Features And Benefits Of Government Health Insurance Schemes
Updated On Mar 01, 2021
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Health insurance is a necessity in our lives today. Given how the recent pandemic of Covid-19 has spanned across continents and climes lives, the importance, and need of having a health insurance policy cannot be stressed more. Medical expenses are mounting each day and for a developing country like India, it is often difficult for people with challenging socio-economic conditions to have access to affordable health care systems.
Keeping this in mind, the Government of India has introduced several health insurance policies that offer financial support and a regular source of income to those in need. These insurance policies can be purchased by any Indian citizen, irrespective of their financial standing. While these schemes are not as popular as the plans advertised by private insurance companies, government insurance schemes in India are more attractive, affordable and are applicable across the nation. In this article, we are going to tell you about the different features and benefits of government insurance schemes in India.
Features And Benefits Of Government Health Insurance Schemes In India
The following are a list of features and benefits that can be availed by any Indian citizen holding a government health insurance scheme in India -
1. Applicable Nationally
The most important feature and benefit of a government health insurance scheme is the fact that it is applicable to all regions within the country. Health insurance schemes sponsored by the central and state governments of India allow people to access its services across the length and breadth of the country. Your place of residence does not interfere with the terms of the health insurance scheme and you can be assured of receiving maximum benefits from it at any corner of India. This feature will be of benefit to persons with a transferable job as they can be guaranteed of complete financial and medical coverage in case of a health emergency, in any part of the country.
2. Comprehensive Coverage
Health insurance schemes offered by the government of India have a comprehensive coverage benefit. It is applicable as an individual cover or a family floater option and can be suited as per the personal and medical needs of India’s millions. These health insurance schemes offer a fixed coverage amount along with several income options for the main breadwinner of the family. It also provides assured returns and is often one of the safest options for investment with little to no risk profiles amongst the different investment handles in a financial market.
3. Hospitalization Coverage
All health insurance schemes sponsored by the Government of India come with hospitalization benefits that offer complete medical assistance at a lower cost of treatment in government-recognized hospitals across the country. It includes the coverage of pre and posts hospitalization charges, external and daycare medical procedures, surgery, and pharmacy bills. This feature ensures that any Indian whether residing in an urban area or a village receives the best medical treatment without parting with their long-term investments.
4. Covers Underlying Medical Condition
Unlike most private general and life insurance companies, an underlying or pre-existing disease is covered by government health insurance schemes. The coverage of underlying medical conditions begins from the start of the policy term and it does not have a waiting period during which any illness arising out of such a condition is not payable by the scheme. Under this feature, the benefit of pre-existing disease coverage can be availed by all policyholders without the payment of any additional fees or premium. Covering people of all age groups, government health insurance schemes seek to protect all Indians against any kind of health complications.
5. Domiciliary Treatment Benefit
While this feature might not be inimical to government health insurance schemes, domiciliary treatment benefits are a prominent aspect that is covered by the central and state governments of India at a subsidized rate of premium. Incorporating this feature into a general insurance policy offered by private insurance companies may involve the payment of a higher premium, but this is an inbuilt feature under most government health insurance schemes. This feature is extremely useful if one were to consider the expanse of India and the difficulty of getting access to a health clinic or a hospital in some of its remotest areas. It ensures that even people residing even in the farthest fringes of India are able to have recourse to medical intervention at an affordable rate.
Take Away
These are the broad features and benefits that any individual can avail under health insurance schemes of the Government of India. When you invest in a state-sponsored health insurance scheme, you not only secure strong medical coverage but also ensure a financially supportive income for your family members and loved ones in the long run. These health insurance policies are a good option for someone from a limited socio-economic background, who can be assured of guaranteed treatment and financial coverage at nominal costs.
