Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120359560300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Health insurance launched for physically challenged

Special Correspondent

The annual mediclaim policy to come into effect from today

All provisions of Universal Health Insurance Scheme will be available
Only those who are mentally challenged are not covered

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Oriental Insurance Company, in association with a local NGO – the Krushi Orthopaedic Welfare Association – on Tuesday launched a health insurance scheme for the physically challenged persons.

The annual mediclaim insurance policy for all categories of disabled, except the mentally challenged, would come into effect from December 3 to mark the World Disabled Day, Deputy General Manger of Oriental Insurance Company M. Nagaraju Sarma and founder and secretary of the Krushi Welfare Association N.V. Kiran Kumar announced at a press conference.

“All the provisions of the Universal Health Insurance Scheme announced by the Central Government will be available to the physically challenged. The annual premium is Rs.110 for a person. It is Rs. 165 for a family of five and Rs. 220 for a seven-member family,” Mr. Nagaraju Sarma said. The benefit would be given according to the rules and conditions of the company.

Highlights

The maximum benefit for one claim is Rs. 15,000 and for one policy the benefit would be Rs. 30,000 for one person or the whole family. In case the breadwinner of the family was injured or suffering due to a disease, a daily allowance of Rs. 50 would be paid from the fourth day till the 15th day.

If he or she died due to an injury, his or her nominee would be paid a compensation of Rs. 25,000.

The policy covers people in the 3-70 year age group and one of the parents or both of them should have a policy to include their children under the scheme.

The hospital or a nursing home where a policyholder receives treatment should conform to the conditions laid down by the insurance company. The benefit of the scheme would come into effect after one month after taking a policy.

Dr. Kiran Kumar said his NGO was given the micro insurance agent status for the scheme.

The NGO was also trying to include the mentally challenged in the scheme.

Senior Divisional Manager of Oriental Insurance Company Murali Krishna, Chief Regional Manager P.S. Haranath and president of Krushi welfare association B.S. Subba Rao also spoke.