What is Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (Karunya Health Insurance Scheme)?

With improved infrastructure and facilities, the cost of treatments, hospitalisation, medications, etc., will likely gradually increase across India.

Keeping that in mind, the Indian Government, in association with the states, has launched several health insurance schemes to facilitate the underprivileged. Among them, the Karunya Insurance Scheme was a special initiative taken by the Kerala Government to provide quality healthcare to the poverty-stricken section of society.

Wondering how this will help you? Scroll down to know.

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What is the Karunya Health Scheme?
Features & Benefits
Critical Health Diseases Covered
Objectives Of Karunya Insurance
Karunya Scheme Coverage
Karunya Scheme Eligibility
How to Register?
Required Documents
Hospital Under the Karunya Scheme
Hospitalisation Process Under Karunya Scheme
Frequently Asked Question

What is the Karunya Health Scheme?

Back in 2012, the UDF Government launched this healthcare scheme for the first time. Here, the sole purpose was to help people suffering from critical illnesses with substantial treatment coverage. Under the Karunya Health Scheme, each family should receive a health cover of ₹5 lakhs per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

Do you know how such a huge amount is arranged for this health insurance scheme?

Well, the funding comes from the Kerala lottery so that beneficiaries can pay a nominal premium charge to avail of the benefits.

What are the Features of the Karunya Health Scheme?

The Karunya Health Scheme comes with many important features. Some of the prime features of the Karunya Health Scheme include:

Features	Description
Initial Restrictions and Expansion	Initially, when this health insurance scheme was introduced, the policyholders were able to get their treatment done only from the government hospitals. Later, several private hospitals were empanelled, where better infrastructure and facilities helped in improving the treatment process.
Claimable Expenses	The Kerala Government has allocated ₹250 crores for this particular scheme. Therefore, beneficiaries can easily claim medicine charges, doctor’s fees, hospitalisation charges, important tests, ICU and operation costs, etc.
Online Portal Information	All the updated information is available in the official online portal, which can be used for Karunya Health Insurance registration as well. Here, applicants can also find the claiming procedure, network hospitals, and other necessary details.
Hospital List	You can check the hospital list and applicable dates on the website by choosing your location.
Inclusive Healthcare Access	The program, which was first exclusive to government facilities, was expanded to authorised private hospitals, improving patient care through better infrastructure and facilities.
Government Allotment	To strengthen the state's healthcare system, the Kerala government has set aside ₹250 crores for the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme.
Cost Mitigation	By lowering the possibility of unanticipatedly large medical expenses, the program seeks to provide beneficiaries with financial assistance.
Comprehensive Coverage	Prescription medications and diagnostic tests are included in the plan's coverage for up to three days before and fifteen days after hospitalisation.
Comprehensive Medical Procedures	The services cover all associated costs for about 1,573 procedures. These include a wide spectrum of healthcare demands and include various costs.

These are some of the salient Karunya Health Scheme features.

What are the Benefits of the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) provides several services to guarantee complete health coverage for those with serious illnesses. Here are some compelling benefits of the Karunya Health Scheme that you need to know:

One key advantage of this scheme is that you will receive reimbursement for your treatment charges even if they exceed the estimated amount.
The government provides financial help up to Rs. 5 lakh for all beneficiaries and there is no cap on family size or age of members.
Reimbursement is available to beneficiaries in the event that the final estimate of treatment costs for a critical disease is higher.
Through the program, each recipient can get treatment benefits for a minimum of five family members, and each person is given a unique card for use as identification and to access services.

Critical Health Diseases Covered by Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

The Karunya Health Insurance Scheme provides coverage for some of the critical diseases, for instance:

Critical Disease	Description
Cancer	A group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Tumours may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous), and treatment often involves surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.
Kidney Diseases	Conditions affecting the kidneys' ability to function properly. These can include chronic kidney disease (CKD), where the kidneys gradually lose function over time, and acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a sudden loss of kidney function.
Haemophilia	A rare genetic disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly due to a deficiency in specific clotting factors. This can lead to excessive bleeding and difficulty in controlling bleeding after injuries or surgeries.
Heart Diseases, Transplant Surgeries	Heart diseases encompass various conditions affecting the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. In severe cases, heart transplant surgery may be necessary to replace a failing heart with a healthy donor heart.
Palliative Care	Specialised medical care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families by managing pain and other distressing symptoms, regardless of the stage of the illness.
Brain and Liver Surgery	Brain surgery involves operations on the brain to treat conditions like tumours, trauma, or epilepsy. Liver surgery can address issues such as liver cancer, cirrhosis, or liver transplants. Both types of surgery are complex and carry significant risks.
Serious Respiratory Illness	Conditions affecting the lungs and breathing, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis. These illnesses can significantly impact a person's ability to breathe and require ongoing medical management.

