Chennai pulses with life, where commerce meets culture in a vibrant mix. From historic temples to colourful celebrations, it enchants every visitor and local alike. As per the Greater Chennai Corporation (local body), the health services in Chennai are provided through 138 Urban primary health care centres, 14 secondary care urban communities and 3 greater Chennai maternity hospitals. Further, there are networks of private hospitals which support the health ecosystem.
The city of Chennai has a history of dealing with waterborne, airborne, and vector-borne diseases. These include Cholera, Typhoid fever, Viral Hepatitis, Chicken pox, Measles, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya etc. Further Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, depression and diabetes are rising at a nominal rate. Taking care of your health should be the first and foremost priority, to enable you to live a quality life.
Given the health infrastructure in Chennai, the primary and secondary treatment of diseases are covered preemptively with minimal or free-cost treatments of diseases. However, various factors such as critical illness, accident, and communicable as well as non-communicable diseases can take a serious form at times. At that moment, momentary money is an essential need, along with the right place for treatment and correct guidance. This is where a health insurance policy comes in to safeguard you and your family in times of need.
Below are a few of the common health issues in Chennai:
Dengue is a recurring public health concern in Chennai, especially during the monsoon season. Transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the disease can lead to severe symptoms like high fever, joint pain, and in some cases, hemorrhagic complications. The city's tropical climate and water stagnation contribute to mosquito breeding, increasing the risk of outbreaks. Preventive measures and timely medical attention are crucial to managing the spread.
Malaria, another mosquito-borne disease, is transmitted by a female Anopheles mosquito bite which has been infected through a blood meal taken from an infected person. A single infected vector, during her lifetime, may infect several persons. After about a week of taking an infected blood meal mosquitoes can transmit malaria. This is known as vector transmission.
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral disease of major public health importance in India because of its epidemic potential, high case fatality rate and presence of life–long complications in survivors. The nature of this disease is seasonal. It is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the genus Flavivirus. JE is a paediatric problem affecting mainly 1- 15-year-olds. However, in areas where JE has not been reported earlier, all age groups may be affected during an outbreak due to a lack of immunity.
Diabetes is a growing health concern in India, particularly in urban centres such as Chennai. This sharp rise is linked to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, stress, and genetic predisposition. As per the Journal of Diabetology under the study of Diabesity in 2023, out of 1138 participants, 43% had diabetes.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is another major non-communicable disease affecting the Indian population. Like diabetes, its prevalence is also rising rapidly due to urbanisation and lifestyle changes. Often, hypertension and diabetes co-exist, compounding the risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, and other complications.
The following are the benefits of buying health insurance online in Chennai:
In India, social security is undervalued. Recently there has been a rising awareness regarding retirement, savings, SIPs and many more. Yet, health insurance should be kept in mind to mitigate the risk of accidental injury or contingent disease.
Health insurance serves as a backup option, in case you have to incur health-related expenditures. It also covers critical illnesses which might cost a ton to you if you would have chosen a normal route to treatment.
Health insurance premiums offer tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. You can claim up to ₹25,000 for yourself and your family and an additional ₹50,000 for senior citizen parents.
Various add-ons such as hospital cash facility, pre-hospitalization procedures, and post-hospitalization care are provided as per your needs. Further, as per your specifications or pre-existing conditions, you can pick a tailored policy which suits you the best in the long term.
There are numerous insurers today in the market which offer various ranges of health insurance policies. Coverfox helps you to compare policies in a few clicks and you can easily decide the one that suits you.
The following are the types of Health Insurance available in Chennai:
This health insurance is suited, tailored, picked and purchased by you. If you're aware of hereditary diseases in your family, you can easily get coverage by selecting your age and providing details of any existing or past health conditions.
Under a family floater plan, a single health insurance policy is offered to a full family. This can be understood as an umbrella policy, where everyone is covered. If any family member has met with an accident, the claim will be processed under the family floater plan you have selected.
