Supreme Court Issues Notice Over Exclusion of Epilepsy from Health Insurance Coverage

The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) and the Centre on a plea challenging the exclusion of epilepsy from health insurance coverage.

The petition, filed by NGO Sanvedana Foundation, argues that IRDA’s 2020 master circular permanently excludes epilepsy, violating the rights of persons with epilepsy under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

The petition claims this exclusion is unscientific and restricts access to healthcare for those affected.

The Court will next consider whether the exclusion should be set aside as unconstitutional.