Health insurers focus on worldwide care

Keeping pace with the evolving health needs, several insurers have started selling covers for treatments abroad. The latest entrant in the space is Max Bupa Health Insurance.

The company has introduced the new edition of its flagship product, Heartbeat Health Insurance Plan, which offers cashless treatment abroad for nine major critical illnesses, including cancer, heart attack, organ transplant, stroke and brain surgery.
 
Manasije Mishra, chief executive officer, Max Bupa, says, "Our research indicates that customers are looking for best healthcare for their families, both in India and abroad.

The plan offers exclusive benefits to families such as international treatment, reduced waiting period and comprehensive coverage up to Rs 1 crore."

Under the new version, one can access Bupa International's network hospitals spread over 190 countries. In case of a medical emergency outside India, Bupa International will also offer medical evacuation assistance.

The policy will cover pre -existing diseases after two years; the standard period for this is four years.

Other insurers that cover treatment abroad are Religare Health Insurance and Cigna TTK Health Insurance. The Religare policy pays in Indian rupees.

One has to pay the hospital first and get the amount reimbursed from the insurer. Cigna TTK covers medical expenses abroad up to Rs 10 lakh on a reimbursement basis. The Max's plan, however, offers cashless treatment.

With steep rise in medical costs, insurers have also started offering covers of up to Rs 1 crore. The newly launched CignaTTK is offering covers from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 1 crore. CignaTTK Health was the first company to offer a cover of up to Rs 1 crore under the premier plan of its ProHealth policy.