Done doing jhadoo? Get on with the dishes now

Let's face it. There are going to be some lasting fundamental changes to our lives once this is over. That may or may not include dishwashing and laundry for the rest of our lives. However, the value we place on our health and lives just took a quantum leap.

You’ve probably heard of and repeated empty phrases like ‘health is wealth’ or ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ all your life. But up until now, ‘being healthy’ was a passive goal that most people had in the back of their minds. And, any kind of long-term health coverage such as insurance was a box very few ticked.

If you listen carefully, you may just hear COVID-19 chuckling quietly somewhere in the back.

Today, it is reasonable to assume you are under self-quarantine with half a dozen bottles of hand sanitizer – one for each room – and two weeks’ worth of food supplies hoarded in your kitchen. Of course, the paranoia surrounding the disease makes it hard to focus on its relatively benign nature, but still, it’s scary stuff, especially for those of us who have ageing parents and relatives. Now, while the pandemonium will surely cease, it does bring an important question to the fore.

Does it really take a pandemic to take our health and well-being seriously?

Look at something as simple as getting health coverage. Everyone must have it. Regardless of age, income, or strength of the immune system. Unfortunately, because of the public perception surrounding health insurance, many find it hard to see the benefits of buying into any health coverage scheme. Frankly, it needn’t be this way.

We have put together a few pointers for you once all this is done and dusted. We hope you will keep these in mind now that the Devil has reared its ugly head.

1. Get a health coverage scheme that covers everything. Doctor fees, medicines, hospital expenses, tests, at-home care etc.
2. Look for a plan that provides remote / video consultations with top doctors. You needn't have to step out of home if you need mild medical assistance
3. Your coverage plan should ideally give you the freedom to choose endlessly : increase / decrease your contribution, start / stop on-demand, access your medical records anytime and more
4. Emergencies should not just be covered, you should have a panic button on your phone at all times. Press it and stuff should happen automatically
5. Your plan shouldn't break the bank but it shouldn't be cheaper than love either - healthcare isn't cheap and if a deal looks too good to be true : walk away

While world governments battle this outbreak, there is a lesson to be learnt about black swan events such as these. By definition, we don’t know when they will happen. However, while we can’t prevent them from occurring, we surely can safeguard ourselves should they occur. Hoarding toilet paper is one way of doing this. Buying health coverage is another.

We, at Kenko, are working on plans that will eventually get there. Until then, get the best health plan you can find in the market and keep a significant amount of your budget allocated for it. Don't procrastinate anymore - Covid just gave you a wake-up call, amigo.