Non medical expenses coverage in health insurance refer to the charges that are not directly associated with the medical treatment or services. Insurance for non-medical expenses in the coverage offered for the costs that are not directly associated with medical treatment or services, like insurance premiums, administrative fees, and other expenses related to managing and maintaining a health insurance policy. Non-medical expenses in health insurance, though not directly associated with the medical treatment, are often considered needed for overall healthcare and well-being. Therefore, insurance for non-medical expenses could be important for patients and their families. Non medical expenses in insurance, like food, transportation, and accommodation during hospitalization, could increase the financial stress on patients and their families.
Non medical expenses coverage in health insurance are Administrative fees, insurance premiums, consumable items(like syringes, gloves, and bandages), daycare treatment expenses, nutritionist/dietician charges, AYUSH benefits, organ donor expenses, home care, laundry service, cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, diabetic footwear, diagnostic devices, and gauze blades. Knowing which expenses come under non-medical could assist you in managing your health insurance plan and avoiding unexpected expenses. A few optional items or services given during the hospital stay of babies, which are treatment choices and are not covered by health insurance, are Baby food, food (except for what is provided by the hospital) and Mineral water.
Non-medical expenses in health insurance concern to the expenses incurred for services not directly associated with medical treatment. These expenses encompass charges for registration, and the cost of consumables such as syringes, bandages, and gloves etc.
Non-medical expenses incurred during hospitalisation, which are not covered by health insurance, include the costs of various items. The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDAI) of India has excluded the coverage of these expenses to prevent any potential misuse. As a result, your insurance provider will not be responsible for covering these expenses when settling claims, and you will have to finance them personally.
The IRDAI has classified the non-medical expenses according to the hospitalisation and treatment received. Additionally, the IRDAI has provided a list of optional items not covered by a health plan. Please refer to the following categories of non-medical expenses as outlined by the IRDAI below,
Non-Medical Expenses Under Procedure Costs:
Non-Medical Expenses Under Hospital Room Charges:
Non-Medical Expenses Under Procedure Costs:
The cost of the following items used during a surgical procedure may not be covered:
Other Non-Payable Medical Expenses:
The following non-medical expenses are not covered:
Optional Items:
The cost of the following optional items might also excluded:
Medical expenses refer to the costs incurred in preventing or treating disease or injury. Medical expenses also include health and dental insurance premiums, co-pays, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, etc.
It permits deductions on the premium paid on a health insurance plan for themselves or their family members.
Section 80D of the Income Tax Act gives permission for the tax deductions of a maximum of Rs 25,000 each financial year on health insurance policy premiums.
Important points to keep in mind regarding non-medical expenses in health insurance
It is essential to note that any non-medical expenses incurred during hospitalisation will not be covered by your health insurance policy, as per the guidelines set by IRDAI.
The non-medical expenses listed by IRDAI are standard and can be found in your policy documents.
To avoid any surprises during claim settlement, it is advisable to thoroughly check your policy document to understand the non-medical expenses excluded under your policy.
In some cases, non-medical expenses may be covered as an add-on cover in specific health plans. You can opt for this cover by paying an additional premium to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses.
As all health insurance plans do not cover non-medical expenses under their plan, consider opting for a rider or an add-on cover along with your base plan to ease the burden of paying from your pockets.
All health policies may exclude non-medical expenses in health insurance. When you choose your health insurance policy, check about the non-medical expenses under that plan.
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