Written By: Simran Kaur Vij

Simran Kaur Vij

Health and Term Insurance

Simran is an insurance expert with more than 4 years of experience in the industry. An expert with previous experience in BFSI, Ed-tech, and insurance, she proactively helps her readers stay on par with all the latest Insurance industry developments.

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Reviewed By: Anchita Bhattacharyya

Anchita Bhattacharyya

Health, Term & Life Insurance

Anchita has over 6 years of experience in content marketing, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Her motto to make health and term insurance simple for our readers has proven to make insurance lingos simple and easy to understand by our readers.

Updated on Jun 16, 2025 4 min read

Health Insurance For the Disabled: An Introduction

The health insurance gap for the disabled has been a cause for concern for many years. However, health insurance providers in India are working to bring health insurance plans for persons with disability (PwDs). Health insurance plans for the disabled cover medical expenses for the disabled, like cashless hospitalisation, OPD care, major surgeries, pharmacy bills, and more. Leading health insurers are offering health plans for the disabled, like Star special care plan, Future Generali HIV and Disability Suraksha, among others.

We will discuss the current landscape of disability health insurance in India, highlighting the available schemes, the challenges, and the way forward towards a more inclusive healthcare system.

Xtraordinary Facts

In a shocking revelation, more than 80% of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India remain uncovered by health insurance. A recent survey conducted across India by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) highlighted glaring gaps in government and private medical insurance access. The survey involved 5,000 people with disabilities across 34 States and Union Territories.

Disability Health Insurance Plans

Take a look at some of the most inclusive disability health insurance plans in India:

List Of Disability Covered By Insurance Schemes in India

Here is a list of disabilities covered by health insurance schemes:

• Blindness
• Chronolgical neurological conditions
• Low vision
• Specific learning disabilities
• Hearing impairment
• Autism
• Dwarfism
• Cerebral palsy
• Thalassemia

Other disabilities are covered as per your policy document.

What Is Disability?

Disabilities are any physical or mental impairment that hinders or makes an individual incapable of performing daily activities or work. This can include physical movement, cognition, sensory functions, or mental health impairments. Disabilities are caused due to many reasons, it may be by birth known as congenital conditions, due to accidents, or mental illness.

Do Health Insurance Schemes cover Disabilities in India?

Yes, in 2016, IRDAI issued a mandate asking all non-life insurers to offer health insurance plans with coverage for persons with disabilities, those affected by HIV/AIDS, or mental ailments. The mandate initiated a movement of private health insurers launching multiple health plans for the disabled. The government also includes the disabled in Ayushman Bharat Pradhanmantri Yojana, keeping in mind the need for holistic healthcare.

Who Can Buy Health Insurance Schemes In India?

In India, many individuals can buy health insurance schemes, although eligibility criteria can vary between insurers and specific plans. Most individual health insurance plans have a minimum entry age of 18 years. Children can be covered under a family floater health plan with eligibility criteria depending on the insurer.

Benefits Of Buying Disability Insurance Schemes

Medical schemes for disability include the following benefits:

Inclusions Of Disabled Health Insurance Schemes

Common inclusions for disabled health insurance schemes are:

• In-patient hospitalization
• OPD care
• Regular health check-ups
• Dental care, including preventive surgeries
• Surgeries to prevent further worsening of disability
• Ongoing therapies to manage the impact of disability and related complications
• AYUSH coverage
• Ambulance cover
• Modern treatment
• Cataract treatment
• Pre-hospitalization
• Post-hospitalization

Exclusions Of Disabled Health Insurance Schemes?

Exclusions for disabled health insurance schemes include:

• Cosmetic surgeries
• Specific health insurance schemes like the Nirmaya Health Scheme are designed to cover only autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities and may not cover other disabilities.
• Illegal activities
• Injuries or illnesses due to intoxication
• Listed PEDs may be excluded or have specific waiting periods depending on the insurer
• War or nuclear attack injuries

Do Government Health Schemes Cover The Disabled?

Central and State governments have introduced specific health insurance schemes and provisions. Let’s explore their purpose, inclusions, and coverage.

Way Forward

Improving access to health insurance for disabled people in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving the government, private and public health insurance providers, and the community. Steps must be taken in the right direction to achieve comprehensive disability health insurance coverage. Enhanced awareness campaigns, inclusive government schemes for the disabled, increased involvement of private health insurance providers, and more.

Adopting a collective approach will help India move towards a future where PwDs have the financial protection and access to quality healthcare. For more information on health insurance for the disabled, connect with PolicyX health insurance experts.

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