Premium increase due to Mental Illness being covered under Health Insurance

Premium increase due to Mental Illness being covered under Health Insurance

From 1 October 2020 Mental Illness is covered under your health insurance policy. This is a good development as all health insurance policies issued in India are now covering this risk.

We have been reading that certain insurance companies have increased the premium and others are in the process of refixing the premium.

The general impression is that this coverage will result in 10% increase.

The question which we are raising is -what the insured will get?

OPD is not covered and for majority (may be 99%) patients hospitalization is not required. As you know 24 hours hospitalization is one of the main conditions in health insurance policy. OPD is allowed for very few insurance policies.

Does it mean that -this benefit cannot be used by policy holders in the country? We know that mental illness patients have to consult one of the following in OPD:

• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist

We suggest that you consult the insurer for this clarification.