Kidney Transplant? Why Your Policy Must Cover the 'Organ Donor' Expenses (Save ₹5 Lakhs)

Kidney Transplant?

Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure, but it is incredibly expensive. A kidney or liver transplant in a private hospital in India can cost between ₹15 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs (as of 2026).

Most people know their health insurance covers their surgery. But there is a second patient involved: The Donor.

Who pays for the donor's surgery, hospitalization, and recovery? If your policy lacks "Organ Donor Cover," that bill is on you.

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What is Organ Donor Cover?

This is a specific benefit in your (the patient's) health insurance policy that pays for the medical expenses of the person donating the organ to you.

Why is this special? Usually, health insurance only covers the "Insured Person." The donor is a healthy person undergoing voluntary surgery. Without this specific clause, the insurance company would reject the donor's hospital bill.

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What is Covered vs. What is NOT

This is where families get confused. The coverage is not unlimited.

✅ Usually Covered

• Harvesting Surgery: The cost of the surgery to remove the organ from the donor.
• In-patient Hospitalization: Room rent, nursing, and consumables for the donor during the stay.

❌ Usually EXCLUDED

• Screening Costs: The expensive compatibility tests done before surgery. If the donor is not a match and surgery doesn't happen, you pay this yourself.
• Post-Hospitalization: The donor's complications, medicines, or check-ups after discharge are rarely covered.
• Donor's Lost Income: Compensation for the time the donor cannot work.

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The "Sum Insured" & "Sub-Limit" Trap

Does the donor get a separate limit? Usually, no.

In most policies, the organ donor expenses are paid within your existing Sum Insured. Even worse, many policies have a Sub-Limit (e.g., Donor expenses capped at 10% of Sum Insured or ₹5 Lakhs).

• Example: You have a ₹10 Lakh policy with a 10% donor cap.
• Your surgery costs ₹8 Lakhs.
• The donor's surgery costs ₹3 Lakhs.
• The Gap: The insurer pays only ₹1 Lakh (10% cap) for the donor. You pay the remaining ₹2 Lakhs.

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Chief Editor’s Verdict

When fighting a critical illness, financial stress is the last thing you need.

Check your policy wording today. Look for "Organ Donor Expenses" and specifically check the Limit. If it is capped at a low amount (e.g., ₹1 Lakh or ₹2 Lakhs), it is woefully inadequate for 2026 medical costs. Consider porting to a comprehensive policy with "No Sub-Limit" on donor expenses immediately.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or insurance advice. Organ transplantation laws in India are governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA). Insurance coverage is subject to specific policy terms, waiting periods, and IRDAI regulations. Always consult your insurance advisor for details.