Cashless Health Insurance
Cashless health insurance allows you to receive medical treatment at a network hospital without paying hospital bills upfront. Instead of arranging large sums during a medical emergency, the insurer settles eligible expenses directly with the hospital. This makes hospitalisation smoother, faster, and far less stressful for patients and families.
With rising healthcare costs and increasing hospitalisation rates, the cashless health card has become an essential feature of modern medical coverage. It ensures timely treatment, reduces financial pressure during emergencies, and eliminates the need to wait for reimbursements after discharge.
Personalized Coverage
Cashless Hospitals
No Claim Bonus
24/7 Customer Service
What is Cashless Health Insurance?
Cashless health insurance is a facility under which the insurer pays the hospital directly for covered treatment expenses, provided the hospital is part of the insurer’s network and policy terms are met.
Meaning of Cashless Medical Insurance
Cashless medical insurance means the insured does not need to pay treatment costs upfront at a network hospital. Once the claim is approved, the insurer settles the bill directly, except for non-covered expenses, deductibles, or co-payments.
How Does Cashless Health Insurance Work?
Cashless treatment works through a pre-authorisation process between the hospital and the insurer or TPA, ensuring approval before or shortly after admission.
Planned Hospitalisation - Cashless Process
For planned treatments:
- Inform ManipalCigna in advance through the app, website, or hospital desk
- Submit a pre-authorisation request
- Once approved, treatment proceeds without an upfront payment
- The insurer settles eligible expenses directly with the hospital
Emergency Hospitalisation - Cashless Process
In emergencies:
- Get admitted immediately to a network hospital
- Inform ManipalCigna within the specified time
- The hospital submits the cashless request
- Eligible expenses are settled directly after approval
Why Cashless Health Insurance is Important Today
Medical emergencies are unpredictable and often expensive. A cashless health card removes the burden of arranging funds at short notice, ensures quicker hospital admission, and allows families to focus entirely on recovery rather than finances.
Who Should Opt for Cashless Health Insurance?
Cashless health insurance is ideal for:
- Working professionals with limited emergency savings
- Families seeking financial protection
- Senior citizens requiring frequent medical care
- Individuals living away from their hometown
- People with lifestyle-related health risks
Types of Health Insurance plans
Individual Cashless Health Insurance
Covers a single individual with cashless treatment benefits at network hospitals.
Family Floater Cashless Health Insurance
Provides coverage for the entire family under one sum insured with shared cashless policy benefits.
Senior Citizen Cashless Health Insurance
Designed for older adults, offering access to cashless hospitalisation at selected network hospitals.
Employer / Group Cashless Health Insurance
Offered by employers to employees, providing cashless treatment as part of group health coverage.
Critical Illness Plans with Cashless Benefits
Some critical illness or comprehensive plans may include cashless hospitalisation for eligible treatments.
Benefits of Cashless Health Insurance
No Upfront Payment at Network Hospitals
Eligible medical expenses are settled directly by the insurer, reducing out-of-pocket burden.
Faster Hospital Admission Process
Pre-approved cashless facilities ensure quicker admissions during emergencies.
Reduced Financial Stress During Emergencies
Families are not burdened with arranging funds during critical situations.
Wide Network of Cashless Hospitals
Access to a large number of partnered hospitals across India.
Paperless & Hassle-Free Claims
Minimal documentation and reduced administrative effort during treatment.
Cashless Hospital Network in India
Cashless benefits are available only at hospitals that are part of the insurer’s network.
How to Check the ManipalCigna Cashless Hospital List
You can check the updated list of network hospitals through:
- ManipalCigna website
- Mobile app
- Customer support team
What Happens if the Hospital is Not in the Network?
Treatment can still be taken, but the claim will be processed under the reimbursement method instead of cashless.
Difference Between Cashless and Reimbursement Claims
Cashless claims involve direct settlement with the hospital, while reimbursement claims require the insured to pay first and claim later.
Cashless vs Reimbursement Claims - Comparison Table
Feature |
Cashless Claim |
Reimbursement Claim |
Upfront Payment |
Not required |
Required |
Hospital Type |
Network hospital only |
Any hospital |
Claim Process |
Pre-authorisation |
Post-treatment |
Settlement Time |
Faster |
Takes longer |
What is Covered Under Cashless Health Insurance?
Cashless health insurance generally covers hospitalisation expenses such as room rent, doctor’s fees, nursing charges, ICU costs, medicines, and diagnostics, subject to policy terms and limits.
What is Not Covered Under Cashless Health Insurance?
Expenses not covered under the policy, such as OPD treatment (unless specified), cosmetic procedures, and excluded illnesses, must be paid by the insured subject to terms and conditions.
