Healthcare expenses are a major concern for low-income families. To address this, the government of Kerala has started the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme to provide affordable healthcare to the economically challenged sections of society. The programme is designed to ensure that eligible applicants receive medical treatment without any financial barriers. The scheme covers a wide range of critical illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalisation expenses.
What is the Karunya Health Insurance scheme?
Karunya Health Insurance Scheme, or Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP), is a scheme entirely funded by the government for the economically backward classes in Kerala. It permits cashless and easy access to medical treatment at approved hospitals. The scheme is implemented alongside the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
Features of Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi
Let us talk about the key features of this scheme:
- Fully funded by the Kerala government.
- Provides cashless services.
- Provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
- Covers critical illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalisation expenses.
- More than 1,000 empaneled hospitals across Kerala and India.
- Covers pre-existing conditions.
- Covers pre-hospitalisation expenses for up to 3 days and post-hospitalisation expenses for up to 60 days.
- Easy application and claim procedures.
Benefits of the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme
Some of the benefits of this scheme are:
- Financial relief for low-income families.
- Access to quality healthcare services at both government and private hospitals.
- Cashless hospitalisation.
- Treatment for chronic and critical illnesses.
- Coverage for diagnostics and medications during and after treatment.
Coverage of Karunya Health Insurance
The Karunya Health Insurance Scheme covers a wide range of treatments, including:
- Cardiac treatments (Angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve replacement)
- Cancer treatments (Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery)
- Neurological disorders (Brain surgeries, stroke management)
- Renal diseases (Dialysis, kidney transplant)
- Orthopedic procedures (Joint replacement, fracture surgeries)
- Liver and lung diseases
- Emergency trauma care and accident treatments
- Maternity and neonatal care
How does Karunya Health Insurance work?
The scheme works in the following way:
- Applicants must verify eligibility based on income criteria.
- Those eligible can apply online through the official portal.
- Once verified, an e-card or Karunya Health Insurance card is issued.
- Beneficiaries can visit one of the empaneled hospitals and present the card for cashless treatment.
- The hospital processes the claim, and the government directly settles the bill.
Eligibility criteria for Karunya Health Insurance
The following list explains the criteria for Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi eligibility:
- Residents of Kerala with a valid ration card.
- Below the poverty line (BPL) and lower income g
- Annual family income should be less than ₹3 lakh.
- Individuals suffering from critical illnesses requiring financial assistance.
- Individuals not covered under other government health insurance schemes.
How to apply for the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme online?
The steps for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi apply online are:
- Visit the official portal: http://karunya.kerala.gov.in
- Register or log in using Aadhaar details.
- Download and fill out the application form.
- Upload it along with scanned copies of the required documents.
- Submit the application.
- After verification, the applicant will receive an approval notification.
- The health card is issued.
Required documents for Karunya Health Insurance
Karunya Health Insurance registration requires the following documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card
- Income certificate
- Residential proof
- Medical reports (if applicable)
- Bank account details
- Passport-sized photographs
FAQs
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Who is eligible for the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?
Residents of Kerala falling below poverty line or above poverty line categories with an annual income of less than ₹3 lakh.
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What is the maximum coverage provided under the scheme?
The scheme provides aid for up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
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How will I know my Karunya Health Insurance application status?
You can check the application status by visiting the official Karunya portal.
Conclusion
The KASP is an excellent initiative by the Kerala government for the underprivileged sections of society. One can avail of extensive benefits by enrolling under this scheme. In addition to government schemes like Karunya, it is essential for individuals to consider securing health insurance plans for comprehensive protection. One can also opt for critical illness insurance that provides coverage against life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke, which often involve high treatment costs
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.