Is Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Included in Insurance?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the brain and the spinal cord. Since the disease needs lifelong treatment, frequent visits to the doctor, regular physiotherapy and costly medicines, a large number of families in India worry about the financial strain.

A third way people can mitigate the financial consequences of critical illness, from a health insurance perspective, is by obtaining coverage. Customers should make sure they understand the terms of cover they are acquiring, including waiting periods, exclusions and critical illness benefits.

Does Health Insurance Cover Multiple Sclerosis Treatment?

Many Indian health insurers, and especially companies, offer health insurance coverage for chronic diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (varies by insurer, policy type and preexisting conditions).

Most general health insurance plans, as well as critical illness coverage, will generally compensate for some of the income lost while you‘re in the hospital for MS-related treatment.

Knowing which types of medical expenses are generally covered by policies helps assess the true value of coverage.

• Hospitalisation Expenses

Almost all insurance companies have a provision for covering the cost of hospitalisation incurred during the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. It would normally comprise the rent of the room, ICU charges, and any doctor fees, nursing care fees during the period of treatment.

• Diagnostic Tests and MRI Scans

Diagnosis of MS is done with an MRI scan, neurological examination and blood work. Most insurance will pay for these if they are a part of approved treatment/hospitalisation.

• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Multiple Sclerosis patients tend to use rehabilitative treatments to recover mobility and coordination of muscles. The general health plans sometimes may provide part or all of the costs of physiotherapy.

• Critical Illness Benefits

Certain insurers offer a lump sum benefit on critical illness policies after such diagnoses have been made. This sum might be used to provide residents of or travelling within the UK with financial support in case of the extent of treatment and lifestyle costs.

Important Things to Check Before Buying Insurance

Insurance is available for Multiple Sclerosis, but consumers should carefully read the policy fine print before deciding on an insurer. This can lead to claims being rejected later on, in addition to extra charges.

• Waiting Period for Pre-Existing Diseases

If you are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, before taking out the policy, insurers apply waiting periods to the policy. IRDAI rules state that waiting periods for pre-existing illnesses will be of 36 to 48 months, based on the policy.

• Coverage Limits and Sub-Limits

Some policies have restrictions regarding certain advanced neurological treatments, rehabilitation treatments or expensive disease-modifying drugs. It is important to check what is and is not covered by the policy before purchase.

• Cashless Hospital Network

Having a widespread network of cashless hospitals can substantially minimise the amount spent by a patient towards hospitalisation. It can be very helpful, especially in emergency cases or planned hospitalisation towards MS treatment.