Health insurance plans starting just at ₹243/month*
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Coverage up to ₹5 Crores*
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10,000+ Network Hospitals*
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Up to 40% Discount*
Consumables Cover in Health Insurance
Consumables are generally any medical equipment or supplies that must be thrown away after use. When you get admitted to a hospital for surgery or visit a facility for any medical procedure, a prominent part of your bills includes the cost of consumables like syringes, gloves, PPR kits, bandages, drips, etc.
While regular health insurance covers most inpatient and outpatient medical expenses, it does not include the cost of consumables. Thus, policyholders often end up spending a large amount of money out of their pockets even after owning a health insurance plan.
To avoid additional costs, consider purchasing a consumable cover in health insurance. It is an optional add-on that can provide you with financial coverage during periods of hospitalisation, minimising your out-of-pocket expenses.
At IndusInd General Insurance, we offer an optional consumable cover with our health insurance plans. Plus, some of our plans, such as the Health Global, already come with built-in coverage for consumables that is paid for up to the policy’s sum insured.
What are Consumables in Health Insurance?
In medical terms, single-use items that cannot be used more than once during a patient's treatment at a hospital or clinic are known as consumables. This can include anything from items as small as gloves and needles to major administrative supplies. Although the cost of these products may seem minor, they add up significantly to your bill.
Since a health insurance policy does not cover the cost of consumables, you must pay for these items yourself. For instance, suppose your doctor prescribes hospitalisation, and you remain admitted for four days. Upon discharge, you will receive a total bill of ₹3 lakhs, with ₹50,000 charged for consumables.
In the above scenario, if you have a consumable cover, you won’t be asked to pay for consumables in the hospital. Therefore, it is an essential add-on to health insurance, minimising out-of-pocket costs.
Why Get a Consumables Cover in Health Insurance?
To Cover the Rising Cost of Healthcare
A consumable cover in health insurance helps meet the rising cost of healthcare, as these items are unavoidable when receiving medical services. You have to bear the costs even if you own health insurance. Plus, they contribute significantly to your overall hospital bill. That is why we recommend getting a consumables cover when buying medical insurance.
To Minimise Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Normally, the cost of consumables accounts for up to 30% of the hospital bill, and most health insurance policies do not cover the cost of consumables. This can be a concern when you require hospitalisation for extended periods or need to undergo a major surgery. Hence, buying a consumable cover can help avoid hefty costs associated with non-payable medical items.
To Maintain Highest Treatment Quality
When you get consumables cover, you do not have to compromise by taking admission to a cheap hospital or necessarily looking for affordable, low-quality medical services. We take care of your consumables cost while you get the highest quality treatment, focusing fully on your recovery health-wise.
To Extend the Scope of Coverage
Our consumables coverage allows you to extend the scope of your existing health insurance. Usually, hospitalisation expenses include up to a 30% cost for consumables. Therefore, you can rest assured without worrying too much about medical emergencies when you have this comprehensive financial protection.
No more paying separately for medical supplies
Call now — don’t let consumables drain your wallet!
List of Consumables in Health Insurance
Surgical Items | Room Charges | Personal/ Housekeeping Items | Administrative Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
• Needles • Cotton • Syringes • Bandages • Masks • Gloves • Injections • Razor Blades • Gauze • Braces • Apron • Harmonic Scalpel • Surgical Drill | • Television • Air Conditioner • Gown • Attendant / Nursing Charges • Pulse Oximeter Charges • Telephone Usage • Dietician Charges • Medicine Box • Digestion Gels | • Sanitiser • Hand wash • Tissue Papers • Sanitary Pads • Diapers • Toothpaste / Toothbrush • Slippers • Baby Food • Urine Container • Mineral Water • Nebuliser Kit • Diabetic Footwear • Disinfectants • Hot/Ice Pack • Infusion Pumps • Nursing | • Registration Charges • Prescriptions • Vaccination • Daily Health Checks • Blood Reservation • Test • Birth / Death Certificate • HIV Kits • Visitor Pass • Medical Records |
Disclaimer: This list is purely for illustrative purposes and the exact list may vary based on your chosen policy. To get the full list of consumables please check your policy documents, or contact customer support for further assistance.
Key Takeaways
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of consumables has exponentially increased due to extensive demand across hospitals. As these items are originally non-payable under health insurance, policyholders needed to pay for them out of pocket.
To reduce this burden, IndusInd General Insurance has introduced a consumable cover in health insurance, under which we will pay for non-medical items up to the sum insured. This will help ensure the standard of treatment always remains high, as insured people will now visit their preferred hospitals without paying extra.
To take advantage of this cover, consider upgrading your existing health insurance, or you may even opt for a new medical insurance plan that includes consumables coverage. You can effortlessly complete the purchase using our Self-i app - a one-stop insurance policy solution for both Android and iOS users.
Health insurance starting at just ₹243 per month*!
From Gloves to Gauze, We Cover It All
Experience truly comprehensive healthcare support with our Consumables Cover. We pay for every necessary medical item, reducing bill shocks, making hospitalisation more affordable.
Popular Places
While it is great that your employer provides health insurance, it may not be sufficient. Employee health insurance may have limitations such as lower sum insured or coverage that may not be adequate for your needs. Also, an employer health insurance covers you only during your job tenure.
Tax Benefits for the proposer
Tax Benefits for the proposer
Tax Benefits for the proposer
Tax Benefits for the proposer
Popular Places
While it is great that your employer provides health insurance, it may not be sufficient. Employee health insurance may have limitations such as lower sum insured or coverage that may not be adequate for your needs. Also, an employer health insurance covers you only during your job tenure.
Tax Benefits for the proposer
Tax Benefits for the proposer
Tax Benefits for the proposer
Tax Benefits for the proposer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I confirm whether my health insurance covers the cost of consumables or not?
To confirm consumable coverage, you must carefully go through your medical insurance policy document. Consider referring to our website or Self-i application to search for this information. You can also contact our customer support team by calling +91 22 48947001 between 9 AM and 7 PM every day.
Can consumables cover be added to an existing health insurance policy?
Yes, you can contact your health insurance company to add consumables coverage to your existing plan. They will inform you about the cost of this add-on and other eligibility requirements. You can carefully review these details before confirming whether you need this add-on.
What are the benefits of opting for consumables cover?
The primary benefit of availing a consumable cover is that it significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenses whenever you require surgery or extended periods of hospitalisation. This rider can provide you with maximum financial protection in times of unforeseen medical crises.
What are the exclusions of consumables cover?
Even with consumables coverage, certain items might not be covered, such as toiletries, tissues, or cosmetics for personal use. The list also includes food and beverage expenses for attendees, baby products like wipes, diapers, etc.
Is food covered in health insurance?
No, regular health insurance plans do not cover your personal food costs when you are hospitalised. Your insurer does not cover food costs, as per IRDAI guidelines, because food is not a medical item and does not directly help with medical treatment.
If you require additional coverage for non-medical costs associated with hospitalisation, such as travel, food, or additional medication, you can consider purchasing our Hospi Care Insurance policy.