Does Health Insurance Cover People With Disabilities?
There are people with disabilities in India. Knowing about Indian health insurance for disabled persons can be helpful if you or a family member is a person with a disability (PwD). Read on to find out more.
What is a disability?
A disability is a physical or mental defect that limits one’s capacity to carry out daily chores. According to the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1955, a person is deemed disabled if they have a physical impairment that is at least 40% severe. However, a person is deemed severely impaired if they exhibit multiple disabilities or have 80% physical impairment.
Disability classifications in health insurance
Disabilities in India are often categorised into the following three groups under health insurance for the disabled.
1. Congenital disability:
This kind of impairment is present at birth and is typically inherited or brought on by external stimuli. Everything other than exterior congenital anomalies are included under the 2016 amended laws by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).#
2. Accidental disability:
Accidental impairments are those that develop as a result of accidents. Based on impact, they are divided into three categories: total, partial, and temporary incapacity. Loss of limbs, loss of hearing, loss of vision, entire or partial paralysis, etc., are examples of accidental impairments.
3. Mental disability
This category of disabilities covers mental illnesses that have an impact on a person’s thinking, emotions, and behaviour. These conditions include, for instance, autism, schizophrenia, depression, etc. Insurers are required to treat mental diseases on par with physical ailments under the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017.
Health insurance for disabled people
From the perspective of health insurance, those with congenital or mental illnesses are typically seen as high-risk individuals. As a result, most health insurance policies may only provide limited coverage for them. You can look at government-sponsored plans for extensive coverage.*
You can look for comprehensive health insurance for people with disabilities online. Unpredictable medical situations can be financially demanding. As a result, health insurance coverage is preferable to being uninsured and scrambling for money in an emergency. A health insurance premium calculator can aid you figure out a good fit for you.*
Important hings to remember while buying health insurance for people with disabilities
Regardless of whether you choose to purchase private or government health insurance for people with disabilities, take into account the following issues.
1. Provide truthful information
Make sure to accurately describe your disability and other preexisting problems when applying for health insurance. If it turns out that the information you gave was false, your insurer can deny a medical claim.
2. Provide medical reports
You may need to provide your past medical history when purchasing health insurance for people with disabilities. This can help your insurer determine the level of your disability and whether you have any preexisting medical conditions, which could impact how much you pay in premiums. So, when purchasing health insurance, keep your medical records close at hand.
3. Policy premium
The cost of a health insurance policy may be established once it has received approval from an insurer. Factors like your age, type of impairment, family medical history, preexisting conditions, etc, typically determine it. It’s also vital to keep in mind that the premium and GST (18%) adds to your payment.*
- Documents required:
The paperwork needed to purchase health insurance for people with disabilities varies from business to company. However, the following records are typically required.
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN card, Driving Licence, etc.)
- Income statement
- Disability certificate
- History of medical care
Conclusion:
Yes, there are health insurance options available for disabled people. Be sure to compare health insurance plans online to choose one that meets your needs.
*Standard T&C apply
#Visit the official website of IRDAI for further details.
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
