Health insurance denied for autistic son, mother sheds light on systemic issue

Updated On: 13 May, 2024 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi

Om, a Bengaluru-based autistic child was denied health cover for his pneumonia treatment owing to his developmental condition. His case sheds light on how Indian insurance companies are breaching IRDAI regulations by refusing coverage or denying claims of individuals living with neurodivergent conditions

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Like Om, many children with developmental disabilities continue to bear the brunt of unfair insurance policies

Geetha VM’s son Om, was 10 when he was diagnosed with pneumonia in February 2020. To avail medical treatment, the Bengaluru boy was hospitalised and his family was promised insurance coverage by Care Health (formerly Religare) Insurance company.

However, later they were denied health cover on account of Om’s autistic condition, which the parents were not aware and hence did not reveal at the time of purchasing the policy. Shortly after Om was admitted, a representative from the insurance company arrived at the hospital, demanding Geetha sign a declaration that Om has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and specify the age at which he was diagnosed.

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Home / Lifestyle / Health & Fitness / Article / Health insurance denied for autistic son, mother sheds light on systemic issue