India overtakes Brazil and now is second in the world overall COVID-19 case tally. There are around 60.7 lacs people infected, and 50.16 lacs people recovered till now. However, health protection and extensive testing are the two ways to stay at bay from the lethal virus. In the initial stage, India had one of the lowest testing rates among the affected countries. Later, the government speeds up the swab testing process, and till now, the Health Ministry has taken various initiatives to increase the COVID-19 testing facility. At present, several labs and hospitals are facilitating the testing process.
How Does the COVID-19 Test?
We are in the unlock 4.0 phase, where markets, restaurants, public transportation got relaxation and have resumed. However, this results in more and more cases every day, and medical expenses are also soaring. The government is adhering to the protocols and requesting people to go for swab testing for their health protection. Although there are other types of tests, the swab test is more accessible. However, people having regular flu or fever do not need to panic or take the test until advice by the doctor.
>>Check more about coronavirus symptoms and how it test?
How Much COVID-19 Costs?
The battle of the corona pandemic is indeed long. Testing helps the ministry to track infected people and ask them to follow the protocols. The health ministry has allowed all private laboratories with NABL accreditation for real-time PCR SA for RNA virus to conduct coronavirus test. However, earlier, the cost of the COVID-19 swab testing was different from private to public sector hospitals and labs.
The test charges were Rs.4,500 in private labs where Rs.1,500 was for the screening test, and Rs.3,000 was for a confirmation test. But, people from low-income groups were not able to afford private labs as the cost per test is steep, and in the public hospitals, the queue was long.
Thus, to hold the price speculations over the COVID-19 swab testing, the government has fixed the standard cost, i.e., Rs. 2,400 for all the citizens.
Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government has reduced the charge for the test to Rs 1,600 from Rs 2,500. Now, private labs cannot charge above Rs. 1,600 per test. The objective of lowering the price is to ensure that most people should take the test and prevent themselves from the lethal virus. But, the test is still not free in India.
Suggestion
However, if you have Corona Kavach Health Policy offered by Care Health Insurance, do not worry about the cost. It covers pre and posts hospitalization and medical expenses, along with home care treatment expenses also. It not only gives you extensive coverage for corona treatment but also gives you a financial cushion in a medical emergency amid the pandemic. So, opt for it today and give yourself and your family a secure life.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is only for reference purposes. Underwriting of claims for COVID-19 is subject to policy terms and conditions.
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