance policy to making claims is paperless, easy, quick and hassle-free! No hard copies, even for claims! 

No Age-based or Zone-Based Co-payment - Our health insurance comes with no age-based or zone-based copayment. This means, during health insurance claims, you need not pay anything from your pocket. 

No Room Rent Restriction - We understand that everyone has different preferences. That’s why we have no room rent restrictions. Choose any hospital room you prefer. 

SI Wallet Benefit - If you exhaust your Sum Insured during the policy period, we refill it for you. 

Get treated at any hospital - Choose from 16400+ of our network hospitals in India for a cashless treatment or opt for a reimbursement. 

Wellness Benefits - Get exclusive wellness benefits on the Digit App in collaboration with top-rated health and wellness partners.

What’s covered in our Health Insurance?

Coverages

Double Wallet Plan

Infinity Wallet Plan

Worldwide Treatment Plan

Important Features

All Hospitalization - due to Accident, Illness, Critical Illness or COVID

This covers for all hospitalization expenses including due to an Illness, Accident, Critical Illness or even pandemics like Covid 19. It can be used to cover for multiple hospitalizations, as long as the total expenses are up to your sum insured.

Initial Waiting Period

You need to wait for a defined period from the first day of your policy to get covered for treatment related to any non-accidental illness. This is the Initial Waiting period.

Wellness Program

Exclusive Wellness Benefits like Home Healthcare, Tele consultations, Yoga and Mindfullness and many more available on our App.

Sum Insured Back Up

We provide a back-up Sum Insured which is 100% of your Sum Insured amount. How does Sum Insured Back Up work? Suppose your policy Sum Insured is Rs. 5 lac. You make a claim of Rs.50,000. Digit automatically triggers the wallet benefit. So you now have 4.5lac + 5 lac Sum Insured available for the year. However, one single claim, cannot be more than the base Sum Insured as in the above case, 5 lac. .

Once in a policy period Related and unrelated illness No Exhaustion Clause Same person also covered.
Unlimited Reinstatement in a policy period Related and unrelated illness No Exhaustion Clause Same person also covered.

Cumulative Bonus
digit_special Digit Special

No claims in the Policy year? You get a bonus -an additional amount in your total sum-insured for staying healthy & claim free!

10% of Base Sum Insured for every claim free year, up to max 100%.
50% of Base Sum Insured for every claim free year, up to max 100%.

Room Rent Capping

Different categories of rooms have different rents. Just like how hotel rooms have tarrifs. Digit plans give you the benefit of having no room rent cap, as long as it is below your Sum Insured..

Day Care Procedures

Health insurance covers medical expenses only for hospitalizations exceeding 24 hours. Day care procedures refer to medical treatments undertaken in a hospital, requiring less than 24 hours due to technological advancement such as cataract, dialysis etc.

Worldwide Coverage
digit_special Digit Special

Get a world class treatment with the Worldwide Coverage! If your doctor identifies an illness during your health examination in India and you wish to get a treatment abroad, then we’re there for you.You’re covered!

×
×

Health Check-up

We pay for your health check-up expenses upto the amount mentioned in your Plan. No restrictions on the kind of tests! Be it ECG or Thyroid Profile. Make sure you go through your policy schedule to check the claim limit.

0.25% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 1,000 after every two years.
0.25% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 1,500 after every year.

Emergency Air Ambulance Expenses

There may be emergency life-threatening health conditions which may require immediate transportation to hospital. We absolutely understand this and reimburse for expenses incurred for your transportation to a hospital in airplane or helicopter.

×

Age/Zone Based Co-payment
digit_special Digit Special

Co-Payment means a cost sharing requirement under a Health Insurance Policy that provides that the Policyholder/Insured will bear a specified percentage of the admissible claims amount. It does not reduce the Sum Insured. This percentage depends on various factors like age, or sometimes also on your treatment city called zone based copayment. In our plans, there is no age based or zone based Co payment involved.

No Co-payment
No Co-payment

Road Ambulance Expenses

Get reimbursed for the expenses of road ambulance, in case you are hospitalized.

1% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 10,000.
1% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 15,000.

Pre/Post Hospitalization

This cover is for all expenses before and after hospitalization such as for diagnosis, tests and recovery.

