All About Health Insurance for the Disabled

“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.” - Robert M. Hensel

Every individual is different in their own way. While many possess certain abilities, some may lack them since birth or lose them with the passage of time. Being disabled or differently abled does not make one insignificant. Disabled or specially abled people are a vital part of our society and none can deny the same. 

If your are differently abled or know one with special needs, make sure you consider health insurance without wasting any more time. Needless to say, increasing medical bills are a cause of concern for every person. Having one of the best health insurance policies by your side can help you enhance your financial stability and prevent from depending on any other person for money or any other form of support. All in all, health insurance can be your helping hand when you need it the most.

Health insurance for disabled is the ideal way differently abled people can opt for to get their special medical needs met without having to lose their hard-earned savings. The best way to manage finances at the time of a medical emergency, health insurance for disabled is nothing less than a boon. 

Easily available in India, health insurance for disabled is provided by the government so that those struggling with different challenges can get their medical requirements fulfilled without them facing an additional struggle. 

Who all are considered under disabled or differently abled? 

• People with mental disability - An individual having a mental illness or disorder is considered a mentally disabled person. Mental disability may reflect a person’s actions, speech, thoughtfulness, or behavior. Note that people suffering from autism, schizophrenia, Asperger’s syndrome, mood disorders, anxiety, and disorders like such are considered to have a mental disorder. Individuals having mental disorders are included under the high-risk category. 
   
• People with accidental disability - If an individual becomes incapable or paralysed due to an accident, they are considered to be a person with accidental disabilities. It is also important for you to note that people with broken or damaged parts are also included under the accidental disability category. 
   
• People with congenital disability - When an individual possesses a set of specific disabilities since birth, they are considered to be congenitally disabled. Cleft palate or lip, down syndrome, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and many others are put under the category of congenital disability. 

Eligibility Aspects of Health Insurance for Disabled 

• Financial status and background - Financial status of the family of the insured individual is a key element that affects the eligibility.
   
• Status of health - Health status is one of the most significant elements that is considered while offering health insurance to people with disabilities. 
   
• Income or source of income - Note that that insurance companies evaluate the bank statements as well as accounts to have a clear understanding of whether the applicant will be able to pay the premiums on time or not. 

Health Insurance Options for Disabled 

• Nirmaya Health Insurance -: Nirmaya Health Insurance Scheme is an affordable health insurance option that is suitable for people with autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities. Eligibility criteria for the scheme includes that the person should have a disability covered under the National Trust Act and he or she should have a valid disability certificate. The insurance policy allows insurance coverage of Rs. 1 Lakh. Features covered under the policy include regular medical check up, hospitalisation, therapy, corrective surgery, transportation, repetitive medical intervention as an in-patient, pre and post hospitalization expenses, and OPD treatment. Some of the benefits associated with the insurance include same premium no matter what the age, no exclusion made because of pre-existing condition, no medical tests conducted before providing insurance cover, etc. 
• Swavalamban Health Insurance Scheme -: Swavalamban Health Insurance is a great option by the Indian government for disabled people. Specifically designed for the PwDs with a low-income group, the policy provides a comprehensive cover with superior benefits. Note that to avail the policy, the family income of the person should be Rs. 30,000 or below. 
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  While the age band for Swavalamban Health Insurance is 0 years to 65 years, a sum insured of Rs. 2 Lakh on family floater basis for a period of 2 years is provided to the disabled individual. The best thing is that the scheme does not exclude pre-existing medical conditions. Moreover, no medical tests are required to avail this insurance scheme. OPD costs up to Rs. 10,000 is covered for corrective treatment, while OPD costs up to Rs. 3,000 per year is included for mental disability. 
   
• LIC Jeevan Bharathi-I -: LIC Jeevan Bharathi-I policy is specifically designed for women. The plan provides higher sum insured rebate and offers protection for critical illness, accidental injuries, and congenital disability benefit. Benefits associated with the insurance include death benefit, survival benefit, maturity benefit, and income tax benefit. Under this scheme, the policyholder can avail survival benefit any time on or after the due date. Note that the policyholder has the option of getting the maturity returns in the form of annuity. The three additional optional riders that enable higher coverage include accidental benefit rider, critical illness benefit rider, and congenital disability benefit rider. 

Information & Documents Required 

The disabled or differently abled individuals are required to submit documents so that the process can be completed and information can be verified. The documents may vary from insurer to insurer, however, the most common ones are - 

• Doctor’s report regarding disability and its percentage
• Current medical report 
• Proof of income 

Availability of Tax Benefits 

Tax benefits for specially abled people are covered under Section 80U and 80DD of the Income Tax Act. 

According to Section 80U, while an individual with 40% to 79% disability is eligible for Rs. 50,000 of tax deduction, a person with above 80% disability is allowed a tax deduction of Rs. 1 Lakh. 

According to Section 80DD, the family members of the dependent disabled individual are also allows to claim deductions. In case, the dependent is 40% to 79% disabled, the supporting member will get tax deduction of Rs. 50,000. People having disabilities greater than 80% can avail deductions of Rs. 1 Lakh. 

P.S. This is an informative article. InsuranceDekho does not provide any of the health insurance schemes mentioned. 

For queries related to health insurance policies or health insurers, kindly call our experts at 18001205698. 

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