Cases of Monkeypox (part of the orthopoxvirus genus) have been reported in several countries, including England, Canada, US, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Australia and Sweden. Monkeypox is similar to smallpox, but less severe.

Monkeypox can cause rashes, fever, headaches, muscle and backaches and swollen lymph nodes. The monkeypox of Congo strain has a 10% fatality rate; the West Africa strain has a 1% fatality rate.

As of May 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 98 confirmed cases and 22 probable cases. The U.S. has one confirmed case in Boston and others cases under investigation in Utah and Florida. India is yet to report a case of Monkeypox.

But the question arises, would Monkeypox be covered by health insurance in India?

The way coronavirus was not covered under health insurance till the Regulator’ amendment of the wording, paving way for the ‘Corona kavach’ policy, Insurancepe believes that Monkeypox is currently not covered by the usual health insurance policies.