What is the Coverage for Bipolar Disorder in Health Insurance?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant disability and difficulties in many areas of life. People suffering from this condition experience problems with school work, strained relationships, and difficulty carrying out routine activities due to chronic mood disorder.

An effective treatment plan, including psychotherapy and medications, can be helpful. To know more about ideal health insurance coverage for bipolar disorder, read on.

What is the Ideal Coverage for People with Bipolar Disorder?

According to the World Health Organisation, in 2021, an estimated 37 million people or 0.5% of the global population were living with bipolar disorder. Even recent studies have found that about 1 in 150 people suffer from this condition in India, and among them, 70% remain untreated.

The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 has mandated ensuring equal treatment coverage for both mental and physical illnesses. That is why health insurance plans now include conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as part of the coverage.

It includes:

1. Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment

People with bipolar disorder need to choose a health insurance plan that covers both inpatient and outpatient treatments. Although psychiatric treatments mostly involve outpatient department (OPD) treatment and not hospitalisations in most cases, it is best to have that option open.

2. Medications

Medications utilised to treat bipolar disorder contribute to stabilising the mood of the patient, reducing symptom severity and managing psychosis. These include antidepressants, mood stabilisers, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. It is best to talk to your insurer, asking them whether these types of medicines are covered under the policy you are choosing or not.

3. Psychotherapy and Electroconvulsive Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and psychoeducation help patients with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms. On average, these kinds of treatments cost approximately between ₹8,000 and ₹18,000, depending on where the policyholder lives and is going for such treatments.

4. Wellness Programs

Participating in wellness programs, such as yoga, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), is crucial for those suffering from bipolar disorder. To manage out-of-pocket expenses, it is best to choose a health cover that includes such wellness programs.

5. Domiciliary Care

Those suffering from severe, chronic or relapsing episodes may require domiciliary care. This involves assistance during daily tasks, monitoring behaviour and preventing harmful impulsive behaviour. A health insurance policy with domiciliary care coverage not only saves expenses but also offers peace of mind to the patients’ families.

6. Diagnostic Tests

Medical tests, including blood tests, mood assessments, and mental health evaluations, are necessary. These help determine the stage and severity of bipolar disorder in a patient. So, choosing a health plan that covers these tests is extremely beneficial.

Final Words

So, it is evident that to manage bipolar disorder treatment financially, having adequate health insurance coverage is crucial. Since the coverage for mental disorders varies from one insurer to another, it is best to talk to the insurance provider beforehand and understand policy inclusions and exclusions to avoid future surprise.