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With advancements in medical technology, many insurance companies are now offering health plans that cover treatments requiring as little as two hours of hospitalization.
This shift acknowledges the trend of shorter hospital stays and aims to prevent claim denials for quick procedures, making it essential for policyholders to review their options carefully.
In recent years, the healthcare landscape has undergone significant transformation, particularly concerning health insurance claims related to day-care procedures. Many patients undergoing minimally invasive surgeries, such as cataract surgery or angiography often find their claims denied due to traditional insurance policies requiring a minimum hospital stay of 24 hours. This outdated norm has prompted a surge in demand for insurance policies that accommodate shorter hospital stays.
Modern advancements in medical technology mean that many procedures now take just a couple of hours, a stark contrast to the lengthy stays of the past. Recognizing this shift, several insurance providers have begun to adapt their policies to include coverage for hospitalizations lasting as little as two hours.
Leading the Change:
Prominent health insurers are now offering plans that accommodate day-care treatments without the need for an overnight stay. Key policies include:
ICICI Lombard, Elevate Plan: Covers day-care treatments requiring less than 24 hours.
Care Health Insurance, Care Supreme Plan: Specifically designed for short-stay and day-care procedures.
HDFC ERGO, Optima Secure: Addresses claims for day-care treatments, including non-24-hour stays.
Niva Bupa, Health ReAssure Plan: Offers coverage for short hospitalizations under 24 hours.
Zurich Kotak Health Care: Includes day-care treatment coverage along with optional hospital daily-cash benefits.
Star Health, Assure Plan: Also encompasses day-care procedure coverage.
Premiums Overview:
For a sum insured of ₹10 lakh, annual premiums start at approximately:
₹9,195 for ICICI Lombard Elevate
₹12,790 for Care Supreme
₹14,199 for Niva Bupa Health ReAssure
These figures are based on a 30-year-old non-smoker male residing in a metro city, with rates varying depending on age, health conditions, and smoking status.
Understanding the Need for Change:
As medical practices evolve, most procedures can now be completed in under 24 hours. Treatments like cataract surgery and certain minor orthopedic procedures can often be effectively managed with minimal hospital time. However, traditional policies frequently do not cover these short procedures, leading to substantial out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Experts emphasize the importance of thoroughly comparing insurance plans to find coverage that meets individual and family needs. Factors such as claim settlement ratios and hospital networks are crucial when considering policies that support short hospital stays.
Many traditional health insurance policies previously required a minimum 24-hour hospital stay for claims to be approved, but several insurers now cover day-care procedures with hospital stays as short as two hours, reflecting the rapid evolution in medical practices.
In conclusion, as healthcare delivery continues to modernize, insurance companies are responding by revising their policies to reflect these advancements providing patients with more options and fewer barriers to necessary care. However, prospective policyholders must remain vigilant in evaluating their choices, ensuring they choose the best coverage for their specific situations.
(Rh/Dr. Divina Johncy Rosario/MSM/SE)
