Not withstanding the advancements achieved in medical technology and treatment procedure, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus destroys your immune system and hinders your body’s innate ability to fight infections and diseases.

Health Insurance cover for HIV patients

HIV/AIDS treatment is very expensive and, therefore,there is an absolute need for appropriate medical insurance for HIV patients. But it looked impossible till a few years ago.

However, in 2013, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), which is the apex government body for regulating the insurance companies in India, asked the insurance providers to come up with health insurance for HIV patients. There has been some progress since then. Certain Mediclaim policies for HIV patients now offer standard benefits such as:

• Refund of cost of treatment and supplies for qualifying day-care and in-patient hospitalisation

• Reimbursement of fees of surgeons and specialists

• Refund of room charges

• Reimbursement of pre/post-hospitalisation cost

• Refund of pre-defined modern treatment cost

The sum insured in health insurance for HIV positive people falls in a range from INR 30,000 to INR 1 lakh. The premium cost attached varies, basis the sum insured chosen.

If an HIV infected person gets confirmed of AIDS within 90 days of the commencement of the policy, he cannot claim insurance benefits as the waiting period clause kicks in.

In addition to this, there are structural barriers to acquiring health insurance for HIV positive patients because some government bodies or NGOs need to propose it first. Essentially, this means if an individual is infected by HIV and wants to purchase a health insurance plan, then an institute, which is dedicated toward the betterment of HIV positive patients, has to make this proposal.

Conclusion

HIV continues to be a taboo in our country. More tailor-made health insurance products are need of the hour. Across the globe, there is continuous research work in place to find a cure for this disease. Hence, a health insurance plan would enable an infected person to make use of these new treatments without worrying about depleting his/her savings. Considering the fact India ranks third in the world in the number of people infected with HIV, insurance companies have a huge gap to fill by launching appropriate products for them and making lives easier all around.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.