Healthcare costs in India have seen a steep rise over the years, making it essential for individuals and families to have a reliable health insurance plan. Aarogya Raksha, a government-backed health insurance scheme, aims to provide affordable healthcare solutions to a large section of the population. This article explores the features, benefits, and coverage options of Aarogya Raksha, offering insights into why it might be the right choice for those seeking comprehensive health insurance.
What is Aarogya Raksha?
Aarogya Raksha is a health insurance scheme introduced by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to ensure that all families, regardless of income, have access to quality healthcare. It is designed to cover medical expenses arising from serious health conditions, surgeries, and other medical treatments. The scheme is part of a larger initiative to make healthcare accessible and affordable to the masses, with the government subsidising a significant portion of the premium.
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Key features of Arogya Raksha Yojana
Discussed below are the key features of the Arogya Raksha Yojana:
1. Affordable premiums
One of the most attractive features of the Arogya Raksha Yojana is its affordability. The scheme offers a low premium structure, making it accessible to people from various economic backgrounds.
2. Comprehensive coverage
Arogya Raksha Yojana provides extensive coverage for a range of medical expenses. This includes hospitalisation, surgeries, and treatments for critical illnesses. The scheme covers both pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses, ensuring that individuals are protected throughout their treatment journey. It also includes coverage for daycare procedures, which are treatments that do not require a full 24-hour hospital stay, thus expanding the range of medical services covered.
3. Cashless treatment
The scheme facilitates cashless treatment at network hospitals. This feature simplifies the process of availing medical services, as beneficiaries do not need to pay upfront. Instead, the costs are directly settled between the healthcare provider and the insurance company.
4. No-Claim Bonus
To encourage policyholders to maintain good health and avoid unnecessary claims, the Arogya Raksha Yojana offers a no-claim bonus. This bonus increases the sum insured for each claim-free year, providing additional financial protection over time.
5. Pre-existing diseases coverage
The scheme covers pre-existing diseases after a specified waiting period. This provision is crucial for individuals with existing health conditions, as it ensures they receive coverage without facing exclusions. The waiting period allows the insurance company to manage risk while providing essential coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Also, read: Employee Health Scheme by Government of Andhra Pradesh
Arogya Raksha premiums and beneficiaries
The Arogya Raksha Scheme offers three tailored plans, each designed to meet different coverage needs and beneficiaries, with total sums insured ranging from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh. Here’s an overview of the plans and their corresponding premiums:
- Plan A: Ideal for individuals with an exit age of 35 years, this plan covers the account holder, their spouse, and two dependent children. The annual premium for Plan A ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 14,500, offering comprehensive protection.
- Plan B: This plan, with an exit age of 70 years, covers the account holder, their spouse, and two dependent children. Plan B provides flexibility and security, with annual premiums between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 25,500.
- Plan C: Also designed for an exit age of 70 years, Plan C offers broader coverage, including the account holder, their spouse, two dependent children, and dependent parents. The annual premium for Plan C ranges from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 62,500, accommodating a wide range of healthcare needs.
Eligibility criteria for Arogya Raksha Yojana
The Arogya Raksha Yojana is designed to be inclusive, but there are certain eligibility criteria that applicants must meet:
- Residency: The scheme is available to Indian residents, ensuring that citizens across the country can access its benefits.
- Age limit: There are specific age limits for policyholders and their dependents, which may vary depending on the insurance provider's terms.
- Pre-existing conditions: While coverage for pre-existing conditions is provided, there is typically a waiting period before these conditions are covered.
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