Coimbatore, the “Manchester of South India”, is fast emerging as a prominent destination for quality healthcare and holistic wellness. The city boasts over 1,000 hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centres, including several multi-speciality institutions like PSG Hospitals, KMCH, and Ganga Hospital, attracting patients from across Tamil Nadu and even neighbouring states. Coimbatore now has 64 Urban Health & Wellness Centres, with 45 operational and 19 pending inauguration. Although there are an ample number of healthcare facilities in the city, not everyone can afford them. Here’s where health insurance kicks in. Let us see the need and importance of health insurance in Coimbatore, and where you can get the best deals for healthcare insurance.
The city of Coimbatore faces many health problems, and lifestyle diseases are one of the major threats to health here. Here are the most common health issues in Coimbatore:
The prevalence of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is pretty evident in the city of Coimbatore. Hypertension is one of the lifestyle diseases that is affecting the city. In May 2022, over 72,000 cases of lifestyle diseases, which include hypertension and diabetes, were registered in Coimbatore (Health Department of Tamil Nadu). In a survey report, 49.9% of bus drivers of public transport were found to be hypertensive.
Diabetes is one of the most dangerous health problems caused due to lifestyle diseases. The irregularity of glucose levels leads to diabetes. Amongst the 72,000 cases of lifestyle diseases in 2022, 37,678 were diabetic (Health Department of TN). According to a study by Texila International Journal of Public Health Special Issue- 2024, 1/3rd of the surveyed population is affected by diabetes in Coimbatore.
Bad food habits, sedentary lifestyle, and limited physical activity all lead to obesity. Obesity in Coimbatore is more prevalent in women than in men. Observational evidence suggests every second woman in urban Coimbatore fits this profile (NHS REPORT). Obesity can lead to various serious diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Government data from 13 hospitals shows a yearly rise of 2–4% in breast and cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer cases: 484 (2022‑23) → 726 (2023‑24) → 1,164 (2024‑25). Breast cancer cases: 517 → 623 → 842. Lung cancer is another leading concern in the city, with the main cause being tobacco consumption.
As the city is situated near the river Noyyal, and is blessed with ample amounts of rain, waterlogging and stagnant water are major concerns, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. There has been a rise in dengue cases, with some areas like Saravanampatti, Kalapatti, and P N Pudur identified as hotspots. Reports suggest that more than 1300 cases were registered for dengue in 2023 itself.
Here’s why health insurance is your support system in times of need:
As technology and science progress, so does the price of getting healthcare. Although the healthcare may not be as high as in metropolitan areas, it is still not accessible to many due to the rising costs. Health insurance ensures you get access to proper medical care, because money should not be the reason for not getting healthcare.
Most insurers have network hospitals around Coimbatore. These hospitals provide top-notch healthcare. You can have access to these hospitals at a low premium cost if you have health insurance plans.
Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are more common than you think in Coimbatore. These diseases take a toll on your wallet, as they require constant medicines and care over a long time. Treating these diseases will cost you a lump sum, which you can save by having health insurance.
Coimbatore is exposed to floods and waterlogging due to its proximity to the river Noyyal and high rainfall. 2024’s floods are a prime example of this. This creates stagnant water and grounds for the breeding of mosquitoes. Dengue, Malaria and Chikungunya are the vector-borne diseases that affect the city. Having protection against vector-borne disease in your healthcare plan is a good idea.
Due to a wide network of hospitals tied up with insurers, you can gain access to cashless claims – no hassle of carrying money around when you are sick. If you have health insurance and get treated at a networked hospital, you do not need to take care of the bill; just fill out the claims form, and the bill will be settled between the hospital and the insurer.
Health insurance plans in Coimbatore include:
This type of coverage plan covers health insurance for your entire family.
This type of insurance covers an individual person only.
Customise your base insurance plan with add-ons like Room Rent Waiver, OPD Cover, Accidental Disability Cover, etc.
Available for severe diseases like strokes, organ failure, cancer, etc.
An insurance plan available specially for the elderly and aged people.
Inclusions and Exclusions of Health Insurance in Coimbatore are:
Inclusions | Exclusions |
---|---|
Add-ons: Optional and customisable |
Injuries due to war, terrorism, or hazardous activities |
Claim Process: Easy cashless transactions through network hospitals or reimbursement process |
Non-medical expenses like toiletries or administrative charges |
Facility Benefits: Covers room rent, pre- & post-existing diseases (as per terms), organ donor expenses, and free health check-up |
Illnesses during the initial waiting period (30–90 days) |
Hospital & Treatment Expenses: Includes daycare procedures, maternity expenses, OPD cover, ICU charges, and ambulance charges |
Cosmetic surgeries and aesthetic treatments |
Pre & Post Hospitalisation (30 to 60 days) |
Dental and oral treatments (unless due to an accident) |
Sum Insured: ₹5 lakh to ₹6 crore |
Pre-existing conditions during the waiting period |
Tax Benefits: Under Section 80D |
Substance abuse-related complications |
In Coimbatore, you can get health insurance online through Coverfox by:
NOTE: You can ask for a call from Coverfox to help and guide you in buying a health insurance policy. Just click on “Call me” to connect to an excellent support staff.
Renewal process for health insurance online in Coimbatore is easy, just follow these steps:
You would need these documents to buy or renew a health insurance plan in Coimbatore:
In Coimbatore, there are 2 types of claims that you can file for which include:
While purchasing a health insurance policy in Coimbatore, look out for these tips:
Know what your inclusions and exclusions are
Check for the waiting period for pre-existing conditions, maternity, and specific treatments
Look out for cashless hospitals that are available in your area
The Sum insured should cover for entire treatment, so choose accordingly
Balance cost with the coverage offered
Go for insurers with high claim success rates
Consider critical illness, maternity, or room rent waivers
Check if you can switch plans without loss of benefits
Look for annual check-up benefits.
Coimbatore is an urban area and has a generally high healthcare cost. To cover the costs of the entire treatment, you need to ensure you have enough sum insured. The sum insured amount is the cap of the amount the insurer is liable to pay for your treatment. In Coimbatore following sum-insured amount should be sufficient:
These are just assumptions made on the current healthcare costs in Coimbatore.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) originally from Coimbatore who are settled abroad can purchase health insurance plans in India for themselves and their families. These policies provide valuable financial protection in case of medical expenses incurred during visits or extended stays in India. If you decide to return to India permanently, the same policy can be continued seamlessly.
Additionally, if your parents are living in Coimbatore, you can safeguard their healthcare needs by opting for a dedicated health insurance policy for parents. This ensures you're financially prepared for age-related medical emergencies. NRIs purchasing health insurance in India are also eligible for an 18% GST refund on mediclaim policies.
The key benefits of Health Insurance in Coimbatore include:
In this ever-growing economy, having healthcare insurance is necessary. In Coimbatore, to combat vector-borne diseases and critical illnesses like cancer, you need to have health insurance. To get the best quotes on health insurance plans, Coverfox has got you covered. Get insured today.
Ans: Yes, under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, you get tax benefits for health insurance.
Ans: The best health insurance policy depends on the premium rate, coverage, type of health insurance, room rent, add-ons, critical illness plan, sum insured, etc, depending on your needs.
Ans: You should at least get Rs 5- Rs 10 Lakh health insurance in Coimbatore.
Ans: Yes, you can buy multiple health insurance plans in Coimbatore.
Ans: Yes, under a family health insurance plan, you can get health insurance for you and your family.
Ans: No, there is a waiting period.