Can High BMI Impact International Cashless Hospitalisation?

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An international cashless hospitalisation facility of the insurer safeguards travellers during medical emergencies. However, having a high BMI can have a notable impact on this facility. Read on to understand what an international cashless hospitalisation facility is and how having a BMI can impact it.


What is Cashless International Treatment?


International cashless hospitalisation is an added benefit that tourists can get from purchasing their health or travel insurance. It helps them to access various necessary treatments abroad without having to pay the bills upfront.


Usually, the insurer settles the bill with the hospital, safeguarding travellers from hefty reimbursement claim processes or sudden out-of-pocket expenses. This allows beneficiaries to easily undergo medical treatment during emergencies.


How to Avail International Cashless Treatment?


The steps to avail an international cashless treatment coverage are as follows:



  • Choosing the right policy that offers cashless treatment options

  • Checking and contacting only a network hospital for medical emergencies

  • Informing the insurer about the emergency by contacting their representatives

  • Arranging and submitting all the documents that the insurers specify

  • Going through the medical procedures without settling the bills

  • Completing the claim filing process, as the insurer mentions


How BMI Can Impact International Cashless Hospitalisation?


There are several ways in which having a high BMI can impact international cashless treatment. These include:


Substantial Premium Loadings


Having a high BMI implies that the policy applicant is suffering from various weight-related health conditions. Thus, they might raise frequent claims, leading to a loss for the insurer. So, they apply policy loadings, increasing the premiums, to cover their loss.


Rejection of Policy Application


Certain insurance companies can also outright reject the policy purchase request of an applicant with a high BMI value. Whereas some companies ask them to go through medical screening during policy purchase.


Exclusion of Pre-existing Disease


Most of the time, insurance companies consider obesity and its related diseases, like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, as pre-existing health conditions. Hence, they can exclude coverages for the same.


Delays in Cashless Claim Approvals


Usually, insurers conduct a thorough scrutiny to understand the cause behind the development of the condition for which the beneficiary is raising a claim. This can cause delays in claim approvals and treatment procedures.


Extra Clause Addition to Policy


Insurance companies can add extra clauses, like a longer waiting period under policies for people with a high BMI.


How to Reduce the Impact of BMI on International Cashless Hospitalisation?


While the impacts are quite high, policyholders can take some necessary steps to easily navigate through the challenges. These actionable steps are mentioned below:



  • Carefully understanding the clauses of the policy

  • Availing pre-authorisation from the insurer during planned treatments

  • Complete disclosure of medical conditions is a must during policy purchase

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to gradually lower the BMI


Final Thoughts


The availability of international cashless hospitalisation facilities can vary from one insurer to another. Hence, it would be prudent to check for them and maintain a healthy BMI to make the most of this facility.