Does any insurance policy pay doctor and medical bills?

Q: Is there a policy that will pay for doctor's fees, medicines purchased from the medical store & medical treatment like ECG, sonography etc.? Can I avail the benefit of these without being hospitalised?

A:On a stand alone basis, I am not aware if such benefits, typical referred to as OPD cover, is available from any insurance company in India. But, having said that, in case there is hospitalisation, then any such expenses incurred, 30 days before hospitalisation and up to 60 days post discharge are covered. Recently Reliance has launched a policy which covers these expenses up to 60 days pre hospitalisation and up to 90 days post discharge as well. These you can claim as reimbursements from the insurance company.Such benefits are though available in some hospitals under a marketing scheme launched by them, and these are typically discounted programs. Examples of such are the Apollo Health Edge program and Max Happy Family program.