Modern Treatment in Health Insurance - Plans and Coverages

Robotics conquered medicine and, with its exponential growth in technology, it even changed the healthcare system. There will be a huge transformation in decades that will adopt all the modern technologies for the treatment of any disease, like robotics, 3D printing, and electronic health devices, but in an affordable way. However, it is expensive for a common person to avail themselves of treatments. IRDAI is making it more approachable by including modern treatment under health insurance coverage.

In this article, we are going to talk about modern treatments and technologies in healthcare together with health insurance companies and plans that cover modern treatments. 

Defining Modern Treatments and Technologies

Modern treatments and technologies are defined as those processes that apply modern cutting-edge technology to treat the sickness. They may apply various technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, and regenerative medicine; these make health care very easy and promote better outcomes. Some of these modern treatments include the following: 

• Robotic Surgeries- These are robotic surgeries using robotic systems for precise surgical procedure application. The advantage of this surgery is a minimal invasive procedure which allows patients to recover quickly and painlessly.
• Stem Cell Therapy- Involves regeneration of a damaged tissue or organ by use of a stem cell. The therapy is usually used in the treatment of spinal cord injury and some types of Cancer.
• Gene Therapy- This therapy is meant to tackle defective genes using the repair or replacement of targeted body cells. This is specific for treating cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia generally.
• Nanotechnology- This involves the use of nanoparticles to deliver drugs directly into the targeted cells. It increases the effectiveness of treatments while reducing side effects. 
• IONM- This helps in monitoring the nervous system during the operation and helps in preventing the spinal cord and brain from getting damaged.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)- in this procedure, electrodes are implanted under the skin in the chest to deliver electrical impulses deep within the brain, affecting brain activity, with indications for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, epilepsy, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Bronchial Thermoplasty- This is an invasive treatment that reduces excess airways in the lung in patients with severe asthma. It helps to prevent asthma symptoms and improves quality of life.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)- It is also known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR); under this technique, tumours are treated with high dosage of radiation and that too with extreme precision. The lungs, liver, spine, and other sites that cannot be accessed easily are where tumours can be treated.

Examples of Modern Treatments Covered by Insurance

With increasing awareness, several modern treatments are being covered under health insurance policies in India. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has made it compulsory to cover modern treatment under health insurance policies. Following are some examples of modern treatments covered by insurance-

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
• Bronchial Thermoplasty
• Intraocular Laser Surgery
• Oral Chemotherapy
• Stereotactic Radio Surgeries
• The vaporisation of the Prostate (Green Laser Treatment)
• Uterine Artery Embolization
• Balloon Sinuplasty
• Intraoperative Neuro Monitoring (IONM)
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Immunotherapy
• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

Importance of Insurance Coverage for Modern Treatments

The importance of insurance for modern treatment is at a growing pace as the technology is also upgrading very fast. The importance can never be denied by anyone as it is continuously providing better health care, which promotes good health to every policyholder.

Here are some of the reasons for its importance -

1. Financial Protection Against High Costs: 

These include, but are not limited to, robotic surgeries, immunotherapy, and advanced diagnostic techniques - all very expensive to access. Health insurance coverage, hence, assists in keeping modern treatment facilities from burdensome expenses on the part of the people. 

2. Comprehensive Coverage for Various Scenarios:

Health insurance policies offer comprehensive cover for treatments such as in-patient care, domiciliary treatment, and daycare procedures, which are a part of modern treatment. It permits patients to access all modern treatments that would be indispensable for better health outcomes.

3. Encouraging Preventive Care:

When the insurance covers the cost of modern treatments, patients can afford preventive care and early intervention. It helps in improving health outcomes and lowering overall healthcare costs over time.

Health Insurance Plans And Companies Covering Modern Treatments

You can also contact the InsuranceDekho relationship manager via email at support@insurancedekho.com or on call at +91-755 1196 989 for getting assistance in the selection of health insurance for modern treatments. 

Conclusion

Treatments are becoming very essential nowadays, but they are costly, and ordinary people can't afford them. Many health insurance companies provide different types of plans to make modern treatments affordable by all. But there are some limitations or conditions in the coverage of modern treatments. So, before choosing health insurance, always check the terms and conditions.

FAQs

Ques 1. Does health insurance cover modern treatments?

Ans. Yes, many modern treatments are covered under health insurance policies in India. In fact, IRDAI has made it mandatory to include coverage for certain modern treatments, 

Ques 2. Does one need to wait for any period of time prior to the coverage for modern treatment?

Ans. In most cases, there is no waiting period for modern treatments when it comes to health insurance policies. However, it would depend upon the company or policy you choose.

Ques 3. Is the cover under modern treatment available on a prescription basis?

Ans. Yes, modern treatments require a prescription by a qualified medical practitioner over a specific period, which is considered during the claim settlement.

Ques 4. Are there any additional costs for modern treatments?

Ans. Generally, all costs of modern treatments are covered under health insurance; however, sometimes there could arise some out-of-pocket expenses due to sub-limits or exclusions in the policy.