Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Health Insurance Coverage / Celebrate Christmas and New Year with Health Insurance Coverage

Celebrate Christmas and New Year with Health Insurance Coverage

Team AckoJun 20, 2024

Health insurance provides invaluable peace of mind during medical emergencies by covering hospital bills, sparing individuals from the financial burden. It serves as a crucial safety net, relieving the stress of arranging or depleting personal savings to meet healthcare costs.

Given the challenges posed by the recent pandemic, the importance of health insurance has been underscored, as it ensures access to essential medical services without worrying about the financial implications.

This Christmas and New Year, consider the gift of health insurance for yourself or a loved one. It's a practical and thoughtful gesture that not only safeguards against unforeseen medical expenses but also prioritises well-being in an uncertain world. This article will show how you can celebrate Christmas and New Year with Health Insurance Coverage.

Celebrate

Contents

Reasons Why You Need Health Insurance this New Year and Christmas:
How to Celebrate Christmas and New Year Safely During Covid-19?
Healthy Ways to Celebrate Christmas and New Year:
Celebrate Within a Budget:
Why Do You Need COVID-19 Health Insurance Coverage?
Importance of Health Insurance:
Health Insurance Considerations
Risks of Not Having a Covid 19 Health Insurance Plan
- Getting Timely Care
Things to Remember:
Frequently Asked Questions:

Reasons Why You Need Health Insurance this New Year and Christmas:

Health insurance provides a host of useful coverages if you buy a policy that is most suitable to you and the family’s needs. The insurance company can be a friend in need during a medical emergency. Under the terms and conditions of most Health Insurance companies, you will be covered for treatment before, during, and after you get hospitalized. Small procedures which require less than 24 hours of hospitalization, for example, Cataract surgery, dialysis, tonsillitis, etc. are also covered.

Additionally, any approved medical treatment availed at home, teleconsultations, organ donation expenses, ambulance charges, dental treatment due to an accident, cosmetic surgery due to an accident, AYUSH benefits, maternity and childbirth, health insurance for the newborn baby, and more, can be covered under the policy. Thus, you need health insurance and New Year and Christmas seems like one of the best times to secure your finances.

How to Celebrate Christmas and New Year Safely During Covid-19?

Christmas and New Year are joyful times of the year, and we simply love to celebrate them with friends and family. The usual way of celebrating at an event is to invite people over and throw a party. But the world is under a health crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic has its lingering effects on us. Here are a few ways in which you can still keep the spirits up and celebrate Christmas and New Year:

Instead of inviting a lot of people, consider keeping the guest list to the minimum. A close circle of friends and the dearest family members should make up the list. This will also help you comply with government regulations related to the number of people allowed at an event.
Book external venues and go for a small party outside. Don’t forget to place a special request to sanitize the frequently touched surface before and after the party at the venue.
If you choose to celebrate at home, sanitize any party items that are bought from outside with a sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Things like plastic packaging, cardboard boxes, etc. can contain the virus. Thoroughly sanitize any items of decoration as well. Especially the Christmas tree if it was on display at the shop.
Request your guests to follow all safety measures when they arrive at your house. Install hand sanitizers at various places like the entrance of the house, the kitchen, the washroom, party area, etc. Request your guests to wear a mask and wash their hands for at least 20 seconds when they arrive.
Ensure that the venue (both outside or at home) has a good ventilation system in place.
Keep the music to the minimum to discourage people from shouting. Avoid karaoke at the party.
Take care of the pets in the house. Ensure minimum contact with guests who may have been previously infected.

Healthy Ways to Celebrate Christmas and New Year:

Most people let themselves loose in terms of unhealthy habits during the holiday season. You tend to just let it go when “it feels like Christmas”. But going overboard can have a dramatic effect on your health. This is the time when you need to hold yourself a little when it comes to your eating, drinking and smoking habits.

Consider keeping the alcohol levels to the minimum when at a party. Continuous ingestion can have bad short terms as well as long term effects on one’s health.

Do not drink and drive. It can prove to be fatal for you and for anyone else on the road.

Avoid smoking when consuming alcohol. The combined effect this has on your health can be extreme. Ensure that you are eating well when drinking. Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach can result in hyperacidity and headaches.

Avoid too much oily food, for example, deep-fried Indian starters. They are highly tempting and thus, keep the portion size to a minimum. Basically, avoid overeating in the holiday season. And if you are not drinking then eat only when you are truly hungry.

Follow a detox diet after a party. Begin your day with fresh fruit juices and raw vegetables. Drink plenty of water, as it will cleanse your system of any remnants of the last-night party. Eat meals that are rich in fibre.

Celebrate Within a Budget:

Celebrating on a budget is a great idea to have all the fun without spending a lot of money. This could be ideal in today’s situation where people are facing a financial crisis and may not be able to pitch in for a huge party. Here are tips to celebrate Christmas and New Year on a budget:

Keep the guest list to the minimum. Invite only those people who truly matter to you and your family.
Avoid booking a special venue for the party. Consider inviting people to your house.
Cook food at home. This can be less expensive as compared to ordering from outside.
Consider organising potlucks. This is where your guests can help with the food. Request your guests to bring one food item enough for everyone at the party.
Consider minimum decorations and the ones that can be reused.

Also, check; organ transplant expenses cover in health insurance

Why Do You Need COVID-19 Health Insurance Coverage?

