Mental Health Support In Senior Citizen Health Insurance: Why It Is More Important Than Ever

Discussions around health insurance for senior citizens have mainly focused on physical ailments, like cardiac complications, diabetes, and joint replacements. Mental health has barely been a part of this discussion. However, things are changing. With changing lifestyles, the need to face and address mental health challenges among older adults has surfaced. This time, it is too critical to ignore.

From insurance companies to regulators to families, everyone is beginning to understand that the importance of senior citizen health insurance goes beyond surgeries and hospital rooms. About 20% of India’s senior population struggles with mental health conditions. That said, health insurance products must also help people navigate the struggles associated with depression, anxiety, dementia, and age-related cognitive decline.

Hiding in plain sight: The burden of mental health in old age

Mental health issues can mean different things to every individual. While it may stem from loneliness for one, another might experience this condition due to financial stress. The following factors contribute to mental strain among senior citizens in India:

Isolation

Children move abroad. Nuclear families replace joint household settings. Retirees are left with no choice but to leave behind decades of routine. These scenarios often lead to loneliness and isolation from social interactions. Over time, it turns into depression and anxiety.

Physical illness

Heart problems, kidney disorders, cancer, and other such physical conditions eventually take a toll on one’s mental health. Seniors who deal with repeated hospitalisations often experience stress and mood disorders.

Cognitive disorder

Cognitive disorders are quite a common problem among Indian senior citizens. An estimated 8.8 million people (aged 60+) live with dementia. And instead of slowing down, this number is increasing at a steady pace. These conditions demand long-term care, regular consultations, and in many cases, specialised treatment facilities.

Financial problems

Medical bills, dependence on children, and fear of being a burden can create immense mental strain. This financial worry is directly linked to the scope of their insurance coverage.

Why must mental health be a part of health insurance?

Traditionally, health insurance in India primarily focused on providing financial assistance for hospitalisation expenses in case of surgeries and major illnesses. Mental health coverage, including therapy sessions, counselling, and long-term medication, was never a part of this model.

The situation has shifted now. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 made it mandatory for health insurance providers to provide coverage for mental health conditions, just as they do for physical conditions. While this was a landmark, its implementation still varies across insurers. Many plans offer limited or vague benefits, making it essential for families to carefully evaluate policy wordings.

Mental health coverage is not an add-on for senior citizens, but a necessity. With a senior citizen health insurance plan that includes therapy, psychiatric consultations, and medication support, one can access treatments at the right time and enjoy a better quality of life without dependence on family.

What families should look for in a policy?

When finding the best health insurance policy for an elderly parent or relative, families should look beyond just the cost of a plan and hospital networks. Here are the factors that can make all the difference:

Mental health benefits

Ensure that the health insurance plan clearly lists covered benefits like psychiatric consultations, therapy sessions, and counselling. Clarify the coverage with your agent to ensure that the policy aligns with your requirements.

Daycare and outpatient benefits

Mental health treatments usually do not involve hospitalisation. Look for plans that extend OPD benefits, as they offer more value.

Waiting periods

Some insurers impose waiting times before covering mental health conditions. Policies with shorter or no waiting periods are preferable.

Coverage for cognitive disorders

Check whether the plan addresses conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s, which require specialised and sustained treatment.

Wellness programs

Wellness programs are an emerging trend in the health insurance space. Some health insurance companies now offer holistic health packages, including stress management workshops, annual check-ups, and even discounts on therapy sessions.

Balancing all aspects of health with senior citizen health insurance

Mental health is no longer being sidelined in health insurance. It has become a central part of how we define well-being at every stage of life. India’s senior population deserves just as much attention in this regard as young adults. Insurance providers and families must come together to create policies that treat mental health seriously.

Buying the best health insurance for senior citizens nowadays means looking for more than just coverage for physical illnesses. Families must pay attention to the extent to which an insurer provides relief for expenses related to mental health treatments. The idea is to ensure that both mind and body are equally protected.

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.

(Note: This article is written by the Brand Desk.)