Is There Any Insurance For Mental Health?
Previously ignored mental health is now gaining significance in all walks of life. It was long overdue that Indians give equal importance to mental health as physical health. Tragic events such as suicide of celebraties happening around the country due to a lack of proper treatments have led several significant insurance companies in India to provide mental health insurance coverage. Dealing with mental health disorders is not affordable to everyone. It is still a luxury only a few can access. But with more and more policies placed into effect, mental health treatment is becoming accessible to all.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health comprises not only psychological but also emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and social well-being of a human. It determines how a person behaves in response to various stimuli. Mental health affects day-to-day functioning to a considerable level. A person's decision-making ability, ability to handle stress, ability to maintain interpersonal relationships, etc are all connected with their mental health.
Mental health disorders can be passed down the family tree. Some mental health disorders are genetic. So it is important to know your family history to understand if you are prone to mental ailments. Mental health can be disrupted due to traumatic experiences such as the passing away of a loved one, an accident, losing a part of your body, family problems, etc.
According to the National Mental Health Survey of India, 0.8% of Indians deal with severe mental disorders and 10% with common mental disorders. WHO estimates that roughly 20% of Indians suffer from mental disorders. When such high numbers pop up in nationwide surveys it becomes vital to implement policies to help deal with them. Until recently, mental health was not given much consideration in India. But the times are changing and a positive change is something all look forward to.
Is there any Insurance for Mental Health?
The Government of India has seen the ground realities of the nation when it comes to mental health. The pandemic of COVID-19 shed light on the number of people facing mental ailments in India. In accordance with that, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released a circular stating that people affected with mental illness diseases should be offered insurance coverage. This has to be followed and implemented nationwide as a project of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
The motto of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 is "to provide for mental healthcare and services for people with mental illness and to protect, promote and fulfill the rights of such persons during delivery of mental healthcare and services and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto necessitate proper care."
What does Mental Health Insurance cover?
Several insurance providers in India now offer mental health insurance in conjunction with physical health insurance. The changing times make it vital to have this inclusion of new policies.
Mental disorders that are covered under mental health insurance are
Acute depression
Anxiety disorders
Attention deficit disorder
Bipolar disorder
Dementia
Hyperactivity disorder
Mood disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Psychotic disorder
Schizophrenia
It is important to read the fine print before purchasing any insurance. Medical field workers claim that insurance companies use very ambiguous language when it comes to mental health. You should carefully consider what is covered under your insurance plan to decide if it's the right fit for you.
How to get Mental Health Insurance?
A stressful and fast-paced lifestyle often leads to mental disorders. Thus, the need for mental health insurance has increased drastically. If you already have health insurance you can contact your insurance provider to ask how you can upgrade your current insurance plan to include mental health coverage. Or you can buy new insurance that provides mental health coverage alongside physical health. Nowadays, due to increased awareness and demand, all insurance providers have insurance plans that offer coverage for mental health. Be informed that benefits vary from plan to plan. Check with your insurance provider whether the benefits you are looking for are a part of your insurance plan. Because not all insurance policies cover outpatient care, therapy, and psychiatric counseling.
It has become quite easy to buy insurance that offers mental health coverage. Get all that you love in a single insurance plan with Future Generali Insurance Solutions.
FAQs
Which mental illnesses are not covered under health insurance?
Mental illnesses caused due to drug and alcohol abuse are not covered under health insurance.
Mental retardation is not covered under health insurance.
People having a repetitive history of mental disorders are not given coverage under health insurance.
How long is the waiting period to get a mental health insurance claim in India?
The waiting period to claim mental health insurance varies from insurance provider to provider. Ideally, a policyholder paying a regular premium can get mental health coverage after 2 years.
Can a person who was hospitalized for 12 hours get a mental health insurance claim?
No, to get a mental health insurance claim a person should be hospitalized for at least 24 hours.
A major shift in the trend put mental health on the map. People are making conscious choices and educating themselves about mental well-being. The need for financial assistance for mental illnesses has been recognized and implemented throughout the country. Future Generali offers numerous insurance options that cover mental health illnesses. Go through their detailed Health Insurance plans today.
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