Does Health Insurance Cover a Nerve Conduction Study?

The Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) is an examination used to assess the speed and efficacy of electrical impulses transmitted by your nerves. In India, the cost of undergoing the NCS test may vary for several reasons, including but not limited to the hospital, the city where you reside, and the extent of the issue.

Even though various health insurance policies in India will cover diagnostic examinations such as NCS, MRI, or blood tests, these policies usually provide compensation only when the insured individual is admitted to the hospital.

Read on to learn more about the NCS test, whether it is covered under an insurance plan, its procedure, and more.

When is the Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) Covered Under Health Insurance?

The Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) helps physicians identify nerve injury, weakness, or dysfunction of the nervous system. There are two types of nerves evaluated with a nerve conduction study: motor and sensory.

This test is often combined with Electromyography (EMG) for a more comprehensive analysis of muscle and nerve health. Health insurance usually covers nerve conduction studies if they are performed before or after hospitalisation for an illness, and is covered under the following circumstances:

• When the physician recommends the NCS test to identify nerve dysfunction.


• If the patient undergoes NCS during or immediately after hospitalisation.


• If the insurance plan provides diagnostic expenses before or after hospitalisation.


• If the plan provides Outpatient Department diagnostic expenses.

However, it is always best to check your insurer's terms and conditions, as healthcare plans vary from one insurer to another.

What Happens During the Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) Test?

In a nerve conduction study (NCS), you can be asked to sit or lie down in a comfortable position on an examination table or bed as the physician administers the procedure. Then electrodes will be placed on your skin where the nerves being tested are located.

Stimulating electrodes emit small electric pulses through your nerves, while recording electrodes placed close to the muscles record the responses made by the nerves. As the electric stimulation is delivered, you may experience a tingling sensation or slight pain, which is only temporary.

The doctor will jot down the results by measuring the speed and strength of the nerve signals, known as conduction velocity, to look for any nerve disease. The procedure takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how many nerves and muscles need to be tested.

The Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) is quite an essential diagnostic approach that helps diagnose nerve problems and perform timely treatment. Even though NCS and other similar diagnostic procedures might be covered under health insurance in India, this largely depends on the need for hospitalisation and the insurance terms and OPD benefits.

Being aware of your coverage under the insurance plan will help avoid any financial surprises in the future.