Hyderabad: Many hospitals, especially in the private sector, have undergone infrastructural changes to set up separate isolation wards, during the coronavirus pandemic, apart from other necessary services. This, in turn, raises one question- How much does the treatment costs?
Treatment in private hospitals is going to be a very costly affair for the common man because of the expensive infrastructure.
According to the claims filed for COVID-19 until now, the treatment cost could range between Rs 50,000 and Rs 4.5 lakh depending upon the state of the patient.
The cost of Covid-19 treatment in private hospital rooms could cost Rs 5 lakh in metro cities, Rs 3 lakh in tier 2 state capital cities and Rs 2 lakh in tier 3 towns, whereas in private super-speciality hospital rooms, treatment can go up to Rs 7 lakh in tier 2 state capital cities and Rs 8 lakh in metros.
In private super-speciality hospitals with ICU and ventilators the charges would be Rs 9 lakh in tier 2 state capital cities and Rs 12.5 lakh in metros.
In all the above cases, the assumption is that treatment duration can be as long as 15 days and if there are complexities due to pre-existing diseases.
In India, as of now, health insurers have received claims as high as Rs 7 lakh for the treatment for COVID-19 treatment.
Evidence-based case reports suggest that treatment and testing cost per person for COVID-19, in other countries are as follows:
United States of America
The average cost to treat a hospitalized patient with coronavirus is $30,000, according to a study released by America's Health Insurance Plans. The cost of in-patient admission for COVID-19 treatment could reach $20,000. Those without major complications could see lower total costs for a pneumonia admission, averaging $13,767 for people with less serious complications or comorbidities and $9,763 for those without any complications or comorbidities.
The median total cost of admission for a respiratory condition requiring 96 hours or more of ventilation is 88,114 dollars, compared to $34,225 for an admission requiring less than 96 hours of ventilation. For those requiring ventilation, the remaining doctor fees average over $3,000 for admission with less than 96 hours of ventilation and over 9,000 dollars when the patient requires more than 96 hours of ventilation.
The cost however differs for those who have insurance and those who does not have.
According to a report by FAIR Health, uninsured Americans with COVID-19 would pay an estimated average of $ 73,3000 for a 6-day hospital stay. Those with insurance are estimated to have an average medical bill for the same duration stay of $ 38,221.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom National Health Service with its best in the world healthcare system tag is testing suspects for free. Private facilities in the UK can cost as much as 375 Pounds (33,000 in Indian Rupees). Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that COVID-19 patients will be treated for free in private hospitals if the NHS runs out of capacity.
China
China has kept its testing and treatment for COVID-19 free for all. The people not covered under any insurance are also being provided free treatment and testing. However, in a conflicting post by South China Morning Post, it is said that the coronavirus test reportedly costs about 370 Yuan, and in the southern city of Shenzhen, the average cost of healing the disease ranged from 23,000 Yuan for elderly patients to about 5,600 Yuan for minors.
South Korea
COVID 19 testing is free in South Korea and is even performed at drive-through centers. According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Health Insurance Corporation, the state and local governments jointly pay medical expenses for patients with new coronavirus infections as per the Infectious Disease Control Act. All expenses required for treatment, investigation, and consultation at hospitalization is supported, while medical expenses not related to the new coronavirus infection are not supported.
Italy
A country with one of the best medical facilities in the world, Italy tests people for free and tests vigorously. The average daily cost of an ICU patient is around 1,200 / 1,300 euros. Considering an average stay of two weeks, a patient with complications from coronavirus can cost the state more than 20,000 euros.
Germany
The tests for coronavirus costs at 250 Euros which was recently added in the insurance cover by the government.
Sri Lanka
The country has capped the cost of tests to be conducted in private hospital up to Rs 6,000.
Pakistan
The Pakistan Government through its designated hospitals is providing free test facility meanwhile some private labs are trying to develop kits which should cost somewhere Rs 300-500.
Vietnam
One of the nations which have effectively controlled coronavirus, Vietnam is providing free testing and in case the tests turn out to be negative, the cost is covered by the government.
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