With the rising medical costs in India, a health insurance policy has become essential to cover medical expenses in the event of various health emergencies. It helps cover accidents, outdoor patient (OPD) treatments, and surgeries, and its cashless feature can also settle your bills, saving your finances.
In this discussion, we will explore what is covered and generally included in health insurance policies, along with other key details. Keep reading for a detailed insight into how to choose the best health insurance in India for your needs.
What is Included Under a Regular Health Insurance Plan Coverage?
Before choosing a suitable plan, you need to know what it covers. If you are aware of that, you can compare different plans and select a reliable insurer that best suits your needs. Listed below are the common inclusions in a health insurance plan:
1. Hospitalisation Expenses
Almost all health insurance plans cover room rent, intensive care unit (ICU) charges, surgery expenses, diagnostic expenses, laboratory charges, as well as pharmacy bills.
2. Pre- and Post-Hospitalisation Expenses
Recognising the increasing demand for medical bills, pre-hospitalisation expenses, such as doctors’ fees and tests, are covered in most policies. Additionally, post-hospitalisation expenses, such as follow-up treatment, medication costs, and ambulance charges, are generally covered for a specific period in most health insurance policies.
3. Daycare Treatment
Daycare coverage includes treatments such as surgeries that require less than 24 hours of hospitalisation, made possible by modern technology. It also provides chemotherapy, dialysis, contract surgery, and other short-term surgeries.
Sometimes, pre and post-hospitalisation costs are also included in this coverage. Considering the potentially expensive short-term treatments, this coverage makes them more affordable and accessible.
4. Domiciliary Hospitalisation
In certain circumstances, when regular hospitalisation of a policyholder is not feasible, the practitioner concerned may recommend domiciliary hospitalisation, i.e., hospital-like treatment at home. Some health insurance policies also cover domiciliary hospitalisation, but it is subject to specific conditions.
5. Organ Donor Coverage
The organ donation process is categorised into 3 different stages: pre-donation evaluation, surgery, and post-surgery care. Most health insurance policies cover all stages and sometimes even include non-medical expenses.
6. Road Traffic Accident
Most health insurance policies cover road traffic accidents. All in-hospitalisation expenses during this critical situation, as well as ambulance fees, are covered by the policyholder’s sum insured.
7. AYUSH Cover
Along with allopathic treatment, most health insurance policies cover a wide range of alternative therapies, including Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, and Siddha.
8. Health Check-Up Coverage
Many health insurance plans cover a preventive health check-ups. This benefit is included to support early illness identification and annual treatments that can reduce the risk of higher financial losses from urgent hospitalisation.
Choosing the Best Health Insurance in India
By selecting the best health insurance in India, you can protect yourself and your family from rising medical expenses and unforeseen emergencies. A good plan balances affordability with comprehensive coverage, ensuring peace of mind.
For older adults, health insurance for senior citizens is especially important, as it provides tailored benefits like higher coverage for age-related illnesses, shorter waiting periods, and cashless access to specialised hospitals. These plans ensure that seniors receive quality healthcare without financial stress.