Medical Association Flags 'Preferential' Treatment In Saif Ali Khan's Insurance Claim, Writes To IRDAI

Days after insurance provider Niva Bupa quickly approved a medical insurance claim for actor Saif Ali Khan's family following the shocking attack on him, a medical professionals' association has written to the insurance regulator IRDAI, questioning the "preferential treatment" of celebrities.

Following the knife attack on Khan during a burglary attempt at his Mumbai home, a document detailing his mediclaim approval surfaced on social media, reported NDTV.

Photo Credit: PTI

According to the document, a cashless request of nearly Rs 36 lakh had been submitted for the actor's five-day stay. In its initial approval, the insurance provider authorised a payout of Rs 25 lakh.

Niva Bupa confirmed receiving the pre-authorisation request and stated that further claims would be processed in accordance with the guidelines.

The Mumbai-based Association of Medical Consultants, which represents over 14,000 medical practitioners and has branches in multiple cities, has written to the chairman of IRDAI - the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India - regarding the cashless clearance for Khan's treatment.

"We are writing to express our concern and dissatisfaction regarding the recent news of Saif Ali Khan being sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for cashless treatment under his insurance policy, which seems to be preferential treatment compared to the benefits available to ordinary policyholders," the organisation stated in a press release.

"This instance highlights a troubling trend where celebrities and high-profile individuals with corporate policies receive favourable terms and higher cashless treatment limits, while ordinary citizens struggle with insufficient coverage and low reimbursement rates," it continued.

The Association of Medical Consultants expressed concern over such practices creating an "unfair disparity."

"We believe insurance should be a safeguard for all, irrespective of social status. Preferential treatment based on celebrity status creates a two-tier system, which is discriminatory against ordinary policyholders. There is a need for greater transparency in how insurance claims and cashless treatment limits are determined," it added.

The organisation has called on IRDAI to investigate the matter and ensure that all policyholders, regardless of social status, are treated equally. It has also requested guidelines to prevent preferential treatment and improve transparency in mediclaim approvals.

Khan was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on January 16 after suffering six stab wounds during a confrontation with an intruder who had broken into his home with the intention of committing a robbery.

One of his injuries was on the spine, with the knife narrowly missing his spinal cord by just 2 mm, doctors reported.

Khan underwent surgery for his back injury and wounds on his arm and neck. He was discharged last week and has been advised a week's bed rest.