Thread by @thesangyan

Inclusive Medical/Health Insurance Policies are integral to ensure Universal Health Coverage. However, grim reality is that our insurance policies aren't inclusive of persons with disabilities among other marginalized groups despite the circular by IRDAI dated 2nd June 2020. 1/n.

2/ Delhi High Court in Saurabh Shukla v. Max Bupa Insurance & Anr., dated 13th December 2022, ordered the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India to ensure insurance policies are designed for persons with disability.

3/ The court remarked that "it is the settled position in law that the right to life includes the right to health and healthcare is an integral part of the same." [livelaw.in/news-updates/c…]

4/ Image Description: Circular by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India dated 2nd June 2020 with Ref: IRDAI / HLT/ MISC / CIR / 129 / 06 / 2020. It is addressed to "All Insurers (Except ECGC and AIC)'

5/ with "Sub: Disclosure of underwriting philosophy of offering Insurance coverage to Persons with Disability (PWD) and people affected with HIV/AIDS and Mental Illness diseases.'

6/ 1. Reference is drawn to the provisions of IRDAI (Health Insurance) Regulations, 2016 in accordance to which every insurer shall evolve a health insurance underwriting policy covering approach and aspects relating to offering health insurance coverage...

7/ ...not only to standard lives but also to substandard lives. Further insurance companies shall also comply with various provisions of HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017 and Mental healthcare Act, 2017.

8/ 2. Notwithstanding the above provisions, it is considered essential that the targeted population of every insurer shall have complete information on the philosophy that insurers adopt while complying with the above referred provisions.

9/ 3. In furtherance to above, all Insurers are instructed to publish on their respective websites the underwriting philosophy and approach with regard to offering insurance coverage to the following category of population:

10/ a. Persons with Disabilities ( PWD)
b. Persons affected with HIV /AIDS
c. Persons affected with Mental Illness diseases.
4. All Insurers (Life, General and Health Insurers) are here by directed to comply with the aforesaid instruction by 01st October, 2020.

11/ 5. This has the approval of the competent authority.

The circular is signed by ( DVS RAMESH ) GENERAL MANAGER (H).

#HealthForAll #UHCDay #LeaveNoOneBehind #Inclusion #Disability #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #HealthInsurance #MedicalInsurance