Medical Reimbursement Confusion: Can I Use Family Members' Bills for Claims?

Hi Friends,

If I claim Medical Reimbursement, I have to produce medical bills for that, right? Please tell me, in whose names can these bills be; i.e., mine, my wife's, or my parents'?

I recently submitted bills that were in the names of my father, my mother, and me; however, the accounts manager rejected that claim, stating that I can only submit bills in my name. Is this logical?

In the mediclaim policy, all my family members' names (father, mother, & wife) are included. Can you provide your valuable suggestions?

Best Regards

Mediclaim policy is different from medical expenses reimbursement by the company. The former is an arrangement by insurers, and the contract is between the employee and the insurers in which the company has no role. Perhaps if the company bears the whole or part of the policy premium of employees, to that extent only the employer is involved in it. Still, the beneficiary is the employee directly.

On the other hand, medical expenses reimbursement is a part of employee benefits and often a component of compensation payable to the employee or the so-called CTC. Depending on the employment contract, it may have a broader interpretation to include a spouse, children, and parents who are fully dependent on the employee. However, unless otherwise provided, it shall mean reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the employee's treatment only. If free lunch is provided, it does not mean that lunch is to be given to all the members of the family of the employee. Similarly, free accommodation may be single or shared accommodation, but if you are provided with family quarters, it should be specifically stated as 'family accommodation'.

However, in the case of medical reimbursement, just for a defense, we can argue that bills should mean bills in respect of all members of the family. But I do not think it will work.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K