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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
1 minute read
By: Dr Vibhash Mishra

Corona Virus (COVID-19) Being Responsible

The world is in a state of panic with fear of Corona and perhaps rightly so. Official, semi-official and unofficial guidances are pouring in from all possible sources. Social media has been promoting the use of masks only for sufferers of Corona infection and those who are having symptoms of cough and fever. Some experts have gone to the extent of suggesting that the use of mask for members of the general public may even be harmful. It may promote a sense of complacency among people, a false sense of safety leading to negligence of other precautions. Masks may be so ill-fitting that the user has to touch it frequently to adjust it, which may lead to transmission of infection. The virus is supposed to be transmitted by droplets coughed out by the sufferers. The purpose of the mask used by these people is to stop passing on the droplets to others. While this notion seems to make sense, it may not be entirely true and the use of masks by people at large may still have some protective value. There may be people who are infected and not aware of it. Avoiding relatively close contact with such people at public places may not be easy in populous countries which are not locked down completely yet. Use of mask in that situation may provide some protection at least. After all the infected droplets need to be inhaled to cause further infection and a mask over the mouth and nostrils will prevent the inhalation to some extent. It seems, therefore, that discouraging people from using masks may be an irresponsible act. What should be emphasized instead is that using a mask is not the end of your responsibility towards protecting yourself and others. Other precautions are equally important. Following are a few examples:
1. If you have cough and/or fever, confine yourself indoors and avoid coming in contact with people, specially children, elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
2. Wash your hands well with soap and water frequently and certainly after touching anyone or anything.
3. Avoid touching your face and eyes unnecessarily.
4. Do not cough in the open or on your hands. Use a tissue or your sleeve instead. Bin the tissue immediately.
5. Avoid unnecessary travels.
6. Avoid public gatherings.
7. If you suspect you may be infected with Corona, do not use antibiotics, they will not be effective.
8. When interacting with strangers or those with cough/fever, stand at least three steps away.

Dr Vibhash Mishra, London, UK, Chief Medical Officer, Second Medic

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Healthcare Insurance in India: Protecting Health, Empowering Lives with SecondMedic

Health is priceless, but healthcare can be expensive. In a country where medical inflation rises by nearly 12% every year, healthcare insurance has become a necessity, not a luxury.

SecondMedic bridges medical protection with digital convenience — giving Indians a smarter, simpler way to stay covered and cared for.

What Is Healthcare Insurance?

Healthcare insurance is a financial safety net that covers hospitalization, treatment, and medical expenses. It ensures you get access to top-quality hospitals without worrying about unexpected bills.

Modern health plans now go beyond emergencies — they cover preventive care, teleconsultations, home diagnostics, and even digital wellness programs.

Why Healthcare Insurance Is Essential in India

A 2024 report by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) found that over 70% of Indians pay medical bills out-of-pocket. One hospitalization can wipe out an entire year’s savings for a middle-income family.

Healthcare insurance:

Protects against medical inflation
Enables cashless hospitalization
Provides tax benefits under Section 80D
Encourages early detection via preventive checkups
Supports virtual consultations and chronic care follow-ups

Types of Healthcare Insurance Plans

1. Individual Health Plans

Covers one person — ideal for self-employed or single professionals.

2. Family Floater Plans

A shared sum insured for the whole family — cost-effective for parents and children.

3. Senior Citizen Plans

Customized for people aged 60+, including chronic disease and home care support.

4. Corporate & Group Insurance

Employer-provided coverage with wellness programs and digital consultation access.

5. Top-Up & Super Top-Up Plans

Extend existing coverage limits at low cost.

SecondMedic’s Role in Smarter Health Coverage

SecondMedic doesn’t just help you buy insurance — it helps you live healthier under it.

Our integrated Digital Health + Insurance model provides:

Cashless virtual consultations
Coverage-linked diagnostics (home or lab-based)
E-prescriptions & discounted pharmacy
AI-based health score tracking
Doctor guidance for claims and follow-ups

This ensures that insurance is used proactively, not just in emergencies.

Preventive Care + Insurance: A Winning Combo

Insurance companies now reward preventive care. By getting regular SecondMedic checkups, your health data helps keep premiums lower and claim-free bonuses active.

A NITI Aayog 2024 report found that preventive health monitoring reduced hospitalization risk by 28% among insured individuals.

Digital Health Meets Insurance

With SecondMedic’s tech-driven model, your insurance can now include:

Online doctor consultations
Chronic care management
Home sample collections
Telemedicine coverage
Digital health reports for easy claims

You can view your policy benefits, upload claims, and access your medical records — all through your SecondMedic dashboard.

How to Choose the Right Healthcare Insurance

Assess your medical history and family needs.
Compare premiums, claim ratios, and network hospitals.
Choose plans with telehealth, diagnostics, and preventive cover.
Check waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
Use SecondMedic’s plan comparison tool for expert-backed guidance.

Conclusion

Healthcare insurance is not just a policy — it’s peace of mind.
By combining medical coverage with digital healthcare and preventive wellness, SecondMedic ensures that protection is proactive, not reactive.

Whether you need basic health cover or a comprehensive family plan, SecondMedic makes the journey simple, transparent, and fully online.

Compare and choose your healthcare insurance plan today at SecondMedic.com — because your health deserves both care and security.

Real Data & References

IRDAI Report 2024: 70% of Indians still pay medical bills out-of-pocket.
irdai.gov.in
NITI Aayog 2024: Preventive health reduces hospitalizations by 28%.
niti.gov.in
WHO India 2023: 50% of health issues preventable through early care.
who.int/india
SecondMedic Data (2025): 67% users prefer health plans with digital consultations.
secondmedic.com

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