Does Medical Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

What are Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are electronic devices that help those suffering from bad hearing. This device can be worn either inside or behind the ear, depending on the design and needs of the patient. The device typically consists of a microphone, an amplifier, and a receiver that help improve one's hearing.

When are Hearing Aids Required?

Hearing aids are useful for people who have inner ear damage resulting in hearing loss. This damage can be congenital, due to diseases, accidents, exposure to loud noises, ageing, or a side effect of certain medications. The problems can be with the eardrums, ear canal, or the middle ear.

Not all patients can benefit from hearing aid as there are several reasons for deafness. This can be easily assessed by an ENT (ear, nose & throat) specialist after which you can get hearing aid(s) that suit your needs best.

Is Ear Machine Covered by Insurance?

Usually, ear machines for hearing are not covered by most health insurance plans. Most plans include these costs under their general exclusions among other wearable medical equipment such as spectacles, contact lenses etc.

However, some health insurance plans also offer coverage for hearing aids if they are required as a consequence of a covered disease or accident. In case an insured person experiences hearing loss due to an accident or a covered illness, then they may be able to get reimbursement as per their policy terms.

What’s more, several health insurance companies in India are realising the financial burden these aids can put on people. Some insurers now offer coverage for hearing aids under optional covers or overall health plans. These optional covers can be bought at an additional price along with their regular plans.

How Expensive Are Hearing Aids in India?

Hearing aids can cost anywhere from Rs. 10,000 and even cost up to 15 lakhs in some scenarios. This will depend on the extent of hearing loss in a person, their age, if they need it only in one ear or both, type of device, etc.

According to WHO, nearly 3 million Indian children suffer from deafness. Over 20,000 children get diagnosed with deafness of varying degrees every year but a very small fraction of this number can afford ear machines.

While hearing aids have been in India since 1990, the number of people to afford these aids remains low because of their high cost.

Cover for Hearing Aid

Many health insurance plans offer coverage for hearing aids with varying benefits, ranging from 50% reimbursement or subject to a maximum amount as per the policy. The insured person can file for the claim if they are prescribed by a network ENT specialist.

Ear machines are not only expensive but also susceptible to wear and tear or total breakdown. People can prepare for these eventual expenses by opting for insurance for hearing aids. It will help them stay covered for financial costs incurred due to repairs and the replacement of their devices.

Depending on the insurer, the device can be covered for financial expenses caused by theft, accidental damage, or breakdown. However, make sure to thoroughly check the coverage and deductibles under these plans.

Another thing to remember is the availability of this coverage, as some plans require you to complete a certain duration before this option is available to them.

Wrapping it Up,

Hearing loss hampers a person’s ability to function normally, especially in extreme cases. It can make even everyday tasks difficult and deter them from living a fulfilling life. Access to suitable ear machines becomes all the more important for these people. If you have elder people to take care of, don’t forget to buy a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers hearing aids. It will help you save significantly in the future.

Health insurance companies

View more insurers

Disclaimer: The list mentioned is according to the alphabetical order of the insurance companies. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in

❮ ❯

Health insurance Articles

Recent Article
Popular Articles

17 Dec 2024

How to File a Claim for Maternity Health...

Maternity insurance is one of the best investments married couples

03 Dec 2024

Health Insurance Checklist

Health insurance is a crucial investment you can make to secure

26 Sep 2024

Can You Get Maternity Insurance If Already...

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life

12 Aug 2024

Moratorium Period in Health Insurance

Getting a health insurance claim accepted for pre-existing

30 Jul 2024

Is Dengue Covered by SBI Health Insurance?

Dengue, a common vector-borne disease, causes high fever, severe

*We will respond in the first instance within 30 minutes of the customers contacting us. 30-minute claim support service is for the purpose of giving reasonable assistance to the policyholder in pursuance of the claim. Settlement of claim (including cashless claim) is the responsibility of the insurer as per policy terms and conditions. The 30- minute claim support is subject to our operations not being impacted by a system failure or force majeure event or for reasons beyond our control. For further details, 24x7 Claims Support Helpline can be reached out at 1800-258-5881.

*Product information is authentic and solely based on the information received from the Insurer. Policybazaar is acting only as a facilitator and claims settlement shall be at the sole discretion of the Insurer. Policybazaar does not provide any medical or surgical advice or diagnosis and is not responsible for your interactions / treatment by a medical practitioner/hospital. Please consult a registered medical practitioner for any medical or surgical advice. The Information that you obtain or receive from Policybazaar, and its employees, or otherwise on the Website is for informational purposes only. As per the Insurance guidelines, you are allowed to cancel the policy with-in 30 days from the date of Issuance of policy.This option is available incase of policies with a term of one year or more.

*All the health insurance plans cover hospitalization expenses including COVID-19 treatment cover up to the specified limits. You can also buy specific COVID-19 health insurance policies such as Corona Kavach Policy and Corona Rakshak policy.

**All savings and online discounts are provided by insurers as per IRDAI approved insurance plans. #Tax Benefits are subject to changes in tax laws. GST Exemptions depend on fulfilment of qualification criteria and submission of relevant documents.

*₹1748/month is the starting price for a 1 crore health insurance for an 18-year-old male, with no pre-existing diseases. Discount on renewal premium is subject to the number of wellness points earned in the health insurance policy. For more details about the plans, please read the sale brochure carefully to get upto 100% discount on renewal premium.

*₹400/month is the starting price for ₹ 5 lakh Health insurance for a 30 year old male & 29 years old female, living in Delhi with no pre-existing diseases

*₹541/month is the starting price for ₹ 10 lakh Health insurance for a 30 year old male & 29 years old female, living in Delhi with no pre-existing diseases

*₹762/month is the starting price for ₹ 1 Crore Health insurance for a 30 year old male & 29 years old female, living in Delhi with no pre-existing diseases

*₹243/month(₹ 8/day) is the starting price for a 5 lakh health insurance for a 20-year-old male, non-smoker, living in Bengaluru with no pre-existing diseases

*₹2020/month is the starting price for ₹ 1 Cr Health insurance for a 50 year old male & 50 years old female, living in Bangalore with no pre-existing diseases rounded off to nearest 10.

*₹390/month (₹13 per day) is starting price for 1 cr. Health insurance for 25 years old male, with pre-existing diseases, residing from tier 1 city rounded off to the nearest 10.

*No medical tests are required unless requested by the insurer’s underwriter. In-case of pre-existing diseases relevant medical proof would be required as per the terms and condition of the policy opted.

*The values taken for effective cost calculation are indicative values and may change as per the selected plan.

*Coverage upto double the amount of Sum Insured is available on certain covers for a minimum plan of Rs. 5 Lakh on the first claim only to an individual of upto 45 years of age with no pre-existing diseases. The benefit is available with or without extra cost depending on the plan chosen.

*Coverage of pre-existing diseases is provided by insurer as per their underwriting policy.

*The scope of coverage may vary from plan to plan.

~Source: Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ

##On ground claim assistance is available in 114 cities

Tax Benefits are subject to changes in tax laws. GST Exemption depends on fulfilment of qualification criteria and submission of relevant documents as required by the insurers. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure and applicable rules and regulation carefully before concluding a sale.

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale.

Policybazaar is a registered Composite Broker |Registration No. 742, Valid till 09/06/2024, License category- Composite Broker| Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may be shared with insurers.

Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited | CIN: U74999HR2014PTC053454 | Registered Office - Plot No.119, Sector - 44, Gurgaon, Haryana - 122001 Contact Us | Legal and Admin Policies