30/60 Days
60/180 Days

Other Features

Pre-Existing Disease (PED) Waiting Period

The disease or condition that you are already suffering with and have disclosed to us before taking the policy and has been accepted by us has a waiting period as per plan opted and mentioned in your Policy Schedule.

3 Years
3 Years
3 Years

Specific Illness Waiting Period

This is the amount of time you need to wait for, until you can make a claim for a specific illness. At Digit it is 2 years and starts from the day of policy activation. For the full list of exclusions, read Standard Exclusions (Excl02) of your policy wordings.

2 Years
2 Years
2 Years

Inbuilt Personal Accident Cover

If You sustain an Accidental Bodily Injury during the Policy Period, which is the sole and direct cause of Your Death within twelve (12) months from the date of accident, then We will pay 100% of the Sum Insured as mentioned in Policy Schedule against this cover and as per plan opted.

₹ 50,000
₹ 1,00,000
₹ 1,00,000

Organ Donor Expenses
digit_special Digit Special

Your organ donor gets covered in your policy. We also take care of the pre and post hospitalization expenses of the donor. Organ donating is one of the kindest deeds ever and we thought to ourselves, why not be a part of it!

Domiciliary Hospitalization

Hospitals can go out of beds, or the patient’s condition may be rough to get admitted in a hospital. Don’t panic! We cover you for the medical expenses even if you get treatment at home.

Bariatric Surgery

Obesity may be the root cause of so many health issues. We absolutely understand this, and cover for Bariatric Surgery when it is medically necessary and advised by your doctor. However, we DONOT cover if hospitalization for this treatment is for cosmetic reasons.

Psychiatric Illness

If due to a trauma, a member has to be hospitalized for a psychiatric treatment, it will be covered under this benefit, upto INR 1,00,000. However, OPD consultations are not covered under this. The waiting period for Psychiatric Illness Cover is same as Specific Illness waiting period.

Consumables Cover

Before, during & after hospitalization, there are many other medical aids & expenditures such as walking aids, crepe bandages, belts, etc.,which need your pocket’s attention.This cover takes care of these expenses that are otherwise excluded from the policy.

Available as an Add-On
Available as an Add-On
Available as an Add-On

What’s not Covered?

Pre-Natal & Post-Natal Expenses

Pre-natal and post-natal medical expenses, unless it leads to hospitalization.

Pre-Existing Diseases

In case of a pre-existing disease, unless the waiting period is over, the claim for that disease or illness cannot be made.

Hospitalization without Doctor’s Recommendation

Any condition you get hospitalized for, that doesn’t match with the doctor’s prescription is not covered.

Key benefits of Health Insurance by Digit

Co-payment No
Room Rent Capping    No
Cashless Hospitals   16400+ Network Hospitals across India  
Inbuilt Personal Accident Cover  Yes
Wellness Benefits Available from 10+ Wellness Partners
City Based Discount   Up to 10% Discount  
Worldwide Coverage  Yes*
Good Health Discount   Up to 5% Discount  
Consumables Cover   Available as an Add-on

*Available only on Worldwide Treatment Plan

How to file a Claim?

Reimbursement Claims - Let us know in case of a hospitalization within two days of admission at 1800-258-4242 or email us at healthclaims@godigit.com and we'll send you a link where you can upload your hospital bills and all relevant documents to process the reimbursement. 

Cashless Claims - Choose the network hospital. You can find the complete list of network hospitals here. Display e-health card to the hospital helpdesk and ask for the cashless request form. If all is good, your claim will be processed then and there.

If you have claimed for Coronavirus, make sure you have a positive test report from an authorized centre of ICMR – National Institute of Virology, Pune.

Claims FAQs - Hopitalization due to COVID-19

How to make a claim if you are detected with Coronavirus COVID-19?

If you are tested positive for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from any authorized centers of ICMR – National Institute of Virology, Pune and hospitalized for the treatment, intimate Digit immediately by calling at 1800-258-4242 or write to healthclaims@godigit.com. If you are a senior citizen, email us at: seniors@godigit.com

If you are tested positive for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from any authorized centers of ICMR – National Institute of Virology, Pune and hospitalized for the treatment, intimate Digit immediately by calling at 1800-258-4242 or write to healthclaims@godigit.com. If you are a senior citizen, email us at: seniors@godigit.com

How can I avail cashless claims facility for Coronavirus disease COVID-19?

