Insurance for Non-Medical Expenses: A Comprehensive Guide

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. 

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Breaking Down Non-Medical Expenses in Your Health Insurance Plan

 

 

What is non medical expenses in insurance? 


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.

 

 

What are non-medical items expenses in health insurance? 


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: 

 

  • Registration/admission charges 
  • Vaccination cost 
  • HIV kit 
  • Antiseptic mouthwash 
  • Disinfectant, spirit & hydrogen peroxide 
  • Urine container 
  • Nutritionists or dietician charges 
  • Diabetic footwear 
  • Infusion pump charges 
  • Blood reservation cost

 

Non-Medical Expenses Under Hospital Room Charges: 

 

  • Gown 
  • Tissue paper 
  • Pulse oximeter charges 
  • Hand wash 
  • Housekeeping charges 
  • Comb, slippers & caps 
  • Hot pack/ cold pack 
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste 
  • Buds 
  • Foot cover

 

Non-Medical Expenses Under Procedure Costs: 


The cost of the following items used during a surgical procedure may not be covered: 

  • Surgical blades 
  • Disposable razors 
  • Bandages & cotton 
  • Eye pad 
  • Arthroscopy and Endoscopy instrument charges 
  • Gauze blades 
  • Harmon scalpel blades 
  • Hair removal cream 
  • Surgical drill

 

Other Non-Payable Medical Expenses: 


The following non-medical expenses are not covered: 

  • Needles, syringes & sterilised injections 
  • Barber charges 
  • Referral doctor’s fees 
  • Medicine box 
  • Washing charges 
  • Digestion gels 
  • Paper gloves

 

Optional Items: 


The cost of the following optional items might also excluded:

  • Mineral water 
  • Thermometer 
  • Food (apart from hospital food) 
  • Laundry/ attendant charges 
  • Beauty services 
  • Nebuliser kit 
  • Baby food 
  • Carry bags 
  • Belts/braces

 

 

Does medical expenses include insurance?

 

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.

 

 

Do medical expenses include insurance premiums?


It permits deductions on the premium paid on a health insurance plan for themselves or their family members.

 

 

Do health insurance premiums count as medical expenses for taxes?


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.

 

 

Summary


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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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only. Availability and terms of health insurance plans may vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult a licensed insurance agent or professional for specific advice. T&C Apply. For further detailed information or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at marketing.d2c@starhealth.in