When a medical emergency strikes, arranging money for a hospital deposit is probably the last thing anyone wants to deal with. This is where cashless health insurance can help.
With a cashless facility, hospital bills are settled directly between the insurer and the hospital. This reduces the need to pay a large amount upfront and seek reimbursement later.
However, having a cashless benefit is only useful if you can access it when and where you need it. That is why the insurer's hospital network deserves a closer look before you buy a policy.
What Is a Cashless Hospital Network?
Health insurers have tie-ups with hospitals where policyholders can avail of cashless treatment. These are known as network hospitals.
During hospitalisation, a cashless request is raised with the insurer. Once it is approved, eligible expenses are settled directly between the insurer and the hospital.
This can reduce the need to arrange funds upfront and then wait for reimbursement.
Why Does the Hospital Network Matter?
A large network gives you more options, but the total number should not be your only consideration.
Check whether your preferred hospitals are part of the insurer's network. It is also useful to look for options close to your home and workplace. If you are buying a policy for your parents, check the hospitals available near them too.
After all, a network of thousands of hospitals means more when the ones you are likely to visit are actually included.
Comparing Best Cashless Health Insurance Providers
Several established insurers in India offer cashless hospitalisation facilities. Here is a quick look at some of them and select features offered by their popular health insurance plan.
Insurer
Popular Plan
Cashless Network and Key Features
SBI General Insurance
Health Alpha
SBI General Insurance provides access to cashless treatment through its network of 18,324 hospitals across India. However, Cashless Everywhere is also available.
Its Health Alpha plan offers 50+ coverage options for greater customisation, including benefits such as Gym & Sports Injury Cover. The plan also offers an Unlimited Sum Insured option, subject to policy terms and conditions.
ICICI Lombard
Elevate
ICICI Lombard has 11,000+ network hospitals. Elevate also offers Cashless Everywhere, subject to applicable conditions, along with hospitalisation and day-care treatment cover and unlimited reset of the sum insured.
Care Health Insurance
Care Supreme
Care Health Insurance provides access to 22,100+ cashless healthcare providers. Care Supreme includes features such as unlimited automatic recharge, AYUSH treatment and no sub-limits on room rent.
IndusInd General Insurance
Health Infinity
IndusInd General Insurance has 11,000+ network hospitals. Health Infinity offers coverage up to ₹5 crore, along with in-patient care, pre- and post-hospitalisation cover, AYUSH treatment and restoration of the sum insured for related or unrelated illness or injury.
Note: Plan features, eligibility requirements, limits and conditions can vary across products and variants. Hence, the policy documents should always be checked before making a decision.
Don't Look at the Number Alone
An insurer may have thousands of network hospitals across India, but what matters to you is how accessible those hospitals are.
Before buying a plan, use the insurer's hospital locator to check options in your city or PIN code. Look for hospitals you already trust and those that are reasonably close to you.
This becomes even more important when a policy covers several family members living in different locations.
Understand How Cashless Claims Work
Cashless does not mean that every medical expense will automatically be paid by the insurer.
A cashless request generally needs to be submitted to the insurer for approval. For planned treatment, this can usually be done before admission. In an emergency, the hospital can initiate the process after admission within the applicable timelines.
The insurer reviews the request according to the policy terms. Once approved, eligible expenses are settled directly with the hospital. Any non-covered expenses may still need to be paid by the policyholder.
Look Beyond Cashless Hospitalisation
A good hospital network is important, but it is only one part of choosing health insurance.
Check the sum insured, waiting periods, exclusions, room rent conditions, co-payments and restoration benefits. Pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage and optional benefits may also be useful depending on your needs.
Customer support and digital services are worth considering too. Being able to access policy details, renew coverage or get assistance easily can make managing health insurance simpler.
Making the Right Choice
There are several reliable insurers in India offering extensive cashless hospital networks. Rather than simply choosing the largest network, check whether the hospitals you are likely to use are covered.
A plan that combines suitable coverage with convenient access to healthcare can make hospitalisation easier to manage when you need it most.
Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
