Abuse of Power
How Did Niva Bupa Approve Saif Ali Khan’s Rs 36 Lakh Lilavati Hospital Insurance Bill in Hours? Complaint Filed with IRDAI
The Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) has raised concerns over the alleged preferential treatment given to actor Saif Ali Khan in a recent insurance claim. The claim, amounting to lakhs of rupees, was reportedly approved within hours without adhering to standard investigation protocols, sparking outrage among the public and professionals alike.
AMC Questions IRDAI Over Discrimination
The issue gained traction after a social media user, Nikhil Jha, shared a letter highlighting that the insurance company approved Saif Ali Khan’s hospital bill at Lilavati Hospital without asking for an FIR copy in what was allegedly a medicolegal case. The AMC, representing over 14,000 medical professionals in Mumbai, has written to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), expressing concern over what they called an example of discrimination in the medical insurance industry.
Unequal Treatment in Claim Settlements?
The AMC’s letter criticized the preferential treatment often extended to high-profile individuals and corporate policyholders, who enjoy higher cashless limits and faster claim approvals. In contrast, ordinary policyholders face limited coverage, procedural delays, and numerous hurdles in claim settlements.
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The association stressed the need for equal treatment, stating that such practices create a two-tier system that undermines the principle of equitable access to medical services.
Key Demands by AMC
In its letter to IRDAI, the AMC made the following requests:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the Saif Ali Khan insurance claim case.
- Ensure equal treatment for all policyholders, regardless of social status.
- Implement strict guidelines to prevent discriminatory behavior by insurance companies.
- Increase transparency in cashless treatment processes to regain public trust.
Call for Reform in Insurance Practices
The AMC emphasized that medical insurance should serve as a safeguard for all policyholders, not just a select few. The association urged the IRDAI to act decisively, ensuring that no individual or group is given undue advantage in claim approvals.
As public outrage grows over the incident, the spotlight is now on the IRDAI to address these concerns and take steps to ensure fairness and transparency in the insurance sector.
