Coverage for second opinion

Insurers are seeing more value of providing coverage for second opinion service as part of their health insurance offering, according to a Times of India report.

United India Insurance has revised its family floater offering to include insurance coverage for second opinion. "Today, there are many specialists available worldwide and if the second specialist says that a surgery is unwarranted, not only does it help the customer, but it also leads to better claims experience and management from the insurance standpoint," Milind Kharat, CMD, United India Insurance said.

Similarly, Apollo Munich is also providing for second opinion coverage under some of its plans. Insurers' state that a second medical opinion is most sought after in case of major ailments such as kidney failure, heart attacks or in case of a major organ transplant. "Our research shows that for major illnesses, when customers are recommended a line of treatment by a specialist, they often feel the necessity to consult another expert. Second opinion coverage addresses this need," Antony Jacob, CEO, Apollo Munich Health Insurance said.

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has tied up with three second opinion service providers under which its customers would only have to quote their health card number to avail the service free of cost. The company launched a second opinion cover almost seven years back but later withdrew it due to lack of demand.