Buy Medical Equipment: What Is Covered Under Insurance in India?

Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly and when they do, having the right medical equipment at home can be life-saving. From oxygen concentrators to hospital beds, many families find themselves needing essential devices to support recovery or ongoing treatment. But with healthcare costs on the rise, one important question comes to mind: Does health insurance in India cover the cost of medical equipment?

If you’ve ever had to Buy Medical Equipment for yourself or a loved one, you know it’s not always cheap. The expenses can add up quickly especially during long-term treatment or post-hospitalization care. Thankfully, depending on the type of policy you have and the medical condition being treated, some medical equipment costs may be reimbursable through health insurance in India.

In this blog, we’ll break down what medical equipment is typically covered, what conditions apply, and how platforms like Prime Healers can help you with both equipment and support in your insurance claim process.

Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Medical Equipment

In India, standard health insurance policies usually cover hospitalization, treatment, surgeries, and post-discharge care. But coverage for durable medical equipment (DME)—such as wheelchairs, CPAP machines, or hospital beds—is often misunderstood or overlooked.

The good news is that some policies do cover the cost of medical equipment, especially when:

The equipment is medically necessary
It is prescribed by a registered medical practitioner
It is directly related to a covered hospitalization or treatment

That said, coverage can vary significantly based on your insurer, the type of policy, and the terms outlined in the fine print.

What Type of Medical Equipment May Be Covered?

Here are some commonly covered medical devices and equipment under certain Indian health insurance policies:

1. Oxygen Concentrators

If prescribed by a doctor for conditions like COPD, COVID-19 recovery, or other respiratory illnesses, oxygen concentrators may be reimbursed.

2. CPAP/BiPAP Machines

These are often prescribed for sleep apnea or respiratory failure. If deemed medically necessary, many insurers reimburse the cost.

3. Hospital Beds

When a patient needs prolonged care at home, insurers may cover the rental or purchase of adjustable hospital beds with medical justification.

4. Wheelchairs and Walkers

Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers are commonly covered when part of post-operative or rehabilitation care.

5. Nebulizers

Frequently used in pediatric and respiratory cases, nebulizers are often included if prescribed during hospitalization or as part of treatment.

What Is Usually Not Covered?

Not all medical equipment will be covered under your insurance. Here are some items typically excluded from standard policies:

General wellness or fitness devices (e.g., fitness trackers)
Consumables and non-durable items (e.g., gloves, syringes, etc.)
Equipment bought without a doctor’s prescription
Equipment purchased for non-critical or lifestyle reasons

Always check your policy documents or speak with your insurance provider to understand specific inclusions and exclusions.

How to Claim Insurance for Medical Equipment

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the insurance claim process for medical equipment in India:

✅ 1. Get a Doctor’s Prescription

The equipment must be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, ideally linked to an illness or treatment covered in your policy.

✅ 2. Buy from a Trusted Vendor

Purchase the equipment from a certified medical supplier like Prime Healers, which provides a proper invoice and warranty—essential for claim approval.

✅ 3. Keep All Documents

This includes:

Doctor’s prescription
Invoice with GST number
Payment receipt
Hospital discharge summary (if applicable)

✅ 4. Submit to Your Insurer

Follow your insurer’s process for either cashless claims (if available) or reimbursement after the purchase. Ensure you submit within the allowed time frame.

✅ 5. Follow Up

Stay in touch with the insurer or third-party administrator (TPA) to track the claim status. Some insurers may request additional documentation.

How Prime Healers Makes It Easier

At Prime Healers, the goal is to make home healthcare accessible and stress-free. Whether you're renting or buying equipment, they provide:

Doctor-recommended, quality-tested equipment
Rental and purchase options for affordability
GST invoices and warranty documents needed for insurance claims
Customer support to assist with product guidance and documentation

Their product range includes hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, suction machines, wheelchairs, and more—all available for doorstep delivery.

Quick Tips to Maximize Insurance Benefits

Read your policy carefully to understand DME coverage
Inform your insurer in advance if you're planning a major purchase
Document everything—prescriptions, invoices, discharge summaries
Use IRDAI-approved insurers and platforms that follow compliance norms

Final Thoughts

Buying medical equipment during a health emergency can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. But knowing your insurance rights and working with reliable vendors like Prime Healers can take some of that burden off your shoulders.

If you’re planning to Buy Medical Equipment for home care, take a moment to check your insurance policy and consult your doctor for guidance. A small effort in paperwork and vendor selection can help you recover part—or even all—of the cost involved.

Remember, the right equipment doesn’t just support recovery—it provides safety, dignity, and peace of mind during challenging times.