Updated on 3 Nov 2025
Mental health can affect anyone, and it is as important as physical health. Nearly 43% of people in India suffer from depression, a mood disorder that affects the way people think, feel and act. In India, mental health awareness is increasing due to growing recognition of its impact on overall well-being, and the gradual disappearance of the stigma surrounding it. Even health insurance providers, addressing the issue, have begun including coverage for mental health treatments.
In this blog, you will learn whether a health insurance policy in India covers depression.
What is depression & its impact?
A person experiencing depression suffers from feelings of sadness and starts to feel uninterested in day-to-day activities. This condition can be treated with the help of therapies, mindfulness exercises, adequate sleep, and other lifestyle changes. If you don’t treat your depression, it can lead to serious physical and emotional problems. It may affect your relationship, job and even basic chores.
Mental health coverage under health insurance
The health insurance policies in India provide coverage for depression. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India makes it mandatory for all insurance providers to cover mental illnesses like depression under health insurance.
If a person is suffering from depression before purchasing a policy, he/she is required to produce medical proof and an underwriting about the illness for it to be considered a pre-existing disease.
Before covering problems like depression in the policy, the insurance provider will impose a waiting period. This is usually 2-4 years, but varies from insurer to insurer as well as the chosen plan.
Inclusions & exclusions for depression treatment
Check with your insurer what they include and exclude from the coverage. However, it usually covers hospitalisation, diagnosis, medication costs and daycare treatment. However, a few things are not included in the plan, like regular therapy, self-harm injuries, unprescribed therapies, pre-existing mental problems and registration fees ( non-medical expenses).
Claim process for mental health treatments
Steps you must follow for filing a health insurance claim for depression:
- Get admitted to a hospital approved by your insurer or any one of your choice
- Inform your insurance company within the stipulated time
- Submit all the required documents, like the claim form and medical reports
- Choose cashless or reimbursement claim
- The insurer will verify with the hospital
- You can check the status of the claim online on the insurer’s website or app using your policy number or claim reference ID
- Approval and payment
Conclusion
Managing depression often involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, which can include maintaining a regular exercise regimen, getting sufficient sleep (typically 7-8 hours), managing stress and enhancing one’s self-esteem. Getting treatment for the condition is now easy with many insurance policies covering mental health issues.
If you are looking for a health insurance policy that covers depression, fill out the form on this page. We will provide expert guidance and help you choose a plan that fits your needs.
FAQ
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Can we choose any hospital to avail a cashless claim?
No, a cashless claim can be opted for only in selected hospitals that are in your insurer's network.
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What is not covered in health insurance for depression?
The cost for the treatment of self-harm and any other excluded conditions, as mentioned in the policy wording, is not covered by insurance.
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.