Rabies Treatment Costs Cross Rs 10,000; Insurance Cover Still Narrow

India reports one of the highest numbers of rabies deaths globally. Most cases follow dog bites. Once symptoms appear, the infection is almost always fatal. The only protection is immediate treatment, but the cost of care has become a major hurdle.

A full vaccine schedule costs between Rs 2,500 and Rs 5,000. In Category III bites, doctors also prescribe rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), which adds another Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000. That pushes the total beyond Rs 10,000 in many hospitals. For households living on daily wages, the amount is unaffordable. Delays in starting treatment can prove fatal.

What Insurers Cover

Some insurers have added rabies to their health products. The cover is usually for post-exposure vaccination. In severe bites, most policies also reimburse RIG. A few extend to hospitalisation for wound cleaning or observation. Consultation and dressing charges are sometimes included.

Cashless treatment is available in some network hospitals, but not everywhere. Micro-policies costing Rs 200 to Rs 500 a year have been launched in a few states. These target families in high-risk areas may not be able to buy a regular health plan.

Gaps In The Policies

The policies are limited in scope. Pre-exposure vaccination, often advised for veterinarians and lab workers, is generally excluded. Claims may be rejected if the bite is not reported in time or if treatment is delayed beyond guidelines.

Only treatment at recognised medical centres is reimbursable. Expenses at local healers or unregistered clinics do not qualify. Indirect costs such as travel, lost wages, or dietary needs are not covered. If the patient misses doses in the prescribed vaccine schedule, later claims can be turned down.

Public Health View

Experts point out that insurance does not solve the larger problem. India’s rabies burden is linked to gaps in dog vaccination, patchy vaccine supply in hospitals, and poor awareness. Insurance helps cover part of the bill, but prevention and early access to treatment remain the main tools against the disease.