Newz Desk, Durgapur : Imagine this, you rush a loved one to the hospital, swipe your health insurance card… and it doesn’t work!
That’s what lakhs of Bajaj Allianz policyholders may face.
From 1st September, over 15,200 hospitals in North India including Max Healthcare and Medanta, will stop offering cashless treatment to Bajaj Allianz customers.
So, why is this happening?
Hospitals say Bajaj Allianz hasn’t updated its reimbursement rates for years.
Meanwhile, medical costs in India rise 7–8% annually due to costlier medicines, staff salaries, equipment, and utilities.
On top of that, hospitals accuse the insurer of:
- Unilateral deductions- arbitrary cuts in claims
- Payment delays- settlements take months
- Slow approvals- admission and discharge clearances drag on
In short, hospitals feel underpaid and left waiting too long.
Why hospitals said ‘no more’
Their agreements with Bajaj Allianz expired years ago.
Instead of revising tariffs upwards, hospitals allege the insurer pressured them to cut costs further. They call it unsustainable.
What this means for patients
- From 1st September, No cashless treatments at these hospitals
- Patients must pay upfront for surgeries, consultations, or stays
- Reimbursement can be claimed later, but arranging lakhs in emergencies won’t be easy
Bajaj Allianz responds
The insurer says it’s “surprised,” claiming it already offers fair rates and smooth claim processes. It adds that talks with the hospital body AHPI are ongoing, and it’s confident of a resolution.
What policyholders should do now
- Check hospital status before admission
- Keep emergency funds or credit ready
- Save all bills and documents
- File reimbursement quickly with complete paperwork
- Track claims online via Bajaj Allianz’s portal or helpline
Cashless treatment facilities may return if disputes are settled
The lesson?
In healthcare, always double-check payment policies because in an emergency, every second counts.
