Today, most health insurance plans offer this feature. But understanding how it works and which types of plans provide it helps you make better decisions.
What is Cashless Hospitalisation?
Cashless hospitalisation allows you to receive medical treatment without paying upfront. Your health insurance company settles the eligible hospital expenses directly. You’ll only need to clear costs that fall outside policy coverage (like meals for relatives, registration charges, etc.).
The facility works in both planned and emergency cases, but you must be treated in a network hospital recognised by your insurer.
How Does the Process Work?
Here are the simple steps of cashless hospitalisation:
1. Visit a Network Hospital
Carry your health card and ID. Submit them at the insurance desk.
2. Submit a Pre-Authorisation Request
The hospital fills out and shares your treatment details with the insurer.
3. Claim Review by the Insurer
The insurance company verifies the claim as per your policy terms.
4. Cashless Approval or Query Raised
If all documents are in order, approval is granted. If not, the insurer may ask for clarification.
5. Treatment and Settlement
Once you’re discharged, the hospital and insurer settle the bills directly.
Types of Health Insurance Plans with Cashless Facility
The cashless facility is available across almost all categories of health insurance in India. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of plans that support this benefit:
Individual Health Insurance Plans
These cover a single person under one sum insured. Ideal if you’re looking for personalised coverage without sharing limits.
Family Floater Health Insurance Plans
A popular option among Indian households. These health insurance plans for family provide one umbrella sum insured for all family members: spouse, children, and sometimes parents.
Senior Citizen Health Insurance Plans
These are tailored for individuals above the age of 60. The plans include special care benefits, often with easy access to cashless hospital networks.
Maternity Health Insurance Plans
Specifically created to cover maternity-related hospital expenses, including delivery, newborn care, and pre/post-natal treatment, all on a cashless basis at empanelled hospitals.
Group Health Insurance Plans
Employers typically offer these. They allow cashless treatments for employees and sometimes even their families, depending on the employer’s terms.
Each of these options supports cashless hospitalisation, provided the policyholder follows the insurer’s pre-authorisation steps and gets admitted to a recognised network hospital.
HDFC ERGO’s Cashless Hospitalisation Benefits
According to the HDFC ERGO cashless health insurance page, here’s what policyholders can expect:
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12,000+ Network Hospitals
Accessible across urban and rural India for quick treatment.
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Digital Pre-authorisation
Speeds up the cashless request process, saving critical time.
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24×7 Helpline
Policyholders can reach out for claim assistance anytime.
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Simple Documentation in Some Cases
Especially at leading hospitals with a direct tie-up.
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Quick Discharge Support
The final settlement is processed quickly, so you can leave without delay.
These features apply across multiple health insurance plans, including health insurance for family, individuals, and senior citizens.
How to Use a Health Insurance Premium Calculator
If you’re not sure which plan fits your budget, try using a health insurance premium calculator. You simply enter your age, coverage needs, and family size, and get an estimated premium. This helps you compare plans without needing to call customer care or speak to an agent.
You can also tweak the sum insured or opt in/out of maternity cover, room rent limits, and add-ons to see how your premium changes.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan with Cashless Benefits
Here’s a simple checklist to help you decide:
- Do you want an individual plan or a family floater?
- Do you or any family member require maternity cover?
- Are you above 60 and need a senior citizen health plan?
- Is your preferred hospital on the insurer’s network hospital list?
- Can you use a premium calculator to match the cost with your budget?
Answering these questions can help you narrow down options and pick a plan that offers real value, not just in emergencies, but even during routine healthcare needs.
Conclusion
Health insurance becomes very handy, especially in those critical moments of health through cashless hospitalisation. As you plan a scheduled operation or face an emergency medical situation, the fact that you do not have to pay in advance to get treatment relieves you of a massive burden.
HDFC ERGO has plans that facilitate this by having a broad reach of hospitals, online claims, and round-the-clock assistance. And whether it is health insurance for the family, maternity benefits, or helping parents, there is a cashless provision.
Make use of health insurance calculators found online, learn what you need and pick a plan with the benefit of having a little peace of mind in addition to medical insurance.
Disclaimer: This article contains sponsored marketing content. It is intended for promotional purposes and should not be considered as an endorsement or recommendation by our website. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.
