We have all heard that health is wealth. However, coronavirus has become a threat to our health. Taking care of your health or getting treatment for COVID-19 is a costly affair. Even a single-day hospitalization can entail hefty charges. This is where coronavirus health insurance is a brilliant idea. With a health plan to cover pandemics, you do not need to worry about the expensive treatment as your insurance provider will bear the cost of medical treatment.
COVID-19 Health Claim Approval
Of late, the Delhi High Court has directed IRDIA (the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) to make sure approval of cashless hospitalization for COVID treatment within a period of 30 to 60 minutes. Consequently, every health insurance company in India has been instructed to speed up their claim process to fasten cashless hospitalization and discharge patients from the hospital during the ongoing pandemic. The step has been taken during the coronavirus pandemic severe situation that has crippled the nation. The idea behind the move is to ensure hospital beds remain available for other patients. The insurers are also quick to communicate within 1 hour about tier cashless claims at network hospitals.
Further, IRDAI has issued to health insurers in which a fixed turnaround time of 2 hours was specified for both cashless and pre-authorization and hospital discharge.
Below are the guidelines issued to health insurers in India?
- Both the General Health Insurance Companies and Health Insurance Companies in India must offer Cashless hospitalization approval for COVID-19 health insurance claims. The time limit is a maximum of 60 minutes from the time of receiving the authorization request along with all the required documentation from the hospital.
- The decision about the final discharge of a patient from the hospital covered under coronavirus health plans shall be communicated to the network hospital within 1 hour from the time the final bill and necessary documentation are received from the hospital.
No Denial of Cashless Claim to COVID-19 Patients
IRDAI has instructed health insurance providers to make sure of the availability of cashless facilities for coronavirus patients. Those who are denied treatment has the right to register a complaint against the insurance company. If a hospital is not accepting cashless treatment and insisting on cash payment, then you can complain against the hospital with your insurance provider.
Moreover, network hospitals can’t charge more than decided in agreement between the insurance company and the hospital same. No additional charges can be levied for the same treatment. Also, health insurance reimbursement claims should be settled as per the terms and conditions.
How to File a Complaint?
You should raise a complaint against network hospitals if they disapprove of cashless facility benefits and send a small complaint to your health insurance provider as well. In case the insurance company fails to respond to you within a reasonable time, it is advisable to reach the IRDAI’s consumer affairs department with their grievance redressal cell.
As a policyholder, you can directly complain. No need to hire an advocate or take help from a health insurance agent.
Conclusion Coronavirus Health Insurance is the need of the hour. If you have not yet purchased a policy to cover yourself and your family against the novel virus, buy it today. This will reduce your stress by covering all the expenses incurred on coronavirus treatment such as hospitalization costs, nursing fee, doctor’s fee, pre and post-hospitalization, PPE kit, medical costs. More importantly, you will be able to save your health and wealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.