Is Long-term Oxygen Support Covered?

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Yes. You may come across health insurance plans that cover long-term oxygen support. But the extent of the coverage might depend on the policy type and how the treatment is provided. When oxygen therapy is needed during hospitalisation, it is normally covered under the standard inpatient benefits.


However, the extended oxygen support at home, like the home-based respiratory care or oxygen concentrators, might only be covered under certain add-on benefits, domiciliary care or home healthcare.


What is Considered Long-Term Oxygen Support?


The long-term oxygen support refers to the medically prescribed oxygen therapy that is used over an extended period for individuals who suffer from severe respiratory conditions. Some of the common reasons include:



  • Chronic heart-lung conditions

  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

  • Post-COVID lung damage

  • Pulmonary fibrosis


Depending on the patient's condition, oxygen therapy may be delivered through portable systems, oxygen concentrators, or cylinders, either in supervised care environments or at home.


Is Hospital-Based Oxygen Therapy Usually Covered?


Yes. When oxygen support is required during hospital admission, many comprehensive health insurance plans might cover the following:



  • Emergency oxygen in the ER

  • Charges for oxygen supply

  • ICU oxygen support

  • Ventilator-linked oxygen


This is generally included under inpatient hospitalisation benefits, subject to the policy's room rent limits and ICU terms.


Does Home Oxygen Therapy Get Covered After Discharge?


This entirely depends on your health insurance policy. Several premium health plans now include home health benefits. This might cover short-term oxygen therapy after discharge if it is prescribed by the physician. It includes the following benefits.



  • Monitoring at home

  • Nursing visits

  • Home oxygen support


However, the coverage usually applies only for a limited number of days after the hospital discharge.


Are Oxygen Concentrators and Devices Covered?


This might not always be possible under the standard plans. Some insurance companies provide a medical equipment rider or optional benefits for durable devices. These might include the following:



  • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine

  • Oxygen concentrator

  • Portable ventilator

  • Suction machine


These benefits are generally subject to a separate sub-limit.


Can Long-Term Oxygen Support be Denied?


Yes. Claims can be reduced or denied due to the following reasons:



  • You did not provide the correct documents, or they were incomplete

  • Oxygen therapy is classified as a non-medical home support

  • The policy excludes the domiciliary treatment

  • The treatment has not been prescribed by the physician


Some insurance companies only cover oxygen support when it is linked directly to the covered illnesses or recent hospitalisation.


What Should You Check Before Buying a Policy?


Before you pick a health insurance plan for the oxygen-related needs, be sure to check the:



  • Network hospital support

  • Home healthcare coverage

  • Post-hospitalisation limits

  • Domiciliary treatment clauses

  • Durable equipment benefits


If you or anyone from your family has a severe respiratory condition, picking a plan that includes the home-care support option can offer you long-term value.


Long-term oxygen support can become a high ongoing cost, particularly for severe respiratory illnesses. Take a look at whether the policy covers only hospital oxygen or also extends to home-based care to plan the treatment and finances effectively.