“Sometimes the things we can’t change end up changing us”- Anonymous

Life is filled with unpredictable moments.  Congenital disability, accidents, physical and mental disorders are unexpected conditions that impact our lives. For instance, if your loved one is a specially challenged person who requires frequent treatments then increasing medical bills and dipping financial stability becomes a serious concern. In difficult times such as these, a health insurance can be a silver lining.

Buying a health insurance for your loved one who falls under the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) category is one way of ensuring financial stability. According to a census conducted in 2011, India houses the largest population of disabled people in the world.

Here’s a quick guide to help you protect your specially challenged loved one with a health insurance policy.

• What is the availability of Health Insurance for Disabled Persons

The most common question is, “Are there any health insurance schemes available for the disabled?” The answer is yes. There are insurance companies that offer services for specially challenged people. Some companies offer a lump sum on death while some provide standard benefits, and some do not cover congenital disabilities (a medical condition present right from the birth) of the individual. Therefore, it is necessary to seek information and know more about benefits, returns and so on.

• All About Accident Disability Insurance

Your loved ones are your biggest asset, buying an accidental disability along with a health insurance policy is a way of safeguarding during unpredictable times. An accident insurance is a way of staying prepared for future medical emergencies including short or long-term disability arising from an accident. Often, insurance companies treat disabled individuals as normal applicants with no extra clauses. This simplifies the process of buying health insurance for the disabled.

• What are the documents and requirements

Documentation and requirements to buy health insurance online or offline varies from company to company. Most companies request for a doctor’s report to know more about the disability and to which level it hinders the person’s abilities to perform daily tasks. Also, some health insurance companies require information regarding the tests conducted.

• What is the availability of Tax Benefits in India

For disabled applicants, the tax benefits are covered under section 80U and 80DD of the Income Tax Act. Under section 80U, a person with 40% to 70% disability can avail a tax deduction of Rs. 50,000. While for a person above 80% disability is eligible for a tax deduction of Rs. 1, 00,000. As per section 80DD, the family of the disabled person too can avail this deduction.

• What are High-Risk Covers

The vital reason for opting for a high-risk product is to secure your family financially in ill-fated times. A disabled applicant needs to specify detailed reasons while selecting the high-risk cover plan. It usually attracts a higher premium compared to life insurance plans.

• Which Schemes are Provided by the Government of India?

India is a developing nation with an ongoing progress in providing aid to disabled applicants in the form of schemes. Nirmalya Health Insurance is one of the schemes for people with mental disabilities. It offers an insurance coverage of Rs. 1 lakh at a low premium amount along with other benefits like OPD treatments.

Another initiative that provides affordable health insurance is the Swavalamban Health Insurance Scheme. It can be availed of by any person suffering from a disability whose annual family income is less than Rs. 3, 00, 000. And, it provides a single premium across all age groups.

There is a lot of scope for improvement expected in insurance facilities for people with disabilities (PwDs). For instance, currently, disabled applicants who don’t fall under the high-risk category can buy regular health insurance. Maybe in the future as reforms are put in place everyone including the risk categories people with disabilities can avail of the offer too. Secure your loved one with special abilities with a health insurance policy help him experience the joys of life.