Mental Illnesses Are Now Covered by Health Insurance

The WHO estimates that 1 in 3 Indians experience depression. There was a marked increase in mental health problems following the COVID-19 epidemic. Although medical insurance policies now cover physical illnesses, it was only recently decided by the IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) that starting on November 1st, 2022, mental health will also be covered. From this point forward, certain mental health conditions and illnesses will also be covered by health insurance plans.

The Latest Update

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of Indi (IRDAI) has stated that although Alzheimer’s disease and dementia weren’t included in older comprehensive health insurance policies, it will be different from now on. In addition, insurance companies may no longer deny new policy applications from those who have a mental disorder. Mental illness and people suffering from them can now avail of mental health care through their health insurance plans. This comes as a colossal relief to many people. In a circular issued to all medical insurance companies, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India stated clearly that all insurance policies must include coverage for mental disorders and adhere to the Mental Healthcare Act's (2017) mandates without exception. The deadline for insurers to certify compliance is October 31, 2022.

What does this mean for you?

Mental health still carries a relatively large stigma with it. In the aftermath of COVID and the ensuing lockdowns, a sense of alienation and dissociation have caused mental anguish and brought to the surface many mental illnesses, especially among younger and older populations. The move to include mental health in health insurance plans, therefore, will help people actively care for their mental health as well.

What kind of illnesses are covered under Mental Health Insurance?

While there is still not enough clarity, insurance companies have been instructed to cover the following mental illnesses and disorders:

• Acute Depression:

One of the most common mental disorders, acute depression, is also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder. Feelings of intense sadness and melancholy accompany this type of depression. Symptoms include trouble sleeping, anger, feelings of self-harm, loss of interest in people and activities, fatigue and apathy.

• Bipolar Disorder:

This is a condition characterised by extreme mood swings from depressive lows to manic highs. Its symptoms include mood swings, anger, low energy, apathy and lack of motivation.

• Eating Disorders:

Some common eating disorders are binge eating, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa; patients either eat too much or frugally in such cases.

• PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

This is typified by the inability or failure to recuperate from a distressing or horrifying incident. This is common with survivors of abuse (both physical and mental), soldiers and people associated with law enforcement, fire-fighters, and anyone who’s been through a traumatic event that stays with them.

• Schizophrenia:

A severe mental illness that causes individuals to lose touch or perceive reality in an aberrant manner. While the exact cause is unknown, experts suggest it is a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, and altered brain chemistry.

• Dementia:

This is classified as a psychological disorder where one’s mental acuity is severely compromised. Impairment of memory and inability to think in both abstract and concrete terms are symptoms of progressive dementia.

What illnesses will not be covered?

While IRDAI’s mandate covers many mental health disorders, there are still a few that are not included, such as:

1. Mental retardation and intellectual disabilities, including autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

2. Self-inflicted injury, which could be intentional, and attempted suicide

3. Complications relating to drug and alcohol abuse

How will mental illness coverage work?

Just like physical ailments, hospitalisation of 24 hours or more and OPD costs will also be covered for mental illnesses. But remember to discuss each aspect in detail with your insurance provider, particularly when thinking about SENIOR CITIZEN HEALTH INSURANCE policies.

Conclusion

The IRDAI’s directive to insurance providers to cover certain mental illnesses is a step in the right direction. While more updates are awaited clarifying the scope and extent of this coverage, this measure ought to bring relief to many people suffering from mental illnesses. Remember to check what’s covered and put more emphasis on the exclusions in your Mediclaim policy before you make up your mind to buy one.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.