Is Appendicitis Covered By Insurance?

Difference Between Health Insurance and Mediclaim

The purpose of mediclaim and health insurance is to provide financial protection when it comes to medical expenses. However, there are some differences between the two. 

• Scope of Coverage

Mediclaim is a specific type of insurance that especially covers the hospitalization charges for a appendicitis surgery. On the contrary, health insurance covers almost everything related to the treatment such as inpatient or outpatient procedures, diagnostic tests charges, prescribed medicines expenses, anesthesia specialist charges, and so on.  

• Premiums and Benefits

Mediclaim offers benefits with lower premiums as compared to health insurance policies. As health insurance has high premium rates, in return they offer more benefits and maximum coverage of the treatment.

• Claims Process

In comparison to the mediclaim process, the health insurance claim process can be a little complicated. Mediclaim is filed directly by the insurance provider; unlike health insurance, which requires proper documentation and verification prior to approval.

• Renewal Policy

In general, mediclaim policies are renewable for a yearly period, while health insurance policies may be renewed several years at a time.

Cost Covered Under Health Insurance/Mediclaim Policy

The cost covered by a health insurance policy or mediclaim may be different for each individual. Here are some expenses covered by both policies, in general:

• In Hospitalization Charges 

In-patient hospitalization charges consist of the expenses incurred during admission to the hospital for appendicitis surgery. If the hospitalization charges are covered under your insurance plan, it will cover room charges, ICU charges, nursing charges, consultation charges etc. 

• Pre Hospitalization Charges 

Typically, you may have to bear all the medical expenses incurred during hospitalization charges such as imaging tests, other diagnostic tests (blood test, urine test etc), doctor’s consultation charges and other charges. With medical insurance and mediclaim, these charges will come under coverage up to some extent. 

• Ambulance Charges

Health insurance policies frequently cover ambulance fees (if any). The insurance company will provide payment for the costs associated with the ambulance service, including the expense of getting you to the medical institution. Ambulance services are not covered by a mediclaim facility.

• Day-care Treatment

A daycare procedure that involves appendicitis surgery and requires a hospital stay of between 24 hours and 48 hours is covered by both health insurance and mediclaim plans.

• No Claim Bonus

A “No Claim Bonus” is typically offered by mediclaim policies as well as health insurance. You get a bonus if you go a specific amount of time, let’s say a year, without claiming health insurance. Also, the insurer may raise your coverage limit for the next year.

• Domiciliary Hospitalization

If you are not in a condition to go to a hospital for treatment, the mediclaim coverage may also give domiciliary hospitalization under certain circumstances. You can still receive compensation for at least three days of medical care.

• Additional Coverage

With mediclaim insurance, you can also pay for extra costs that arise during the course of the treatment, including ambulance and ICU fees, second views, and alternative therapies for the same condition.