The government of India has launched several health insurance policies to support people who live in economically underprivileged conditions. The Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS) by the Indian government aims to improve the financial well-being of people who fall below the poverty line (BPL).
What is the Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS)?
UHIS scheme is a national insurance policy launched by the Indian government in 2003. The main goal of the UHIS scheme is to provide financial coverage for low-income groups in the country, especially the primary earning members of the family.
Features of UHIS
Here are the UHIS features.
- UHIS policy is available in two categories— group policy and individual policy.
- For individual policies, the policyholder is the primary earning member of the family.
- Group policies are in the name of any group, association or institution.
- Group policy members cannot be a part of other similar health insurance schemes.
- All the members under UHIS get coverage for all the expenses related to health and medical needs.
Benefits and coverage of Universal Health Scheme
UHIS insurance policy provides complete health coverage, including before and after hospital and medical expenses.
- UHIS keeps its premium in the affordable range.
- Both individuals and family members can benefit from this scheme.
- UHIS insurance policy covers unexpected medical expenses and arranges cashless treatment facilities through registered hospitals.
- Universal health care scheme covers all maternity expenses, including postnatal and infant care.
- In case of any misfortune, such as accidents or unexpected deaths in a family, they can claim financial coverage using this policy.
- UHIS scheme provides extensive medical coverage for people with ongoing medical conditions.
- For the BPL families, state subsidies are applicable on insurance premiums.
- UHIS provides good quality health coverage for everyone under the policy.
Exclusions in the Universal Health Insurance Scheme
The following conditions are not applicable to financial benefits under UHIS.
- If you are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, you cannot apply for financial coverage.
- Medical expenses due to war or similar situations are not applicable.
- For congenital disabilities and diseases.
- Circumcision due to accidents or any necessary treatments.
- Hearing aids, contact lenses or spectacle charges are not covered.
- Suicide or attempt of suicide-related medical expenses.
- Injuries due to consumption of alcohol.
- Injuries or death due to any criminal events.
Universal Health Insurance Scheme premium rates
The premium rates for APL families and BPL families are different under the Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS)
- The annual premium for an APL family is Rs.365.
- APL families of five members, including the insured, spouse and first three children, must pay Rs. 548 every year.
- The yearly premium for APL families, including seven members, is RS.730.
- For BPL families, the annual premium for an individual is RS. 300.
- A BPL family with five members must pay a premium of Rs. 450 annually.
- The yearly premium for a BPL family, including seven members, is Rs. 600.
Eligibility criteria for UHIS
The eligibility criteria for the Universal health scheme differ between APL and BPL families.
For families and individuals under APL, the annual income must be more than the insured amount. The minimum age limit to be eligible for the benefits is 5 years, and the maximum age limit is 65 years.
The family income needs to be less than the insured amount for the families under BPL. The minimum age limit to be eligible is 5, and the maximum age limit is 70. One must issue an income certificate from the Revenue Department B.D.O. or Tehsildar as a proof.
How to apply for the Universal Health Insurance Scheme?
To apply for Universal Health Insurance Scheme benefits, one must approach the insurance service provider with the required documents. For BPL families, a certificate of proof issued by a B.D.O or tehsildar from the Revenue Department is mandatory to confirm eligibility.
Universal Health Insurance Scheme hospital list
Certain hospitals are registered under the Universal Health Insurance Scheme. If you apply for the UHIS scheme, you must approach the network hospitals to avail of the benefits. Your concerned insurance company can provide a list of network hospitals registered under this scheme.
FAQs
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Can we apply for UHIS online?
Yes, you can apply online with certain service provider websites. For more details, visit the insurance provider’s website.
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Is the UHIS a flexible plan?
Yes, you can customise the UHIS plan according to your family’s requirements and continue it to a certain extent.
Conclusion
Health insurance plans are the most trusted way to safeguard your family and loved ones from unexpected health-related expenses. You can secure your family by choosing individual plans or health insurance for family according to your priorities.
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 a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. 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.