Health Insurance for Dengue – All You Need To Know

Know everything about dengue health insurance, its coverage, benefits, and exclusions.
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3 mins
30-June-2025

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the Aedes mosquito, and while it is treatable, the associated diagnostic tests and treatment costs can put a strain on your finances. To avoid such unexpected expenses, having dedicated health insurance for dengue is a smart move. These specialised plans help cover hospitalisation, tests, and other medical costs arising from dengue treatment.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what dengue is, including its causes and symptoms, and explain how dengue insurance offers crucial financial protection. We’ll also explore the key benefits, coverage scope, and common exclusions—giving you a complete guide to choosing the right plan for dengue-related medical needs.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is caused by any one of the four dengue viruses transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti. Once infected, the virus can cause a range of symptoms that vary from mild to severe. While not usually fatal, untreated dengue can lead to complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, especially in vulnerable individuals.

Common symptoms of dengue fever include:

  • High fever (sudden onset, often above 102°F or 39°C)
  • Severe headaches, especially behind the eyes
  • Muscle and joint pain (often called "breakbone fever")
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin rash (typically appearing 2–5 days after the fever begins)
  • Fatigue and general weakness
  • Mild bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)
  • Swollen glands

If you or a loved one show these signs—especially after recent mosquito exposure—it's important to seek medical attention promptly. While rest and hydration are key, having a health insurance policy that covers vector-borne diseases like dengue can ease the financial burden of diagnostics, hospitalisation, and treatment.

Pro Tip

Avail hospitalisation and treatment benefits with health insurance plans starting at just Rs. 15*/day.

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Symptoms of Dengue fever

Dengue fever typically manifests after an incubation period of 4 to 7 days following the mosquito bite, though in some cases it may extend up to 14 days. Recognising the symptoms early is crucial for timely treatment. Common signs of dengue fever include:

  • Intense headache
  • Sudden high fever
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe muscle or joint pain
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Skin rash
  • Bleeding from the nose, gums, or mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes

In severe cases, dengue may require hospitalisation, which can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. The good news is that most health insurance providers in India now offer specialised dengue insurance plans that cover the costs of diagnosis, hospitalisation, and treatment, helping you manage your finances while you focus on recovery.

Benefits of buying Dengue Health Insurance in India

Here are some of the benefits of dengue insurance policies:

  • Financial security: The primary benefit of dengue insurance is the financial security it offers to policyholders. In the event of a dengue diagnosis, the insurance coverage ensures that the financial strain associated with medical expenses is significantly reduced.
  • Coverage for medical expenses: Dengue insurance typically covers various medical expenses, including hospitalisation costs, diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, and medications prescribed during the treatment.
  • Hospitalisation coverage: In severe cases of dengue that require hospitalisation, the insurance provides coverage for room charges, nursing expenses, and other related costs.
  • Preventive care: Some dengue insurance plans may include coverage for preventive measures, such as mosquito repellents and other precautions to reduce the risk of dengue infection.

What is covered under Dengue Health Insurance?

Dengue insurance plans are designed to ease the financial burden of treating this mosquito-borne illness. Here’s what is usually included under the coverage:

  • Hospitalisation expenses: Covers in-patient hospitalisation costs such as room rent, doctor consultation fees, nursing charges, and ICU expenses, if needed.
  • Diagnostic tests: Includes costs for essential tests like blood counts, platelet monitoring, ultrasounds, and other dengue-related diagnostics.
  • Medications and treatment: Covers prescribed medications and medical procedures required during in-patient treatment for dengue fever.
  • Emergency medical evacuation: Some plans also include expenses for emergency transportation if the patient needs to be shifted to a specialised facility due to severe complications.

What is not covered under Dengue Health Insurance?

Exclusions are medical expenses that are not covered by a dengue insurance policy. Here are some of the common exclusions under dengue insurance:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Dengue fever insurance policies usually do not cover pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Waiting period: There may be a waiting period for dengue insurance policies before the policyholder can make a claim.
  • Self-inflicted injuries: Dengue insurance policies usually do not cover any self-inflicted injuries or illnesses.
  • Alternative treatments: Some policies may exclude alternative treatments such as acupuncture or naturopathy.

Dengue insurance

Dengue insurance is a specialised health insurance policy designed to provide financial protection and support to individuals diagnosed with dengue fever. This insurance recognises the unique challenges posed by dengue and aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with medical expenses, hospitalisation, and other related costs incurred during the treatment and recovery process.

Tips to reduce the risk of Dengue infection

Here are some effective ways to protect yourself and your family from dengue:

  • Apply mosquito repellent regularly to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Wear full-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially when outdoors.
  • Empty, clean, and scrub water containers weekly to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
  • Sleep under mosquito nets, particularly during the night or in mosquito-prone areas.
  • Install mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
  • Keep all water storage containers tightly covered to prevent mosquito larvae from developing.

Dengue insurance plan offered by Bajaj Finance

Bajaj Finance offers a pocket-friend Dengue Cover at an annual premium of Rs. 299, providing coverage of up to Rs. 50,000. This plan covers treatment and diagnostic test expenses, hospital room rent, and doctor’s fees for dengue and malaria fever.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dengue insurance emerges as a crucial component in safeguarding individuals and families against the financial repercussions of dengue fever. As the incidence of this vector-borne disease continues to rise globally, having a specialised insurance policy tailored to address the unique challenges posed by dengue becomes imperative. The benefits of financial security, coverage for medical expenses, and the peace of mind offered by dengue insurance make it a prudent investment in regions prone to dengue outbreaks.

Also Read

Diseases Covered in Health Insurance

Health Insurance for Kidney Failure

Health Insurance for Heart Attack

Frequently asked questions

Is dengue covered in health insurance?

Yes, most standard health insurance plans in India cover dengue treatment expenses. This includes hospitalization, diagnostic tests, medication, and other related medical costs.

Is there a waiting period to claim a dengue insurance policy?

Yes, a waiting period of 15 to 30 days typically applies after purchasing a standalone dengue insurance policy. However, in comprehensive health insurance plans, the standard initial waiting period is 30 days, unless it's an accidental emergency.

Does health insurance offer a dengue lump sum benefit policy?

Yes, several insurers offer fixed benefit dengue insurance plans. These pay out a lump sum amount on diagnosis of dengue, irrespective of actual treatment cost—useful for income support during recovery.

How can I check the dengue health insurance cost?

You can check dengue insurance costs by visiting an insurer’s website or aggregator portals. Simply enter your age, city, and coverage amount to view and compare premium rates instantly.

Can I buy a dengue policy online?

Yes, you can easily buy a dengue insurance policy online from most health insurance providers. The process is quick—choose your plan, enter details, upload documents (if needed), and make the payment securely.

Is dengue treatment covered in health insurance?

Yes, dengue-related medical treatments—including hospitalization, blood tests (like platelet count), doctor consultations, and medications—are generally covered under most comprehensive health insurance plans.

Is dengue covered in accident insurance?

No, accident insurance does not cover illnesses like dengue, as it is a disease caused by a virus, not a physical injury from an accident. You need a health insurance or disease-specific policy for dengue coverage.

How to claim dengue insurance?

To claim:

  • Notify the insurer immediately after hospitalization.
  • Collect all required documents: doctor’s diagnosis, test reports, hospital bills, discharge summary.
  • Submit the claim via cashless (if at a network hospital) or reimbursement process.
  • Follow up for status through insurer’s portal or helpline.
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