How “Second Opinion” Services Are Becoming a Policy Add-On?

What is the Second Opinion Rider?

A second opinion is a popular term used in the medical world, which means seeking a second consultation or diagnosis of a certain disease or ailment. Sometimes, differences in medical opinions can arise due to varied diagnostic approaches, schools of thought or an individual doctor’s perspective.

Therefore, it is best to seek a second opinion. In such cases, a second opinion is exactly what a patient needs to make an informed decision. For instance, a critical disease like cancer may often need a second opinion because of its complexity of diagnosis.

Health insurance policies offer riders or additional benefits that can be added to the existing policy at a minimum additional cost to enhance the coverage. A second opinion is a common rider offered by many health insurance companies today, which allows the insured to seek a second opinion without any trouble to confirm the diagnosis before proceeding with a particular line of treatment.

Why is “Second Opinion” Rider Gaining Popularity?

Over the years, the second opinion rider has gained popularity not because of any incapability on the part of the doctor but as a final confirmation before stepping into a major surgery, medications, change of treatment. If you are wondering why a second opinion has emerged as a wave in the insurance world, then here are some reasons to evaluate:

A Final Confirmation for the Patient

In cases of a critical or severe illness, the treatment procedure and medications are often major and require special care. In such cases, seeking a second opinion becomes important for the patient to confirm the diagnosis. This helps the patient carefully evaluate whether or not to proceed with a treatment.

Financial Protection for the Insured

In today’s time, when medical inflation is at an all-time high, a second opinion can save the insured from draining out the sum insured on a treatment or medication that was not even needed in the first place.

Did You Know that medical inflation in India is around 14% and according to experts, it is only set to increase in future?1

A Saviour for the Insurer

Insurance companies are encouraging policy seekers to opt for a second opinion rider. This is simply because in cases where the initial diagnosis is inconclusive or questionable, a second medical review can help prevent unnecessary payouts. Additionally, when a second opinion from a surgeon rules out the first diagnosis, it not only protects the insurer from unwarranted claims but also ensures the insured receives a fair and smoother claim experience. 2

Streamlining in the Insurance Company Networking

Advancements in technology and the growth of digital platforms have streamlined the networking chain of insurance companies. Now, insurance companies are in a better position to offer a seamless second opinion or consultation for the insured, both domestically and internationally.

Why Should You Opt for a Second Opinion Rider?

If you are still on the fence about opting for a second opinion rider, then here are a few reasons why a small addition to your existing policy can save you in the long run:

1. Diagnosis of critical illnesses may often create the need for a second diagnosis. In such cases, your policy steps in to offer a seamless experience and also cover the expenses.
2. There might be chances that your doctor might not be well updated with the latest advances in medicine. In such cases, you would want to seek a second opinion from a more reliable or experienced doctor.
3. If your physician has incorrectly diagnosed you with an illness or disease that may not be covered under your policy, you can save yourself from draining your finances on medical bills by getting a second opinion.

Summing Up

The value of seeking a second opinion has been repeatedly emphasised by medical experts, especially in cases of life-threatening conditions and diseases. Remember that misdiagnosis can have serious repercussions that you would want to avoid at all costs. Therefore, opting for a second opinion rider is a step you take to ensure accuracy and explore different treatment options without worrying about expenses or the hassle of finding a reliable doctor.

If you are wondering whether or not your insurance company offers a second opinion as a rider, you can simply head to the Jio Insurance Broking portal to explore and compare different plans and easily find the one that best meets your requirements.