The evolving healthcare system and the insurance industry have revolutionised how health insurance claims work. Gone are the days when you had to deal with a lot of paperwork and hospital bills to settle claims. Now, a single card that fits in your wallet can unlock health records instantly and help you avail of cashless treatment anywhere, anytime. With health cards, medical care services are now highly accessible without any hassles. Read on to learn how health cards are reshaping modern healthcare.
What is a Health Card?
A health card is a plastic card (like a debit/credit card) issued by most health insurance companies when you buy a health insurance policy. This serves as an identification document containing every detail of your health insurance policy and also the health records. Health card generally contains the following information:
- Health insurance company name
- Policyholder name and date of birth
- Type of health insurance policy
- Amount of Coverage
- Date of validity ( start and end date) of the policy
Both physical and digital health cards are issued by the insurance companies. Digital health card download can be done through the insurer’s mobile app. Physical cards can be easily carried in your wallet. Be it the Ayushman Bharat Health Card issued by the government for the underprivileged or the health card issued in employer-sponsored Mediclaim policies, these cards make it possible for people to access healthcare services without hassles.
The government has also started an initiative of the ‘Digital Health ID Card’ under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It stores and shares medical records digitally across clinics, hospitals and insurance companies. However, it is not linked to insurance policies, unlike the physical/digital health cards issued by health insurance companies.
Important Features of Health Card
The features of health cards may vary from one insurance company to another depending on the type of health card. However, here are some of the common key features:
- Hassle-free claim process with minimal paperwork and speedy approval
- It gives access to cashless treatment at your preferred hospital (within the network hospitals of the insurer).
- Some cards cover out-patient treatment, diagnostic tests, and wellness programs
- Keeps digital record of past medical treatments
Why Health Cards are Important?
Health cards are an important necessity in today’s world of rising healthcare inflation, sedentary lifestyles and stressful work environments. Here are the key reasons why health cards are important:
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Quick access to insurance details
A health card is an invaluable tool or resource that helps you access your health insurance details instantly, anytime. Whether you carry a physical card in your wallet or a digital health card that you access through a mobile app, you can pull up the insurance details in no time. The card contains every detail, including your personal information, insurance company contact details, policy type, coverage, validity, etc.
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Instant access to quality medical care
A health card acts as a medical identity card to avail yourself of quality medical care whenever you need it. Even if you are travelling, you can avail the treatment at any of the network hospitals across the country. This also speeds up the process of hospitalisation.
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Cashless treatment
Health card facilitates cashless treatment at the network hospitals, without making any upfront payment at the time of hospitalisation. It reduces the out-of-pocket cost and relieves you from financial stress at the time of medical emergencies. Secure Now platform can help you explore various cashless health insurance policies from various health insurance providers. You can also compare the features and costs on the side-by-side basis to make a rational decision.
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Seamless claim settlement experience
Cashless treatment facilitated by the health cards not only helps you avail of quality treatment without financial stress but also helps you experience the smooth claim settlement process. With contact details of the insurer on the card, you can instantly get in touch with the insurance company. Claims are processed with minimal paperwork.
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Easy and convenient to use
A health card is a convenient and easy-to-use tool that helps you get emergency medical support at the time of need without hassles. Some health cards also offer discounts on your pharmacy bills.
Conclusion
To conclude, health cards are a great way to easily access quality healthcare services in India. With your health insurance information at your fingertips and access to instant cashless treatment, you can seek quality medical care at the right time for you and your family. The push for digital health cards can enhance healthcare outcomes for the people of India in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you need to renew your health cards every year, as you renew your health insurance policy?
Health cards are not required to be renewed separately. As and when you renew your health insurance policy, the insurance company automatically renews the linked health card.
How to report loss of health card?
You can contact your health insurance company via customer care, app, or via email, report the lost card, and apply for a replacement.
Is it possible to get the information on the health card rectified, if there are any discrepancies?
You can contact the insurance company if there is any incorrect information on the health card. The insurer issues the new card after the correction of details.
