Saif Ali Khan’s insurance claim sparks debate over health policy inequalities
Mumbai: The leaked health insurance claim document of actor Saif Ali Khan has stirred widespread debate on social media, highlighting the stark disparities in how insurance companies handle claims for celebrities compared to ordinary citizens. The document, leaked on the microblogging platform X, revealed that Khan filed a claim of ₹35.95 lakh with Niva Bupa Health Insurance for his treatment costs. However, the insurer approved ₹25 lakh, while the final hospital bill amounted to ₹26 lakh.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by middle-class policyholders. Dr Prashant Mishra, a cardiac surgeon at Tunga Hospital, criticised insurance companies for their leniency towards luxury hospitals and celebrities, stating, "For smaller hospitals, insurers rarely sanction amounts exceeding ₹5 lakh." He also expressed concerns over the rising premiums caused by such practices.
Real-life cases from citizens further highlighted the inconsistencies. Mahesh Seth, whose wife underwent hip and knee surgeries, had to pay ₹4 lakh upfront as the hospital was not in the insurer's network. He was later reimbursed ₹3.88 lakh, with certain expenses deemed non-reimbursable. Similarly, Kiran Karkera, 28, recounted the tedious process of navigating claims after his spine surgery, despite having a top-up policy.
A Goregaon resident shared her ordeal after her endoscopy claim for ₹15,000 was rejected on technical grounds, as it was classified as an OPD procedure. Insurance consultant Mahavir Chopra pointed out the limitations of cashless insurance policies during emergencies, citing instances where immediate payments were required, leaving policyholders to bear the financial burden temporarily.
Responding to the controversy, a spokesperson for Niva Bupa Health Insurance clarified that treatment costs vary depending on factors like hospital location, severity of the condition, and room type. Claims are processed per policy terms, with customers required to follow specific procedures for cashless or reimbursement claims.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Abhishek Sharma's massive century guides SRH to 8-wicket win against PBKS
Hyderabad, Apr 12 (PTI): Opener Abhishek Sharma smashed a superb century and shared a 171-run partnership with Travis Head as Sunrisers Hyderabad made a mockery of the massive 245-run chase, registering an eight-wicket win against Punjab Kings here on Saturday.
SRH scored 247 for 2 with nine balls to spare.
Abhishek clobbered 141 off 55 deliveries studded with 14 fours and 10 big hits, while Head made 66 off 37 balls as the duo undid the good work done by Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer, who hit a 36-ball 82 after electing to bat first.
Abhishek also become the third-highest scorer in IPL history behind Chris Gayle (175 not out) and Brendon McCullum (158 not out).
Earlier, PBKS openers Priyansh Arya (36 off 13 balls) and Prabhsimran Singh (42 off 23) added 66 runs quickly before Iyer carried on the good work along with Nehal Wadhera (27).
Harshal Patel (4/42) emerged as the most successful SRH bowler, while Sri Lankan right-arm quick Eshan Malinga (2/45) took two wickets.
Brief Scores:
Punjab Kings: 245 for 6 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 82, Marcus Stoinis 34 not out, Priyansh Arya 36, Prabhsimran Singh 42; Harshal Patel 4/42, Eshan Malinga 2/45).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 247 for 2 in 18.3 overs (Travis Head 66, Abhishek Sharma 141, Heinrich Klaasen 21 not out).
