India has world-class doctors. But for rare cancers, advanced neurosurgery, or experimental organ transplants, the best technology often resides in the USA, Singapore, or the UK.
If you are diagnosed with a critical illness, you want the option to fly to the Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins. But a single surgery there can cost ₹3 Crores ($350,000).
Your standard ₹10 Lakh policy is useless there.
You need a specific feature called "Global Health Cover." It is no longer just for the super-rich; it is becoming a necessity for anyone who prioritizes survival over savings.
Disclaimer: Global coverage rules are strict. Most plans work on a "Reimbursement" basis, meaning you pay first and claim later. Always read the policy wording for excluded countries.
Why Your Local Policy Won't Pay for Treatment in the USA
1. "Travel Insurance" is NOT "Global Health Cover"
Do not confuse the two. This is a fatal mistake.
- Travel Insurance: Only covers unexpected emergencies (e.g., you break a leg while skiing in Swiss Alps). It does NOT cover cancer treatment or planned surgeries.
- Global Health Cover: Designed for planned hospitalization. You live in India, get diagnosed, and choose to fly abroad specifically for treatment. The insurer pays for it.
2. Who Needs This? (The Cost Reality)
Why pay extra for this? Because medical inflation abroad is brutal.
| Treatment | Cost in India | Cost in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Bypass | ₹3 - 5 Lakhs | ₹80 Lakhs - ₹1 Crore |
| Cancer Immunotherapy | ₹20 Lakhs | ₹3 Crores+ |
Without a Global Cover policy of at least ₹2 Crores to ₹5 Crores, these treatments are impossible to afford.
3. The "USA/Canada" Exclusion Clause
When buying this cover, you will see two options:
- Worldwide (Excluding USA & Canada): Cheaper premium. Good for treatment in Singapore, Germany, or UK.
- Worldwide (Including USA & Canada): More expensive. But since 80% of medical breakthroughs happen in the US, this is the one you actually need.
Tip: If you buy the "Excluding USA" plan to save ₹5,000, you are essentially closing the door to the world's best hospitals.
4. Critical Conditions to Check
Before buying, ask your agent these three questions:
- Is it for Critical Illness only? Some plans only cover 10-15 specific major illnesses abroad. Others cover any inpatient hospitalization. The latter is better.
- Is Air Ambulance covered? Flying a sick patient requires a medical flight costing ₹20-50 Lakhs. Does the policy cover this?
- Is it Cashless? Most global claims are "Reimbursement Only." You must have the liquidity to pay ₹1 Crore upfront and get it back later. Only a few top insurers offer "Cashless" abroad via international partners.
Conclusion: A Passport to Survival
We hope you never need it. But insurance is about preparing for the worst.
Having a Global Health Cover means that if a doctor says, "The only cure is in Boston," you don't have to sell your house or beg for money. You just book the flight.
Action Plan:
- If your current Sum Insured is less than ₹1 Crore, upgrade immediately using a "Super Top-Up" plan with Global Cover.
- Check insurers like Niva Bupa (ReAssure Platinum), Care Health (Care Global), or Aditya Birla.
- Ensure the policy covers "travel and accommodation" for one companion (attendant).
Helpful Resources:
Moneycontrol: Guide to Overseas Treatment Cover
Care Health: Global Plan Details
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