Indian state urged to launch newborn insurance
The government in the Indian state of Kerala has been urged to provide a healthcare insurance policy for babies up to the age of one. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) made the proposal to cover a shortfall in childcare provisions contained in commercial insurance plans. The IAP said that a tiny proportion of children admitted to hospital in the state were covered under any policy, and added that if adopted the proposal may eventually stimulate insurance companies into providing childcare products.

KOCHI :Since most insurance companies in the country do not have products tailored for child healthcare, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Kerala chapter, has submitted a proposal to the state government to introduce a scheme for newborns till they reach the age of one.:“We have submitted the proposal and government is considering it. This will help if any congenital disease is detected in newborns,“ said Dr MN Venkiteswaran, president, IAP , Kerala chapter. The state chapter had in the past tied up with United India Insurance Company Ltd to provide medical insurance to a child till the age of one but it failed to get a good response.Children do get cover under the family insurance scheme but the numbers are less. “Just about six per cent children admitted in our hospital have any type of medical insurance,“ said Sanjeev Singh, medical superintendent, AIMS.“Once speciality hospitals for children register a growth in the state, we can start a conversation with insurance companies to introduce customised products for children,“ said Dr Harish Pillai, CEO, Aster Medcity. KIMS Hospital said they have introduced insurance scheme for newborns.