We are in the middle of a full-fledged pandemic. Even if you take precautionary measures, there are chances that you might get infected. The cost of treating COVID-19 could significantly drain your savings and may as well demand more money for treatment as the virus can spread easily from one family member to another. COVID-19 Health Insurance Coverage can provide a helping hand during this time. COVID-19 health insurance provides coverage for hospitalization, at-home treatment, AYUSH benefit, pre and post hospitalization, etc. You can choose a COVID-19 family health plan or a separate cover for yourself to get financial help if you or your family tests positive for Coronavirus.

Importance of Health Insurance:

Health insurance is an ultimate financial back up when you face a medical emergency. Be it from an unpredictable accident or an illness. Health insurance ensures that you receive timely treatment at a quality health care facility and thus you recover at a faster rate. Without adequate insurance coverage, a person would have to use the savings or arrange money to clear medical bills. This could further delay availing treatment and the medical issue can escalate. Thus, health insurance is highly important to secure your finances and ensure treatment in a timely manner irrespective of the pandemic.

Health Insurance Considerations

To choose the right healthcare plan, you need to start by assessing your healthcare needs as well as those of your dependents. This involves considering factors such as age, pre-existing conditions and the frequency of medical care required. By doing this, you can determine the level of coverage that you need.

Once you have done that, the next step is to evaluate the healthcare providers' network offered by different insurance plans. It's essential to ensure that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are included in the network to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Compare the Cost

When choosing a health insurance plan, it's important to take into account the cost. You should compare premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance across different plans to make an informed decision.

Keep in mind that a plan with lower premiums may have higher out-of-pocket costs when receiving medical care. So, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each plan before making a final decision.

Coverage Benefits

Review the coverage benefits provided by each plan, including services such as prescription drugs, preventive care, maternity care, mental health services, and rehabilitation services. Look for any exclusions or limitations that may impact your healthcare needs.

Research the customer satisfaction ratings, complaint records, and financial strength ratings from independent rating agencies. A reputable insurer with a strong financial standing is more likely to provide reliable coverage and timely claims processing.

Additional Benefits

Consider any additional benefits or perks offered by the insurance plan, such as wellness programs, telemedicine services, or discounts on gym memberships. These extras can enhance the value of the plan and contribute to your overall healthcare experience. Examine the plan's policy regarding pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, and coverage for experimental or alternative treatments. Ensure that the plan's policies align with your healthcare needs and preferences.

Risks of Not Having a Covid 19 Health Insurance Plan

Financially, without adequate insurance coverage, individuals may face hefty medical bills if they contract COVID-19 and require hospitalisation or intensive care. The costs associated with COVID-19 treatment, including hospitalisation, medications, diagnostic tests, and doctor's fees, can be substantial, especially for those without insurance.

Without coverage, individuals may be forced to pay out-of-pocket for these expenses, potentially leading to financial strain or even bankruptcy.

Without a good COVID-19 health insurance plan, individuals may lack access to crucial services such as telemedicine, which has become increasingly important during the pandemic for remote consultations and monitoring of symptoms. This can hinder their ability to receive timely medical advice and support, particularly for individuals in high-risk groups or those living in remote areas.

Getting Timely Care

Without insurance, individuals may be less likely to seek timely medical care if they experience COVID-19 symptoms. Fear of high medical costs could deter people from getting tested or seeking treatment promptly, which not only puts their health at risk but also increases the likelihood of spreading the virus to others.

Moreover, the financial burden of COVID-19 treatment without insurance can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, minorities, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

These groups may already face disparities in access to healthcare, and the lack of insurance coverage for COVID-19 only worsens these inequalities.

Things to Remember:

Here are a few things to remember from the above article:

Christmas and New year are amazing times of the year. However, be cautious while celebrating, especially with loved ones.
Take care of your health during the holiday season as one may ignore their health while celebrating.
Budget parties are equally fun and you can arrange them this Christmas and New year.
Special health insurance for COVID-19 will take care of you and your family financially.
Health insurance can be highly valuable to secure your savings and avail proper treatment during a medical crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are a few commonly asked questions:

How to renew health insurance during Christmas?

If your health insurance policy is expiring this Christmas, then you can renew it by getting in touch with the insurance company. If the policy is available online, you can visit the insurance company’s website, look for suitable cover, read the terms and conditions, and make payment to receive a renewed health insurance policy.

What is the difference between Individual and Family Floater health insurance plans?

The major difference between Individual and Family Floater health insurance plans is that the former will offer insurance coverage only to the policyholder and the latter will extend the covers to the policyholder’s family as well.

Are multiple health insurance covers allowed?

Yes, as per new rules one can buy more than one health insurance plan and can create a full-fledged health insurance portfolio. This ensures maximum financial back during a medical emergency.

Is health insurance expensive?

The cost of your health insurance policy will depend on your health, lifestyle, type of health insurance chosen, and add-on covers. The cost of the policy also depends upon the number of insured members covered under the plan. More the coverages and insured persons more will be the cost of the health insurance policy.

Is it okay to host a large party if I buy COVID-19 Health insurance?

No, even if you are financially covered with a COVID-19 health insurance policy, the risk associated with the diseases is not worth taking. Plus, you are exposing people in a large group to an equal risk, and they might not be covered under a COVID-19 health insurance plan.

Disclaimer: *Except for exclusions like maternity benefits, undisclosed diseases, etc. Please check policy wordings for more details.

**The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet; and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content and before making any insurance-related decisions.