The Mumbai-based Association of Medical Consultants has raised concerns over the quick approval of actor Saif Ali Khan’s mediclaim, following the knife attack he suffered during a burglary at his Mumbai home. The medical body, which represents over 14,000 practitioners across India, has written to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), flagging the preferential treatment celebrities like Khan seem to receive in comparison to ordinary policyholders.
Khan was attacked on January 16 by an intruder who stabbed him six times during a robbery attempt. One of the injuries was perilously close to his spine, and the actor was immediately admitted to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for treatment. During his five-day stay, a document emerged on social media revealing that a nearly Rs 36 lakh cashless claim had been approved for his treatment. The insurance provider, Niva Bupa, approved Rs 25 lakh of the claim initially, confirming that the request was processed and further claims would follow the standard guidelines.
In a letter addressed to the chairman of IRDAI, the Association of Medical Consultants expressed its dissatisfaction, citing concerns over the disparity in insurance coverage for high-profile individuals like Khan and ordinary citizens. The medical group questioned why celebrities and high-profile patients, often covered by corporate insurance policies, receive more favorable terms, including higher cashless treatment limits. In contrast, everyday policyholders often face challenges with insufficient coverage and lower reimbursement rates.
“We believe insurance should be a safeguard for all, irrespective of social status,” the Association’s letter stated. “The preferential treatment based on celebrity status creates a two-tier system, which is discriminatory against ordinary policyholders.”
The letter also highlighted the troubling trend of celebrities receiving higher treatment limits while common citizens are left with less adequate coverage. It called for greater transparency in how claims and cashless treatment limits are determined to prevent such disparities.
The association urged the IRDAI to investigate the situation and ensure that all policyholders, regardless of their social standing, are treated equally. It also requested the introduction of clear guidelines to curb preferential treatment in insurance claim approvals.
Saif Ali Khan’s medical condition has been reported as serious but stable, with one of the stab wounds coming perilously close to his spinal cord. Doctors have since performed surgery on him to treat the injuries, and he was discharged last week, with instructions for bed rest. His injuries, though severe, are not life-threatening, and he is expected to recover with proper care.
As the issue of preferential treatment continues to gain attention, the Association of Medical Consultants hopes that IRDAI will take steps to ensure fairness in mediclaim approvals, offering equal coverage for all policyholders, regardless of their celebrity status.
Sources By Agencies
