In a medical emergency, time is critical—and so is knowing how to use your health insurance effectively. The first step is to check whether the hospital is part of your insurer’s network hospitals. If it is, you can avail cashless treatment, meaning you won’t need to pay the hospital directly—the insurance company will handle the bill. At the hospital, present your health insurance card or policy details at the insurance help desk and fill out a pre-authorization form. The hospital will then coordinate with your insurer for approval. In case of non-network hospitals, you’ll need to pay the bills upfront and later file for reimbursement by submitting documents like hospital bills, discharge summary, prescriptions, and diagnostic reports. It’s also important to inform your insurance company as soon as possible—many insurers require notification within 24 to 48 hours of admission. Understanding this process in advance ensures that in a real emergency, you can act quickly and confidently, ensuring your loved ones get the care they need without financial stress.