Simran has over 3 years of experience in content marketing, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Her motto is to make health and term insurance simple for our readers has proven to make insurance lingos simple and easy to understand by our readers.
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 May 12, 2025 8 min read
Depression is one of the common problems in youth today. And yes, depression is covered in the health insurance in India. Before understanding health insurance, we need to understand depression.
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It’s characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. It’s more than just feeling ’blue’ for a few days; it’s a persistent condition that can significantly interfere with daily life, affecting your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. It usually comes under the mental health insurance in India.
Persistent Sadness or Low Mood: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. In children and adolescents, this may manifest as irritability.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure: A significant decrease in interest or pleasure in all or most activities that were once enjoyed.
Other Emotional Symptoms: These can include:
Physical Symptoms: Depression can also manifest physically:
Thoughts of Death or Self-harm: Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation (thinking about suicide), or suicide attempts.
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Yes, in India, depression is generally covered by health insurance policies. This significant step towards mental health parity was largely influenced by the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which mandates that insurers must provide coverage for mental illnesses on par with physical illnesses. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has also issued directives to ensure that all health insurance policies include coverage for mental health conditions, including depression.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
What is Covered? | What is Not Covered? |
All the major mental health issues | Self-inflicted injuries |
Inpatient and outpatient procedures | Pre-existing mental illnesses |
All other medical expenses | Self-inflicted injuries |
Coverage for therapy sessions | Substance abuse |
Coverage for critical mental illness | Experimental treatments |
PED hypertension | Outpatient treatment |
To understand more about the inclusions and exclusions in the mental health insurance, you can read this article.
The waiting period for health insurance coverage for depression in India can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy. However, based on the regulations set forth by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, here’s a general overview:
The treatment for depression typically involves a combination of approaches, including:
In India, the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 mandates that health insurance policies cover the treatment of mental illnesses, including depression, on par with physical illnesses. Therefore, the fact that you are undergoing treatment for depression should not negatively affect your health insurance coverage, provided the treatment aligns with the terms and conditions of your policy.
Here’s how health insurance typically interacts with depression treatment:
By following these tips related to your health insurance policy, you can ensure that you have the best possible coverage for depression treatment.
It’s reassuring to know that health insurance in India is mandated to cover depression, offering a crucial financial safety net for those navigating this challenging condition. By understanding your policy’s specifics, including its inclusions, exclusions, and any applicable waiting periods, you can confidently access the necessary treatment, from consultations and medication to therapy and potential hospitalisation. Remember to be transparent with your insurer about any pre-existing conditions and to actively seek clarification on any doubts you may have. Empower yourself by reviewing your policy thoroughly and ensuring it aligns with your mental health needs.
Ready to secure your mental well-being with comprehensive health insurance? Compare plans and understand your coverage options today. Don’t let uncertainty be a barrier to seeking the support you deserve.
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Yes, as per the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, it is mandated in India.
Yes, outpatient treatments (OPD) for depression are generally covered by health insurance policies in India. However, the extent of this coverage can vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of your policy.
Yes, in India, all health insurance companies are mandated to offer mental health coverage on par with physical health coverage. This significant step was primarily driven by the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which came into force in 2018. Section 21(4) of this Act explicitly states that, "Every insurer shall make provision for medical insurance for treatment of mental illness on the same basis as is available for treatment of physical illness."
Yes, you can claim tax benefits on the health insurance premiums paid for the policy that covers depression under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act in India.
Yes, as per the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, it is mandatory to include mental illness and mental health in their health insurance policies.
Yes, depression should be listed in your health insurance application if you have a pre-existing diagnosis.
Generally, a single claim for depression treatment is unlikely to cause an immediate increase in your premium at the time of renewal. However, your premium is more likely to be affected by factors like your age, the overall claims experience of your risk pool, and any changes in the policy terms at renewal.
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Simran has over 3 years of experience in content marketing, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Her motto is to make health and term insurance simple for our readers has proven to make insurance lingos simple and easy to understand by our readers.
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