What Is Cashless Everywhere Facility? Benefits & How It Works

Understand the Cashless Everywhere Facility in health insurance, its coverage, and how it helps policyholders access treatment without out-of-pocket expenses.
Explore Plans
Check Health Insurance Plans
Get Quote
3 min
25-March-2025

Health insurance has evolved significantly in India, offering more convenience to policyholders. One such advancement is the Cashless Everywhere facility. This feature allows individuals to receive medical treatment at any hospital without making upfront payments, reducing financial stress during emergencies. It ensures direct settlement of medical bills between the insurer and the hospital.

Traditionally, cashless treatment was limited to network hospitals of an insurance provider. However, with the Cashless Everywhere facility, policyholders can avail cashless services even at non-network hospitals, enhancing accessibility to quality healthcare. This is especially beneficial for those living in remote areas or requiring specialised treatment at hospitals not affiliated with their insurer.

Understanding how this facility works, its benefits, and the eligibility criteria can help individuals make informed health insurance decisions. In this guide, we explore all aspects of the Cashless Everywhere facility and how policyholders can make the most of it.

Meaning of cashless everywhere facility in health insurance

The Cashless Everywhere facility is a health insurance feature that allows policyholders to receive treatment without paying medical bills upfront, even at non-network hospitals. The insurer directly settles the bills with the hospital, eliminating the need for reimbursement claims.

Earlier, cashless treatment was only available at a network hospital, which had a tie-up with the insurer. If treatment was sought at a non-network hospital, the policyholder had to pay the expenses first and then apply for reimbursement. However, with the Cashless Everywhere facility, policyholders can now avail cashless treatment at any hospital, ensuring greater flexibility and financial ease.

This facility is particularly useful during medical emergencies when immediate access to funds may not be possible. It enhances healthcare accessibility and reduces the burden of arranging money for hospitalisation, making health insurance even more effective for policyholders across India.

Pro Tip

A comprehensive health plan not only covers hospitalization but also pre & post-treatment expenses, ensuring complete financial protection against rising medical costs.

health-insurance-banner

How does cashless everywhere facility work

The Cashless Everywhere facility operates through a streamlined process that ensures quick and hassle-free medical treatment without upfront payments. When a policyholder requires hospitalisation, they can avail this facility by following these steps:

Pre-authorisation request – The insured or their family must inform the insurance provider about the hospitalisation and request cashless approval.

Verification process – The insurer evaluates the claim, verifying policy details, coverage, and hospital expenses.

Approval from insurer – Once verified, the insurer provides approval, ensuring direct payment to the hospital.

Hospital treatment – The policyholder receives medical care without paying out of pocket.

Claim settlement – The hospital submits bills to the insurer, who settles them directly.

This facility provides financial relief during emergencies, eliminating delays in accessing quality healthcare. By allowing cashless treatment beyond network hospitals, policyholders gain access to a wider range of medical facilities without financial worries.

Benefits of cashless everywhere facility for policyholders

Access to any hospital – Policyholders can receive treatment at any hospital, whether it is part of the insurer’s network or not.

No upfront payment required – Eliminates the need to arrange funds before hospitalisation.

Quick claim approval – Reduces waiting time as the insurer directly approves and settles the claim.

Reduced financial burden – Prevents sudden out-of-pocket expenses, especially in emergencies.

Convenient medical care – Ensures seamless treatment without worrying about hospital tie-ups.

Smoother claim process – Removes the need for lengthy reimbursement claims.

Ideal for emergencies – Provides immediate access to treatment without financial delays.

Improves accessibility – Beneficial for people in rural areas who may not have network hospitals nearby.

This facility significantly enhances policyholders’ healthcare experience by ensuring ease, accessibility, and financial security.

Eligibility criteria for cashless everywhere facility

Active health insurance policy – The policyholder must have an active health insurance plan with the Cashless Everywhere feature.

Pre-authorisation approval – The insured must notify the insurer and obtain pre-authorisation before treatment.

Covered medical expenses – Only treatments and hospitalisations covered under the policy are eligible.

Valid identification – The insured must provide policy details, ID proof, and medical records for verification.

Hospital compliance – The hospital must agree to process claims as per the insurer’s cashless guidelines.

Claim within sum insured – The total hospital bill must not exceed the sum insured limit of the policy.

Adherence to policy terms – Any exclusions, waiting periods, or sub-limits outlined in the policy must be followed.

Understanding these criteria helps policyholders ensure a smooth and successful claim approval process.

Difference between cashless and reimbursement claims

Hospital type – Cashless claims are available at network hospitals, while reimbursement is for non-network hospitals.

