Use cashless everywhere policy at any hospital without network restrictions
- Media Team Ashok Times
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
Great news for you, dear Policy Holder:
Cashless Everywhere Policy: Use at Any Hospital
Yes, you can use the Cashless Everywhere policy at any hospital in India—even those not in your insurer’s network—without traditional network restrictions.
This policy, introduced by India’s insurance regulators in 2024, allows policyholders to access cashless hospitalization at all eligible hospitals, provided certain guidelines are followed.
Key Features
· No Network Restrictions: You are no longer limited to only network/empanelled hospitals. Cashless treatment is available at any hospital registered under the Clinical Establishment Act with at least 15 beds, regardless of whether your insurer has a pre-existing arrangement with that hospital[1][2][3][4].
· Advance Notification Requirement:
o For planned treatments, you must inform your insurer at least 48 hours before admission.
· Direct Settlement: The insurer settles your medical bills directly with the hospital. You do not have to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later (as was standard for non-network hospitals before this policy)[1][2][4].
· Standardized Package Rates: Charges at non-network hospitals are capped, typically at rates similar to those charged by the hospital to network insurers, providing cost predictability and preventing inflated bills[2][5].
Eligibility Criteria for Hospitals
Requirement | Details |
Minimum Number of Beds | 15 |
Registration | Must be registered under state Clinical Establishment Act |
Willingness | Hospital must agree to participate under insurer/IRDAI rules |
Practical Steps for Patients
· Inform your insurer as per requirement (planned/emergency).
· Carry your insurance card and necessary identification to the hospital.
· Hospitals must cooperate for electronic pre-authorization and documentation.
· Check if the hospital meets the regulatory criteria above.
Benefits for Patients
· Greater freedom to choose any hospital based on care, treatment, or physician preference.
· Streamlined process removes complex reimbursement paperwork and reduces financial stress.
· More predictable billing, especially important for whole person care and minimizing financial barriers to necessary treatment[1][2][4][5][6].
In summary: Under the “Cashless Everywhere” framework, you have the right to cashless treatment at any eligible hospital in India without being restricted by insurer network lists—provided you follow notification protocols and the hospital meets basic regulatory requirements[1][2][4]. Ashok One Hospital welcomes all policy Holders.
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