How Mental Health is Different from Mental Illness?
It is rightly said that a "strong mind creates a strong world". But how do we make our minds strong? Well, you can choose many options to keep your mind healthy. The problem is there are many people including celebrities like- Lady Gaga, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Parineeti Chopra, and our own The Rock, and many like them are dealing with mental health issues. When we read about them, we find ourselves very curious about it. But, if our neighbour, relative, or friend is diagnosed with such a mental condition, it goes like 'hush-hush'. Even today, acceptance of mental illness is still a dream as it is still considered taboo in many areas. Additionally, due to the exceptionally high treatment cost of mental illness, many still can't afford it.
This article aims to generate awareness about mental health, related illnesses, availability of treatment and many other such not-so-much-discussed topics.
How Important is Mental Health?
Mental health is as crucial as physical health. To live a great and happy life, you need to have a healthy balance between the two. These days, a great number of people have started acknowledging the importance of mental health. To cater to this, many health insurance companies are providing health insurance for mental illness. We will learn about this later in the blog, first let us understand the difference between mental health and mental illness.
A Quick comparison Between Mental Health Vs Mental Illness
| Basis | Mental Health | Mental Illness |
| Definition | Mental health is the emotional, psychological and social well-being of a person. | Mental illness refers to a specific disorder or condition that can affect our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and moods. |
| Mental health involves the ability to handle stress, maintain fulfilling relationships, work productivity, and decision making. | The condition of mental illness can interfere with daily functioning and can lead to distress or impaired functioning. |
| Focus Relativity | Mental health is more about the positive aspect of the psychological functioning. | Mental illness is a diagnosis and is associated with symptoms and impairment in functioning. |
| It includes aspects like coping mechanisms, resilience, self-esteem, and overall emotional well-being. | It includes conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and much more. |
| State of Being | Mental health is a state that can range from a good state of mind to struggling emotionally or psychologically. | Mental illness indicates a diagnosable condition that might require medical support and treatment. |
How is a Mental Health Insurance Company Helping Out?
- In 2017, IRDAI issued a directive to the insurance providers in India, that they have to provide health insurance for mental illness.
- People are speaking up and looking for health insurance policies having mental illness coverage.
- The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 provides the right to access treatment and healthcare for mental illness to the general public and protects them against discrimination.
- Now, almost all health insurance companies provide mental ailment health insurance.
How to Choose Health Insurance for Mental Ailments?
You need to keep the following points in your mind while getting mental illness health insurance:
Amount of the Premiums
Obviously, budget is the main constraint while safeguarding ourselves. Avoid financial stress by choosing affordable premiums.Coverage
Check the coverage options of your health insurance plans for mental illness. Some plans also give coverage for psychiatrist consultations. So much so, consider reading the policy wording carefully before choosing the right one.Waiting Period
Every policy comes with some waiting period. When talking about mental illness, you need to serve a waiting period before applying for the claim.Policy Review
Read the reviews given by policyholders and understand how the company works in terms of claims and renewal. Also, check their Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) to be on the safe side.
Health Insurance for Mental Ailments
A modern-day digital insurance plan offering you cashless OPD and diagnostic services along with basic coverage and healthcare benefits.
Unique Features
- Early age enrolment discounts
- Annually 10 OPD consultations
- No room rent capping
NivaBupa Go Active (Pros)
- Pharmacy and Diagnostic Services
- Domiciliary hospitalization
- Personal Accident Benefit
- Refill Benefit
- Daily health coaching
NivaBupa Go Active (Cons)
- Maternity Benefit Not available
- Adventure Sports not covered
- HIV/AIDS not covered
- Cosmetic Surgery Not Covered
- War Injuries not covered
NivaBupa Go Active (Other Benefits)
- Behavioural Assistance Program
- Alternate Treatment
- I-Protect option to increase SI
- 2 % ICU Cover (per Day)
- No Room Rent Sub Limit
NivaBupa Go Active (Eligibility Criteria)
- Entry Age - 18 Years
- Max Entry Age - 65 Years
- SI - 4 L to 25 L
- Waiting Period - 30 Days
This plan is designed for youngsters and allows the policyholder to go overseas for treatments.
