Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

Affordable Healthcare with Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi

In today's world, many people struggle to access healthcare due to high costs, with millions unable to afford life-saving treatment. According to a NITI Aayog report, 30% of the population lacks financial support for medical care. 

While health insurance provides some relief, it remains out of reach for the poor. That's why government initiatives such as Kerala's Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) aim to change this by focusing on making healthcare affordable and accessible while addressing inequality in the system. 

Keep reading to learn about the KASP scheme features, benefits, eligibility criteria, documents required, application process, and more.  

What is the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

The Karunya Health Insurance Scheme (KASP) is a Kerala government initiative to help low-income families access affordable healthcare. It provides financial support for costly medical treatments, which helps make quality healthcare more accessible while reducing medical expenses.

Overview Of The Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

Objectives of Karunya Insurance

Here is the list of the main objectives of KASP insurance:

• Offers financial assistance to individuals dealing with critical illnesses while helping them manage their medical expenses.
• Ensures that beneficiaries across Kerala have access to high-quality healthcare services.
• Supports individuals and families struggling with the financial burden of critical illnesses.
• Provides extensive coverage for a wide variety of critical illnesses as well as medical treatments.
• Makes healthcare easily accessible for economically disadvantaged groups while allowing them to focus on recovery without worrying about costs.

Essential Features of Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi

Here are the standout features of the KASP Scheme:

• This scheme is fully funded by the government.
• Offers hospitalization coverage of up to 5 lakhs per household annually.
• Cashless medical care is also available at empanelled hospitals.
• The scheme generally helps to reduce the burden of high medical expenses.
• There are no age, gender, or family size restrictions.
• Pre-existing diseases are also covered from day one of the treatment.
• It is even available at both public and private hospitals across India.
• It provides comprehensive benefits while covering 1,573 procedures, which mainly include surgeries, diagnostics, medications, and more.

Benefits of Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi

Listed below are the benefits provided by the KASP scheme:

• Offers up to 2 lakhs for specific illnesses and increases to 3 lakhs for severe cases.
• Generally covers extra costs if treatment expenses exceed the initial estimate.
• Scheme benefits usually extend to at least 5 family members, each with a unique ID card for availing medical services.

Facilities Under Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi

The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi offers a variety of services that are specially designed to provide comprehensive health coverage for those facing critical illnesses. Here are some major facilities of this health insurance scheme:

●  Critical Illness Support
The scheme offers essential treatment for individuals suffering from severe diseases.
●  Financial Aid
Enrolled individuals can receive up to 2 lakhs for treatment, with the amount increasing to 3 lakhs for more severe conditions.
●  Expense Reimbursement
Beneficiaries are also eligible for reimbursement in case the treatment cost exceeds the original estimate.
●  Family Benefits
The scheme mainly covers up to 5 family members, with each receiving a special card for accessing medical services.
●  Wide Illness Coverage
It even offers coverage for a broad variety of critical illnesses, which mainly include cancer, heart diseases, kidney diseases, and more.
●  Accessible Hospitals
The program now includes both government and private hospitals equipped with modern technology, which makes quality healthcare more accessible.

All of these facilities ensure financial as well as medical support for economically disadvantaged individuals during critical illnesses.

Eligibility Criteria For Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi

Individuals must meet the following criteria to become eligible for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha scheme:

1.Applicants must reside in Kerala.
2.The scheme is available to individuals who fall below the poverty line (BPL).
3.Families earning less than ₹3 lakhs per year are eligible, regardless of whether they are classified as BPL or above the poverty line (APL).
4.Applicants are required to submit their Aadhaar card, income certificate, and any other necessary documents. 

Documents Required for Karunya Health Insurance Scheme Application

Here is the list of the essential documents that are required for the KASP scheme:

●  Voter ID card/Aadhar card
●  Passport-sized photograph
●  Ration card
●  Income Certificate – This helps to determine eligibility based on annual income. An individual must also ensure to keep all income-related documents handy.
●  Address Proof – Beneficiaries should submit the original copy of their residential proof.
●  BPL Card – Beneficiaries are also required to confirm eligibility for underprivileged individuals. BPL cardholders must submit this when applying online.

KASP Apply Online: Steps to Follow

Here are some easy steps for KASP insurance registration online:

Step 1: Visit the official website: http://karunya.kerala.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on "How to Apply" and download the application form.
Step 3: Fill out the form with the required details and submit it along with the necessary documents.
Step 4: Track the application status for KASP insurance card check online using the "Application Tracking" feature. 

Individuals can also check the name in the "List of Beneficiaries" on the homepage.

How to Find a Hospital Covered by the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

Individuals should follow these steps to find a hospital that accepts the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme:

1.Visit the Official Website
The individual should go to the Kerala State Government's health insurance website or the provider's website.
2.Check the List of Network Hospitals
They must look for the list of empaneled hospitals that are usually found under sections like "Hospital List" or similar.
3.Contact Customer Service
If beneficiaries can't find the information online, they can simply reach out to customer service for a list of hospitals.
4.Visit Local Health Offices
They can even visit local health offices or the district health department to get details on covered hospitals.
5.Consult Insurance Agent
In case a person has an insurance agent, they can also help them locate the list of hospitals under the scheme. 

Hospitalization Process Under the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

Here are some easy steps to avail of hospitalization under KASP insurance:

• The individual must first ensure that the hospital is empanelled under the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme.
• They should present their KASP insurance card download or details at the hospital's admissions desk.
• The hospital verifies the coverage and initiates the claim process.
• Treatments are covered according to the scheme's guidelines during the hospital stay.
• The person should coordinate with the hospital's insurance or billing department to ensure a smooth process for any required approvals or documentation.

The Karunya Health Insurance Scheme is an excellent example of a government initiative focused on providing affordable healthcare to everyone. It has positively impacted many lives in Kerala with its comprehensive coverage and financial support.

Hence, the KASP scheme makes a big step towards providing accessible and affordable healthcare for everyone. However, if you are not eligible for this scheme, you can still get quality healthcare at an affordable price by opting for Star Health's Super Star plan. 
Coverage starts at just ₹13/day, with access to 21 optional covers, unlimited sum insured restorations, dental checkups, and more.

Call us today for a customized quote!