Insurance for Non-Medical Expenses: A Comprehensive Guide

Non-medical expenses in health insurance refer to the charges that are not directly associated with the medical treatment or services. Insurance for non-medical expenses in the coverage offered for the costs that are not directly associated with medical treatment or services, like insurance premiums, administrative fees, and other expenses related to managing and maintaining a health insurance policy. Non-medical expenses in health insurance, though not directly associated with the medical treatment, are often considered needed for overall healthcare and well-being. Therefore, insurance for non-medical expenses could be important for patients and their families. Non medical expenses in insurance, like food, transportation, and accommodation during hospitalization, could increase the financial stress on patients and their families.

Non medical expenses in health insurance are Administrative fees, insurance premiums, consumable items(like syringes, gloves, and bandages), daycare treatment expenses, nutritionist/dietician charges, AYUSH benefits, organ donor expenses, home care, laundry service, cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, diabetic footwear, diagnostic devices, and gauze blades. Knowing which expenses come under non-medical could assist you in managing your health insurance plan and avoiding unexpected expenses. A few optional items or services given during the hospital stay of babies, which are treatment choices and are not covered by health insurance, are Baby food, food (except for what is provided by the hospital) and Mineral water.

Breaking Down Non-Medical Expenses in Your Health Insurance Plan

What is non medical expenses in insurance?

Non-medical expenses in health insurance concern to the expenses incurred for services not directly associated with medical treatment. These expenses encompass charges for registration, and the cost of consumables such as syringes, bandages, and gloves etc.

What are non-medical items expenses in health insurance?

Non-medical expenses incurred during hospitalisation, which are not covered by health insurance, include the costs of various items. The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDAI) of India has excluded the coverage of these expenses to prevent any potential misuse. As a result, your insurance provider will not be responsible for covering these expenses when settling claims, and you will have to finance them personally.

The IRDAI has classified the non-medical expenses according to the hospitalisation and treatment received. Additionally, the IRDAI has provided a list of optional items not covered by a health plan. Please refer to the following categories of non-medical expenses as outlined by the IRDAI below,

Non-Medical Expenses Under Procedure Costs:

Registration/admission charges
Vaccination cost
HIV kit
Antiseptic mouthwash
Disinfectant, spirit & hydrogen peroxide
Urine container
Nutritionists or dietician charges
Diabetic footwear
Infusion pump charges
Blood reservation cost

Non-Medical Expenses Under Hospital Room Charges:

Gown
Tissue paper
Pulse oximeter charges
Hand wash
Housekeeping charges
Comb, slippers & caps
Hot pack/ cold pack
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Buds
Foot cover

Non-Medical Expenses Under Procedure Costs:

The cost of the following items used during a surgical procedure may not be covered:

Surgical blades
Disposable razors
Bandages & cotton
Eye pad
Arthroscopy and Endoscopy instrument charges
Gauze blades
Harmon scalpel blades
Hair removal cream
Surgical drill

Other Non-Payable Medical Expenses:

The following non-medical expenses are not covered:

Needles, syringes & sterilised injections
Barber charges
Referral doctor’s fees
Medicine box
Washing charges
Digestion gels
Paper gloves

Optional Items:

The cost of the following optional items might also excluded:

Mineral water
Thermometer
Food (apart from hospital food)
Laundry/ attendant charges
Beauty services
Nebuliser kit
Baby food
Carry bags
Belts/braces

Does medical expenses include insurance?

Medical expenses refer to the costs incurred in preventing or treating disease or injury. Medical expenses also include health and dental insurance premiums, co-pays, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, etc.

Do medical expenses include insurance premiums?

It permits deductions on the premium paid on a health insurance plan for themselves or their family members.

Do health insurance premiums count as medical expenses for taxes?

Section 80D of the Income Tax Act gives permission for the tax deductions of a maximum of Rs 25,000 each financial year on health insurance policy premiums.

Important points to keep in mind regarding non-medical expenses in health insurance

It is essential to note that any non-medical expenses incurred during hospitalisation will not be covered by your health insurance policy, as per the guidelines set by IRDAI.

The non-medical expenses listed by IRDAI are standard and can be found in your policy documents.

To avoid any surprises during claim settlement, it is advisable to thoroughly check your policy document to understand the non-medical expenses excluded under your policy.

In some cases, non-medical expenses may be covered as an add-on cover in specific health plans. You can opt for this cover by paying an additional premium to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses.

Summary

As all health insurance plans do not cover non-medical expenses under their plan, consider opting for a rider or an add-on cover along with your base plan to ease the burden of paying from your pockets.

All top health policies may exclude non-medical expenses in health insurance. When you choose your best health insurance policy, check about the non-medical expenses under that plan.

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FAQ

What is the non medical expenses in Star Health Insurance?

Non-medical things like gloves, oxygen cylinders, masks, etc., are also covered in this policy. Emergency road ambulance, air ambulance services, and delivery expenses are covered below the plan.

What is the non medical expenses list?

<ul><li>Braces or belts</li><li>Mineral water</li><li>Thermometer</li><li>Handwash</li><li>Nebuliser Kit</li><li>Pulse oximeter charges</li><li>Tissue Paper</li><li>Baby food</li><li>Carry bags</li><li>Registration or admission charges</li><li>Surgical blades</li><li>Antiseptic Mouthwash</li><li>Beauty services</li><li>Eye pad</li><li>Food (apart from hospital food)</li><li>Hair Removal Cream</li><li>Infusion pump charges</li><li>Digestion gels</li><li>Housekeeping charges</li><li>Medicine Box</li><li>Nutritionists or dietician charges</li><li>Paper Gloves</li><li>Syringes</li><li>Urine Container</li></ul>

Are medical expenses not covered by insurance tax deductible?

According to Section 80D, medical expenses incurred to maintain the health of a senior citizen without health insurance have an eligibility for a tax deduction of up to ₹50,000 per financial year.

What insurance covers medical expenses?

Health insurance provides coverage for incurred medical expenses for an individual or group.

Can you deduct medical expenses not covered by insurance?

As per Section 80D, a person or HUF can claim deductions of tax for health insurance premiums paid for self, life partner, children and parents.

What is not considered a qualified medical expense?

A qualified medical expense doesn't include expenses that are advantageous to general health, like vitamins or a vacation.

Is health insurance considered a medical expense?

Yes, health insurance is considered a medical expense, as it covers medical expenses.

Do qualified medical expenses include insurance premiums?

Medical expenses include the premiums you have paid for a health insurance plan that includes medical expenses and the amounts you pay for transportation to receive medical care.