Since the dawn of the 20th century, health care has seen an exponential growth. The rate at which the medical field continues to grow increases with each passing year. At this point, medical science has advanced enough for patients to get their organs replaced by newer and healthier ones. However, with newer technologies and practices the cost of healthcare gets even higher than before. The same applies to organ transplants. Moreover, until very recently, most insurance companies did not cover the expenses that are involved in organ transplants like harvesting screening etc. At the same time, India has experienced a sharp rise in the instances of organ transplants.
However, health insurance has seen a lot of change in this regard and is still gradually evolving to make organ transplants much easier. Many insurance providers in India are taking an initiative to create insurance products that have a provision for organ transplant support.
Health insurance coverage for organ donation and transplant in India
A case of organ transplant is a sign when critical illness insurance comes handy. Organ transplant requires two major things. The first is an organ donor and the second is an organ receiver. Hence, these are the two primary concerns that health insurance needs to address. Health insurance coverage is valid for diagnosed conditions, procedures, surgeries, and other treatments that require hospitalization. So, if you are an organ receiver, health insurance makes it absolutely clear that their coverage will include payment for tests and procedures that are involved in the transplanting of the organ. Moreover, the coverage will only be up to the limit of the sum insured. * Standard T&C Apply
However, other expenses that are connected to organ donation will not be included in the policy. These expenses will have to be covered by the organ receiver out of their own pocket. There are some insurance companies that cover those expenses as well. But, getting that coverage included in your policy will make the premium higher.
Expenses associated with the organ donor
There are 6 main types of medical expenses that have to be covered in regard to the organ donor. These expenses include:
- Organ screening to check whether the organ donor is compatible with the organ receiver. This includes the donor’s blood group and overall physical well-being.
- Pre-hospitalization costs need to be covered after the donor has been finalized. Organ donor might have to take certain medication, treatment, etc. before they can be hospitalized for organ donation.
- Hospitalization costs for the organ donor’s admission and stays in the hospital. This includes the cost of the room, nursing expenses, doctor consultations, etc.
- Cost for the organ transplantation surgery is the main cost of the entire procedure. This includes the cost of harvesting the organ, transplanting it into the recipient, fees of the surgeon, etc.
- Post-surgery complications are also a cost associated with the process. This can include costs like recovery, adapting the body after the loss of an organ, etc.
- Post-hospitalization costs are the final piece of expense that is required. This includes medication for the donor, follow-up consultations with the doctor.
* Standard T&C Apply
Out of all the costs mentioned above, the only costs that are not covered under health insurance are pre-hospitalization, post-hospitalization costs of the donor, and post-surgery complication expenses. Even some companies that do offer these coverages place a sublimit or restriction on the money that can be spent on it.
These are some benefits as to how health insurance comes handy when an organ replacement is required. When buying, make sure that you purchase a cashless health insurance for a hassle-free claim experience. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
