Are Psychological Disorders Covered Under Health Insurance?

Mental illness-related charges were never covered by health insurance in India for a long time. Only physical health problems and illnesses were covered by health insurance policies. However, in recent years, there has been a significant movement in the same. Mental health concerns are gaining traction, and those suffering from mental diseases are speaking up.
Moreover, in the midst of the ongoing epidemic, everyone's attention has been drawn to people's emotional well-being as well as their physical well-being. Mental health has emerged as one of India's most pressing health concerns. To understand more about the psychological disorders covered under health insurance, read on.

What Exactly Is Mental Health or Wellbeing?

A person's mental health covers their psychological, social, and emotional well-being. It has a big influence on how someone thinks, acts, and feels. Every stage of life needs mental health. It also has an impact on how we deal with stress, how we connect with others, and how we make decisions.
When a person is diagnosed with a mental illness, it indicates that he or she is unable to think, work, memorise, act, or make decisions. It causes cognitive problems and even makes it difficult to carry out regular tasks.

Are Mental Health Issues Covered Under Health Insurance?

Yes, mental diseases are covered by Indian health insurance. People did not consider it vital to cover psychiatric problems under medical insurance until recently. However, as more individuals come out in the open and talk about mental health difficulties, there has been a rise in public understanding of people's mental health. Almost everyone now considers it a top priority.
As a result, in August 2018, IRDAI made it essential to cover mental diseases under health insurance. The insurance regulator has told all insurance firms that mental health should be treated like any other physical disease and should be covered by health insurance policies. Because of the uniform regulation, psychological problems, mental disease, stress, and brain illnesses can now be covered by health insurance policies.
IRDAI's health insurance development would be a significant step forward in the national health insurance ecosystem. Coverage for mental diseases would benefit people who are suffering from mental illnesses and relieve the financial burden that comes with it.

Benefits Of Mental Health Coverage Under Health Insurance

Following are the listed benefits of mental health coverage under health insurance -

• Treatment fees, diagnostic test charges, pharmaceutical prices, ambulance charges, room rent, and other in-patient hospitalisation expenditures are covered under mental health insurance in the same way as they are under a traditional health plan.
• Individuals with a mental condition that affects their cognitive ability, memory, thinking, mental capacity, behaviour, and decision-making skills are covered by the insurance.
• A few insurance companies give an OPD benefit that pays for mental health consultations, therapy, and rehabilitation.

Waiting Period For Mental Health Insurance

Yes. Like pre-existing disorders, mental health insurance has a waiting time. Mental illness is usually covered after a two-year waiting period under most health insurance policies. A claim for mental disorders cannot be filed unless the policyholder has had his or her health insurance coverage renewed for two years in a row. Furthermore, to be qualified to make a mental health insurance claim, the insured must be hospitalised for at least 24 hours.

Why Should One Get Mental Health Insurance?

Everyone should consider purchasing mental health insurance. Furthermore, those with a family history of mental illness should get health insurance coverage that covers mental illnesses because they are more susceptible to them. Additionally, anybody who has had a traumatic incident such as the death of a loved one or a vehicle accident should consider purchasing mental health insurance.

Endnotes

Simply put, if you want to lessen the financial toll of mental diseases, you should look into getting a health plan that covers mental illnesses and their associated expenditures.

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.