Health Insurance for Low Income Individuals

In India, the government offers several health insurance plans for people with low incomes. These plans help cover hospital bills and medical expenses at easier-to-manage costs. Some plans even cover pre-existing conditions, which can provide financial security if you need medical care. There is Ayushman Bharat, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY), Awaz Health Insurance Scheme, and many more. And today, we’ll delve into the intricacies of health insurance for low income individuals. So, let’s get started.

Why should a low income individual buy a health insurance plan?

If you have little money, it is still important to buy health insurance. Here are some reasons why:

1. Monetary Protection: Health insurance can help you pay for unexpected medical bills. Without insurance, one sickness or injury could make you very poor or even bankrupt.
2. Healthcare Access: Health insurance can help you get to a doctor when you need to. That way, you can find out if you are sick early and take care of it before it gets worse.
3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have health insurance can help you feel less worried about getting sick or hurt. You can focus on feeling better instead of worrying about how to pay for it.
4. Preventive Care: Health insurance can help you get regular check-ups and vaccines to keep you healthy.
5. Chronic Disease Management: If you have a long-term health problem, health insurance can help you get treatment.
6. Prescription Medications: Health insurance can help you pay for the medicine you need.
7. Emergency Care: Insurance for low income individuals can help you pay for emergencies, like an ambulance ride or a hospital stay.
8. Better Health: People with health insurance tend to get care when they need it. This can help them stay healthy and have a better life.

What is included and excluded in health insurance for low income?

Health insurance for low income individuals can be a lifesaver for those who struggle to access quality healthcare. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana Scheme is one such insurance plan that offers coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation care.

This plan covers various medical services such as medical examination, consultation, pre-hospitalisation, non-intensive and intensive care services, medicine, diagnostic and laboratory services, accommodation, medical implant services, food services, post-hospitalisation expenses, and even COVID-19 treatment.

However, there are some limitations to the scheme. For example, it does not cover outpatient department expenses, drug rehabilitation, cosmetic surgeries, fertility treatments, individual diagnostics, and organ transplants.

Do Low Income Health Insurance Plans Cover Senior Citizens?

Yes, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) Rural is one of the best medicare plans for low income seniors. The scheme covers all beneficiaries who fall under at least one of the six deprivation categories mentioned below and automatically includes destitute, manual scavenger families, those living through alms, primitive tribal groups, and bonded labourers:

1. Households with only one room with Kucha walls and roof.
2. No adult member in the age group is between 16 and 59 years.
3. No adult male member in the age group is between 16 and 59 years.
4. Disabled members and non-abled members in the household.
5. SC and ST
6. Landless households and major sources of income are through manual casual labour.

Under PMJDY Rural, senior citizens belonging to the categories mentioned above are also eligible for free healthcare services up to INR 5 lakh per family per year. The scheme provides cashless and paperless access to health services to the beneficiaries at the point of service at any empanelled public or private hospital across the country. So, suppose you or a senior citizen you know belongs to any of the categories mentioned above. In that case, you can avail of the benefits of the best medicare plans for low income seniors.

How can low-income individuals claim health insurance?

The claim process for insurance policies linked to the ABHA ID involves several steps. First, the patient needs to be admitted to a hospital empanelled with the insurance provider. Once admitted, the hospital will verify the patient's ABHA ID and insurance policy details.

The hospital will then proceed with the necessary medical treatments and procedures. After the treatment is complete, the hospital will generate a bill for the services provided. This bill will be submitted to the insurance provider for processing.

The insurance provider (for e.g. Royal Sundaram) will review the bill and verify the details of the patient's policy. If everything is in order, the provider will approve the claim and make the necessary payments to the hospital.

By using the ABHA ID, the claim process is streamlined and made faster. The hospital can quickly access the patient's policy details and submit the claim to the insurance provider, reducing the time and effort required for the process. This ultimately leads to a better healthcare experience for the patient.

Here's are reasons outlining why low-income individuals might consider choosing Royal Sundaram for health insurance:

Why choose Royal Sundaram for health insurance for low income individuals?

Royal Sundaram stands out as a compelling choice for low-income individuals seeking reliable health insurance coverage. With a commitment to affordability, our plans offer competitive premiums without compromising on comprehensive coverage. We understand the unique needs of those with limited financial resources and provide customisable plans tailored to individual budgets. Moreover, our extensive network of hospitals ensures easy access to quality healthcare services across the country, including cashless hospitalisation facilities. What sets us apart is our emphasis on proactive health management – from wellness programs to hassle-free claims processes and no-claim bonuses. With over two decades of experience and the backing of Sundaram Finance, a trusted financial institution, we offer stability, reliability, and exceptional customer support.

Choosing Royal Sundaram means not just securing insurance for low income individuals but gaining a partner dedicated to your well-being, ensuring peace of mind even in times of uncertainty.