Are you worried about your insurance cover not helping you with tests and check-ups and denies claims for medicine bills? You have another option.
An entrepreneurial venture called Indian Health Organisation (IHO), launched by two former bankers, is offering members get tests, doctor consultations and medicines at discounted rates.
IHO was started by Visham Sikand and Sunando Sen, who both worked in the credit card division of foreign banks. Based out of Delhi, it began operations last year. The company issues health cards to members, which allow them to get full body check-ups, doctor consultations, medicines and dentistry treatments at a discount. Also, the card can be used at a network of doctors, dentists and pharmacies for further discounts.
The company is working in preventive healthcare — basically diagnosing a health problem before it occurs or spreads, so as to try and prevent hospitalisation and nip treatment expenses.
“We wanted to cater to the areas that insurance doesn’t take care of,” says Sikand. “Preventive health check-ups are not covered under insurance policies, neither are medicine costs. Dentistry treatment too is out of the picture. We saw that gap.”
Sikand and Sen studied the market abroad and realized that there was little spending on preventive healthcare in India.
“In the US around 50% people spend on preventive health care (tests, check ups etc), while in India only 2% spend on it,” says Sikand.
Using the health card, you can get first two consultations free of cost. “In case you do not like the first doctor you visited, you can re-select a doctor and get the next two consultations free of cost,” says Sikand. Later consultations come at a concessional rate, and the treatment needed after the tests can be done at around 25% lower than cost, he adds.
On pathology tests, X-rays and radiology tests, you can avail a 20-30% discount. Cancer tests also cost lower. Medicines can be bought at 8-12% lower.
You can even get a medical consultation over the phone. Personal accident insurance from Iffco-Tokio General Insurance is also offered.
A caveat: To accrue these benefits, you have to visit the network of doctors, pharmacies and dentists that IHO has empanelled.
The company has a network in 20 cities and is planning to add 10 more. There are 2,500 doctors, 800 pharmacies, 300 laboratories and 500 dentists in the IHO network. The list of doctors is vetted by a panel that includes senior doctors and businessmen.
“You have to be post-graduate to be on our doctor network. 99% of the doctors are post-graduate,” says Sikand.
But a doctor on the IHO network may not be a part of it a year later. “We have ejected a few doctors out of the network as they were found to be indulging in commercial interest. If we get to know of such behaviour, the council will reject them,” says Sikand. IHO offers two plans. The basic plan covers one person for a year for Rs 1,545 and for two years for Rs 2,316.
A couple can get one and two-year membership at Rs 2,096 and 3,144, respectively.
A family of four can avail one year membership for Rs 2,648 and two-year membership for Rs 3,971.
There is also a priority plan, that offers a higher level of discount. Single membership is Rs 3,530 for a year while couple membership costs Rs 4,853.
Both plans come with a number of vouchers that offer 50% discount on check-ups.
Among its advantages is that the health card doesn’t distinguish between different age groups, the membership rate is the same across all ages. There are no exclusions — people with pre-existing diseases also qualify for membership. You can start using the card from the day it is issued, the company does not claim a ‘grace period’.
Weighing it all
Looking at the cost per membership and the benefits earned, the IHO plans look like a good deal. But DNA Money’s concern was whether membership would cause people to undertake tests simply because of the discount, and which they would otherwise not have undertaken.
Sikand denies this possibility. “We don’t earn any fee or money from doctors. Whatever we get is from the membership fee paid by customers,” he says.
As for the discounts, he says, “At 50% cost (that the labs may charge IHO members) the labs are not earning. It is inducing the customer to take precautions and prevent illnesses.”
Places stocking the membership form include HSBC Bank, Birla Sun Life Insurance, Aditya Birla Money Mart, Reliance Capital, Unicon Securities and Destimoney Securities. SpiceJet too offers the membership form.
The latest entrant is Networth Stock Broking, which began stocking forms last week.
“Looking at the very large expenses for un-covered services that people… incur, Networth and IHO are looking to add at least 1 lakh new customers via this co-brand offering over the next 12 months,” said Girish Dev, executive director and CEO of Networth.
Or, you can visit the IHO website and sign up there.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Indian Health Organisation unveils Health Plan cards
Indian Health Organisation (IHO) has launched a co-branded Health Plan card with Networth, a broking firm.
The Health Plan card helps customers get discounts on preventive and pre-hospitalisation medical costs.
The card will help customers get free consultations with doctors and dentists, concessions on medical and dental treatments, savings on pathology and radiology tests, and discounts on purchase of medicines from medical shops. The card covers almost all the expenses that are not covered by insurance.
The IHO has tied up with various financial institutions for selling the card.
Mr Girish Dev, Executive Director and CEO of Networth, said the broking firm will offer the product to its 1.25 lakh customers.
