ONE PLANET, ONE POLICY

FOR FREQUENT TRAVELLERS, INDIAN INSURERS NOW OFFER HEALTH POLICIES THAT COVER MEDICAL TREATMENT ACROSS BORDERS. SUCH POLICIES ARE DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR TRAVEL INSURANCE

- TEENA JAIN KAUSHAL

DO YOU FREQUENTLY TRAVEL abroad for work? If you do, one of your biggest worries may be how to access quality healthcare in case of an emergency. The fact that the quality of healthcare varies from place to place, coupled with getting access to good medical facilities, can be both daunting and expensive in international locations. And it is not just about you. What if you need to take care of someone and the best possible treatment is available abroad? That could be hugely expensive.

But, don't worry. Several Indian insurers offer health policies that cover treatment abroad. These policies generally cover hospitalisation costs. Their coverage ranges from in- and outpatient treatment expenses, air ambulance, elective to emergency treatments subject to the policy's terms and conditions, etc. These policies cover both domestic as well as international treatment, and for both planned and unplanned hospitalisation. However, for pre-existing diseases, the waiting period generally varies from two to four years.

How different are these policies from a normal travel policy? Travel insurance is apt mainly for short trips. Apart from emergency hospitalisation, it also covers loss of luggage, cancellation of a trip and loss of passport, among other things. On the other hand, a global health cover is for those who travel to foreign lands frequently, live overseas for prolonged periods or for those who need long-term treatment abroad.

Let's talk about those going abroad for treatment. Now India itself attracts patients for treatment from around the world. So, why do Indians go abroad for treatment? According to Dr Bhabatosh Mishra, Director of Underwriting and Claims at Niva Bupa Health Insurance, there are broadly two reasons why Indians go abroad for medical treatment: One, some rare treatments are not available in India. Second, people feel more comfortable going to reputed hospitals, especially for very critical conditions.