What Is Karunya Health Insurance Scheme? How To Apply

Posted on: Dec 27, 2022 | | Written by:

What Is Karunya Health Insurance Scheme? How To Apply

Published on December 27, 2022. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

Many of us are privileged enough to have good jobs and stable sources of income that help us meet our needs, including our need for a health insurance policy with adequate coverage. Yet, what about individuals who cannot bear the expenses of the expensive premiums? For example, a sizable population in Kerala falls below the poverty line. This means that these families cannot even think of entering a private hospital without the fear of going bankrupt. And Government hospitals always have too many patients to give quality care and attention to each and every case. And this is where health schemes such as Karunya Health Insurance play a crucial role. Let’s learn more about this health plan covering critical illnesses.

What is Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

KarunyaHealth InsuranceScheme or ‘Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi’ is a special initiative by the Government of Kerala to provide quality healthcare to the underprivileged section of society at a nominal premium.Launched by the UDF Government in 2012, the sole purpose of this scheme is to provide substantial treatment coverage to those suffering from critical illnesses. Under this scheme, each family will receive health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

Benefits of the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

Some advantages of the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme include the following:

• One of the biggest benefits is that you will be reimbursed if your treatment cost exceeds the estimated amount.

• Provides coverage for critical illnesses, such as cancer, heart diseases, kidney disorders, haemophilia, palliative care, brain surgeries, transplant surgical treatments, etc.

• In addition to treatment costs, the insurance schemecovers expenses related to consultations, investigations, diagnostic tests, pre-& post-hospitalisation, medications, etc.

• The Governmentoffersmonetaryaid of up to INR 2 lakhs. However, based on the severity of the illness, the amount can be increased to up to Rs 3 lakhs.

Coverages of Karunya Health Insurance

Karunya Health Insurance covers the following:

• Consultation charges, investigations, and treatment

• Pre-hospitalisation costs for 3 days prior to the first day of admission

• Post-hospitalization expenses for up to 15 days after discharge from the hospital

• Any complications during your hospital stay

• Diagnostic tests and lab charges

• Non-intensive and intensive care charges

• Cost of implants

Key Features of Karunya Health Insurance

• The Government of Kerala has initiated the scheme; the State Lottery Department finances it. The funds raised are sent to the network hospitals.

• The beneficiaries can get treated in both private and public empanelled hospitals. Initially, it was limited to Government hospitals only.

• The Government has allotted INR 250 crores for this health insurance scheme.

• All information relating to the scheme is available on its official website https://www.karunya.kerala.gov.in. The portal also has details such as network hospitals, claims process, application and declaration form.

• You can also find the list of beneficiaries on the website. Click on the `list of beneficiaries’, and select your district, hospital, and other required details.

• Pre-existing diseases are covered from Day One. There’s no waiting period.

• No restriction on gender, the number of children, or age.

• The scheme covers nearly 1,573 medical procedures, including all expenses related to treatment like medications, diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, surgical fees, OPD, OT and ICU fees.

• The scheme is valid across India.

How does Karunya Health Insurance work?

The first step is registering yourself for the health insurance scheme. Once the application has been approved and your Karunya health card generated, you can file claims for all treatment-related expenses, such as doctor consultation charges, medications, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, surgeries, OPD and ICU charges, etc. The beneficiaries can avail of treatment in public or private hospitals which are on the list of network hospitals.

The official website has all the updated information on the scheme. The website has other details like a list of network hospitals and beneficiaries, how to file claims, etc.

Eligibility Criteria for Karunya Health Insurance

• Must be a resident of Kerala

• Applicant must be below poverty line

• Above Poverty Line (APL) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families whose income is less thanINR 3 lakh per annum

• Applicant should have Aadhar Card, income certificate and other required documents.

What are theDocuments required to apply for Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

You must submit the documentslisted below for enrolmentin the insurance scheme:

• Identity proof: Driving License/Voter ID card/Aadhar Card, etc.

• Address proof: Aadhar Card/Voter ID card/Driving License/Ration card

• Income Certificate

• BPL Card

• Ration Card

• Passport size photos

How to Apply for Karunya Health Insurance Scheme Online

Applying for the Karunya health insurance scheme online is very convenient. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website at http://karunya.kerala.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on `How to Apply’ on the homepage to download the application form.

Step 3: Enter all the requisite informationand submit the form with the necessary supporting documents.

Use the `Application Tracking’ option on the homepageto know the status of your application. The other option is checking your name on the List of Beneficiaries on the homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply offline for KarunyaHealth Insurance scheme?

No, there’s no offline method to get the application form. You must visit the official website to enrol your name in the health insurance scheme and download the form.

2. When will I get the Karunya insurance card?

After verifying your details and other eligibility criteria, the Government will issue the health card. You need to carry this card to avail of medical treatment.

3. Will my pre-existing diseases get covered?

Yes, as per the policy, you will be covered for your pre-existing medical conditions.

Conclusion

To make healthcare accessible and affordable to all, the Government has launched several schemes for the underprivileged sections of society. Karunya Health Insurance scheme is one such initiative by the Kerala Government to provide quality healthcare to those who find it difficult to afford medical facilities.

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

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