Payment process – In cashless claims, the insurer settles bills directly with the hospital; in reimbursement, the policyholder pays first and claims later.

Approval time – Cashless claims require pre-authorisation, leading to quicker approvals; reimbursement claims involve post-treatment documentation and take longer.

Financial burden – Cashless claims reduce immediate expenses; reimbursement claims require arranging funds initially.

Claim documentation – Cashless claims need fewer documents as the hospital directly coordinates with the insurer; reimbursement claims require submitting medical bills, prescriptions, and other proof.

Risk of rejection – Reimbursement claims have a higher rejection possibility due to documentation issues; cashless claims are processed in real time with pre-approvals.

Both claim types have their place, but the Cashless Everywhere facility offers more convenience and financial security.

How to avail cashless everywhere facility in hospitals

Inform the insurer – Notify the insurance company immediately about the hospitalisation.

Submit pre-authorisation request – Provide details like policy number, diagnosis, and estimated treatment cost.

Verification by insurer – The insurance provider reviews the request and policy coverage.

Approval confirmation – Once approved, the hospital receives an authorisation letter from the insurer.

Receive medical treatment – The insured undergoes treatment without upfront payments.

Claim settlement – The hospital submits final bills to the insurer for direct payment.

Following these steps ensures a hassle-free cashless treatment experience, giving policyholders quick access to medical care without financial worries.

Conclusion

The Cashless Everywhere facility is a game-changer in health insurance, providing financial ease and wider hospital access. It removes the limitations of network hospitals, ensuring policyholders can receive cashless treatment anywhere in India. This feature is especially valuable during medical emergencies, where arranging funds can be stressful.

By eliminating the reimbursement process, this facility speeds up treatment and reduces financial burdens on families. However, policyholders must understand eligibility criteria, hospital procedures, and insurer requirements to avoid claim rejections. Ensuring proper documentation and pre-authorisation approval can make the process seamless.

With rising healthcare costs in India, having access to cashless treatment beyond network hospitals enhances the value of a health insurance policy. Choosing an insurer that offers this facility can significantly improve financial security and accessibility to quality healthcare.

For those seeking a convenient and reliable way to explore health insurance plans, consider Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall. We partner with numerous insurers, providing a diverse selection of health plans to cater to varying needs and budgets. Our online platform allows you to effortlessly compare policies, and select the ideal plan to safeguard your health and finances. With Bajaj Finserv, securing the right health insurance coverage is a hassle-free and informed decision.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cashless Everywhere Facility in health insurance?
The Cashless Everywhere facility allows policyholders to receive cashless treatment at any hospital, including non-network hospitals. The insurer directly settles the medical bills, eliminating the need for reimbursement claims and reducing financial stress during emergencies. This enhances accessibility to quality healthcare without upfront payments.

How is Cashless Everywhere Facility different from regular cashless claims?
Regular cashless claims are available only at network hospitals tied to the insurer, whereas the Cashless Everywhere facility extends cashless benefits to non-network hospitals as well. This eliminates the need for policyholders to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement, offering greater financial convenience and flexibility.

Do all insurance companies offer Cashless Everywhere Facility?
Not all insurers provide the Cashless Everywhere facility. It is a specialised feature available with select health insurance plans. Policyholders should check with their insurer to confirm availability, terms, and conditions before purchasing a policy that includes this benefit.

What documents are required to avail Cashless Everywhere Facility?
To avail this facility, policyholders must provide their health insurance policy details, ID proof, hospital records, doctor's prescription, and pre-authorisation form. Additional documents like medical reports or test results may be required depending on the insurer’s terms and treatment type.

Show More Show Less

Bajaj Finserv App for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.

  • Explore and apply for co-branded credit cards online.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-approved limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements, and even get quick customer support—all on the app.
Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

GET THE APP

Disclaimer

*T&C Apply - Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Limited, Chola MS General Insurance Company Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Co. Limited , Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. Limited, Care Health Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited , Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limitedunder the IRDAI composite CA registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. Please refer insurer's website for Policy Wordings. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws.. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also a distributor of other third party products from Assistance Services providers such as CPP Assistance Services Pvt. Ltd., Bajaj Finserv Health Ltd. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, sum insured, value added services, etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective insurance company or the respective Assistance service provider company.



Note – While we have made all efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits, etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective product’s sales brochures before concluding their sale.

Disclaimer: *T&C Apply. #Insurance premium indicated is for healthy male aged 18 years and is exclusive of tax.
Show All Text