Call Digit Toll-free number (1800-258-4242) for cashless intimation. We will then verify eligibility (if test is positive and hospitalization is done) and facilitate Cashless process.

Call Digit Toll-free number (1800-258-4242) for cashless intimation.

We will then verify eligibility (if test is positive and hospitalization is done) and facilitate Cashless process.

What are some of the details required at the time of intimating a claim to Digit?

Insured’s name Policy number Patient’s name Relationship with the Proposer Hospital name/ address Admission & discharge dates Diagnosis and treatment details Estimated/ Actual expense Employee ID number (If applicable)

  • Insured’s name
  • Policy number
  • Patient’s name
  • Relationship with the Proposer
  • Hospital name/ address
  • Admission & discharge dates
  • Diagnosis and treatment details
  • Estimated/ Actual expense
  • Employee ID number (If applicable)

What are the documents required for a reiburesment if one is detected with Coronavirus Disease COVID-19?

Discharge summary Consultation papers COVID-19 Positive test report(Approved from ICMR authorized labs) All other test reports Bank Details: Cancelled Cheque/ NEFT details Valid ID proof (PAN, Voter ID, DL, Passport. Adhaar not acceptable) All Original bills (Final bill, break up, Pharmacy and test bills, etc)

  • Discharge summary
  • Consultation papers
  • COVID-19 Positive test report(Approved from ICMR authorized labs)
  • All other test reports
  • Bank Details: Cancelled Cheque/ NEFT details
  • Valid ID proof (PAN, Voter ID, DL, Passport. Adhaar not acceptable)
  • All Original bills (Final bill, break up, Pharmacy and test bills, etc)

Is Coronavirus treatment covered if you already have an active health insurance policy?

Yes, if you already have an active health insurance policy by Digit then the treatment for coronavirus, i.e. pre and post hospitalization costs would be covered.

Yes, if you already have an active health insurance policy by Digit then the treatment for coronavirus, i.e. pre and post hospitalization costs would be covered.

Is there a waiting period for coronavirus to be covered under my standard health insurance policy?

No, apart from the initial 7-day waiting period (which is there for everything except accidental hospitalization) there is no additional waiting period required to claim for coronavirus.

No, apart from the initial 7-day waiting period (which is there for everything except accidental hospitalization) there is no additional waiting period required to claim for coronavirus.

Will loss of life be covered under the coverage for coronavirus?

No, this health insurance covering coronavirus only covers for hospitalization expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 treatment.

No, this health insurance covering coronavirus only covers for hospitalization expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 treatment.

Why should you get a Coronavirus health insurance now, more than ever?

Uncertainty around the COVID-19

You know, the reason we’re here is so we can be there for you in your uncertain moments! With so much uncertainty around, the one thing you can be sure of is that a health insurance will have your back when you need it!  

Financial Instability & Economic Slowdown

With the current economic slowdown, you need to be more prudent than ever about your financial decisions. A health insurance that covers for coronavirus and all other healthcare needs is the best thing you can do for your current and long-term financial security!

Tax Savings

A part of making smart financial decisions is saving on tax! Luckily, anyone who buys a health insurance for himself and his parents can claim for tax savings on the annual premium paid. It’s a win-win situation if you were to do the math!

Protects you from Critical Illnesses

Apart from covering for the coronavirus, a health insurance also safeguards you against other diseases and illnesses including critical illnesses that can often take a financial toll on anyone.

Peace of Mind

How do you feel when you know that someone will always have your back during unfortunate situations? Relived, right? With regards to your health too- you can count on a health insurance to have your back in times of need.

Make Smart Move

It’s possible that you’re someone who’s optimistic about your health and wealth. However, did you know that even if you don’t claim for anything, you get rewarded through benefits like a cumulative bonus? For every year you don’t make a claim, your total sum insured is increased without any extra cost! 

Health Insurance Options for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Health Insurance covering COVID-19

Today, most standard health insurance policies cover for coronavirus, despite it being a pandemic. If you’ve already got a health insurance, confirm and check with your insurer if the COVID-19 is covered or not.

If you haven’t got any health insurance yet then maybe this is the right time to evaluate your options and decide to get one to cover not only for the COVID-19 but, also for all your other healthcare needs in the long-term.

