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World Braille Day: What Is Covered And Not Covered For Visually Impaired People In Medical Insurance

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World Braille Day is celebrated every year on the 4th of January to honour the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille. His invention allows visually impaired individuals to learn, communicate, and lead better lives. Although overcoming vision challenges can improve the quality of life, taking care of their health needs is equally essential. Hence, it becomes a shared responsibility of society and the government to safeguard their rights and ensure they have access to reliable healthcare and advanced medical facilities.

According to a census conducted in 2011, India had over 25 million people with disabilities, which included visually impaired individuals. To provide support, the government has established special schemes and policies to ensure health insurance for disabled people in India. Two primary government-sponsored medical insurance policies are available for the differently-abled, namely Nirmalya Health Insurance and Swavalamban Health Insurance.

According to the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1955, an individual with a minimum of 40% bodily impairment is considered disabled. However, if a person has more than one disability or has 80% bodily impairment, they are considered severely disabled. Medical insurance coverage for individuals with visual impairment generally includes a range of healthcare services, treatments, and devices that are essential for maintaining and improving their health. In India, the Swavalamban Health Insurance aims to provide a low-cost yet efficient health insurance plan that caters to people with special needs, such as those who have blindness, low vision, leprosy-cured, loco-motor disability, hearing impairment, mental retardation, and mental illness.

Here are a few things that are covered under the medical insurance scheme for visually impaired people

1. Cashless treatment

Like most health insurance policies, the policies designed for visually impaired people also promise cashless hospitalisation at network hospitals for planned or emergency hospitalisation.

2. Pre- and post-hospitalisation costs

Pre- and post-hospitalisation costs are also covered in a policy for disabled people, including visually challenged people.

3. Therapy and counselling

Attention is paid to giving adequate mental health support to people with disability by providing proper coverage for therapy and counselling.

4. Cover for pre-existing diseases

In most cases, a pre-existing disease for disabled people is covered under government policies. However, for specific ailments and disabilities, there might be a waiting period before one can make a claim.

5. OPD cover

For routine check-ups or minor procedures, an OPD cover is also included.

6. Corrective surgery

Surgeries for vision correction or existing impairment are also covered.

What is not covered

While there are policies to ensure that visually challenged people receive adequate support during a medical emergency, however there are specific procedures that are not covered under health insurance policies for the visually impaired.

1. Cosmetic Procedures

Anything aesthetic that isn’t medically necessary.

2. Experimental or Investigative Treatments

Experimental or investigative treatments are not covered under health insurance policy as they are either not approved or don’t promise a definite outcome.

3. Certain Assistive Devices

Some high-cost assistive devices or technology may not be fully covered.

4. Non-Medical Vision Services

Non-medical vision services such as low vision aids or support for non-health-related vision needs.

5. Certain Medications

Medications that are not deemed medically necessary or are not on the insurance plan's formulary.

6. Certain Surgeries or Procedures

That are considered elective and not medically necessary.

The Take Home Message

It's essential for individuals with visual impairment and their caregivers to carefully review the terms and conditions of their health insurance policies. Insurance plans vary widely, and specific coverage details can be obtained from the insurance provider or through the policy documents. While the government schemes might provide adequate coverage but might not be enough at times when the treatment stretches. So, a caregiver should look for health insurance plans that cater to the needs of a visually challenged person. Look for comprehensive health care plans online that give broader coverage at affordable premiums.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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