Due to the ever-increasing cost of healthcare in India, individuals must look for alternative sources of funding medical treatments and consultations. According to a report, almost 90% of the economically weaker section of India lacks the necessary medical insurance coverage. For these individuals, a sudden, unforeseen emergency may drain their entire life savings while straining the finances of others. 

The Health cards in India offer a way out for any individual seeking quality healthcare but lacking the substantial funds to afford the same. Such cards provide users with the ability to convert their expenses on medical dues into hassle-free EMIs. Such monthly repayment is more convenient than having to bear the entire treatment cost at once.

Moreover, such cards allow users to seek a wide variety of treatments, preventative care and more without any constraint. The supported treatments list is expansive and includes almost all forms of therapies as well as non-essential treatments.

Health cards: What expenses do they cover?

Regardless of the condition that afflicts a cardholder, he/she can likely seek effective care for the same with financial assistance from the card. The list of supported treatments and procedures include the following – 

  • Cardiac surgery
  • Diagnostic care
  • Orthopedics treatment
  • Vascular surgery
  • Oncology treatments
  • Ophthalmology
  • Maternity care
  • Dental care
  • Pulmonology
  • Homeopathic treatments
  • Plastic surgery
  • Bariatric procedures
  • Hair transplantation
  • Obstetrics and gynecology
  • Urology
  • ENT care
  • Cosmetic treatments

Cardholders can choose to divide expenses arising from any of these procedures and convert into no-cost EMIs with some health cards in India.

Apart from the doctor’s consultation fees, one can use such a financial instrument to curtail the cost of medication and post-treatment consultations as well. At select pharmacies and outlets, cardholders can use it to acquire their necessary drugs.

Similarly, doctors often recommend undergoing various tests, which aid in the diagnosis process. While modern medical technologies make such diagnoses possible, these tests can put severe strain on finances, leaving one unable to afford necessary treatment. One can thus use a health card to pay for these tests and other diagnostic requirements as well.

Health cards in India: Application process

To avail such a utility-rich financial product, individuals can follow an online application process. The likes of Bajaj Finserv Health EMI Network Card allow applicants to request access to these cards in just a few steps. The complete procedure involves following the steps mentioned below – 

  • Step 1: Search for the NBFCs official website and navigate to its home page.
  • Step 2: Browse to the page for a health card application.
  • Step 3: Click on the ‘Get it now’ option.
  • Step 4: Fill up the application form and verify all details. Also, provide your registered mobile number for verification. 
  • Step 5: Pay the nominal joining fee based on either of the two card variants that you choose from.
  • Step 6: If all the due requirements are met, your application follows instantaneous approval. 

Health cards in India are digital, allowing users to fund their treatment with it immediately after approval. One does not need to wait for such a card to arrive by post. This convenient online application process only reduces other approval hassles significantly.

How do health card users benefit from it?

Apart from the card’s ability to convert medical liabilities into EMIs, such a financial tool provides a range of additional benefits as well. Here is a brief look into some of its advantageous features.

  1. Regardless of the health issues the cardholder seeks medical intervention for, he/she can utilize the entire pre-approved limit for necessary treatments. In most cases, this limit is considerable, ranging up to Rs.4 lakh for eligible customers. 
  2. Using such a card does not come with any geographic restrictions within India. With the presence of network hospitals across more than 1,000 cities in the country, one can easily seek quality treatment using this financial product regardless of where he/she resides in India.
  3. Health cards in India offer family-wide coverage, which means that a cardholder can freely share its benefits with the rest of his/her family members. Your spouse, children, parents and siblings can utilize this card and avail expensive medical treatments whenever necessary. Therefore, one does not need to avail multiple cards separately for each member.
  4. Attractive discounts and offers are available to cardholders at certain network outlets. Using this card to shop at such pharmacies and healthcare/fitness centers can also lead to sizable savings. You can look for these offers on your NBFC’s official website.

If an individual is gearing up for a major surgery or other expensive treatment, opting for such a card is a wise decision. Doing so can help him/her avoid the substantial expenditure at once. EMI conversion with such cards can help limit strain on one’s finances.

Apply for a health card only after going through all of its terms and conditions. You can also check all the procedures and treatments of different health issues for which this card can assist you before applying to make an informed decision.