Corona Kavach Health Insurance

Affordable and specific to covering coronavirus treatments only, the Corona Kavach policy is a recently launched pocket-size health insurance designed to cover for expenses pertaining to treating the coronavirus.

There is only a one-time premium for the same. This includes hospitalization expenses, homecare treatments and AYUSH treatments, depending on what your medical practitioner prescribes for you.

Corona Rakshak Health Insurance

The Corona Kavach is a similar, pocket-size health insurance to cover for only the coronavirus. Here too, you have to pay the premium only at the time of purchase.

However, instead of opting for cashless treatments or getting expenses reimbursed, the corona rakshak is a lumpsum cover wherein, if you are infected with the virus, you will get the complete sum insured as a lumpsum amount.

Group Health Insurance – Coronavirus Cover

Given the situation today, it is recommended that all organizations big and small provide a group health insurance for their employees.

However, we understand that some small businesses may not be able to afford comprehensive health plans, they can instead opt for Illness Specific Covers for their employees against the coronavirus.

 

FAQs about Digit’s Health Insurance for COVID-19

Is Coronavirus treatment covered if you already have an active health insurance policy?

Yes, if you already have an active health insurance policy by Digit then the treatment for coronavirus, i.e. pre and post hospitalization costs would be covered.

Is there a waiting period for coronavirus to be covered under my standard health insurance policy?

No, apart from the initial 7-day waiting period (which is there for everything except accidental hospitalization) there is no additional waiting period required to claim for coronavirus.

Will loss of life be covered under the coverage for coronavirus?

No, this health insurance covering coronavirus only covers for hospitalization expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 treatment.

Is there a room rent cap for coronavirus related hospitalization?

This primarily depends on the type of policy you choose. With Digit’s Comfort option there is no room rent cap, which means you can choose any room you like.

Is loss of income covered in a health insurance policy covering coronavirus?

No, this health insurance policy doesn’t cover loss of income. However, it does provide the daily hospital cash benefit that can be used for day-to-expenses that incur when you or a family member is admitted into the hospital.

Difference between COVID Specific Insurance Policies and Comprehensive Health Insurance Policy?

Coronavirus Insurance (COVID-only policies like Corona Kavach, Corona Rakshak) Health Insurance Covering Coronavirus (Comprehensive Health Insurance Policies)
A coronavirus cover or coronavirus insurance is usually offered as a pocket size insurance policy to cover for costs ONLY for treatment pertaining to the COVID-19. Depending on your insurer, it could either be a lumpsum amount paid during claims or offered as a reimbursement based on your hospital bills. A health insurance that covers coronavirus means your health insurance policy ALSO covers for coronavirus among other illnesses and diseases. You don’t have to buy a separate cover or policy for the same. It is all inclusive in your health insurance.
A coronavirus insurance is a short-term policy and the policy is no longer valid after a claim. A health insurance is a long-term policy (you can choose from 1 year to multi-year plans) and you can claim as many times in a year, as long as your total claims don’t go above your total sum insured.
Apart from covering for coronavirus, there are no other additional benefits of a coronavirus insurance. Apart from covering for coronavirus, a standard health insurance policy also comes with other benefits such as maternity and newborn baby cover, OPD, Daycare procedures and more.cover, OPD.
The premium for a coronavirus insurance may be lesser since it is a specific cover to one disease only. The health insurance premium that covers coronavirus would be similar to that of what a standard health insurance premium will cost. The premium will largely depend on your age, location and sum insured chosen.

Difference between a Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak Coronavirus health insurance?

Corona Kavach Corona Rakshak
Policy type Corona Kavach is a covid-indemnity plan that helps one get their hospital bills covered when they’re being treated for the covid-19. Corona Rakshak is a covid-benefit policy. Here, a lumpsum benefit is offered instead of getting specific hospital bills covered, i.e. the insured receives the entire sum insured if they are to be treated for the virus.
Sum Insured Choose between minimum Rs 50,000 and maximum, Rs 5 lakhs. Choose between minimum Rs 50,000 to maximum, Rs 2.5 lakhs.
Hospitalization terms One can claim through their Corona Kavach cover if they need hospitalization for more than 24-hours. One can only claim through their Corona Rakshak and receive the lumpsum if the hospitalization required exceeds 72-hours.
Type of plans available In Corona Kavach, one can choose between a family floater and individual plan. In a Corona Rakshak cover, you can only opt for an individual plan, there is no option for a family floater.
Additional benefits In a Corona Kavach policy, you can also opt for a daily hospital cash cover wherein you can receive 0.5% of your sum insured for each day of hospitalization. There are no additional benefits or covers available in a Corona Rakshak policy.

