People with different abilities make up a sizable portion of India’s population. According to the 2011 census, the population is 26.8 million, accounting for moreover 2% of the total. For a long time, India’s insurance sector has been underserved. When it comes to the differently-abled, the number of insured is considerably smaller.
The insurance business is fast-changing and gaining pace as a result of the epidemic, particularly in the health insurance area. Despite this, there are several misunderstandings, and there is a pressing need for education on purchasing health insurance policies that cater to the differently-abled.
Disabilities and their types
Congenital and incidental impairments are the two most common forms. Congenital disability is a condition that is present at birth, whereas accidental disability comes as a result of an accident. Congenital disabilities include heart problems, neurological defects, and Down syndrome, to name a few.
Accidental disabilities can result in permanent total or partial impairment. While most insurance plans only cover those who are disabled due to an accident, some health insurance plans are now accessible for those who are born with disabilities. Insurers, on the other hand, consider them high-risk individuals, and they may be subject to limits.
There are tax advantages available.
Individuals with disabilities can take advantage of tax benefits under Section 80U of the Income Tax Act of 1961 by purchasing health insurance. There are two types of disability under Section 80U: partial disability and severe disability. Individuals with a handicap of at least 40% are entitled to tax deductions. A policyholder who is differently-abled is eligible for a tax rebate of up to Rs 75,000, and a person with a severe handicap (80 percent disability) is eligible for a tax rebate of up to Rs 1.25 lakh. Aside from that, Section 80DD gives family members who buy a policy for a differently-abled person a tax break on their medical insurance rates. The deduction limit is the same as it is under Section 80U.
The extent to which various infirmities are covered
Let’s start with plans for people who have been born with a disability. People with atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect, for example, are covered by insurers such as Star Health Insurance and Care Health Insurance, but these disabilities are permanently excluded. Health insurance is typically unavailable to those with certain disabilities, such as Down syndrome. Similar limits may be imposed in mental health situations. Care Health Insurance with a temporary exclusion is available to those with schizophrenia and autism. Aditya Birla Health Insurance, for example, offers complete coverage for patients with bipolar disorder, anxiety, dementia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Let’s look at how insurance can help those with physical disabilities. People with locomotor disabilities can choose from Care Health Insurance and Aditya Birla Health Insurance plans that have a permanent disability exclusion. Polio patients with 40-50 percent disability can choose from Star, Care, Aditya Birla, or Niva Bupa Health Insurance plans. Many such options are available.
