As new stage in the fight against COVID brings its share of fake news, IRDA asks people to act smartly, desist from blindly forwarding messages
The viral message claimed that the information was sourced from someone working in the insurance sector. Representation pic
With the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine drive for senior citizens and those comorbid between 45 and 59 years, fake messages about various related issues, too, have entered people’s social media. A viral message on social media said that those who are taking the vaccine must keep an acknowledgement as proof, without which a health insurance company can increase their policy premium.
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The viral message also claimed that insurance companies might insist on proof of vaccination to cover COVID treatment later. Representation pic
However, the Insurance Regulatory And Development Authority (IRDA) said that the message is fake. The viral message appearing in people’s inboxes is impacting them adversely. The message reads, “Those who take covid vaccine, please take acknowledgement and keep with you. In future, the health insurance companies may insist on the same to cover corona hospitalisation or hike premium for those not having a record of vaccination. “I came to know this from a friend working in insurance.
“Precaution to all who are obtaining Doctors certificate, stating claims of comorbidities for vaccination. Kindly note that you will have serious issues when you apply for mediclaim insurance, as you have to declare pre-existing disease when you take policy. If you have not declared, all medical insurance claims will be rejected.”
A screenshot of the viral message on WhatsApp
What’s the reality
As a clarification for the message, the Mumbai-based IRDA office’s Assistant Manager Ashok Rane told midday, “People should not forward such messages and they must verify such information on IRDA’s website. Today, people can make any information or message viral by sending it to their friends and groups. People also believe such messages blindly and lakhs of them end up forwarding them to each other. This message is fake and IRDA has not given any such notification.” A sales manager, Resham Singh, from Star Insurance company said, “Such messages appear on social media daily. People should be smart. This is fake and not reality.”
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