World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2 every year since 2007 when the United Nations General Assembly designated the day as World Autism Awareness Day. It is to make people aware about the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “It is a diverse group of conditions characterised by difficulty in communication and social interaction, delayed speech development, avoiding eye contact, and difficulty in making friends, among other symptoms. These conditions can be diagnosed at a young age, usually during the first three to four years, but often are not diagnosed until much later.”

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What Is Autism and How To Deal With It?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a disease but a neurological and developmental disorder. Those having the disorder can receive treatment once it is diagnosed. The treatment may differ from one person to another, depending on the particular person’s needs. Treatment can help improve speech and behaviour and reduce symptoms. According to the report “Autism Screening in India: Many a Chasm to Bridge” published in the Indian Academy of Paediatrics journal in 2024, 1 in 68 children is affected with autism. These children need regular life-long treatment.

Different therapies are available to reduce symptoms, and sometimes, medication is also prescribed to the autistic person. The therapies include cognitive behaviour, play-based, speech, and occupational therapy. The cost for these therapies may range from a few thousand to lakhs.

The Mental Health Act 2017 states that mental health must be included in medical insurance coverage. Insurance companies offer coverage for mental disorders, but very few offer dedicated insurance policies for autism. Star Health Insurance Company provides cover specifically for autism for people aged between three and 25. But what about treatment when the person with autism get older? The government-backed Niramaya scheme provides affordable insurance under the National Trust Act of 1999 to people with autism.

Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme:

The scheme offers coverage up to Rs 1 lakh on a reimbursement basis. According to its website, all persons defined as disabled under the National Trust Act, 1999, having valid disability certificates are eligible for this insurance. The premium is the same for all, irrespective of age group, and treatment can be available at any hospital.

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Furthermore, no pre-insurance medical tests are required to offer the insurance. A person with one of the disabilities under the National Trust Act, 1999, and possessing a valid disability certificate can apply for this insurance. An enrolment fee of Rs 250 for people in the below poverty line (BPL) category and Rs 500 for non-BPL category will be levied. The insurance is renewable every year.

What Does It Cover?

Niramaya insurance includes not only hospitalisation but also outpatient treatment (OPD), which is required for various therapies. This insurance covers medical expenses, tests, diagnostic and pathology, dentistry, surgery to prevent the disability from increasing, alternative medication, transportation costs, etc.

How To Apply?

An eligible person must apply on the prescribed form and submit it to the registered organisation (RO) or any other agency designated by the National Trust. The application can be given anytime during the year. Once the application is approved, a health ID number or card is issued to the beneficiary. The beneficiary can claim the benefit across the country.

Documents Required:

The documents required to be submitted include a self-attested disability certificate issued from the appropriate government authority, address proof, passport-size photograph, payment receipt for application fee, BPL card for a BPL person, income certificate for a non-BPL person, and bank details for reimbursement of medical claims. One can call helpline number 040-68178547 for any other information or help.

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