Critical illness insurance is a type of health coverage that provides a lump-sum payout if one is diagnosed with a serious illness listed in the policy, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This amount can be used for treatment, recovery, or daily expenses during the illness.
A Top-up plan covers medical expenses above a fixed deductible limit per claim. Super Top-up plan covers total expenses above the deductible in a year, even if incurred over multiple claims. Super Top-ups are generally more practical as they consider cumulative bills, not just single hospitalizations.
As the name suggests this type of policy is for aged individuals. This often consists of higher premiums, since they pose a major risk to health. Senior citizens are vulnerable to various diseases and accidents.
The health insurance coverage in Chennai depends on your disposable income limit i.e. the money left with you after making all the expenses. If there is enough proportion left from your income a health insurance policy covering a sum of 5 lakh- 50 lakh is a basic requirement.
If your disposable income doesn’t allow you to make contributions towards health insurance schemes as per your needs, you can avail of Government health insurance schemes for your health security.
Being an NRI( Non-resident Indian) is not a limitation in purchasing your health insurance. You can purchase various policies and schemes for your family and yourself. Provided you have citizenship proof and a working Indian mobile number to register your details and buy the policy online hassle-free.
Here are the key benefits of getting health insurance in Chennai:
With health insurance, policyholders can access timely medical care without financial delays, ensuring quicker recovery and reduced health risks.
Many policies now include mental health treatment, supporting psychiatric consultations, therapies, and medications.
Health insurance protects against unexpected medical expenses, reducing the burden of high hospital bills and long-term treatments.
Cashless treatment at a wide network of partner hospitals in Chennai ensures convenience and hassle-free care during emergencies.
Offers a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of serious illnesses like cancer or heart disease, helping manage treatment and lifestyle costs.
Covers expenses incurred before admission (like diagnostics) and after discharge (like follow-ups and medications), enhancing overall coverage.
Below are the things covered in a health insurance plan:
Below are the things that are not covered in a health insurance plan in Chennai:
Below are the reasons to buy health insurance in Chennai:
Covers treatment for illnesses like flu, dengue, and viral infections common during seasonal changes.
Includes support for conditions like depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.
Offers a lump sum payout on diagnosis of serious illnesses like cancer, heart attack, or stroke.
Reduces out-of-pocket expenses and safeguards your savings during medical emergencies.
Access to a wide range of empanelled hospitals for quality care with easy claim processing.
Enables treatment without upfront payments; bills are settled directly by the insurer.
Below are pointers you need to remember while purchasing health insurance in Chennai:
Disclose pre-existing conditions to ensure smooth claim settlement and appropriate coverage.
Select plans based on whether you need coverage just for yourself or your entire family.
Health insurance premiums qualify for tax deductions under Section 80D, reducing your taxable income.
Consider plans that cover common local illnesses like dengue and chikungunya for better protection.
Enhance your policy with add-ons like maternity benefits, critical illness cover, or daily hospital cash.
Buying a Health Insurance policy online in Delhi can be done within a few minutes. Below are the steps for the same:
Below are the tips to find the best health insurance policy in Chennai:
Review and compare coverage, premiums, and benefits from different insurers to find the best fit.
Ensure the insurer has a wide network of hospitals in Chennai for easy cashless treatment.
Choose plans that cover a variety of treatments, including critical illnesses, mental health, and pre/post-hospitalization.
Read the fine print carefully to know about waiting periods, exclusions, and claim procedures.
Opt for insurers with high claim settlement ratios and positive customer feedback.
The are two processes to claim health insurance in Delhi as mentioned below:
Ans: The best health insurance in Chennai is the one which meets your budget and coverage needs.
Ans: Yes, there are family floater plans to cover you and your family in Chennai.
Ans: If treated in a non-network Chennai hospital, you'll need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later.
Ans: Starting as early as possible from the legal age to buy insurance is beneficial.
Ans: No, ₹2 lakh health insurance is generally not sufficient in Chennai due to rising medical costs and hospitalisation expenses.
Ans: You can visit our website’s health insurance section to get quotes within minutes as per your requirements.
