Telangana: NCDRC rules that mosquito bite is accident

Hyderabad: With the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruling that malaria deaths caused by mosquito bite come under the ‘accident’ category, the Indian Medical Association has asked the insurance regulatory authority to cover deaths relating to dengue, malaria and chikungunia under accident policies.

Giving its ruling in a case of death of a widow due to mosquito bite, NCDRC took this stand and directed the insurer to honour its policy to the widow. Dr Narsing Reddy, president of Telangana IMA, said, “The case of malarial death was considered on the ground that it was something that happened unexpectedly to the patient. As a mosquito bite can’t be predicted, it is to be seen as an accident. No one expects a bite to happen; and when there’s an accident coverage, the insurance claim of the victim or his family can’t be rejected.”

Those who take accident insurance and travel abroad or have to travel within the country can include this in their insurance policy. Dr Yadgiri Rao, former secretary of IMA, said, “Both people and the insurance companies have to be made aware of this clause. Many insurance companies deny the people their right to be insured against these diseases, which is not right.”

The increasing cases of dengue deaths in the last two years has encouraged certain insurance firms to include dengue in their policy, so that the extensive tests and treatment costs can be met with. Insurance agent Ballu Sriram explained, “Instead of taking separate policies, it would be good if the patient takes one policy which covers all the diseases. Because a special policy only covers the disease and the medical tests of that disease. But, if there are complications or organs are affected, then they are not covered by that policy.

Hence a complete medical policy and accident policy must be opted for, instead of specialised ones.”

Case of ‘once bitten...’
The case, National Insurance Co versus Mosumi Bhattacharjee, wherein the question was raised as to whether the death of a policy holder due to malaria after a mosquito bite can be termed as accidental death. 

Debashish Bhattacharjee had taken a loan and insurance from the company in case of accidental death. 

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission observed that ‘an accident is something that happens unexpectedly and is not planned in advance’. 

As no one can predict about a mosquito bite, it has also been held that snake-bite, dog-bite and frost-bite are also accidents and the claimant has to be given their due by the insurance company.