What are the Objectives Of Karunya Insurance?

The Karunya Insurance is launched for the welfare of people. Here are the main objectives of Karunya Insurance:

Objectives	Description
Financial Support	It helps people with life-threatening illnesses manage their medical expenses by providing financial support.
Ensuring Access to High-Quality Healthcare Services	The policy ensures that beneficiaries in Kerala will have access to high-quality healthcare services.
Supporting Healthcare Needs	It offers aid to people and families who are struggling to meet the costs of life-threatening illnesses.
Extensive Coverage	The policy provides broad coverage for a range of serious illnesses and medical procedures.
Cost-Effectiveness	It guarantees economically disadvantaged groups in society access to cheap healthcare, allowing them to focus on their recovery rather than the expense of care.

What Does the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme Cover?

Plans like Karunya Insurance ensure that people who struggle to pay for expensive medical procedures can obtain the support they want to get the care they require. These are the coverages offered by the Karunya Health Insurance plan:

Coverage for diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative medical services coverage for three days before the initial admission day.
Covers three days of pre-hospitalisation and 15 days of post-hospitalisation expenses.
Costs for diagnostics and lab work are reimbursed.
Payment for the price of implant coverage for issues that could surface while a patient is in the hospital.
Coverage for services in both non-intensive and intensive care.

Eligibility for Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

The Government of Kerala has set certain eligibility parameters for the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme. For instance:

Only applicants below the poverty line can apply for the scheme. All the APL and BPL families with annual income below ₹3 lakhs will be eligible for this.
Those who are applying for this healthcare plan should keep the required documents handy.
The applicant must be a resident of Kerala to avail of these aforementioned benefits.

Make sure to go through the Karunya Health Scheme eligibility criteria and check if you meet these parameters before considering the scheme.

How to Register for the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

With easy access to internet facilities, applying for any health insurance scheme has become pretty convenient. In this case, you can easily apply through the official website launched by the Kerala Government.

Here are the steps you need to follow.

Step 1: Visit the online portal to begin your application process.
Step 2: Right on the home page, you will find a section called ‘How to Apply,’ click on it to download the application form.
Step 3: Make sure to provide your details carefully and submit them along with the necessary documents.

You can also use the ‘Application Tracking’ option to keep checking your application status. Alternatively, you can check your name on the home page's ‘List of Beneficiaries’ option.

Which Documents Should be Submitted While Applying?

During the Karunya Arogya Insurance registration process, you will need to submit the following list of documents:

Document	Description
Identity Proof	Some basic ID proof like an Aadhaar card and Voter ID will be required to prove that you are a Kerala resident.
Residential Details	The original copy of your residential proof should be submitted.
BPL Card	As this scheme is mainly for the underprivileged section of society, applicants need to provide some evidence to justify that. For BPL cardholders, it is mandatory to submit the document while registering online to use the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme benefits.
Income Certificate	Based on your annual income, the Kerala Government will decide whether you are eligible for the scheme or not. Therefore, make sure to keep all the documents containing your income details handy when you are applying for the healthcare plan.

Apart from these, a copy of your Ration card, passport-size photo, and estimate of the total amount spent at the hospital should also be submitted along with your application form.

How to Register for Karunya Health Insurance Card Online?

Here is the registration process to obtain the Karunya Health Insurance Card Online:

Step 1: Check out the Karunya Health Insurance website.
Step 2: Select ‘Online Registration.'

Register for Karunya Health Insurance Card

Step 3: Fill in the form with accurate details and upload scanned copies of necessary documents.
Step 4: After completing the form, submit it electronically.

After your application is accepted, you can download the KASP insurance card.

How to Find a Hospital Under the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

These steps should help you locate a hospital that accepts the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Kerala State Government’s health insurance scheme or the relevant health insurance provider.
Step 2: Check the List of Network Hospitals: Look for a section that lists network hospitals or empanelled hospitals. This list is usually available under sections like "Hospital List," "Empanelled Hospitals," or similar headings.

