As per the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSS 75th round 2017-18), not only does 67% of the Indian urban population not have health insurance, but most health plans also do not cover all medical costs. Covering 800+ treatments, many of which that are excluded under health insurance, and allowing customers to divide treatment expenses into No Cost EMIs, the Bajaj Finance Limited, the lending arm of Bajaj Finserv is offering a Digital Health EMI Network Card which makes meeting medical costs easy, hassle-free and affordable.

Expenses for lifestyle diseases like diabetes, diagnostic care, plastic surgery, maternity care, and dental treatments are usually to be borne out of pocket, as insurers usually do not list them under the umbrella of diseases covered. However, by extending a credit limit of up to Rs. 4 lakh, Bajaj Finserv offers healthcare on EMIs for all types of medical and wellness care. Its partner network comprises over 5,500 institutions including multi-speciality hospitals, clinics, wellness institutes, diagnostic centres, and pharmacies.

Customers can use the Digital Health EMI Network Card at any partner institution across the country for themselves or for a family member, such as a spouse, sibling, child, or parent. With a flexible tenor ranging from 3 to 24 months, large medical costs can be converted into affordable EMIs, which may even be smaller than the average health insurance premium.

Consider these prime examples to get a better understanding of how the health card helps address medical needs when health insurance plans fall short.

Diagnostic care 

It is important to note, even more so during an age when getting regular medical testing is crucial, that diagnostic tests fall under the ambit of Out Patient Department (OPD) expenses. Since health insurance policies normally cover hospitalisation costs only, customers must pay for the diagnostic tests out of pocket. At times, one gets coverage for tests, MRI and CT-scans included, provided that these are related to the treatment of the disease for which the claim is made.

However, with the Digital Health EMI Network Card, customers can get health check-ups on EMIs at the best hospitals, including Apollo Hospitals and Manipal Hospitals. Moreover, they can even get a 20% discount on in-house pathology tests at Metropolis outlets and on home visits.

Pre-existing medical conditions and lifestyle diseases

Health insurance policies often exclude pre-existing medical conditions or offer coverage for them after a long waiting period. For diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, this can be a double blow as one is left to address medical conditions that have developed over the years.

The benefit of having the digital health card is that customers get a credit limit of up to Rs. 4 lakh, with which they can pay for even expensive treatments such as cardiovascular surgery.

Plastic surgery and hair treatments

Unless deemed reconstructive or medically necessary, plastic or cosmetic surgery is a health insurance exclusion. Similarly, hair treatments that are termed elective are not offered coverage.

Such elective treatments are addressed by the digital health card as it offers a flexible 24-month tenor in addition to ample EMI financing. So, even medical bills of Rs. 3 lakh can be divided into 24 EMIs of just about Rs. 12,500. Moreover, the Bajaj Finserv Wallet app houses attractive discounts, which currently include 20-25% off on cosmetic surgery and hair treatments at Dr. Batra's and Dr. Marwah's.

Maternity care

Pregnancy-related costs, including pre-operation, delivery, and post-delivery expenses, are often excluded under a specialised maternity insurance. So, expenses for a C-section or costs related to the newborn are to be borne out of pocket. However, the digital health card makes this easier to manage as it can be used for the entire family. With pre- and post-natal expenses on EMIs, maternity care needs to see no compromises.

Eye and dental treatments

Treatments for vision- and dental-related ailments often do not require hospitalisation and come under OPD expenses. As such, health insurance coverage is withheld. Thankfully, Bajaj Finserv's partner network includes not just multi-speciality hospitals but also top dental clinics like Sabka Dentist. So, treatment on EMI is just a step away, no matter which health insurance exclusion one is dealing with.