FAQs about Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak Policies

Which coronavirus health insurance will be the best for me?

This depends on whether you already have an existing health insurance policy or not.

If I have an existing health insurance, do I still need to get a Corona Kavach or Corona Rakshak cover as well?

If you have an existing health insurance policy, check if it covers the COVID-19. If it doesn’t, you can choose to get either the Corona Kavach or Corona Rakshak based on your needs and preferences.

However, if your health insurance already covers the COVID-19 but you still want additional coverage, you can go for a lumpsum benefit like the Corona Rakshak.

What is the waiting period for the Corona Kavach policy?

There is an initial waiting period of 15-days for the Corona Kavach policy.

What is the waiting period for the Corona Rakshak policy?

The waiting period for the Corona Rakshak policy is of 15-days from the date you purchase your policy.

What is the waiting period for the Illness Specific Cover?

There is only an initial waiting period of 15-days for employers to benefit from their Illness Specific cover.

Does the corona kavach and corona rakshak cover hospitalization outside India too?

No, currently these policies only cover hospitalization and treatment expenses within India.

Are quarantine expenses covered in Corona Kavach or Corona Rakshak cover?

No, quarantine expenses are not covered in Corona Kavach or Corona Rakshak. Only hospitalization expenses arising due to the treatment of the COVID-19 are covered.

Is loss of income covered in Corona Rakshak or Corona Kavach?

No, loss of income is not covered in both Corona Rakshak or Corona Kavach. However, since the Corona Rakshak policy is a lumpsump-benefit policy (you receive the complete sum insured if you are to be hospitalized for more than 72 hours), it is possible that it may cover for expenses pre and post-hospitalization as well. 

Is OPD covered in Corona Rakshak or Corona Kavach?

No, OPD is not covered under these covers. The Corona Rakshak and Corona Kavach only cover for hospitalization expenses. However, OPD would be covered in your standard health insurance covering coronavirus.

Learn more about Health Insurance with OPD

Is homecare treatment covered under Corona Rakshak or Corona Kavach?

Homecare treatment is covered in Corona Kavach, but only if your medical practitioner has prescribed homecare treatment, with government-approved practices in place. You can find more details about what this entails here.

Are road ambulance charges covered in Corona Kavach?

Yes, road ambulance charges are covered under the Corona Kavach policy.

Are there any add-on covers available in Corona Kavach?

Yes, there is one add-on available in the Corona Kavach policy, i.e. Daily Hospital Cash.

Are there any add-on covers available in Corona Rakshak?

No, there are no add-ons included in a Corona Rakshak policy.

Important things to know about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What is coronavirus?

The 2020 buzz word...coronavirus! The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. It is spread primarily by droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Most people infected by the COVID-19 experience only mild to moderate symptoms and respiratory illnesses and recover without any special treatment.

However, older people or those with other underlying health conditions are more likely to develop serious illnesses.

Symptoms of the COVID-19

  • Most common symptoms - Fever, Dry cough, Tiredness/Fatigue
  • Less common symptoms - Sore throat, Aches and pains, Diarrhea, Conjunctivitis, Loss of taste and smell, Headaches, A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
  • Serious symptoms - Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, Chest pain/pressure, Loss of speech or movement

Note: 

  • Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.
  • People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy can manage their symptoms at home.
  • On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days too. 

(Source: WHO)

Cure, Treatment

Currently, there is no specific treatment or cure for the novel coronavirus. However, most symptoms can be treated, and treatment is provided as per the patient’s clinical condition.

The good news is that despite that, most people recover from the coronavirus and sometimes, younger and healthier people will only hardly face mild symptoms and recover on their own once the virus runs its course and is eliminated from their body.

Mortality and Recovery Rate

Despite how all the negativity surrounding the COVID-19, the glimmer of hope is that its mortality rate is actually very less, that of almost and in most countries is on a decline as of now.

The average mortality rate in the world currently stands at 5.96% while India’s current mortality rate is now at 2.8% and recovery rate in India is at 48% (as of 5th of June 2020).

