Can You Claim Health Insurance from Two Different Companies?

Anyone who buys multiple health insurance policies can benefit themselves in innumerable ways. Having health insurance from two or more companies by our side will increase coverage and provide us with peace of mind. During any medical emergency, you can get high-quality treatment facilities without worrying about the high cost of medical expenses. But, sometimes, our claims for multiple health insurance plans get rejected. This is because we need to know its terms and conditions before we file a claim. So, in this article, we'll explain how to file claims for multiple health insurance policies and what factors you should consider before buying two or more policies. 

What is Health Insurance? 

Health insurance is a financial safety net for policyholders during a medical emergency. It provides mental peace to the policyholders and their loved ones. Thus, a health insurance company will pay off all your treatment bills and medical costs incurred due to any medical condition. It is prudent to obtain coverage under a comprehensive health insurance policy because it covers most treatment costs. 

 Is it Possible to Claim Health Insurance from Two Companies?

According to the contribution clause, the policyholders can claim their multiple health insurance policies. Prior to 2013, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) required insurance providers to cover a policyholder's medical expenses in proportion to the policy's sum insured. However, this provision was later changed to make claims easier for policyholders. As a result, if you have health insurance plans from two or more companies, you can approach the insurance company as per your preference for claim settlement. 

Let’s understand this with the help of an example. 

Ramesh holds two health insurance policies with a sum assured of Rs. 1 lakh each. The total bill for his operation was Rs. 1.5 lakh. Therefore, in this case, he will select any one policy from both policies to claim Rs. 1 lakh. He will approach the second insurance company to claim Rs. 50,000 once the claim for the first policy has been settled. In order to claim the second health insurance plan, you will need a claim settlement certificate issued by the first insurance company. 

How To Claim Health Insurance From Multiple Insurers? 

The policyholders can claim their multiple health insurance policies in two ways: cashless or reimbursement claim settlement. Details are highlighted in the section below. 

• Cashless Claims 

In this process, the policyholder is hospitalized at an insurance company's network hospital to receive cashless hospitalization. You first need to make a claim with one insurance company and get a claim settlement certificate. Once the claim settlement process with the first company is complete, you can submit the claim settlement summary along with the attested hospital bills to the second insurance company. After verifying all the documents you submitted, the second health insurance company will settle your claim. 

• Reimbursement Claims 

If you want to get medical treatment at the hospital of your choice, then you can claim your health insurance through the reimbursement process. In this case, you will primarily have to pay the hospital bill and then get it reimbursed by the insurance company. You will need to submit certain documents, including a discharge summary, lab reports, medicine bills, and more, to reimburse your medical bills.

How To Claim Multiple Health Insurance From The Same Company? 

Having a health insurance plan from the same insurance company will make your claim settlement process a lot easier. However, the terms and conditions may vary from one company to another. Thus, it is important to read the policy document carefully before purchasing a health insurance policy. You can purchase different types of health insurance plans, such as individual health plans or comprehensive health insurance policies, from the same insurer. Therefore, in case of a medical emergency, you can claim both of your plans according to the terms and conditions mentioned in your policy. 

Points to Consider When Filing a Health Insurance Claim With Two Companies

Listed below are some of the points that you should keep in mind before filing a health insurance claim with multiple companies. 

1. You must inform your second health insurance company about your existing health plan. The company may deny your request for a health insurance claim if they know about your existing health policy at the time of claim settlement. 
2. You cannot claim an amount more than the sum assured even if you own multiple health insurance plans. 
3. A claim settlement certificate issued by the first health insurance company is a mandatory document that you will need to claim your second health plan. 

Conclusion  

In conclusion, the policyholders can claim their health insurance from two companies. When purchasing multiple health insurance plans, make sure that you buy plans after comparing all the inclusions, exclusions, and other benefits offered under the policy. You can get personalized health insurance advice from expert professionals by contacting InsuranceDekho's customer support team.

Also Read: 

Why Having a Personal Health Insurance Cover is Critical?