Healthcare is a vital part of life that should be accessible and easy to work through difficult times. However, the increasing costs, limited accessibility, and confusing claim processes have denied access to care for many at times when they require it most. Even though government insurance schemes are available, 62.9% of Indians were still uninsured in the FY 2021-22. Private health insurance companies customise health insurance plans to make them accessible and inclusive. Cashless treatment and telemedicine have emerged as vital solutions to this shift towards more efficient healthcare. Let’s dive into how these critical features are changing the game in healthcare access for Indians.
Cashless treatment represents a system in which the policyholders of health insurance plans receive medical treatments without paying the bills out of pocket. As long as the hospital is within the insurer’s network, it can be settled by the insurance provider. This system reduces the patient’s cost burden during emergencies or planned treatments, making it seamless.
With this coverage, you can walk into a hospital, submit your claim to the insurer through the hospital, get the treatment you need, and walk out without paying anything out of your pocket.
Some of the key features of cashless treatment include:
However, a cashless treatment system also brings both advantages and challenges to the table. Below are some of the key benefits and challenges of cashless treatment:
Digital healthcare via telemedicine allows patients to consult with their doctors without going to the clinic. Such a service is helpful for senior citizens and people with special abilities as they can get quality care without tedious travel.
Key services covered by telemedicine include:
Using these services allows for quick and easy consultation and treatment processes. Here are some benefits of using telemedicine services:
Cashless treatment and telemedicine are remodelling the face of health insurance, bringing healthcare closer, more accessible, affordable, and customer-friendly. These changes remove barriers, lower costs, and enhance patients’ healthcare experience. Here is how both these coverage can impact the healthcare experience:
Cashless systems allow patients to receive medical care without paying when the service is offered, reducing financial stress in emergencies. Telemedicine expands care into rural and remote areas while filling gaps where healthcare infrastructure could be scarce. These provide quicker access to medical services that may be life-saving in emergencies and help control chronic conditions.
Cashless treatments and telemedicine help cut costs for the insurer and the policyholder. Cashless systems reduce administrative overheads arising from claims. Telemedicine reduces hospital visits, which could be avoided and thus decreases healthcare costs.
Integration of cashless treatment and telemedicine enhances the overall customer experience. Cashless systems decrease claim settlement times and, hence, decrease tension. Telemedicine enhances the facilitation of consultancy due to visits made through a virtual method. So, virtual visits and rapid settlement enhance consumer confidence in insurance policies.
Cashless treatment and telemedicine are changing the face of health insurance through increased accessibility, lower costs, and higher customer satisfaction. These innovations make healthcare simpler through direct expense settlements and virtual consultations. They also overcome financial stress and geographic constraints while streamlining claims and lowering administrative costs. This makes for a more efficient, patient-centric approach to family health insurance, ensuring that policyholders receive timely and seamless healthcare.
Disclaimer-
(This article is part of DMCL Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. DMCL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility, liability or claims for any errors or omissions in the content of the article. The DMCL Editorial team is not responsible for this content.)
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How cashless treatment and telemedicine are transforming health insurance plans in India?
