Understanding Health Insurance – What Every Family Must Know Before a Medical Emergency

By Dr. Ashish Ohri, Consultant Surgeon, Arogya Hospital, Ludhiana

Healthcare expenses have become a leading cause of financial distress for middle-class families in India. While many now invest in health insurance, only a few understand how their policy truly works—often discovering the gaps during a medical emergency. Knowing your policy terms and choosing the right hospital can make a world of difference during such critical moments.


Why You Must Understand Your Health Insurance

Buying a health insurance policy is only the first step. Understanding what it covers and how to use it effectively is equally important. Many people are unaware of:

Sum Insured: This is the maximum amount your insurance will pay in a year. For example, if your policy covers ₹5 lakh and you spend ₹3 lakh during a surgery, ₹2 lakh remains for future treatment in the same year.

Cashless vs. Reimbursement Claims: In a cashless setup, the insurer directly pays the hospital. In reimbursement, you pay the hospital first, then submit bills to the insurance company to get your money back—a more tedious and time-consuming process.

Room Rent Limits: Many policies cap the daily cost they’ll cover for hospital rooms. Exceeding this may lead to additional personal expenses.

Pre-existing Conditions and Waiting Periods

Health insurance does not cover all illnesses from day one. Some points to note:

  • Pre-existing illnesses (like diabetes, hypertension, etc.) are generally covered only after a waiting period of 2 to 4 years.
  • A 30-day initial waiting period applies to all policies, except for accidents.
  • Certain surgeries like hernia, piles, or joint replacements often have specific waiting periods—even if you didn’t have symptoms before taking the policy.

Knowing these details allows you to plan non-emergency treatments and avoid claim rejection.

Know What’s Not Covered

Every health insurance policy has exclusions. Typically not covered are:

  • Cosmetic surgeries
  • Dental procedures (unless due to accidents)
  • Fertility treatments
  • Alternative therapies (unless specified)

Your policy might also have sub-limits for tests, doctor fees, or consumables. Reading the policy document—or at least the summary—helps avoid financial shocks during discharge.

Choose Network Hospitals for Cashless Treatment

Cashless claims are only possible at network hospitals—these are hospitals that have tie-ups with insurance providers. Not all hospitals offer this, and not all are empanelled under every policy.

Arogya Hospital, located on Jassian Road, Ludhiana, is empanelled with almost all major private health insurance companies, making it a preferred choice for insured patients. The hospital believes in "Healthcare for All" and provides true cashless treatment, ensuring that patients focus on recovery rather than paperwork and billing stress.

What You Should Carry During Hospital Visits

Whether it’s a planned admission or an emergency, keep these handy:

  • Your health insurance card
  • A valid photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN)
  • A copy (print or digital) of your insurance policy
  • Any prior medical records or prescriptions

These help speed up the insurance approval process, especially in urgent situations.

Talk to the Hospital’s Insurance Desk

Most good hospitals have a dedicated insurance help desk. Reach out to them for:

  • Pre-authorizing planned treatments
  • Estimating covered vs. non-covered expenses
  • Coordinating directly with your insurance company
  • Explaining policy terms like co-payment or exclusions

At Arogya Hospital, the experienced insurance desk staff ensures that your claims are processed smoothly and transparently.

Review Your Policy Regularly

Your medical needs evolve with time. It’s wise to:

  • Upgrade coverage as you grow older
  • Add new family members to your plan
  • Consider top-up policies to enhance existing coverage

Check if your preferred hospital remains on the insurer’s empanelled list.

Final Thoughts

Health insurance is not just a formality—it’s a life-saving support system, especially for the middle class. But to truly benefit from it, families must stay informed. Understanding what your policy covers, choosing an empanelled hospital, and keeping your documents ready can ease both emotional and financial stress during emergencies.

At Arogya Hospital, we take pride in supporting patients beyond just treatment—we walk with them through the entire insurance process, ensuring dignity, affordability, and peace of mind. After all, when health is at stake, being prepared is the best protection.

Dr. Ashish Ohri
Consultant Surgeon
Arogya Hospital, Jassian Road, Ludhiana
"Healthcare for All. Without Hassle."