If you care about your health and wealth, health insurance is an utmost necessity in today’s day and age. Planning your life without a health insurance policy is throwing caution to the wind. But there is a common misconception that health insurance is a rigid, standardized, and expensive investment. However, with technological changes, the face of health insurance is changing to be more flexible, personalised, and affordable. For instance, health insurance plans may now also allow policyholders to avail of treatment at home. This is possible using the domiciliary cover in a health insurance policy.
What is the meaning of domiciliary hospitalization in medical insurance?
Domiciliary hospitalisation is a situation where the health insurance company covers the medical expenses of the insured even if they are not being admitted to a hospital. Instead, the treatment sought at home is covered by the insurance plan. The term ‘hospitalisation’ in domiciliary hospitalisation means a hospital-like situation created for the patient at their home for medical treatment. *
In which situations is domiciliary hospitalisation covered?
Since at-home treatment is not an ordinary circumstance, the domiciliary cover is applicable:
- For select insurance policies provided by specific health insurance companies
- When it is being sanctioned by a doctor
- In certain situations when the patient cannot be admitted to a hospital or other medical facilities.
* Standard T&C Apply
What is the importance of domiciliary cover?
A domiciliary cover in health insurance plans for family or self is significant, since its scope cover treatments sought beyond hospitalisation. In addition, it also covers the medical expenses in a situation where hospital beds are not available, as was observed during COVID-19. If the patient cannot be moved to the medical facility considering the existing medical situation, this domiciliary cover comes in handy. Lastly, it offers peace of mind knowing that at-home treatment in certain situations is covered by the insurance policy. *
What forms part of the inclusions under domiciliary hospitalisation cover?
The coverage of a domiciliary hospital is specific to each insurance company. Generally, treatments that last longer than 72 hours are covered by a domiciliary cover. If a person cannot be shifted to a medical facility due to conditions like paralysis or fractures, they can avail of this feature of domiciliary cover. Furthermore, those who cannot find a hospital bed with an adequate treatment facility can also benefit from a domiciliary cover. *
What are the exclusions of domiciliary hospitalisation cover?
Any treatment that is shorter than 72 hours is excluded from its coverage. Furthermore, the pre- and post-treatment costs are excluded by a domiciliary cover.
The domiciliary cover is applicable for certain treatments only. Thus, ailments like epilepsy, hypertension, asthma, chronic nephritis, bronchitis, diabetes mellitus and insipidus, diarrhoea, arthritis, cold and influenza, psychiatric disorders, pharyngitis, gout, rheumatism, tonsillitis, and upper respiratory tract, are excluded under this cover. *
What are the things to remember when buying a domiciliary cover?
As the domiciliary cover includes coverage for at-home treatment, it works best when combined with a family health insurance policy and a senior citizen plan. Elderly individuals who often cannot be relocated to a hospital can take advantage of such a facility if the conditions laid by your insurance company are met.
Also, remember to combine other essential features like cashless health insurance when buying your insurance coverage. Other than a domiciliary cover, there are many features that are offered by your insurance company. You must select suitable ones based on your requirement and what fits best. *
* Standard T&C Apply
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
