Medical tourism is rapidly developing, and among the countries that successfully operate in this field, India can be mentioned.

Right from complex surgeries to more oriental forms of treatments, India has a plethora of medical tourism products that lure clients across the world.

Insurance is usually a critical issue when travelling to another country for treatment, as it is with any travel for medical reasons.

Medical tourism insurance is meant to address some of the risks and requirements of the patients that have to travel to other countries for administration of treatment.

This blog by Karetrip will delve into the details of medical tourism insurance coverage for India.

What is Medical Tourism Insurance?

Medical tourism insurance, also referred to as medical payment insurance, is a subcategory of health insurance which pays for the expenses in another country that is outside the patient’s home country.

While there is normal travel insurance that may extend minor or limited health care, medical tourism insurance will allow the policyholder comprehensive healthcare, including pre-existing conditions, operations, treatment, and most probably travelling and residing costs that are connected to the treatment.

It is essential for people who go for treatment in another country since it can protect from high costs in case of complications during surgery, longer stay in the hospital, and other treatments.

Why is Medical Tourism Insurance Important?

Although India proudly hosts one of the cheapest and best healthcare systems in the world, the cost of the medical procedures is not negligible to poorer and comparatively expensive neighbouring nations. Moreover, international patients are often exposed to a range of risks, including:

• Complications During Treatment: Any operation whether it is a small one or major one always has risks involved with it. Sidelocks may demand more therapy, or a longer hospital stay which translates to other unbudgeted costs.

• Post-operative Care: Adequate follow-up care is essential for recovery, and any additional treatments or consultations can add to the overall expense.

• Travel Risks: Travelling to a foreign country for medical treatment involves risks such as flight delays, lost luggage, or even accidents during travel, which can disrupt treatment plans.

• Unforeseen Circumstances: Events like natural disasters, political instability, or a sudden change in your health condition could require you to extend your stay or return home earlier than planned.

Key Components of Medical Tourism Insurance Coverage

When considering medical tourism insurance for a trip to India, it's essential to understand what the policy typically covers. Here are the key components:

Medical Coverage :

• Surgical Procedures: Coverage for the cost of the medical procedure, including surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia, and operating room charges.
• Hospitalisation: Coverage for hospital stays, including room charges, nursing care, medications, and any additional treatments required during your stay.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Some policies may cover treatments related to pre-existing conditions, which are not typically covered by standard travel insurance.
• Post-operative Care: Coverage for follow-up visits, physical therapy, and any complications arising after the surgery.

Travel Coverage :

• Trip Cancellation: Reimbursement for non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cancelled due to a covered reason, such as a medical emergency.
• Trip Interruption: Coverage for additional costs incurred if your trip is cut short or you need to return home earlier than planned due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Lost or Delayed Luggage: Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage, which is especially important if it contains medical supplies or equipment.

Accommodation Coverage:

• Hotel Stays: To pay for meals and lodges for you and a friend during your stay for treatment especially if your stay is unusually long due to illness.
• Companion Travel: Beneath are some of the instances where some policies provide the expenses of a companion like a family member or a carer who will be with you during treatment.

Emergency Evacuation:

• Medical Evacuation: Expense of getting treatment in an appropriate medical facility near to your location if you cannot be treated in your current position.
• Repatriation: The immediate expense incurred by an insured person and the cost of returning to his home country if his/her medical condition necessitates it; This may include a medical escort if necessary.

24/7 Assistance Services:

• Multilingual Support: A helpline number that is available at any time and day and in any language that the client wishes to be used in case of medical emergencies and to help in the arrangement of treatment and other travel related activities.
• Personal Services: It is found that some policies also provide personal services to assist with the matter including travel, reservations, and appointments with doctors.

How to Choose the Right Medical Tourism Insurance for India ?

To avoid this it is extremely important that you choose the correct medical tourism insurance policy that will perfectly suit you. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Assess Your Medical Needs: About treatment type which you will receive, time that you will have to spend in hospital, and about other diseases that you have now. Ensure that all these requirements have been captured in the policy.

2. Compare Policies: The affairs of the different insurance providers should be checked with regards to the limits of the coverage, the excluded items and the amount to be paid for the policies. Make sure that the policy you are purchasing does not restrict the kinds of treatments that you can undertake.

3. Check Network Hospitals: Occasionally, the insurance coverage is undertaken in the hospitals that have relations with the insurance service providers. Ensure the hospital where you wish to receive your treatment belongs to this network.

4. Understand the Fine Print: It is important that one should read the fine print of the policy especially the exclusions and limitations clause. Policies may not cover specific kinds of treatments or may not cover them if the particular conditions existed prior to purchase of the policy.

5. Consider the Duration of Coverage: Make sure that the policy covers your whole stay in India starting from the initial arrival, up to in case you will need to extend your stay because of some circumstances beyond your control.

6. Look for Customization Options: There are certain insurance companies who let you build a policy that you want, depending on your preference you can add or delete a specific feature on it.

7. Check the Claim Process: Explain how to go about filing a claim and documents that one will need. Select an insurance firm with the simplest procedures regarding filing and processing of claims.

8. Seek Professional Advice: If you are in doubt as to which policy to take then it would be wise to seek advice from an insurance advisor that deals specifically in medical tourism insurance.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey. - Disclaimer