Under the 'Cashless Everywhere' system, policyholders will have the liberty to select any hospital for their treatment, breaking away from the limitations imposed by agreements or tie-ups between insurance companies and healthcare providers.

Starting Thursday, January 25, general and health insurance companies have rolled out the 'Cashless Everywhere' initiative across the country. Spearheaded by the General Insurance Council (GIC), this initiative aims to provide policyholders with the freedom to choose any hospital for their treatment, ensuring a seamless and cashless experience.

This breaks away the limitations imposed by agreements or tie-ups between insurance companies and healthcare providers.
This move will enhance flexibility and accessibility for individuals seeking medical care, experts say.

Extension to non-network hospitals

One of the features of this initiative is the extension of cashless facilities to hospitals that may not be part of the insurance company's network.

Previously, policyholders had to face reimbursement claims when choosing a hospital without a prior agreement, leading to financial stress and delayed processes.

With the 'Cashless Everywhere' initiative, this hurdle is eliminated, and insurance companies can commit to covering treatment costs, provided the claim is admissible.

Tapan Singhel, MD and CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Chairman of the General Insurance Council, expressed concerns about the financial stress on customers opting for reimbursement.

Singhel emphasised that approximately 63% of customers prefer cashless claims, and the industry, with regulatory support, aspires to achieve a 100% cashless claim settlement to enhance the policyholder's experience.

This move is a significant step towards making health insurance more inclusive, efficient, and customer-friendly, marking a positive transformation in the landscape of health insurance policies across the nation.

Claims process streamlining

To avail of the cashless facility, policyholders are required to inform the insurance company at least 48 hours before admission.

In cases of emergency treatment, this notification should be made within 48 hours of admission.

The admissibility of the claim will be subject to the policy terms, and the cashless facility must align with the operating guidelines of the insurance company.