Term
Cashless Network
Cashless facility lets you avail treatment at network hospitals where the insurer settles bills directly.
What it means
In a cashless hospital, the insurer or TPA pays the hospital directly for covered expenses after approval. You may still need to pay non-covered items or co-payments at discharge.
Why it matters
- Large cashless networks make it easier to access cashless benefits across cities.
- Network hospitals may have negotiated rates; check whether that impacts your choice of hospital for specialized care.
Practical tips
- Confirm a hospital’s network status and the process for pre-authorization before planned admissions.
- For emergencies, notify the insurer/TPA promptly; some policies have specific timelines for intimation.
- Even in cashless cases, keep original bills and discharge summaries for records and portability.