The Health Plan card helps customers get discounts on preventive and pre-hospitalisation medical costs.
The card will help customers get free consultations with doctors and dentists, concessions on medical and dental treatments, savings on pathology and radiology tests, and discounts on purchase of medicines from medical shops. The card covers almost all the expenses that are not covered by insurance.
The IHO has tied up with various financial institutions for selling the card.
Mr Girish Dev, Executive Director and CEO of Networth, said the broking firm will offer the product to its 1.25 lakh customers.
Cost-effective way to cut your healthcare bills
GROWING healthcare costs, coupled with awareness initiatives by various stakeholders has, over the years, led to an increase in the number of people buying health insurance policies.
However, since health insurance primarily takes care of hospitalisation and related costs, policyholders have to spend out of their pocket for preventive or regular, overthe-counter medical expenses. The cobranded card launched by Aditya Birla Money, in association with Indian Health Organisation, seeks to plug this need gap.
FACILITIES OFFERED
Named Aditya Birla Money–IHO Health Plan Card, it allows cardholders to avail of services such as health check-ups, consultations, treatments, medicines at a subsidised rate.
For instance, if a card holder goes for an oral hygiene check-up, all the examinations/consultations are offered at no cost. For any dental treatment, the discount could range between 25-30%. Buying medicines at IHO-empanelled pharmacists would fetch discounts of 8-12%. The card does not exclude pre-existing illnesses. Primary card holders are also entitled to a personal accident cover of Rs 50,000 (provided through a partnership with IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance).
USAGE PROCEDURE
When card members need to get in touch with a doctor, they would need to call the IHO helpline number, and the representatives will direct them to the empanelled doctors, based on their requirement and location. The benefits will accrue to them upon flashing the card at the clinic or pharmacy.
CHARGE STRUCTURE
The card is available in several variants. Under the one-year validity programme, an individual health plan (one card and two health check vouchers) would cost Rs 1,400(excluding service tax). For a couple, the cost would work out to Rs 1,900. Similarly, you will be charged Rs 2,400 for a family health plan, which covers four individuals. Twoyear validity programmes are also available.
TARGET GROUPS
According to Aditya Birla Money, the card will prove to be useful to senior citizens who do not have a health cover. Other target groups include families with young kids requiring frequent visits to the dentist, and pregnant women.
The discounts on offer could offset the card membership fee over a period of 1-2 years, particularly for families with kids and elderly individuals. However, if you happen to rely on your family doctor for advice and s/he does not happen to be on the IHO's panel of professionals, this card may not be of help.
Likewise, if your neighbourhood pharmacy does not feature in the list, you may not find the card attractive from the convenience perspective. Also, one needs to remember that the card cannot be deemed to be akin to a health insurance policy and IHO is a private limited organisation, not regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).
However, since health insurance primarily takes care of hospitalisation and related costs, policyholders have to spend out of their pocket for preventive or regular, overthe-counter medical expenses. The cobranded card launched by Aditya Birla Money, in association with Indian Health Organisation, seeks to plug this need gap.
FACILITIES OFFERED
Named Aditya Birla Money–IHO Health Plan Card, it allows cardholders to avail of services such as health check-ups, consultations, treatments, medicines at a subsidised rate.
For instance, if a card holder goes for an oral hygiene check-up, all the examinations/consultations are offered at no cost. For any dental treatment, the discount could range between 25-30%. Buying medicines at IHO-empanelled pharmacists would fetch discounts of 8-12%. The card does not exclude pre-existing illnesses. Primary card holders are also entitled to a personal accident cover of Rs 50,000 (provided through a partnership with IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance).
USAGE PROCEDURE
When card members need to get in touch with a doctor, they would need to call the IHO helpline number, and the representatives will direct them to the empanelled doctors, based on their requirement and location. The benefits will accrue to them upon flashing the card at the clinic or pharmacy.
CHARGE STRUCTURE
The card is available in several variants. Under the one-year validity programme, an individual health plan (one card and two health check vouchers) would cost Rs 1,400(excluding service tax). For a couple, the cost would work out to Rs 1,900. Similarly, you will be charged Rs 2,400 for a family health plan, which covers four individuals. Twoyear validity programmes are also available.
TARGET GROUPS
According to Aditya Birla Money, the card will prove to be useful to senior citizens who do not have a health cover. Other target groups include families with young kids requiring frequent visits to the dentist, and pregnant women.
The discounts on offer could offset the card membership fee over a period of 1-2 years, particularly for families with kids and elderly individuals. However, if you happen to rely on your family doctor for advice and s/he does not happen to be on the IHO's panel of professionals, this card may not be of help.
Likewise, if your neighbourhood pharmacy does not feature in the list, you may not find the card attractive from the convenience perspective. Also, one needs to remember that the card cannot be deemed to be akin to a health insurance policy and IHO is a private limited organisation, not regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).
