Consumables Cover – All you need to know
If you have ever gone through your health insurance’s policy wording when the process of buying health insurance, you may have noticed “Consumables” listed under Exclusions.
Or perhaps your insurance policy does cover consumables and has a statement explicitly mentioning “We will cover medical expenses for … consumables” – it really depends on the specific health insurance plan you have chosen.
Most health insurance policies specifically exclude consumables, but some plans which usually are more expensive in terms of premiums do cover them, or explicitly state an additional premium that has been charged for their coverage.
What exactly are consumables?
Consumables can be items like gloves, face masks used by hospital staff, surgical tape, syringes etc.
These are items used in treatment that can only be used once but are essential medical equipment and accessories that cannot be avoided.
These are usually classified as:
- Surgical equipment: Gloves, syringes, slings, surgical tape, gowns etc.
- Room Expenses: Cost of facilities such as attendant charges, IV injections, luxury tax, food, AC etc.
- Administrative expenses: Expenses related to paperwork, medical records, discharge procedure etc.
- Housekeeping charges: Soaps, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissue paper etc.
And any other items explicitly mentioned in your health insurance policy document.
Why are consumables not covered in health insurance?
Consumables being items which are discarded after a single use can inflate hospital bills especially in cases of hospitalization for longer time periods. This makes insurers reluctant to insure consumables, and since there is no regulatory obligation to cover them, insurers often exclude them.
Where excluded, the cost of consumables falls on the policyholder or insured member which can prove to be quite the financial burden on the individual. But with the increasing demand for consumables to be brought under coverage, some insurers have begun to offer such coverage at an additional premium.
Benefits of having consumables covered
- A consumable coverage can spare you the financial burden of these consumables, especially in cases where the stay at the hospital was long.
- A smoother cashless experience.
- No compromise during treatment due to financial constraints.
Therefore, having consumables covered by your health insurance can be a wise choice.
If you need advice or help selecting the best health plan for you, reach out to us!
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