Precautions measures

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, use the crook of your arm or inner elbow.
  • Maintain social distancing when you’re outside, or in your work place and ensure you wear your mask outside your home, whenever you’re around people.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • It’s always safe take that effort to sanitize anything that comes from outside, with sanitizing wipes or a cloth and some sanitizer could work too.
  • Even though the lockdown has been relaxed now, it is best to stay at home as much as you can and only step out for essentials. If you’re looking for a quick quarantine guide or things to do at home, download our guide here, and follow our in-house ouch potato for some fun yet educational content. 

What is the difference between Quarantine, Self-Isolation, and Social Distancing?

You’ve probably been hearing all these words quite a bit and if you’ve ever wondered what the difference between them all is, here’s a quick overview for you to understand them better.

Quarantine Self-Isolation Social Distancing
Quarantine refers to the period of time where you need to be isolated and kept under observation – this can either be done at home or at a covid facility provided by your government or healthcare provider. People who have recently traveled, have been in some form of contact with a covid positive patient or are showing symptoms of the virus are usually kept under quarantine for at least up to 14 days. Self-isolation is a voluntary protective measure you should take if you’ve recently traveled or are suspicious of having contracted the virus at any point. This simply means you isolate yourself from others at home and outside, so that you don’t have even the slightest chance of being a carrier of the virus. Social distancing is a preventive measure we all must take whenever we step out of our homes. This simply means keeping at least 1 meter physical distance between people and reducing the number of times you may come in close contact with other people.

FAQs about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Is it mandatory to wear a face mask outside?

Yes, it is and in fact in most countries this is the new norm. Everyone wearing a face mask will reduce the risk of the virus spreading. This is because a mask helps prevent the transmission of droplets (when an infected person coughs, sneezes, etc.)

How long will it take for the coronavirus vaccination?

To be honest, there is no specific timeline for this. Vaccinations usually take a long time to develop completely. While many researchers are working on initial testing periods, experts say a vaccination will probably take at least up to 12 to 18 months. 

What are essential businesses?

You’ve probably heard about essential businesses and services a lot in the lockdown. Universally speaking, essential businesses include all those that are required for basic day to day functioning, such as pharmacies, grocery stores, petrol bunks, banks and other financial services, mail and delivery services, convenience stores, poultry stores, etc.

What doesn’t come under essential businesses are largely recreational and entertainment services such as malls, gyms, cinema halls, and retail stores which are said to remain closed until things are more stable. (depending on each state’s change in regulations and restrictions).

How to get tested for the coronavirus in India?

Typically, it is only recommended that people who have traveled recently/have been in contact with a covid-19 positive/ are essential workers or healthcare providers too/ and are showing symptoms to test for the coronavirus.

The same can now be done in both government hospitals and through private healthcare providers as well. Here is a list of some testing labs in India.

If you aren’t sure of where you stand on the risk scale, you can check our coronavirus symptom checker.

What is herd immunity with respect to coronavirus?

According to John Hopkins University, herd immunity means when a population is immune to an infectious disease, it provides indirect protection to those who are not immune.

This typically happens when there is a vaccine that helps most of the population to be immune and hence stop the spread.

I am pregnant, is it safe for me to go out, such as for my regular check-ups to the hospital/clinic?

We understand that this may be a stressful time for you given the situation and your personal health right now. It is recommended to take virtual visits, if your OBGYN is offering the same.

However, some check-ups require personal care such as blood tests and ultrasounds and you can go for them, by taking all necessary precautions. 

A lot of things in my city have now opened. Is it okay to go out now?

While many cities have now opened up due to the economic slowdown, it is still not recommended to go outside. Coronavirus cases are only rising every day. It’s best to stay at home and only step out for things that are necessary.

What should I do if I need to visit the doctor?

Telemedicine is now legal in India and most doctors are offering their services online. It’s best to first opt for a virtual consultation and if required and specified by your doctor, you can make a physical appointment as well.

Are cloth face masks safe to use?

A lot of brands are now coming up with their own cloth-based face masks. Yes, this is perfectly safe to use. However, please make sure to wash your hands before and after use and, wash it with warm water once you’ve returned from outside.

What do you mean by asymptomatic in coronavirus?

You’ve probably heard the word asymptomatic more than once. Asymptomatic refers to a person who may seem healthy and is not experiencing any symptoms but is still a carrier of the virus.