Saif Ali Khan’s Rs 25 lakh insurance claim sparks debate – But why?

New Delhi: The rapid approval of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan’s Rs 25 lakh cashless insurance claim has ignited a heated debate about preferential treatment in India’s healthcare insurance system. The Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) represents over 14,000 medical professionals and has raised concerns over the swiftness of the claim process,

It accused the system of favouring high-profile individuals. Scroll down to read more as we delve into the full controversy surrounding the Devara actor’s insurance claim!

AMC flags unequal treatment

In a letter to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the AMC criticised the unusually fast approval of Saif Ali Khan’s claim, calling it a glaring example of systemic inequality. They pointed out that such expedited claims are almost unheard of for regular policyholders.

“This instance highlights a troubling trend where celebrities and patients with corporate policies receive favourable terms, while ordinary citizens grapple with low reimbursement rates and insufficient coverage,” the AMC wrote.

Insurance expert Nikhil Jha weighed in on the controversy via X (formerly Twitter). He highlighted discrepancies in the claim approval process, noting that an ordinary policyholder would have been required to submit an FIR in a medicolegal case before their claim could even be considered. However, this requirement was waived in Saif’s case, allowing his claim to be approved within hours.

“The insurance company sanctioned Rs 25 lakh within a few hours to Lilavati Hospital for Saif Ali Khan’s treatment. The normal process is to ask for an FIR copy in medicolegal cases, but this was skipped,” he tweeted.

The AMC further emphasised that their grievance isn’t with celebrities or corporate hospitals but with the disparity in treatment. “We advocate for equitable access to healthcare. Ordinary patients deserve the same privileges as high-profile individuals,” said Dr Sudhir Naik, head of the AMC’s medico-legal cell.

Saif Ali Khan’s hospitalisation

Saif Ali Khan’s family reportedly filed an insurance claim of Rs 35.95 lakh for his five-day hospitalisation at Lilavati Hospital following a violent attack at his Bandra residence. The insurer, Niva Bupa, confirmed that Rs 25 lakh had already been approved with the remaining amount under process. Her spokesperson defended the claim, stating that treatment costs vary based on several factors, including the hospital, city, and type of room selected.

Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident

On January 16, Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra home when an intruder confronted his maid. The situation escalated as Khan intervened, leaving him with stab wounds to his back, neck, and arm. One of the injuries was dangerously close to his spinal cord.

The intruder, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was arrested three days later after an intense manhunt. Khan underwent surgery and has since been recovering.