Views of Mr. Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, Max Bupa Health Insurance on World Mental Health Day

“It’s been a year since the IRDAI has mandated insurance companies to bring mental health related illnesses under the purview of health insurance. The mandate has not only brought respite for people who have been struggling with mental health related issues in the past but also put to rest the insecurities/ anxieties, leading to mental health related illnesses being treated at par with any other form of physical illness. Mental illness is no longer a stigma, and more and more people are coming out in the open to share their experiences and struggles.

As per the National Mental Health Survey of India, there are nearly 150 million Indians who need mental health related medical services while less than 30 million are seeking help for the same. Unfortunately, mental health related issues were not considered as serious disorders in the past. In fact, for many, such instances were considered merely a ‘phase’ that will eventually pass and not something that needed immediate medical attention, leading to many suffering silently. However, lately things have indeed changed for good making this issue more mainstream in terms of awareness, and even IRDAI taking a note.

While health insurance for mental health related illnesses is still at a nascent stage, health insurance companies have started to streamline and design products, that can provide coverage for all mental health related illnesses. At Max Bupa, we have recently launched Max Bupa Health Pulse that provides cover for treatment of mental disorders and the policyholders are covered up to the sum insured amount. Besides, the unique behavioral counselling feature in our GoActive plan, which offers telephonic counselling to customers dealing with any form of stress/ mental anxiety, related to marriage, studies, parenting, work, etc. has received immense response so far and it is our endeavor to help our customers in the best possible way.

With this, we are looking forward to a better world which not only helps people deal with mental issues but also encourages them to come out and share their struggle openly and fearlessly.