For a long time, people have avoided talking about and understanding mental illness unlike discussions about physical health issues, mental health problems have been stigmatised. But, in 2018, the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 was put in place, aiming to include mental illnesses in Mediclaim policy. Let’s explore health insurance for mental health in India and what it covers.
Does health insurance plans cover mental health?
Yes, health insurance now covers mental health. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences found that mental illnesses affect about 11% of India’s population, including issues like anxiety, depression, severe mental disorders, and substance use disorders. In the past, mental health problems were seen as something people didn’t want to talk about, but that’s changing. Now, people take mental health more seriously, and this shift in thinking has influenced the insurance industry. Health insurance plans are now customised to cover the treatment of mental illness. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 plays a crucial role in this, stating that mental illnesses must be included in health insurance coverage. The regulatory body for the insurance industry, IRDAI, has instructed insurance companies to include mental health coverage in their plans.
What is health insurance for mental illness?
Mental illness insurance cover is a type of insurance that helps with the costs of treating significant mental disorders. According to the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, mental illness is described as a significant issue in moods, perception, thinking, memory, or orientation that affects decision making, judgment, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. This insurance is meant to support the treatment of such mental disorders, offering financial assistance and reducing the burden on individuals dealing with mental health challenges. It doesn’t cover mental retardation resulting from incomplete brain development.
What are the benefits that medical insurance for mental health bring?
Health insurance that covers mental health brings several benefits
Mandatory by Law: It’s a legal requirement to include mental health coverage in health insurance, according to the Mental Health Act of 2017. This means insurers must provide coverage for individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses, ensuring they have access to necessary care.
Wide Range of Coverage: These insurance policies offer financial coverage for various mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Since these conditions can significantly impact daily life and brain function, having financial protection through insurance is crucial for accessing the necessary medical care.
Comprehensive Coverage: Most plans cover both inpatient and outpatient services, offering a substantial sum insured. This includes the costs of pre- and post-hospitalization, treatment, recovery, tests, and diagnosis. Some plans even cover issues related to decision-making capabilities, mood disorders, memory, and perception. This ensures a wide scope of coverage for mental health concerns.
What are the exclusions under Mental illness cover?
Just like other health insurance plans, mental health insurance has some things it doesn’t cover, called exclusions. These are situations or scenarios where the policy won’t provide coverage. It’s important to be aware of these exclusions to prevent claim rejections. Here are some exclusions for mental health coverage:
Mental Retardation: The insurance won’t cover conditions related to incomplete brain development causing mental retardation.
Mental Illness from Substance Abuse: If mental health issues arise from the abuse of drugs or alcohol, the insurance may not provide coverage.
Hospitalisation Requirement: Many plans cover medical expenses only if the patient is hospitalised.
History of Recurring Mental Illness: If there’s a history of repeated mental health issues, it might be excluded from coverage.
What should you know about Mental Health Insurance
Taking care of mental health is crucial for daily activities and overall well-being. Mental health problems have increased, especially due to factors like a sedentary lifestyle and stress, and events like the Covid-19 pandemic have added to these challenges.
Understanding the importance of mental health insurance is essential to ensure you get the right medical care. It’s not only a mandatory part of health insurance, but it also provides coverage for a variety of mental illnesses.
Conclusion
Being mentally healthy allows you to do your best in daily activities independently. Mental illnesses can be severe, and the treatment costs can be high, making it challenging for many to afford.
If you want to reduce the financial stress of treating mental disorders, it’s a good idea to get the best health insurance with mental health coverage. Choose a plan that offers significant coverage for both common physical ailments and mental health issues. This way, you can get the necessary care without worrying too much about the expenses.
