HC criticises IRDAI for calling disabled people “sub-standard lifestyles” and asserts that they cannot be refused health insurance

The Delhi High Court has ordered the insurance regulator to hold a meeting of all insurance companies to devise health insurance programmes for individuals with disabilities and introduce them, ideally within two months, after noting that the right to life includes the right to health.

The court further ordered the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to take urgent action to amend the definition of “sub-standard life” in their rules so that no longer are people with disabilities referenced in such a “inappropriate wording.”

People with disabilities have a right to health insurance and cannot be discriminated against, according to Justice Pratibha M. Singh.

This news is written by Ms. Pujari Dharani, Research Assistant, All India Legal Forum.