Health Insurance for Disabled in India – Check Policies, Eligibility and Coverage

Get comprehensive health insurance coverage for differently abled individuals in India. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and secure your health.
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3 min
21-November-2024

Living with a disability can be a challenge in many ways, including when it comes to accessing healthcare and medical services. Medical expenses can be high and cause a financial burden, which is why having health insurance for the disabled is crucial. Health insurance for these differently abled individuals provides financial protection and access to much-needed medical treatments and care.

What is disability?

Disability refers to a physical, mental, sensory, or cognitive impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. It encompasses a wide range of conditions and challenges, including mobility issues, sensory impairments, chronic illnesses, and mental health disorders.

Disabilities can be congenital, acquired due to illness or injury, or develop over time. They may affect an individual's ability to work, communicate, move independently, or engage in daily activities.

Health insurance for the disabled in India

In India, there are various health insurance plans available for people with disabilities. These plans offer coverage for various disabilities, such as blindness, mobility disabilities, hearing impairments, mental illnesses, and many more. While purchasing health insurance for the disabled, it is essential to choose a plan that provides comprehensive coverage, sufficient sum insured, and minimum exclusions.

Before proceeding with knowing more about insurance for disabled, the different plans, and other factors, you must first know what is health insurance.

Health insurance options for disabled persons

Here are some of the health insurance options available for persons with disabilities in India:

  • Government-sponsored schemes: The Indian government has initiated various affordable health schemes for disabled individuals.
  • Private health insurance companies: Several private health insurance companies in India offer comprehensive health coverage, including coverage for disabilities.
  • Employer-sponsored health insurance: Some organisations provide employee-based health insurance policies that often cover individuals with disabilities.

Important factors to consider while buying health insurance for disabled individuals

When purchasing health insurance for individuals with disabilities, there are some important factors to consider:

  • Type of disability: Different health insurance plans might offer different types of coverage for different disabilities. One must check if the plan covers the expenses related to your particular disability.
  • Sum insured: A sufficient sum insured would ensure that one does not run out of funds when medical expenses arise.
  • Age: Some health insurance policies set age limits for coverage; one must check if their age falls under the eligibility criteria.
  • Premium: The premium that one has to pay for the policy should be affordable and within budget.
  • Exclusions: Exclusions can vary depending on the policy. One should carefully read the policy terms and conditions to know what disabilities or health conditions are excluded from coverage.

Also, read: What is personal accident insurance?

How disability insurance works?

Disability insurance provides financial protection to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Policyholders pay insurance premiums to an insurer, and in return, they receive regular payments, typically a percentage of their pre-disability income, if they become disabled and are unable to work.

The policy outlines specific criteria for determining disability, such as the inability to perform one's occupation or any occupation, depending on the policy terms. Disability insurance aims to replace lost income during the period of disability, helping individuals cover living expenses, medical bills, and other financial obligations until they can return to work or reach retirement age.

Also, read how health insurance works in India.

How are disabilities categorised under health insurance plans?

Disabilities are categorised into various types while providing coverage under health insurance plans. Some of these categories include:

• Congenital disability coverage

This category addresses health insurance plans specifically tailored for individuals born with disabilities. It encompasses conditions present at birth, ensuring financial support for medical treatments, therapies, and assistive devices required to manage congenital disabilities.

• Accidental disability coverage

Focused on sudden injuries resulting in disability, accidental disability coverage provides financial assistance for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment. It offers a safety net for unforeseen events causing physical impairment, such as accidents or injuries.

• Mental disability coverage

This category caters to health insurance plans addressing mental health conditions. It includes coverage for psychiatric treatments, counselling, medications, and other mental health services to support individuals dealing with various mental disabilities.

Health plans for the disabled by the government

The Indian government has launched several schemes and initiatives to provide health insurance coverage to people with disabilities. Some of these schemes include:

• Swavlamban health insurance scheme

The primary goal of the program is to support individuals with disabilities in need by offering discounted loans aimed at fostering economic and comprehensive empowerment.

Eligibility criteria for this scheme

  • Any Indian citizen with 40% or more disability.
  • Age above 18 years and less than 65 years. However, in the case of persons with mental disablement, the eligible age would be above 14 years.
  • Possession of Unique Disability ID (UDID) Number/ UDID enrolment number.

This scheme provides affordable health insurance cover of up to Rs. 2 lakh for individuals with disabilities.

• Nirmaya health insurance scheme

The objective of this scheme is to provide affordable health insurance to persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities. All persons with disabilities under the National Trust Act with a valid disability certificate will be eligible. It provides an insurance cover of up to Rs. 1 lakh.

Know about the other government health schemes in India, their benefits, coverage, eligibility, and more.

Health insurance for the disabled in India is an essential financial safety net to cover high medical expenses. Before selecting a policy, individuals should ascertain their requirements and choose a plan that provides sufficient coverage and flexibility. One should also consider government-sponsored schemes providing tailor-made health coverage options. It is better to be prepared for any unfortunate events than to regret not taking a policy.

Also read

Family health insurance

Senior Citizen Health Insurance

Parents Health Insurance

Frequently asked questions

Can disabled people get health insurance?

Yes, disabled people can obtain health insurance coverage through private insurance plans, employer-sponsored plans, or government programs, ensuring access to necessary medical services and treatments.

What is PWD in insurance?

PWD stands for Persons with Disability. Any person with disability can buy a health insurance plan, privately or through government-sponsored schemes, as per their requirement.

What types of benefits are covered under health insurance for the disabled?

Health insurance for the disabled can cover a wide range of medical benefits, including hospitalisation, surgery, medical equipment, prescription drugs, physical and occupational therapy, and mental health services. Depending on the policy, other services such as home health care, transportation to medical appointments, and long-term care services may also be covered.

Disclaimer

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