Page 21 - Insurance Times October 2023

Telemedicine &

Insurance - Adapting

to the Growing

Demand for Remote

Rohit Boda
Healthcare Group Managing Director
J. B. Boda Group

Telemedicine has undoubtedly revolutionized healthcare, but the existing insurance policies have
found it challenging to adapt to this evolving landscape. Traditional insurance models were
primarily designed for in-person medical care, and they often lack the flexibility to encompass
telehealth services.

T he healthcare landscape has undergone a patients to connect with doctors from the comfort of their

remarkable transformation in recent years, driven
homes. This convenience is bolstered by cost savings
associated with virtual consultations and reduced travel
by the proliferation of telemedicine.
Telemedicine, once a futuristic concept, is now an
integral part of healthcare delivery in India. This innovative expenses.
approach involves providing medical consultations and Insurance Coverage Challenges
treatments remotely, using telecommunications. Telemedicine has undoubtedly revolutionized healthcare,
Telemedicine's growth in India is attributed to several key but the existing insurance policies have found it challenging
factors, including increased internet and smartphone to adapt to this evolving landscape. Traditional insurance
accessibility, rising healthcare costs, and the impact of the models were primarily designed for in-person medical care,
COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the Insurance Regulatory and and they often lack the flexibility to encompass telehealth
Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has played a pivotal services. This limitation has led to confusion and gaps in
role by directing insurers to include telemedicine coverage for policy holders seeking telemedicine services.
consultations in health insurance policies, thus boosting the Many individuals have faced challenges in understanding
sector's development. whether their insurance plans cover virtual consultations
and which services are eligible for reimbursement.
Benefits of Telemedicine Telemedicine offers numerous
advantages, foremost among them being improved Patients can face challenges when trying to get their
healthcare access for individuals in remote or rural areas. telemedicine expenses covered by insurance. One challenge
It eliminates geographical barriers, allowing patients to is that insurance policies often do not clearly mention
consult healthcare professionals without extensive travel. telemedicine, leaving patients uncertain about whether
Additionally, telemedicine enhances convenience by enabling their services will be covered. Another challenge is that even

20 October 2023 The Insurance Times