Find a Hospital Under the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

Step 3: Contact Customer Service: If you can't find the information online, contact the customer service of the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme. They can provide you with a list of hospitals or guide you on accessing this information.
Step 4: Visit Local Health Offices: You can also visit local health offices or the district health department to inquire about hospitals covered under the scheme.
Step 5: Consult Your Insurance Agent: If you have an insurance agent or a contact person for the scheme, they can provide a list of covered hospitals.

Hospitalisation Process Under the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

Under the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme, the hospitalisation process typically involves several key steps. First, you must ensure the hospital is empanelled under the scheme. Once confirmed, present your Karunya Health Insurance card or details at the hospital's admissions desk. The hospital will verify your coverage and initiate the claim process.

During hospitalisation, necessary treatments will be covered as per the scheme’s guidelines. For any pre-authorisation or documentation requirements, coordinate with the hospital’s insurance or billing department to ensure a smooth claims process.

Know about:

Contact Details of Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

Here is the contact address of the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme:

Address: State Health Agency Kerala (SHA), 5th and 8th Floor, Artech Meenakshi Plaza, Opposite Government Women And Children's Hospital Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014

Contact Number: 0471 4063121

Helpline DISHA: 1056

Email ID: karunyabf@gmail.com or statehealthagencykerala@gmail.com

India’s healthcare system is slowly improving with the emergence of so many government-backed schemes and advanced infrastructure. Schemes like the Karunya Insurance plan ensure that people struggling to arrange funds for such expensive treatments can get proper assistance to get through such situations.

However, you need to be a little technologically active in order to apply for the scheme and check all the necessary details available on their official website. So, go ahead, fill out your form, and make proper use of Karunya Health Scheme benefits.

FAQs about Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

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Is there any offline process to collect the Karunya Insurance Scheme application form?

No, there is no offline process to collect the form. It is available in the Kerala Government portal, and you can easily download the PDF format from there.

Will I receive a card after registering for this scheme?

After assessing your income details and other eligibility requirements, the Kerala Government will issue a Karunya insurance plan card, which you need to give to the hospital to take medical facilities.

Can I get treatment for any pre-existing health condition under the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

Yes, as per this scheme’s policy, if applicants have been suffering from a pre-existing disease before applying for the scheme, they can still avail of the benefits.

What is the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

The Karunya Health Insurance Scheme is a government-sponsored health insurance program designed to protect low-income families financially against major health expenses. It covers a range of medical treatments and hospitalisations.

How can someone find out the status of their application right now?

Through the Karunya Kerala portal, you can easily stay informed about the status of your application. Simply select the "Application Tracking" option from the official website, fill out the necessary information, and immediately watch your application's status appear on your device's screen.

Is a Karunya insurance scheme card given to the beneficiary?

Yes, the beneficiary will receive a special insurance plan card in their name from the Kerala government. All network hospitals need to do is provide you with this card and the other necessary paperwork to get cashless care.

Do recipients need to pay a charge to use the medical benefits offered by the scheme?

Yes, you must pay a fair premium to access the Karunya Health Scheme's advantages, but the Kerala government also pays for a large amount of these expenses.

From where can I obtain the hospital list for Karunya Health Insurance?

To find out which hospitals take Karunya Health Insurance, visit the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi website of the Kerala government. An extensive list of hospitals, empanelled under the program is available on the website.

Who is eligible for the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

The scheme is available to residents of Kerala who fall below the poverty line or belong to economically disadvantaged groups. Eligibility criteria can vary, so checking with local authorities or the official scheme website for specific details is best.

What medical treatments are covered under the scheme?

The scheme covers various medical treatments, including inpatient hospital care, surgeries, and other major medical expenses. Depending on the policy terms, it may also include coverage for pre-existing conditions.

How can one apply for the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

Applications can usually be made through local government health offices or online through the scheme’s official portal. Applicants must provide proof of income and other relevant documents to verify their eligibility.

How does one claim benefits under the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?

To claim benefits, insured individuals must present their insurance details at an empanelled hospital or healthcare facility. The hospital will then process the claim according to the scheme’s guidelines.

Are there any exclusions or limitations to the coverage?

Yes, although the scheme covers many treatments, there might be specific exclusions or limitations, such as certain elective procedures or treatments not covered under the policy. It’s important to review the policy details carefully.

How can beneficiaries determine if their preferred hospital is covered under the scheme?

Beneficiaries can check the list of empanelled hospitals on the official Karunya Health Insurance Scheme website or contact local health offices for information on participating healthcare providers.