In recent times, given the skyrocketing costs of healthcare facilities, it has become more essential to have a well-researched and adequate amount of health insurance. However, even if one has an adequate amount of health coverage, it might fall short for certain exclusions and non-payables. In such cases, a large share of the hospital bill becomes an out-of-pocket expense.

Considering such cases and the ever-increasing importance of adequate health coverage post-pandemic, some insurance companies have now started providing coverage for many of these non-payables.

One of these is the Consumables Cover which is now offered as an add-on by many insurance companies.

Consumables in health insurance are usually medical equipment/aids discarded after use, like PPE kits, gloves, masks, syringes, etc.

Often, they were not covered by the health insurance companies earlier. However, with the pandemic, consumables became a significant part of the hospital bill due to increased usage.

The hospital staff mandatorily wears protective gear while treating Covid patients. As a general practice, the use of masks, gloves and other protective equipment has increased. This again accentuates the inclusion of consumables under health insurance coverage.

Consumables Cover in health insurance refers to the financial coverage for all the medical equipment/aids classified as 'consumable', usually the single-use equipment like protective gear, masks, gloves etc.

One of these is the Consumables Cover which is now offered as an add-on by many insurance companies.

You might be wondering how a few disposables, like masks, gloves etc., would shoot up the hospital bill considerably. Well, you are not entirely wrong. Consumables used to form a small portion of the hospital bill previously, and people didn't bother much. But post-pandemic, with the increased use of disposables and protective equipment, the share has shot up.  

Here is the list of most preferred consumable items in health insurance plans: 

1. Administrative Charges: All expenses incurred due to paperwork and documentation, admission kit, visitors' pass, discharge process, maintenance of medical records and other documentation expenses come under the administrative charges.

2. House Keeping: Daily use items such as mineral water, toothbrush, soaps, sanitary pads, slippers, combs, shampoo, diapers etc.

3. Room Expenses: The expenses incurred due to the facilities provided in the room, such as AC, television, telephone, attendant charges, luxury tax etc.

4. Surgical Equipment: Cotton, Razor, Needles, Syringes, Surgical tape and other surgical disposables used as a part of the treatment procedure.

5. Any other item provided in the product.

Here’s a catch!

The list of consumables as prescribed by IRDA is a long one but it generally serves just as a guideline and the insurers have the liberty to include/exclude any item in their policy.

The list of consumables might look inexpensive for now, but they, for sure, can shoot up your bill. To avoid this hit on your pocket, you must consider getting the Consumables Cover in your Health Insurance.  

• Several items classified as consumables may seem relatively inexpensive when purchased as a single item. However, when these are repeatedly used during a procedure or treatment, they might amount to a large portion of the bill. In such a case, having a consumable cover can save you from the financial burden of these consumables.

• Since consumables expense does not fall directly on you and is taken care of by your insurance provider, it ensures that the preventive measures are not compromised during the treatment due to financial constraints

One of the primary reasons that insurers are reluctant to cover consumables in health insurance is that most consumables are disposables and single-use items. During any treatment, piles of these are used and discarded. This, in turn, shoots up the patient's hospital bill that the insurers are disinclined to pay.

Consumables are the essential services and items provided for a comfortable and safe stay of the patient in the hospital. A compromise on these would directly mean compromising the patient's health. Hence, it's essential to refrain from striking off the consumables from the prescribed requirements of the patient. A consumable cover makes sure that the expense of these consumables does not hit a patient's pocket. 

Insurance policies provided with Digit provides Consumable Cover as an Add-On that you can add to your base policy and cover the consumable expenses.