For a considerable time, mental health received little attention in several regions, including India, even though a significant portion of the population grapples with mental disorders. Recently, a notable transformation has taken place as an increasing number of individuals, including public figures, have openly addressed their mental health concerns. This shift in perspective has had a considerable influence on how society perceives and treats mental health. One sector that has witnessed a positive transformation due to this shift is the landscape of health insurance.
In the past, health insurance only covered physical ailments, leaving out mental health issues. But the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 brought a significant change. This law recognises the importance of mental health and requires health insurance policies to include mental health conditions just like physical ones. This article delves further into this topic.
What is a Mental Health Insurance?
Mental health disorders encompass a range of conditions that significantly influence an individual's daily functioning and decision-making. These conditions can substantially affect one's mood, cognitive abilities, perception, orientation, and memory. Fortunately, these challenges can be addressed and treated with the guidance of a mental health professional. Mental health insurance is designed to cover these mental disorders, providing individuals with access to timely expert assistance. The scope of coverage, whether inpatient or outpatient treatment, is contingent upon the specific mental health insurance policy selected.
What is Covered in Mental Health Insurance?
The extent of coverage for different mental health conditions can vary from one insurer to another. Specific illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and depression may be subject to limits on inpatient hospitalisation coverage, depending on the health insurance provider. It's advisable to choose health insurance plans that offer more generous sub-limits to ensure comprehensive treatment access. Additionally, sub-limits might also apply to outpatient department (OPD) coverage.
Some mental health conditions may require hospitalisation for more effective treatment and quicker recovery. Fortunately, your insurer shoulders the financial burden of medical care, providing peace of mind and enabling access to top-tier medical assistance without financial worries.
What is not covered in Mental Health Insurance?
· The following are common exclusions on health plans:
· Mental disorders resulting from substance abuse.
· Mental retardation.
· Waiting periods (which can extend up to 2 years).
· Some mental health plans only provide coverage for hospitalisation expenses.
· Certain plans may exclude recurrent mental illnesses
Check out these three health insurance covers that we offer:
. DIY Health-insurance
. FG Health Absolute
. FG Health Elite
Benefits of a Plan with Mental Health Covered
Incorporating mental health coverage within health insurance plans offers a multitude of benefits, ultimately contributing to a more holistic and comprehensive approach to healthcare.
First and foremost, it destigmatizes mental health issues, recognising them as genuine medical conditions. This acknowledgement reduces many individuals' reluctance when seeking mental health care and promotes early intervention and treatment.
Financial relief is another significant advantage. Mental health treatment can be costly, and including it in insurance coverage ensures that individuals don't face financial barriers to accessing the care they need. This not only supports the well-being of the insured but also reduces the overall societal burden of untreated mental health issues. Furthermore, comprehensive mental health coverage promotes preventative care. Regular check-ups and early intervention can mitigate the severity of mental health conditions, potentially averting more extensive and expensive treatments in the long run. When mental health is treated in conjunction with physical health, it often results in more effective and holistic care, yielding better outcomes for patients. Employees and community members are more likely to seek help when it is accessible through their insurance, contributing to healthier, happier, and more productive individuals.
Incorporating mental health in health insurance coverage is a vital step towards a healthier, more compassionate society, benefiting individuals and society as a whole.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, a significant increase in post-traumatic mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression has been observed. The physical distance from loved ones and the pervasive isolation brought on by the pandemic have profoundly impacted the general population. Consequently, an increasing number of individuals are awakening to the importance of addressing mental health concerns seriously to ensure that people can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
It is imperative that we acknowledge the critical significance of mental health and collaborate to establish communities where individuals can readily access essential services, treatment, and support when required. Therefore, understanding the importance of mental health and actively caring for it is essential.
