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Things You Need to Know about Consumables Benefits

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Published on April 05, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Health insurance is a vital aspect of modern life, ensuring that individuals have access to essential medical services when they need them the most. While most people are familiar with the basics of health insurance policies, there are often lesser-known benefits that policyholders overlook. One such benefit is consumables coverage, which can prove to be a valuable addition to your health insurance plan. Consumables in health insurance are the medical items and supplies that are used during hospitalisation or medical procedures, such as surgical gloves, dressings, syringes, and more. Let’s delve into the importance of consumables cover in health insurance, understanding what it entails, how it can benefit policyholders, and the key things you need to know to make the most of this under-utilised aspect of your health insurance plan.

What Do Consumables Benefits Mean in Health Insurance Policy?

Consumables benefit in a health insurance policy refers to the coverage provided for medical supplies and items that are consumed during hospitalisation or medical procedures. These items include but are not limited to surgical gloves, dressings, syringes, catheters, sutures, and other disposable medical supplies. These items are discarded after use.

Consumables benefits are an important aspect of health insurance as they help policyholders manage the cost of these essential medical supplies, which can often add up significantly. By including consumables cover in health insurance policies, policyholders can be financially protected from the expenses associated with these consumable items. It is worth noting that the extent of consumable benefits may vary depending on the specific health insurance plan. Some policies may offer comprehensive coverage for all consumables, while others may have certain limitations or exclusions. Individuals need to review their health insurance policy carefully to understand the scope and limitations of the consumables benefits provided.

What do Consumables in health insurance include?

Consumables in health insurance refer to those medical equipment/aids which are discarded after use. If your healthcare policy does not provide coverage for these, you have to bear the costs. In 2016, the IRDAI listed 199 non-payable items from the insurer's perspective. However, the insurers were given the liberty to include/exclude any items from the list. Here’s the list of consumables which are included in health insurance:

• Administrative charges

Including expenses related to documentation, admission kit, birth/death certificate, visitor’s pass, medical records, daily chart, discharge procedure, etc.

• Housekeeping/maintenance charges

Such as mineral water, toothpaste, toothbrush, tissue paper, slippers, sanitary pads, shampoo, combs, powder, diapers, cradle, belts, caps, baby food, carry bags, etc.

• Room charges

Relating to facilities provided in the room, such as telephone, AC, television, DVD player, IV injection, attendant charges, luxury tax, etc.

• Surgical items

Like cotton, syringes, needles, razors, masks, gloves, gowns, surgical tape, sutures, thermometers, tourniquets, slings, splints, collars, braces, etc.

Conclusion

Consumables may not seem expensive, but a significant portion of your hospital bill can be due to the consumables used depending on the services that you avail. However, you can avoid the out-of-pocket cost of consumables by opting for add-on consumables coverage with your health insurance plan. When buying health insurance policies for yourself or health insurance for senior citizens, check if the consumables are covered. The consumables cover in health insurance can help save the additional expenses incurred during hospitalisation.

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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