What is Pre Authorisation in Health Insurance

Pre authorisation means that a health provider must obtain approval from a patient’s health plan insurer and then proceed with a treatment, medication, or procedure. 72% of providers state that Pre authorisation results in delays in prescribing medications. This means that with the adoption of Pre authorisation, the delays in medical treatments have to be eliminated. Let’s get into the details of what is Pre authorisation, its significance, types of medications requiring it, and more relevant details.

Pre authorisation means that a health provider must obtain approval from a patient’s health plan insurer and then proceed with a treatment, medication, or procedure. 72% of providers state that Pre authorisation results in delays in...
Pre authorisation means that a health provider must obtain approval from a patient’s...
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What Is Pre Authorisation in health insurance?

As you have read about what is authorisation in healthcare, it is also important to understand that pre-authorisation process helps insurance companies control costs and ensure that the treatment was necessary. Even if a treatment is covered under an insurance plan, without Pre authorisation, the company may refuse to pay for it, leaving the patient responsible for the full cost.

Why Do Insurers Require Pre Authorisation?

With pre-authorisation, insurance providers determine whether or not a medical service is mandatory before giving the approval. You are now familiar with what is a Pre authorisation and how it works, so let’s get into the details of the type of medical requirements that need it.

What Types of Medical Treatments and Medications May Require Pre Authorisation?

Here’s a sample list of medications and treatments that need Pre authorisation.

  • Drugs with significant risks, such as severe side effects
  • High-priced drugs, particularly when more affordable drugs exist to treat the same condition.
  • Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs
  • Non-emergency surgery (for example, elective surgery)

Understanding these key aspects of what is a Pre authorisation are essential to ensure safe and cost-effective medical treatment.

Is Pre Authorisation Needed in Medical Emergencies?

Pre authorisation is usually not required in emergencies. Insurance companies know about what Pre authorisation for medication is and also know that waiting for approval could be risky. Hence, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures that patients get urgent care without any delays.

How Does the Pre Authorisation Process Work?

In addition to knowing how long pre-authorisations take, you must also know how the process works. It will give you clarity on the benefits of this process for patient care.

  • First, the healthcare provider checks if the patient requires a specific treatment, medicine, or test.
  • The healthcare provider then reviews the patient's insurance plan to check if Pre authorisation is required.
  • The provider submits a request to the insurance company, mentioning medical reasons and required documents.
  • If the request is approved, the patient can proceed with treatment.

What Happens if You Skip Pre Authorisation?

Denied Insurance Coverage

If you skip Pre authorisation, it may result in denials of insurance claims. This means you may have to pay the full cost of the treatment or medication.

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Retroactive Authorisation

If a claim is denied due to missing Pre authorisation, healthcare providers can request retroactive authorisation in certain cases.

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What to do if Pre Authorisation is Denied or Delayed

Familiarise yourself with the purpose of denial

If your Pre authorisation request gets rejected, first check the reason. The denial may be due to incomplete documents or inappropriate medical requirements.

Send an Appeal

Consult with your doctor to get the corresponding medical proof and then submit an appeal to your insurance provider. This procedure can help clarify why the treatment is required.

Look for Alternative Treatments

Check whether your insurer supports cheaper medicines whose prescription can be given without any additional approvals.

Tips to Avoid Delays in Pre Authorisation

Incorporating these tips can ensure a smooth procedure of pre authorisation.

  • Make sure you submit all medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results. 
  • In case a delay occurred, ask your insurance provider to speed up the process.
  • If authorisation is rejected, you need to submit an appeal with medical evidence to enhance the chances of approval.
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Conclusion

Understanding what is Pre authorisation is essential because it helps control healthcare costs and avoids unnecessary treatments. However, it may slow down the patient's care. It is essential to know the requirements, submit all necessary documents, and know the approval process.

Frequently asked questions

No, some insurance plans don’t need pre-authorisation. Essentially, it depends on the policy and the specific treatment or medication.

The answer to how long do pre-authorisations take depends on the urgency of the treatment, your location, and the type of coverage. From 2026, insurers must complete this process within 7 days for non-urgent requests (currently 14 days) and within 72 hours for urgent cases.

Typically, emergency care doesn’t need Pre authorisation. So, there is no delay in providing emergency treatments to patients.

A referral comes into play whenever your doctor suggests you consult a healthcare specialist to get the treatment. Pre authorisation means your insurance company should approve certain medications or treatments before you receive them.

It is possible to complete the pre authorisation process online using ePA tools to avoid errors and hassles of physical documentation.

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Written by Roocha Kanade

2.5K Linkedin Followers Author dot Icon

Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya Author info Icon

Health Insurance content enthusiast who turns complex topics into easy, binge-worthy reads—fueled by SEO, creativity, and way too much chai! Loves juggling multiple projects, cracking impossible deadlines, and sprinkling humor into the mix. When not geeking out over digital trends, you'll find her lurking on Quora and Reddit, planning the next getaway, or passionately decoding all things health and insurance!

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