Health Insurance for Disabled in India

In a census conducted in 2011, it was found that there were more than 2.5 crore people with disabilities (PwDs) in India. If you or your family member is a person with a disability (PwD), it can be helpful to know about health insurance for disabled people in India.

The following article presents the related details.

A disability can be defined as a physical or mental impairment that hinders one’s ability to accomplish day-to-day tasks. As per the Persons with Disability Act of 1955, an individual having a minimum of 40% bodily impairment is considered as disabled. However, if a person displays more than one disability or has 80% bodily impairment, they are considered severely disabled.

Individuals with congenital or mental disorders are usually considered as high-risk from a health insurance perspective. Thus, they may receive only partial coverage under most health insurance plans. Fortunately, there are Government health insurance policies like Nirmaya and Swavlamban Health Insurance that can offer substantial coverage. 

You can search online to find comprehensive health insurance for disabled individuals. Alternatively, you can opt for the two available Government health insurance plans. Medical emergencies are unpredictable and can be financially draining. Thus, it is better to be covered under a health insurance policy, than to not have one and panic in time of need.

The documents that are required to be submitted for buying health insurance for PwDs may differ from one company to another. Nonetheless, the following documents are usually requested.

The Indian Government offers two health plans exclusively for disabled persons.

This Government launched a health insurance plan that provides coverage for individuals with disabilities. It especially provides Rs. 1 lakh sum towards treating mental disabilities like autism, retardation and cerebral palsy.  While buying Niramaya Health Insurance no medical tests are required. However, this policy can be availed only from the National Trust. 

While buying Niramaya Health Insurance no medical tests are required. However, this policy can be availed only from the National Trust. 

This is a group health insurance/family floater plan that covers both persons with disabilities and their family members. It offers coverage for conditions like blindness, hearing impairment, loco-motor disability, mental illness, etc. Even this health insurance plan does not require any pre-medical tests while buying. Also, there are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Finding the right health policy for a disabled person can be a bit overwhelming, but with a little bit of research and consideration, you can find one that meets your needs. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

While filing for income tax, both the person with the disability and their family members can avail of tax benefits. For persons with 40% to 79% disability a tax deduction of up to Rs. 75,000 can be availed per year. Furthermore, persons with more than 80% disability can avail of a tax deduction of Rs. 1,25,000 per year.

Under Section 80U, a disabled person can claim tax deductions on medical expenses incurred over the year. Additionally, under Section 80DD, payments made towards medical treatments for the PwD by family members are tax-deductible too. Also, insurance premiums paid on behalf of the PwD can also be claimed. Note that these tax benefits are subject to changes.,

The following documents need to be submitted to avail of tax benefits.

Standard Health Insurance plan specially designed for the persons with a disability (as per The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016), persons with HIV/AIDS (as defined under HIV and AIDS Act, 2017)

For enrolling in Acko Specially Abled Health Cover, please reach out to [email protected]