The Association of Medical Consultants (AMC), representing 14,000 professionals, has raised concerns over what they perceive as “preferential treatment” by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The criticism comes after an Rs 25 lakh cashless treatment claim for actor Saif Ali Khan at Lilavati Hospital in Bandra was approved within hours last week.
AMC pointed out that such swift approvals are rare for common policyholders. Highlighting the disparity, health insurance expert Nikhil Jha shared AMC’s concerns, calling attention to systemic inequality in claim processing. He noted that such expedited approvals are unlikely in cases involving ordinary individuals.
Jha emphasized that this preferential treatment for high-profile personalities questions the fairness and equality of the health insurance system. He wrote on X, “The Insurance company sanctioned 25 lakhs within a few hours to Lilavati Hospital for the treatment of Saif Ali Khan. The normal process is to ask for an FIR copy in medicolegal cases. The insurance company waived this requirement and immediately approved the cashless request for 25 lakhs.”
Additionally, during Saif Ali Khan treatment, sensitive details of his health insurance claim were leaked online. It was revealed that the Bollywood star had applied for a claim of Rs 35.95 lakh, of which Rs 25 lakh was already sanctioned. The insurer later confirmed that the documents submitted justified the amount claimed but acknowledged that the speed of approval was unusual compared to standard processes.
The AMC’s remarks have sparked broader conversations about the need for greater transparency and equality in India’s health insurance system.
