Choosing the Right Health Insurance: Lessons from a Negative Experience with Manipal Cigna Mediclaim

In the world of health insurance, finding a reliable and trustworthy provider is crucial. This article aims to provide insights and warnings based on my negative experience with Manipal Cigna Mediclaim. It highlights the importance of thorough research and due diligence before choosing a health insurance plan. I will contrast this negative experience with the positive results from using Kenko insurance, providing readers with a comprehensive comparison to help make an informed decision.

Manipal Cigna Mediclaim: A Cautionary Tale

With no hesitation, I can say that Manipal Cigna Mediclaim has the worst reputation in the health insurance industry. Over the past month, I have faced insurmountable challenges when trying to claim reimbursement for my medical bills.

Initially, the process of filing a claim seemed straightforward. However, it quickly turned into a tiresome ordeal. They would initially agree to a 30-day period, where they would pretend to process the claim. Once the 30 days expired, they extended the deadline multiple times, causing significant delays and stress. Moreover, their website is poorly designed and does not allow you to upload any documents, further complicating the claim process.

The customer service at Manipal Cigna Mediclaim is virtually non-existent. Attempts to resolve any issues are met with unhelpful responses.

Do not under any circumstances buy health insurance from Manipal Cigna Mediclaim.

Kenko Insurance: A Positive Experience

On the other hand, my experience with Kenko insurance has been overwhelmingly positive. I discovered Kenko through an Instagram advertisement and decided to try their 299 plan as a trial. I found the plan to be exceptionally smooth and beneficial, leading me to switch to the Ultimate Plan for my family the very next month.

Kenko plans offer extensive coverage of medical expenses, including:

Scheduling doctor appointments through their app Ordering medicines at discounted rates Booking lab tests using their app

The most impressive aspect of Kenko is the quick and hassle-free claims process. Claims are typically reimbursed within 48 hours, and their customer support team is always available to help.

Incidents with Manipal Cigna Mediclaim

After purchasing the Manipal Cigna Super Top-Up plan, I quickly realized that the quality of service did not match its low price. The following are some examples of the issues I faced:

Incident 1: Cashless Claim Rejection and Payment from Pocket

I raised a request for a cashless claim for a cancer patient's admission, but the insurance company put my case under verification and asked for 24-48 hours. This is unacceptable when a patient is in the hospital waiting for approval. In the end, I had to pay from my pocket.

Incident 2: Rejected Super Top-Up Claim Due to Deductible Misunderstanding

As per the policy terms and conditions (TnC), the deductible was an aggregate for a policy year. When the hospital sent the bill on the discharge date, they rejected the claim, stating that the deductible was per claim. Despite sending all the proofs and contacting the customer care more than 25 times, they continued to reject the claim, even though the policy TnC was clearly mentioned. Finally, they registered the claim after 20 days, which caused extra days during which I had to pay from my pocket.

Incident 3: Per Claim Deductible Misunderstanding

I raised three cashless claims again, but they were rejected on the same ground. I went through all the necessary steps and provided all possible proofs, but the claims were rejected. This incident heightened my frustration, as I had to push through multiple layers of management and ultimately the IRDAI.

It's crucial to note that these claims have taken a significant emotional toll and I feel like a patient with high blood pressure. Therefore, I wholeheartedly advise against using such a company.

Conclusion: The Price of Cheap Insurance

Choosing a reputable health insurance provider is not just about price. A cheap premium often comes with a cheaper quality of service. My experience with Manipal Cigna Mediclaim proves this point. Due to the numerous issues I faced, I now warn others to stay away from such fraudulent companies with cheap tactics.

My Journey with Kenko Insurance

Over the past two years, I have been using Kenko insurance, and it has been a smooth and hassle-free experience. My premium rate was affordable, and the benefits were outstanding. The entire claims process has been quick and user-friendly, and their customer support team is always available to help resolve any issues.

If you are in need of reliable and efficient health insurance, I strongly recommend considering Kenko. They will save you time, stress, and unnecessary expenses.

Holding Back No Stones Unturned

A total of 78 calls and 8 emails were made to get the reimbursement and processing of claims. Incident 2 is still a pending case as of now. The best advice I can give is to stick with reputable insurance companies, as they will be there when you need them the most.

Recommendations

When choosing a health insurance provider, always:

Thoroughly read the policy terms and conditions. Check the claims process and any potential complexities. Assess the customer service and support provided. Consider the reliability and reputation of the company.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right health insurance provider is a crucial decision. Avoid the pitfalls and potential heartaches by doing your due diligence. Switch to a company that provides a seamless experience and genuine support. Remember, your health is priceless, and it's essential to secure it with the best possible coverage.