Unique Features
- Exclusive maternity benefits
- Adoption is included
- Borderless facilities
Niva Bupa Aspire Plan (Pros)
- Overseas treatment coverage
- Booster benefit
- Covers organ donor transplant
- Second medical opinion
- Teleconsultation
Niva Bupa Aspire Plan (Cons)
- No suicide cover
- No war injury cover
- Baby food & utility charges excluded
- Laundry charges excluded
- No certificate charges
Niva Bupa Aspire Plan (Other Benefits)
- 4 unique variants of the plan
- Cash-bag benefit
- WellConsult OPD Wallet
- Cashless claim settlement
- AYUSH Treatment
Niva Bupa Aspire Plan (Eligibility Criteria)
- Entry age - 18 years
- Max entry age - No AgeLimit
- SI - INR 3L to 1 Cr
- Waiting Period - 30 days
A standard health insurance policy that covers individual and family hospitalisation as well as infertility treatment and critical illnesses.
Unique Benefits
- Free Health Check-ups
- 2nd Medical Opinion
- Psychiatric illness Cover
Health Plus Policy (Pros)
- Theater Fees Covered
- Professional Fees Cover
- Day Care Procedures
- SI Refill Benefit
- Newborn Baby Benefit
Health Plus Policy (Cons)
- No Unproven Treatments
- No Global Cover
- No War Injury Cover
- No Drug Abuse Cover
- No Obesity Cover
Health Plus Policy (Other Benefits)
- Accidental Hospitalization
- Daily Hospital Cash Cover
- Dental Treatment
- ICU Room Rent
- Bariatric Surgery Cover
Health Plus Policy (Eligibility Criteria)
- Entry Age - 18 Years
- Max Age- 65 Years
- SI - NA
- Waiting Period - 30 Days
Offers 360 degrees protection to you and your family with multiple SI options of 3 to 75 Lakhs. Comes with EMI and lifelong entry option.
Unique Features
- Fitness discounts during renewal
- Room rent capping and co-pay
- Loyalty discounts
my:health Suraksha (Pros)
- Renewal Benefit
- Wellness Benefit
- Premium Payment Options
- Reduced Premium Benefit
- 1,2,3 Years policy Period Option
my:health Suraksha (Cons)
- No Return Transportation Cost
- Suicidal Injuries
- No Non-Allopathic treatment
- Adventure Sports Injuries
- Alcoholism
my:health Suraksha (Other Benefits)
- Pregnancy Complications Covered
- Newborn Complications Covered
- Loss of Job Covered
- Post Diagnosis Support
- 41 Critical Illness Covered
my:health Suraksha (Eligibility Criteria)
- Entry Age - 18 Years
- Max Entry Age - 65 Years
- SI - 3 L to 75 L
- Waiting Period - 30 Days
Why You Should Opt for Mental Illness Health Insurance?
Mental illness health insurance provides several benefits to the policyholders. Some of them are given below:
Cashless Treatment
You will get cashless treatment in any of the network hospitals in case of a problem related to mental illness.Enhance your Savings
Mental illness is a common problem nowadays, and it will often end up draining your hard-earned money. Thus, having a health insurance policy for mental illness can help you save a significant amount towards your happy future.Tax Benefits
You will get highly valued tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. You can claim the deduction against the premiums you paid towards the medical insurance policy.Reduced Stigma
If you have a mental illness health insurance, you can reduce the stigma associated with seeking help when required. Health insurance makes it easier to reach out to professionals and access treatment without the fear of judgment.Coverage for Treatment
Mental health treatment like therapy, counselling, medications, and hospitalization can be expensive. Mental illness health insurance provides coverage for all kinds of treatments related to mental illness.
Tips to Support Your Mental Health and Well-Being
We know that physical health changes over time, the same applies to mental health. Our mind helps us to cope with stress. Many people face hard times that directly affect their mental well-being. But there are ways that you can work on and keep yourself mentally fit.
- Make a habit of journaling. Write down your thoughts on a paper or use some journaling apps.
- Practice meditation or other mindful practices.
- Reframe your thoughts and use cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Practice deep breathing exercises.
- Go for a walk daily.
- Listen to good music.
- Engage in activities that you find meaningful & enjoyable, like gardening or painting.
- Spend your time with friends and loved ones, those who care about your overall well-being.
The Bottom Line
Indeed, mental health is not the same as mental illness. Mental health is your overall mental status & well-being. It can be super joyful, poor or something in the middle. We all experience ups and downs in our lives. But, to deal with these situations we need to help ourselves or seek help from others. Mental illness is a health condition where you must require a professional. If you feel that you are facing some issues, get help from a professional.
Fortunately, when it comes to having mental illness health insurance, our expert advisors at PolicyX can help you with it.