Common Exclusions in Cashless Health Insurance
Exclusions typically include pre-existing diseases during waiting periods, cosmetic treatments, experimental procedures, and expenses beyond policy limits.
Cashless Health Insurance Claim Process
A simple, transparent process that lets you focus on recovery, not paperwork.
Step-by-Step Cashless Claim Process
Inform the hospital, submit policy details, complete pre-authorisation, receive approval, undergo treatment, and get discharged with direct settlement.
Role of TPA / Insurer in Cashless Claims
The insurer or TPA verifies coverage, approves claims, and coordinates bill settlement with the hospital.
Documents Required for Cashless Health Insurance Claim
Knowing the right documents helps avoid delays during planned or emergency hospitalisation.
Documents for Planned Hospitalisation
Policy ID card, pre-authorisation form, doctor’s advice, and identity proof.
Documents for Emergency Hospitalisation
Policy details, emergency admission records, medical reports, and identity proof.
Common Reasons for Cashless Claim Rejection
- Non-disclosure or incorrect health details
- Treatment not covered under the policy
- Policy not active at the time of treatment
- The hospital is not part of the cashless network
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
How to Avoid Cashless Health Insurance Claim Rejection
Understanding policy terms, choosing network hospitals, and timely claim intimation help reduce rejection risk.
Tips to Ensure Smooth Cashless Claim Approval
- Choose network hospitals
- Inform the insurer on time
- Disclose medical history accurately
- Submit complete documents
- Check waiting periods before treatment
Factors to Consider Before Buying Cashless Health Insurance
Choosing the Right Sum Insured
Select a sum insured that matches healthcare costs and family needs.
Hospital Network Strength
A larger network improves access to cashless treatment.
Waiting Periods & Sub-limits
Check disease-specific waiting periods and room rent limits.
Co-payment Clauses
Understand your share of expenses, if applicable.
Claim Settlement Ratio
Higher ratios indicate stronger claim performance.
How to Buy Cashless Health Insurance Online from ManipalCigna
Buying a cashless policy online from ManipalCigna is a simple and convenient process that allows you to compare plans, customise coverage, and complete your purchase securely from the comfort of your home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buy Online
- Visit the ManipalCigna website
- Enter basic details
- Choose a plan and sum insured
- Complete proposal form
- Make a payment online
Things to Check Before Purchasing the Policy
- Check the medical expenses covered under the policy.
- Review treatments and conditions that are excluded.
- Verify network hospitals offering cashless treatment.
- Understand waiting periods for specific covers.
- Ensure the sum insured and limits are sufficient.
- Check if any co-payment applies.
- Review the premium amount and payment options.
- Understand the claim process and documentation.
- Confirm lifetime renewability benefits.
- Check available add-ons for extra coverage.
Why Choose ManipalCigna for Cashless Health Insurance?
ManipalCigna combines a strong hospital network, transparent processes, and reliable customer support to offer smooth cashless claim experiences.
ManipalCigna Cashless Health Insurance vs Other Insurers
- Extensive hospital network
- Digital-first claim support
- Clear policy wording
- 24x7 customer assistance
Key Takeaways on Cashless Health Insurance
Cashless health insurance ensures timely treatment, financial ease, and peace of mind by eliminating upfront hospital payments and simplifying the claim process.
FAQs
What is cashless health insurance?
It allows treatment at network hospitals without paying bills upfront, as the insurer settles costs directly.
How does cashless health insurance work?
After admission, the insured must inform the hospital and submit their health insurance policy details. The hospital then initialtes a cashless pre-authorisation request with the insurer or TPA, and upon approval, approved expenses are settled directly with the hospital.
Is cashless treatment available in all hospitals?
No, cashless treatments are only applicable at the network hospitals. Please check the list to choose the most feasible option for you.
What documents are required for cashless claims?
Policy details, identity proof, medical reports, and pre-authorisation forms are required.
What is the difference between cashless and reimbursement claims?
Cashless claims involve direct settlement, while reimbursement requires upfront payment and later claim filing.
Can I avail of cashless treatment in an emergency?
Yes, emergency treatment is allowed with post-admission authorisation.
What happens if my cashless claim is rejected?
You may pay the hospital and later apply for reimbursement if eligible.
Can I convert a reimbursement claim into a cashless claim?
No, the claim type cannot be changed once treatment is completed.
Is pre-authorisation mandatory for cashless claims?
Yes, pre-authorisation is required for approval of cashless treatment.
How long does cashless claim approval take?
Approval timelines vary but are usually processed within a few hours.
Are OPD expenses covered under cashless health insurance?
OPD is generally not covered unless specifically mentioned in the policy.
Can I use cashless health insurance multiple times in a year?
Yes, as long as the sum insured is available and policy terms are met.