Aditya Birla Money launches co-branded health card with IHO
Aditya Birla Money has launched a new co-branded health card in collaboration with the Indian Health Organisation (IHO).
Aditya Birla Money is the brokerage, distribution and wealth arm of Aditya Birla Financial Services Group (ABFSG).
The Aditya Birla Money-IHO Health Plan Card will bring affordable, preventive and pre-hospitalisation healthcare at a cost of as little as Rs 7 per day for a family of four for a year and also comes with a personal accident cover, a press release issued here stated.
The card brings together a consortium of individually practising medical professionals and facilitates concessional rates for its members on quality medical services, the release said.
These services range from a free dial-a-doctor facility to subsidised treatments at the finest path labs, dentists and doctors and are currently being offered in 17 prime cities of the country.
Aditya Birla Money Managing Director Kanwar Vivek said, "Healthcare is gaining importance in India and the key issue faced by most people today is the quality and cost of medical services. The card, a first-of-its-kind, attempts to address the needs of this segment and offers a convenient and affordable healthcare solution."
Aditya Birla Money is the brokerage, distribution and wealth arm of Aditya Birla Financial Services Group (ABFSG).
The Aditya Birla Money-IHO Health Plan Card will bring affordable, preventive and pre-hospitalisation healthcare at a cost of as little as Rs 7 per day for a family of four for a year and also comes with a personal accident cover, a press release issued here stated.
The card brings together a consortium of individually practising medical professionals and facilitates concessional rates for its members on quality medical services, the release said.
These services range from a free dial-a-doctor facility to subsidised treatments at the finest path labs, dentists and doctors and are currently being offered in 17 prime cities of the country.
Aditya Birla Money Managing Director Kanwar Vivek said, "Healthcare is gaining importance in India and the key issue faced by most people today is the quality and cost of medical services. The card, a first-of-its-kind, attempts to address the needs of this segment and offers a convenient and affordable healthcare solution."
Thursday, July 22, 2010
INDIAN HEALTH ORGANISATION
As a result of a massive increase in diseases and health issues, the society these days have become more conscious about their health and fitness. The people have indulged themselves in almost everything to keep themselves fit and disease free. From hitting the gym to yoga classes to aerobics, nothing has seemed to work and ill health has become inevitable. Because of this trend, there has been a massive increase in health care organizations that cater to all our medical and health care issues.
Indian Health Organization (IHO) alsos aims to provide all health care services.
The IHO brings together medical practitioners and specialists from varied fields under one roof, so as to make sure that all medical need are taken care of. But at the same time to ensure high quality of service, the Indian Health Organization is extremely selective about its panel of medical practitioners.
The Indian Health Organization works in association with The Indian Dental Association with an experienced panel of dentists.
The main mission of this organization is to provide the best healthcare security to all people, rich or poor, and thus the Indian Health Organization has its roots in various regions and cities all throughout the country.
As a result of the finest services that it offers, the Indian Health Organization has become a market leader in health plan services with a market share of over 80 percent. With a total of 1 million registered loyal members, the Indian Health Organization is undoubtedly the best in its field.
Apart from its panel of 6 thousand medical experts, 34000 school students from different schools in Asia have contributed immensely towards its success.
The entire team of Indian Health Organization works as a family with the main motive being providing better and better health care facilities.
Indian Health Organization (IHO) alsos aims to provide all health care services.
The IHO brings together medical practitioners and specialists from varied fields under one roof, so as to make sure that all medical need are taken care of. But at the same time to ensure high quality of service, the Indian Health Organization is extremely selective about its panel of medical practitioners.
The Indian Health Organization works in association with The Indian Dental Association with an experienced panel of dentists.
The main mission of this organization is to provide the best healthcare security to all people, rich or poor, and thus the Indian Health Organization has its roots in various regions and cities all throughout the country.
As a result of the finest services that it offers, the Indian Health Organization has become a market leader in health plan services with a market share of over 80 percent. With a total of 1 million registered loyal members, the Indian Health Organization is undoubtedly the best in its field.
Apart from its panel of 6 thousand medical experts, 34000 school students from different schools in Asia have contributed immensely towards its success.
The entire team of Indian Health Organization works as a family with the main motive being providing better and better health care facilities.
Important Elements of Health Organization
Health is the crucial factor of without which we can’t imagine our life. It is that aspect of life that determines the worth of life. If one has lost his wealth, he lost nothing but if one has lost health he lost everything. Being rich and unhealthy is an utmost curs rather being poor and vigorous. Since long, Indian government is implementing new laws and policy to endow the people of India with great wellbeing and fitness. There are plenty of organizations and NGO’s that are functioning to provide best pact of health to all.
