Bangalore: Those who test positive for H1N1 - that is causing panic around the nation - can now claim expenses of the treatment, as per their insurance policy. This respite comes following the directive by the Maharashtra government to the private hospitals for treating patients affected by H1N1.

According to The Economic Times, the insurance companies have assured that they will pay for the expensive swab tests as well. These tests costs almost Rs. 10,000 per patient. Narayan Shejawale, Divisional Manager for New India Assurance Company in Pune, said the money spent by a H1N1 patient will be entitled to reimbursement under the Mediclaim scheme. "The only pre-requisite is that the policy needs to be taken out at least 30 days prior to the patient's hospitalization," Shejawale added.

The patient's admission to the hospital would be not be charged, although the insurance claim for the fee paid for the swab test will be settled retrospectively, within 30 days of filing the claim, Shejawale said. He also clarified that patients can prefer a claim, whether he is covered individually or under a group medical insurance plan.