Does HDFC ERGO Health Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery refers to the surgical procedure of treating cataracts. It involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens. Usually, the surgery is recommended if the cataract makes it difficult for the patient to perform day-to-day activities. Besides, it is a safe procedure and is generally performed without requiring 24 hours of hospitalization.

However, cataract surgery can be a costly procedure for many. The average cost of a cataract surgery in India ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,27,000. The surgery cost varies with the type of surgery and the place where it has been performed. For instance, the price of a laser cataract surgery is more expensive than a traditional surgery. Similarly, cataract surgery performed at a private hospital in Delhi will be costlier than at a government hospital in Jhansi.

A health insurance policy can prevent the financial burden of the cataract surgery. Let’s find out if HDFC ERGO health insurance plans cover the cost of a cataract surgery.

Is Cataract Surgery Covered by HDFC ERGO Health Insurance Plans?

Yes.

Cataract surgery is covered by HDFC ERGO health insurance plans, including HDFC ERGO Optima Restore, HDFC ERGO my:health Suraksha, HDFC ERGO Optima Secure and HDFC ERGO Maxima Insurance plans. The surgery is covered as a day care procedure as it does not require you to be hospitalized for 24 hours.

Besides paying for the cataract surgery, HDFC ERGO health insurance plans also cover operation theatre costs, surgeon’s fees, surgical appliances costs, etc. Moreover, the medical expenses incurred before and after the surgery are also covered by the insurance company.

Waiting Period for Cataract Surgery Under HDFC ERGO Health Insurance

Although HDFC ERGO health insurance plans cover cataract surgery, the coverage is not available from day 1. To raise a claim for cataract surgery with your insurance company, you need to first serve the applicable waiting period.

HDFC ERGO health insurance plans with cataract surgery coverage come with a fixed waiting period of 2 years. This means the HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company will cover the cost of your cataract surgery after 2 consecutive renewals.

However, if you have been diagnosed with the cataract before buying your HDFC ERGO health policy, it will be considered a pre-existing disease. As a result, pre-existing disease waiting period will apply.

Most HDFC ERGO health insurance plans cover pre-existing diseases after a waiting period of 2 to 4 years. Hence, make sure to read your policy terms and conditions carefully to know the waiting period for pre-existing diseases.

Precautions to Take After a Cataract Surgery

Here are some of the precautions that you can take after your cataract surgery:

• Do not rub your eyes
• Do not let soap or shampoo enter your eyes
• Use an eye shield while washing your hair
• Use an eye shield at night for at least a week
• Use sunglasses, old glasses or eye shield when outdoors
• Do not perform any strenuous exercise or work
• Avoid swimming for at least 4 to 6 weeks
• Do not wear eye make-up for at least 4 weeks

Summing It Up

Cataract affects several people in old age and undergoing a cataract surgery can be pretty expensive for many of them. Buying a health insurance policy is only the way to pay for the surgery without depleting your savings. Just make sure to go through your policy document to know the waiting period for cataract surgery.