One such organization is Indian health organization that has been launched with one undertaking i.e. to endow everyone with superior health and create awareness about being hale and hearty. Indian Health Organization’s (IHO) duty is to create enhanced health consciousness in the Indian society and providing fundamental health facilities to those who are accessible. This can be achieved by working closely with selected Healthcare professionals & shared associative who believe in contributing to the basis of the society". Its goal is to increase health security and provide the basic health care to the people of India.
The IHO Health Plans pass together an association of individually committed medical practitioners under one roof & members of the Health Plans will enjoy fully benefits on medical treatments acquire through this network of embraced medical personality. Unlike assurance and insurance, it not only covers up the post-hospitalization process but it also tender certain profit that would include pre-hospitalization.
A survey conducted online, which stated that Indian health organization has been the fastest organization which is successful in fulfilling people’s demands over health and provided the basic healthcare facilities even in sparse areas in limited span of time.
World health organization’s health plans has been triumphant in other prominent countries like UK, USA etc. Consequently, IHO is keeping an eye over India as to make it a disease free, healthy and vigorous Asian country.
One such organization is Indian health organization that has been launched with one undertaking i.e. to endow everyone with superior health and create awareness about being hale and hearty. Indian Health Organization’s (IHO) duty is to create enhanced health consciousness in the Indian society and providing fundamental health facilities to those who are accessible. This can be achieved by working closely with selected Healthcare professionals & shared associative who believe in contributing to the basis of the society". Its goal is to increase health security and provide the basic health care to the people of India.
The IHO Health Plans pass together an association of individually committed medical practitioners under one roof & members of the Health Plans will enjoy fully benefits on medical treatments acquire through this network of embraced medical personality. Unlike assurance and insurance, it not only covers up the post-hospitalization process but it also tender certain profit that would include pre-hospitalization.
A survey conducted online, which stated that Indian health organization has been the fastest organization which is successful in fulfilling people’s demands over health and provided the basic healthcare facilities even in sparse areas in limited span of time.
World health organization’s health plans has been triumphant in other prominent countries like UK, USA etc. Consequently, IHO is keeping an eye over India as to make it a disease free, healthy and vigorous Asian country.
IHO’s HEALTH PLAN AND SERVICES
The Indian Health Organization (IHO) with its panel of nearly 6 thousand medical practitioners provides a wide range of health care and medical services that makes it undoubtedly the best in its field.
The Indian Health Organization (IHO) provides free hospitalization and reduced charges on medical treatments with free consultation. At the time of enrollment for its new members it offers a concessional health check voucher where it’s newly joined members can go in for medical checkups at amazingly concessional rates. Because of its association with the Indian Dental Association, the IHO has a panel of dentistry experts who offer dental treatments at reasonable costs.
Apart from these, the Indian Health Organization (IHO) also offers the best medical provisions with properly equipped radiology and pathology labs offering treatments at low rates. The Indian Health Organization also provides to its members personal accident insurance and various medical insurances with no preset pending limits.
There are also no lengthy claims and procedures, no age limits and no exclusion of pre existing diseases. The Indian Health Organization has also launched preventive health care plans for you and your family.
Indian Health Organization also believes in providing these facilities to the poor ant to those who cannot afford it. Thus some percent of the Indian Health Organization membership fee is given away for charity. So when you become a member of the Indian Health Organization, you are not only securing your own health but doing well for someone else too.
Thus the Indian Health Organization with its expanding infrastructure and expert panel base has achieved its goal of providing reasonable and affordable health services to one and all. It is one of the rising health organizations in India offering all health care services and issues related to medical at a very sensible and affordable cost.
The Indian Health Organization (IHO) provides free hospitalization and reduced charges on medical treatments with free consultation. At the time of enrollment for its new members it offers a concessional health check voucher where it’s newly joined members can go in for medical checkups at amazingly concessional rates. Because of its association with the Indian Dental Association, the IHO has a panel of dentistry experts who offer dental treatments at reasonable costs.
Apart from these, the Indian Health Organization (IHO) also offers the best medical provisions with properly equipped radiology and pathology labs offering treatments at low rates. The Indian Health Organization also provides to its members personal accident insurance and various medical insurances with no preset pending limits.
There are also no lengthy claims and procedures, no age limits and no exclusion of pre existing diseases. The Indian Health Organization has also launched preventive health care plans for you and your family.
Indian Health Organization also believes in providing these facilities to the poor ant to those who cannot afford it. Thus some percent of the Indian Health Organization membership fee is given away for charity. So when you become a member of the Indian Health Organization, you are not only securing your own health but doing well for someone else too.
Thus the Indian Health Organization with its expanding infrastructure and expert panel base has achieved its goal of providing reasonable and affordable health services to one and all. It is one of the rising health organizations in India offering all health care services and issues related to medical at a very sensible and affordable cost.
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