Health Insurance is designed to act as the seat belt during health turbulence. It protects your finances in case of such an emergency by providing coverage for medical expenses. However, certain expenses are not covered by health insurance and need to be paid out of pocket. These are known as Non-Medical Expenses.

Health insurance protects us from skyrocketing medical costs, but it must also ensure that it’s not misused. These Non-Medical expenses curb the misuse of health insurance.

This article discusses Non-Medical Expenses and their complete list, so you know your insurance coverage and exclusions.

Health Insurance provides you coverage for medical expenses. To maintain its sanctity and prevent misuse, IRDAI has allowed the exclusion of certain expenses under health insurance. These are mostly optional items utilized during the treatment or hospital stay and are not considered medical expenses when settling insurance claims. These expenses are known as Non-Medical Expenses and are not covered by your insurance provider. 

The Non-Medical Expenses are categorised based on the treatment, usage and hospitalisation. As per IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), the most common Non-Medical Expenses in Health Insurance are as listed below:

List 1- Optional Items

This list contains all the optional items that are not covered under the policy:

• Food (other than the patient’s dietone provided by the hospital)
• Mineral Water
• Laundry /attendant charges
• Thermometer
• Beauty Services
• Nebuliser kit
• Belts/Braces
• Carry Bags
• Any other item mentioned in the health product

List 2 - Non-Medical Expenses in the Room Charges 

Below items are to be subsumed into the room charges: 

• Handwash
• Tissue paper
• Toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush soap, etc.
• Gown
• Comb, Caps, Slippers
• Pulse Oximeter Charges
• Cold/ Hot Pack
• Housekeeping Charges

List 3 - Non-Medical Expenses in Procedure Cost 

 The below items are to be subsumed into the procedure cost:

• Cotton, Bandages
• Apron
• Disposable Razors
• Hair Removal Cream
• Gauze Blades
• Eye Pad
• Surgical Blades

List 4 - Non-Medical Expenses in Treatment Cost

The below items under procedural costs are considered non-medical expenses:are to be subsumed into the treatment cost:

• Registration or Admission Charges
• Spirit, disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide
• Urine Container
• Nutritionist or Dietician Charges
• Antiseptic Mouthwash
• Infusion Pump Charges
• Vaccination Cost

List 5- Additional Non-Payable Items

Some additional expenses that are classified as Non-Medical Expenses and are non-payable under health insurance are:

• Barber Charges
• Syringes
• Medicine Box
• Digestion Gels
• Paper Gloves
• Referral Doctor’s Fees

The list given above is indicative and mentions only some common Non-Medical Expenses. However, as an aware and smart insurance buyer, you must know the exclusions and inclusions of your policy completely to avoid any surprises in the future, especially during the time of claims.

IRDAI has specified the list of Non-Medical Expenses that are listed on the insurer’s website. So before buying insurance, you must check out the list carefully and understand the terms and conditions thoroughly.

Although non-medical expenses are low and generally affordable, it is best to be aware of your probable share in the cost. Knowing the complete details about your insurance coverage, especially the inclusions and exclusions, would help you be better prepared for the future and avoid any unforeseen circumstances or financial losses.

Check out the complete list of Non-Medical Expenses.