- Definition
- Best cashless health plans
- Types of cashless health plans
Cashless Health Insurance Plans
Earlier health insurance claims were a very long process. Due to this challenge, people used to hesitate before investing in health insurance. However, the advancement in the insurance sector and the involvement of artificial intelligence (AI) have made the claim process much easier.
In the last decade, we have seen a lot of advancements in the healthcare industry. And so in the insurance industry. The “Cashless Everywhere” initiative has made cashless health insurance more feasible. Earlier cashless health insurance was only available in the network hospital. But this revolutionary initiative allows you to avail cashless medical treatment at any hospital. Let me tell you more about it.
What is cashless health insurance?
A type of health insurance policy that allows you to get treatment from any network hospital and non-network hospital in case of emergency without paying the bill. In this case, the insurer will directly settle the bill with the hospital.
Best cashless health insurance policies in India 2024
| Category | Best Health Insurance Plans | Unique Features You Can Avail | Approx Premium |
| Individual & Family Health Plans | Niva Bupa Aspire Gold + | First-of-a-kind coverage for adoption and IVF treatment Combine multi-year sum insured (2 or 3 years) to use anytime Access to gyms | Rs. 834/- Per month |
| Star Health Assure | Covers non-medical items Pain management and rehab cover Covers in-utero fetal surgeries | Rs. 960/- Per month | |
| Care Supreme | Unlimited Automatic Recharge Unlimited E-consultations Optional Benefits | Rs. 929/- Per month | |
| Aditya Birla Activ One Nxt | Protecting you against medical inflation There is no capping on expenses like room rent, ICU charges, etc. Refills your cover up to 100% | Rs. 469/- Per month | |
| Senior Citizen Health Plans | ManipalCigna Prime Senior Classic | Upgrade to the ‘Any room’ category during hospitalization Reduce pre-existing disease waiting period to 90 days Unlimited sum insured restoration | Rs. 1,581/- Per month |
| Niva Senior First Gold | Modern Treatments Avail Air Ambulance for emergency evacuation Covers Organ Donor Expenses | Rs. 1,121/- Per month | |
| Aditya Birla Activ Care Standard | Nursing at home is available Access to lifestyle support equipment Annual Health Assessment for Preventive Healthcare | Rs. 2,016/- Per month |
How does it benefit you?
Imagine, you are at the hospital, taking care of your ageing mother, who is hospitalised. Would you like to be worried about the hospital bill? No right. We all want to take care of our loved ones when they are in need. Here comes the cashless health insurance in the picture. Well, there are many more advantages than this.
- Access to quality healthcare at a vast network of hospitals.
- It provides policyholders with the convenience of not paying the bills out-of-pocket.
- It facilitates quicker medical attention.
- No hassle of waiting for the reimbursement for the bill.
- Quick support in emergency coverage.
- Premiums paid for the cashless health insurance are qualified for tax exemptions under section 80D.
POV- Check out premiums here to get your top 5 cashless health insurance plan.
Types of cashless health insurance
In India, there are three types of cashless health insurance.
Cashless Individual Health Insurance
Provides cashless coverage to the individual policyholder, in case of any medical emergency. Usually, individual health insurance policies are more extensive and flexible, as they give you the freedom to choose your coverage as per the needs of an individual person.
Cashless Family Floater Health Insurance
Family floater plans give coverage to your entire family. It helps in covering the medical expenses for all the family members and shielding them against any unforeseen medical emergencies. Today, many popular health insurers in India offer comprehensive and cashless family floater health insurance to cater to small/ medium/ extended family members.
Cashless Senior Citizen Health Insurance
A specially designed policy to cover the healthcare needs of those people who are 60 years old and above. This requires a pre-policy health check-up for any individual purchasing senior citizen health insurance. As we age, our medical requirements change, and we need special care and attention in terms of health. So, senior citizens health insurance covers them all.
How does cashless health insurance work?
Cashless claim settlement is a very straightforward process and can be done within a day at a maximum.
- Choose a suitable cashless health insurance plan.
- Select the preferred network hospital for your treatment.
- In case of planned treatment, inform your cashless health insurance provider about your treatment.
- Show your health insurance card or policy number to the hospital.
- Get the required medical treatment.
- Check if there is any co-payment required.
- Voila, your claim has been settled directly between your insurer and healthcare provider.
Inclusion and exclusions in cashless network hospital
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Room rent: Based on the policy’s limits. | Pre-existing diseases: Conditions that existed before the policy inception. |
| Doctor’s fees: Including surgeons, anaesthetists, and consultants. | Cosmetic surgeries: Procedures for aesthetic purposes. |
| Nursing charges: For regular and intensive care. | Dental treatments: Except for accidents causing dental injuries. |
| Medicines and consumables: As prescribed by the doctor. | Ayurvedic, homoeopathic, and Unani treatments: Unless specifically covered. |
| Diagnostic tests: Including X-rays, blood tests, and scans. | Maternity expenses: Unless a maternity cover is added. |
| Surgical expenses: Including implants and prosthetics. | Self-inflicted injuries: Including those caused by substance abuse. |
| Ambulance charges: In case of an emergency. | War and nuclear risks: Coverage is usually excluded. |
Bottom line
Cashless health insurance has revolutionized the way we approach healthcare in India. It eliminates the financial burden during medical emergencies. Also, it offers peace of mind by streamlining the claim process. However, it is very important to understand all the terms and conditions before buying the policy. With advancements in technology and the expanding network of cashless hospitals, the future of healthcare looks promising.
Do you feel the same? Read more about various health insurance trending topics here.
Health Insurer Network Hospitals
Cashless Health Insurance : Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a network hospital?
A network hospital is a healthcare facility that has a tie-up with your insurance company. Cashless claims are generally processed smoothly in these hospitals.
2. Can I claim cashless treatment in a non-network hospital?
Yes, it is possible to claim cashless treatment in a non-network hospital in case of emergency.
3. What documents are required for a cashless claim?
You need to show the insurance policy-related documents, ID proof, and hospital bills.
4. What is a co-payment?
A co-payment is a fixed amount you pay for a medical service, and the insurance company covers the remaining cost.
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Written By: Simran Saxena
An explorer and a curious person, Simran has worked in the field of insurance for more than 3 years. Travelling and writing are her only passion and hobby. Her main agenda is to transform insurance information into a piece that is easy to understand and seamlessly solves the reader’s query.
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