Does Health Insurance Cover Diagnostic Charges like X-Ray, MRI or Ultrasound?
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 29/09/2023
A health insurance plan is a must-have financial planning tool for all ages. It can safeguard you from the costs of medical-related procedures, such as treatments, surgeries, medicines, and more. Apart from these, you can also enjoy several health insurance tax benefits and save a lot of money each year.
Health insurance is a comprehensive instrument that protects you from pre- as well as post-hospitalisation costs. However, with several types of insurance plans in the market, it can sometimes be confusing to understand the inclusions and exclusions in medical insurance.
In this article, let’s discuss whether or not a health insurance policy covers the charges for high-end diagnostic tests like an X-Ray, MRI, and ultrasound.
What Are Diagnostic Procedures Like X-Ray, MRI, And Ultrasound?
X-Ray, MRI, and ultrasound are diagnostic imaging tests that help your doctor determine the nature, severity, and type of health issue you are suffering from.
An X-Ray can be used to detect cancer with the help of 2D images. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can help in diagnosing issues in the brain, spine, breast, abdomen, etc., with the help of 3D images. Lastly, an ultrasound uses sound waves with frequencies of over 20 kHz to detect tumours, changes in the appearance of organs or tissues, etc.
These diagnostic methods can be requested by your physician and can be carried out as a pre-or hospitalisation procedure.
Does Insurance Cover an MRI?
A health insurance plan may cover the expenses of an MRI, depending on the policy you purchase. For instance, Tata AIG Medicare Premier covers certain types of MRI under high end diagnostic tests like the PET MRI on Out Patient Department (OPD) basis up to a specified limit .
Along with TATA AIG Medicare Premier, other products like Tata AIG Medicare and Tata AIG Medicare Protect also covers medical expenses of an MRI, if the same forms the part of a pre-hospitalization or post-hospitalization procedure for which hospitalization claim is admissible under the product.
Now that you have the answer to does insurance cover an MRI, let us go ahead.
Does Insurance Cover X-Rays?
With Tata AIG, Medicare Premier covers certain types of X-rays under high-end diagnostic tests like a PET CT or PET MRI on Out Patient Department (OPD) basis up specified limit.
Along with TATA AIG Medicare Premier, other products like Tata AIG Medicare and Tata AIG Medicare Protect also covers medical expenses of an X-Rays, if the same forms the part of a pre-hospitalization or post-hospitalization procedure for which hospitalization claim is admissible under the product.
Now that you have the answer to does insurance cover X-Rays let us go ahead.
Is Ultrasound Covered by Insurance?
Coverage for ultrasound costs also depends upon the insurer. For example, the Tata AIG Medicare Premier offers certain types of Ultrasound under high-end diagnostic tests like Computed Tomography (CT) Urography on Out Patient Department (OPD) basis up to specified limit.
Along with TATA AIG Medicare Premier, other products like Tata AIG Medicare and Tata AIG Medicare Protect also covers medical expenses of an Ultrasounds, if the same forms the part of a pre-hospitalization or post-hospitalization procedure for which hospitalization claim is admissible under the product.
Therefore, this is the answer to is ultrasound covered by insurance.
How to Pick a Comprehensive Plan That Covers Ultrasound, X-Ray and MRI Health Insurance?
With so many types of medical insurance covers, it is essential to understand the exclusions of each. Here are some things you can do to ensure you pick the right policy:
- Research for the best plans:
Instead of following in on peer suggestions, try to research yourself. Compare different plans and understand the differences in each. Then, you can use the internet for your research and study the pros and cons of each plan within a few minutes.
Some plans may cover varied types of expenses like diagnostic tests and maternity care and offer global coverage, emergency air ambulance, etc., while others may not. There is no right or wrong plan. But you pick a suitable one based on your requirements and budget. So, understand whether your plan provides MRI insurance coverage and more.
- Go through the policy’s terms and conditions:
A lot of people do not go through the terms and conditions of the policy before signing the papers and paying the premium. Make sure that you read the policy details and pay attention to the fine print before you settle on a plan. It can help to read the list of things that the health insurance policy includes and the ones that it does not. For instance, check if ultrasound is covered by insurance or not.
- Ask the insurer if you have doubts:
If the terms of the policy and inclusions are not clear, talk to the insurance company and find an answer to your doubts. For instance, if you want to know about the inclusion of diagnostic tests, you can ask the insurer does medical insurance covers MRI, X-Ray and ultrasound or not.
The policy document can be long and hard to grasp. However, try to clear all ambiguity by talking to your insurance provider. This will save critical time at a later stage and also ensure that you get the most suited policy.
- Pick reputable insurance companies:
Picking a reputable company ensures that you get a good health insurance plan with adequate MRI insurance coverage, quick disbursements, affordable premiums, and other valuable features. It also ensures that you get excellent customer service and instant financial help in your hour of need.
Health insurance is an integral financial tool that can help you save a lot of money. It can also ensure that you get the right treatment without any compromises. Therefore, a reputable insurer has a major role to play in your financial protection.
To Sum It Up
X-Ray, ultrasound, and MRI covered by insurance are essential considerations as these costs can be pretty high in today’s times. Medical inflation has gone through the roof. Moreover, diagnostic tests are the first step in treatment as they help your doctor understand the severity of your illness. Therefore, having a health insurance policy that can cover these costs can be crucial for you by helping you manage the expenses of your treatment. Make sure you pick a suitable plan that offers ultrasound, X-Ray and MRI health insurance for comprehensive and wholesome financial security at a trying time in your life.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.