This article discusses the latest Master Circular on Health Insurance Business, issued on 29/05/2024, which introduced significant changes aimed at enhancing policyholder protection and streamlining claim settlements.
This article discusses the latest Master Circular on Health Insurance Business, issued on 29/05/2024, which introduced significant changes aimed at enhancing policyholder protection and streamlining claim settlements.
Key Changes for Insurance Policy Holders as per the Master Circular on Health Insurance Business (29/05/2024)
Non-Contestability of Claims Post Moratorium
Once you have 60 months of continuous coverage, your claims cannot be contested for non-disclosure or misrepresentation except in fraud cases. This change provides greater security and reliability for long-term policyholders. This figure used to be 8 years earlier.
Faster Cashless Facility
New guidelines require insurers to decide on cashless authorization within one hour, aiming for 100% cashless claim settlements. This helps reduce the financial burden on policyholders during emergencies and hospitalizations.
Policyholders can now choose between a cumulative bonus or a discount in renewal premiums, offering more flexibility and rewards for maintaining good health.
Maximum 3-Hour Authorization Delay for Hospital Discharge
Insurers must process discharge authorizations within three hours. Any delay costs will be covered by the insurer, ensuring prompt discharge and reducing additional costs for policyholders.
Enhanced Claim Settlement Process
The Claims Review Committee ensures that no claims are unjustly denied without a thorough review. Insurers or TPAs are responsible for collecting all required documents, making the claim process smoother for policyholders.
FAQs for Understanding the Master Circular on Health Insurance Business (29/05/2024)
What is the Moratorium Period?
The Moratorium Period is a 60-month duration of continuous coverage after which no health insurance policy or claim can be contested for non-disclosure or misrepresentation, except for fraud. Credits from ported and migrated policies count towards this period.
What is the No Claim Bonus (NCB)?
The No Claim Bonus rewards policyholders who do not make a claim. It can be given as:
A Cumulative Bonus: An increase in the Sum Insured without a premium increase.
A Discount in Renewal Premium.
What are the Guidelines for the Cashless Facility?
Insurers must aim for 100% cashless claim settlements, making reimbursement claims rare.
Insurers must decide on cashless authorization requests within one hour of receipt.
Insurers should set up Help Desks in hospitals and provide pre-authorization digitally.
What is the Process for Final Authorization for Discharge from the Hospital?
Insurers must grant final authorization within three hours of the discharge authorization request from the hospital. Delays beyond three hours will result in the insurer covering additional costs.
In case of the policyholder’s death during treatment, insurers must immediately process the claim and facilitate the release of the body from the hospital.
What are the Rules for the Settlement of Claims?
No claim shall be denied without the approval of the Policy Management Committee (PMC) or a three-member Claims Review Committee (CRC).
If a claim is denied or partially disallowed, insurers must provide detailed reasons referencing specific policy terms.
Insurers and Third Party Administrators (TPAs) are responsible for collecting the required documents from hospitals; policyholders do not need to submit them.
Can Policyholders Hold Multiple Policies?
Yes, policyholders can hold multiple health insurance policies. In the event of a claim, they can choose which policy to claim benefits from, and insurers must coordinate to ensure seamless settlement in case there is a need to claim from a second policy.
Did you know that we have a private Facebook group which you can join for free and ask your own questions? Please click the button below to join.
What's next? You can join the Arthgyaan WhatsApp community
You can stay updated on our latest content and learn about our webinars.
Our community is fully private so that no one, other than the admin, can see your name or number. Also, we will not spam you.
For resident Indians 🇮🇳:
For NRIs 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇪🇺🇦🇺🇦🇪🇸🇬:
Share on WhatsApp:
To understand how this article can help you:
If you have a comment or question about this article
The following button will open a form with the link of this page populated for context:
If you liked this article, please leave us a rating
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for educational purpose only and is not financial advice. Nothing on this site should be construed as an offer or recommendation to buy/sell any financial product or service. Please consult a registered investment advisor before making any investments.
This post titled What Policyholders Must Know about IRDA's Master Circular on Health Insurance Business (29/05/2024)? first appeared on 18 Jun 2024 at https://arthgyaan.com