Whooping Cough - Causes, Symptoms, Health Insurance Coverage

​What Is Whooping Cough?​

Pertussis or more commonly known​ as whooping cough is a highly infectious respiratory tract disease. Whooping comes from the ‘whoop’ sound that a person infected by this disease makes when he/ she breathes. Death due to whooping cough is very rare, however, if an infant is suffering from this disease, there is a high chance of demise. That is why it is advisable to get vaccinated against whooping cough if there is an infant in your home. 

Symptoms

When a person is infected with whooping cough, it takes approximately 7 to 10 days for symptoms to show up. In some cases, ​it can take more than 10 days. The symptoms of whooping cough are similar to the common cold. Signs and symptoms of this disease are mild at first and with time get worse. Given below are some of the signs and symptoms of whooping cough:

• Running nose​
• Cough
• Congestion in the nasal passage 
• Watery and red eyes
• Fever
• Accumulation of thick mucus around the airway 
• Vomiting
• Face turns blue or red 
• Fatigue
• While breathing, makes a high-pitched "whoop" sound 
  

​Diagnosis

It is hard for your doctor to diagnose whooping cough only by physical examination as symptoms of this disease are quite similar to co​ld, bronchitis, or the flu. However, with the help of the sounds that you make while breathing, your doctor may diagnose it. You may go through the following tests:

• ​Nose or Throat Culture: In this type of testing, a simple swab is taken from the area where your nose and throat meet. Then it is used to see whether there is a bacterium that is causing whooping cough or not.
• Blood Test: In this test, your doctor sees whether there is an elevation in white blood cell count or not. However, this test cant diagnoses whooping cough precisely. 
  

Treatment

If your doctor diagnoses whooping cough at an early stage, then he/ she may prescribe you antibiotics that can give you relief against coughing and other symptoms. Antibiotics are also useful in preventing the spread of the infection. However, many people get diagnosed ​late as symptoms start showing only after approximately 10 days. You should avoid using medications like cough suppressants, or expectorants as they hardly work. You should keep yourself hydrated and drink warm fluids.

​Health Insurance

With the rise in modernization in the healthcare sector, the cost of basic treatment has also increased. Getting treatment for whooping cough can affect your finances and can hurt your savings. This is the reason why many experts reco​mmend health insurance​. This plan will take care of your medical expenses and hospitalization bills so that you only have to worry about your recovery. You should buy health insurance from a reputable insurer such as Reliance General Insurance to enhance your financial portfolio. This plan can also help you in tax planning as you will tax benefits on the premium paid towards medical insurance. You can also opt for cashless settlement. You can get the best treatment from your insurer’s network hospitals.​

Frequently Asked Questi​​ons

• What is the current GST rate on health insurance premiums?

  During the 56th GST Council Meeting in New Delhi, the Indian Government revealed a groundbreaking decision to exempt all health insurance policies from GST, starting September 22, 2025. The GST rate on health insurance premiums has been lowered to zero. Previously, premiums faced an 18% GST, which greatly raised the total cost.With this exemption, only the base premium is charged - making health insurance more affordable and accessible for individuals.

• How does the GST exemption impact my health insurance premium?

  With Zero GST, your premium is now reduced by up to 18% compared to before.You won't have to pay tax on health insurance policies anymore.This change is effective for new purchases and renewals starting September 22, 2025.

  Example: A policy that earlier cost ₹15,000 (including ₹2,288 GST) will now cost approximately ₹12,712 - saving you nearly ₹2,300

• Will my existing health insurance policy benefit from the GST exemption?

  Yes, renewals made on or after September 22, 2025 will benefit from Zero GST.If your policy was issued before this date, GST still applies.The exemption is tied to the policy issuance and renewal date, not just payment.Future renewals will reflect the GST-free pricing, reducing your premium cost.

• Do I need to pay GST on health insurance purchased before September 22, 2025?

  Yes, policies purchased or issued before September 22, 2025 still include 18% GST.The Zero GST exemption applies only to policies issued or renewed on or after that date.Future renewals will reflect the GST-free pricing.

• What does the new GST regulation effective 22nd September mean for Health Insurance premiums?

  Starting 22nd September 2025, the GST (Goods and Services Tax) on individual health insurance premiums has been reduced to 0%, down from the earlier rate of 18%.
  

  What this means for you:
  Lower Premiums: You'll now pay only the base premium-no GST added.

• Will my Health Infinity renewal premium reduce after the GST removal?

  Yes, Your Health Infinity renewal premium will decrease if the renewal takes place on or after September 22, 2025.

• Does the GST regulation apply to both new purchases and renewals of Health Insurance?

  Yes, the new GST regulation effective from 22nd September 2025 applies to both new purchases and renewals of individual health insurance policies.

• Does the GST change impact Health Gain, Health Infinity, Super Top-Up, and Hospi Care plans equally?

  Yes, The GST exemption starting from 22nd September 2025 is applicable to health insurance plans such as Health Gain, Health Infinity, Super Top-Up, and Hospi Care. Provided that the policy is issued and the risk begins on or after this date, there will be no 18% GST charged on premiums. This change makes these plans more budget-friendly for both new purchases and renewals.

• I renewed my health policy before 22nd September with GST - am I eligible for adjustment?

  If your health insurance policy was renewed before September 22, 2025, and you paid GST, you are not eligible for any refunds or adjustments,The GST exemption applies only to transactions made on or after the effective date. Since your payment was completed earlier, the GST charged was valid under ​the previous tax rules and cannot be retrospectively refunded.​

Relevant Links for Health Insurance

Health Insurance | Health Insurance Plans For Family | Health Insurance For Senior Citizens | Health Insurance Premium Calculator | Health Insurance For Parents | Critical Illness Insurance | Maternity Insurance | Personal Accident Insurance | Cashless Health Insurance | Arogya Sanjeevani Policy | Super Top Up Health Insurance | Group Mediclaim Policy | International Health Insurance | Health Insurance For Kids | Individual Health Plans | Insurance For Disabled | Reliance Health Gain Policy | Reliance Health Infinity Insurance | Saral Suraksha Bima | Hospi Care Insurance

Health Insurance for Top Locations

Health Insurance In Hyderabad | Health Insurance In Bangalore | Health Insurance In Delhi | Health Insurance In Chennai | Health Insurance In Mumbai | Health Insurance In Pune | Health Insurance In Kolkata | Health Insurance In Jaipur | Health Insurance In Rajasthan | Health Insurance In Noida | Health Insurance In Chandigarh | Health Insurance In West Bengal

Disease-Specific Health Insurance

Lasik Eye Surgery Insurance | Diabetes Insurance | Dengue Insurance | Herpes Insurance | Alzheimer Insurance | Adhd Insurance | Heart Attack Insurance | Migraine Insurance | Typhoid Insurance | Psoriasis Insurance | Appendicitis Insurance | Eczema Insurance | Epilepsy Insurance | Pancreatic Cancer Insurance | Thyroid Insurance | Skin Allergy Insurance | Gangrene Insurance | Bone Fracture Insurance | Bone Cancer Insurance | Bladder Cancer Insurance