Among the many advantageous features of a Health Insurance policy is cashless treatment, which means you can receive the right treatment but need not pay for it. However, this feature is only applicable to network hospitals. First, let’s understand what network hospitals are. Every insurer has a list of hospitals they have an association with that are referred to as network hospitals. This allows the policyholder to receive fast and cashless treatment at select network facilities. Contrary to this, a non-network hospital has no tie-ups with your insurer and thus offers no benefits like a cashless claims facility. The insured needs to be treated at a network hospital to avail of benefits offered by their insurance company. But what happens when the insured gets admitted to a non-network hospital?
When the insured gets admitted to a non-network hospital, they are not qualified to receive cashless medical cover. They would be expected to bear the entire cost of the treatment out of their own pocket, without the assistance of their insurance company. However, after the discharge the insured could file a claim for reimbursement from his/her insurer with all the original supporting documents. The insurance company will vet your documents and approve of costs they find justifiable under the terms and conditions of your policy. It is up to the insurer to agree to your claim partially or wholly or reject it completely.
In a nutshell, getting treatment from a network hospital is much more beneficial for you. Keep the list of network hospitals handy for emergencies so you can avoid the hassle and save yourself from a financial crunch. As a policyholder, you pay premiums with the expectation that Health Insurance will support you in times of need. Opting for a network hospital for treatment does exactly that for you.
