In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in overall well-being, especially in a fast-paced world where stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are on the rise. According to the National Mental Health Survey of India, nearly 1 in 7 Indians are affected by mental health disorders, making it a significant public health issue.
For many years, mental health treatment was largely excluded from health insurance policies in India. However, with increasing awareness and advocacy, insurers have started to include mental health coverage as part of their health insurance plans. In 2018, the Mental Healthcare Act was enacted, making it mandatory for insurance companies to cover mental illnesses under their policies. This legislation has been a game-changer, allowing individuals to access treatment for mental health conditions without worrying about the financial burden.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best health insurance plans for mental health coverage in India, and why it’s important to have a policy that includes mental health services.
What Does Mental Health Coverage Include in Health Insurance?
Mental health coverage can vary across insurance providers, but typically it includes the following:
- Psychiatric treatment: Coverage for treatment of mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric conditions.
- Hospitalization: Expenses for hospitalization due to mental health issues, including inpatient psychiatric care.
- Consultations with Psychiatrists/Psychologists: Expenses related to consultations, therapy, and counseling.
- Medicines and Therapy: Medications prescribed for mental health conditions and the cost of therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), etc.
- Daycare procedures: Mental health treatments that do not require a 24-hour stay, such as certain counseling sessions, psychiatric evaluations, or treatments.
Top Health Insurance Plans with Mental Health Coverage in India
1. Star Health & Allied Insurance – Family Health Optima Plan
Key Features:
- Comprehensive mental health cover: Star Health & Allied Insurance offers mental health coverage under their Family Health Optima Plan, which includes hospitalization for psychiatric care, counseling, and therapy for conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress disorders.
- Pre-existing mental health coverage: The policy covers pre-existing mental health conditions after a waiting period of 3 years.
- Cashless treatment: The policy allows for cashless hospitalization in over 9,000 network hospitals.
- Family coverage: This plan provides comprehensive coverage for the entire family, including children, spouse, and parents.
- High sum insured options: Available from ₹3 lakh to ₹25 lakh, making it a good option for families who need extensive health coverage.
Pros:
- Covers psychiatric treatment, therapy, and hospitalization
- Pre-existing mental health conditions covered after 3 years
- No sub-limits on room rent or hospitalization
Cons:
- 3-year waiting period for pre-existing mental health conditions
Best for: Families looking for a comprehensive health plan that includes mental health coverage.
2. HDFC ERGO – Health Optima Restore Plan
Key Features:
- Mental health coverage: HDFC ERGO’s Health Optima Restore Plan covers a range of mental health treatments, including inpatient psychiatric care, consultations with mental health professionals, and counseling sessions.
- Restoration of sum insured: The policy includes a restoration benefit that automatically reinstates the sum insured if it is exhausted during a claim, providing added security in case of long-term treatments for mental health issues.
- Pre-existing condition coverage: This plan offers coverage for pre-existing mental health conditions after a waiting period of 3 years.
- Global coverage: In case of emergency treatments abroad, this plan offers global coverage, which may be useful for mental health patients requiring international treatments.
- Cashless network: Over 10,000 network hospitals across India provide cashless treatments.
Pros:
- Restoration benefit ensures continued coverage
- Global coverage for emergency treatments
- Comprehensive mental health coverage
Cons:
- 3-year waiting period for pre-existing mental health conditions
Best for: Individuals looking for a health insurance plan that provides a global safety net and mental health coverage.
3. Religare Health Insurance – Care Freedom Plan
Key Features:
- In-depth mental health coverage: The Care Freedom Plan covers mental health hospitalization, treatments for psychiatric illnesses, and counseling sessions. It provides the insured with a holistic approach to mental health.
- Pre-existing condition coverage: This plan covers pre-existing mental health conditions after a waiting period of 3 years.
- Cashless hospitalization: Access to over 7,500 hospitals across India for cashless hospitalization, including mental health care.
- Annual health check-ups: The policy offers free annual health check-ups, which can include mental health screenings.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers inpatient hospitalization, daycare procedures, surgery, and doctor consultations, including those related to mental health.
Pros:
- Provides holistic mental health care coverage
- Covers pre-existing conditions after 3 years
- Free health check-ups every year
Cons:
- Requires a 3-year waiting period for pre-existing mental health coverage
Best for: People who want a comprehensive health plan that includes mental health as well as regular health check-ups.
4. Bajaj Allianz – Health Insurance Plan
Key Features:
- Mental health treatment coverage: Bajaj Allianz covers treatments related to mental health, including inpatient psychiatric care, therapy, and counseling. This coverage is applicable for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
- Pre-existing condition coverage: The plan covers pre-existing mental health conditions after a waiting period of 3 years.
- Cashless hospitalization: Provides access to over 6,000 network hospitals in India for cashless treatment.
- No sub-limits on room rent: The policy doesn’t impose limits on room rent or the type of treatment, offering flexibility for mental health patients who may require intensive care.
Pros:
- Extensive mental health coverage, including therapy and inpatient care
- No sub-limits on room rent or treatments
- Covers pre-existing conditions after 3 years
Cons:
- 3-year waiting period for pre-existing mental health conditions
Best for: Those seeking a no-frills, reliable health plan with comprehensive mental health coverage.
5. ICICI Lombard – Complete Health Insurance Plan
Key Features:
- Mental health benefits: ICICI Lombard’s Complete Health Insurance Plan provides coverage for psychiatric care, including therapy, doctor consultations, medications, and inpatient psychiatric treatment.
- Mental health support services: The plan also offers access to mental health support services, including therapy, helplines, and counseling sessions.
- Cashless hospitalization: Over 4,500 network hospitals are available for cashless hospitalization, including mental health treatment.
- Comprehensive coverage: The plan covers a wide range of conditions beyond mental health, including surgery, medical expenses, and post-hospitalization expenses.
Pros:
- Provides a range of mental health services and therapies
- Cashless hospitalization at a large network of hospitals
- Includes support services like therapy and helplines
Cons:
- Does not offer pre-existing condition coverage for mental health immediately
Best for: Individuals looking for an insurance plan that also offers mental health support services, in addition to treatment coverage.
What to Look for in a Mental Health Insurance Plan
When considering a health insurance plan for mental health coverage, here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Inclusions for Mental Health Treatment: Make sure that the policy specifically includes treatment for mental health conditions, including inpatient care, therapy, counseling, and medications.
- Pre-existing Condition Waiting Period: Most insurance companies impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Look for plans that provide coverage for pre-existing mental health conditions after a waiting period of 2 to 3 years.
- Cashless Hospitalization Network: Ensure that the plan offers a wide network of hospitals that cover mental health treatments, including therapy, consultations, and inpatient care.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Mental health issues often come with long-term treatment needs. Choose a plan that offers adequate coverage limits without restrictive sub-limits on room rents, therapies, or other related expenses.
- Mental Health Support Services: Some insurance policies offer additional benefits like helplines, counseling sessions, or therapy, which can be invaluable for people suffering from mental health issues.
Conclusion
With mental health issues becoming increasingly prevalent, it’s more important than ever to have health insurance that covers not only physical ailments but also mental health care. The policies mentioned above, such as Star Health’s Family Health Optima Plan, HDFC ERGO’s Health Optima Restore, and Religare’s Care Freedom Plan, provide robust coverage for mental health conditions, therapy, and related treatments.
When choosing the right health insurance plan, be sure to review the waiting period for pre-existing conditions, the extent of coverage for mental health services, and the cashless network of hospitals. A good health insurance plan can provide peace of mind, knowing that you’re financially protected while seeking treatment for mental health challenges.
