Robotic Surgery Remains Costly Despite Insurance Cover: What Patients Should Check

India has trained surgeons and a growing number of robotic systems, but the price of such procedures continues to keep them beyond the reach of many patients.

The concern was raised at the eighth national conference of the Robotic Urology Forum, held in New Town, Kolkata. More than 300 robotic urologists, surgeons, academics and healthcare professionals attended the three-day event, the first national conference of its kind in eastern India.

Anant Kumar, chairman, urology and robotics, Max Hospital, Delhi, and president of the forum, said India had the required technology and medical expertise, but affordability remained a major obstacle.

Why Robotic Surgery Costs More

Robotic surgery allows a surgeon to operate through instruments attached to robotic arms. The surgeon controls the system, which can offer better visualisation and make highly precise movements possible. Doctors say this can reduce complications in suitable cases and make recovery easier for patients, according to a recent report by The Telegraph.

However, hospitals must recover the cost of the robotic system, its maintenance, specialised instruments and trained personnel. These expenses can make a robotic procedure considerably more expensive than conventional or laparoscopic surgery.

The conference demonstrated procedures using seven to eight robotic systems available in India. The purpose was to help surgeons compare their technical capabilities and understand how the choice of system could influence the cost of treatment.

Tarun Jindal, consultant uro-oncologist and robotic surgeon at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, said the conference also allowed hundreds of participants to observe recorded surgeries and discuss problems with operating surgeons. Such training is difficult inside an operation theatre, where access must remain restricted.

Insurance Cover May Not Pay The Entire Bill

Robotic surgery is recognised among modern treatment methods under health insurance. However, recognition does not automatically mean that an insurer will settle the complete hospital bill.

The amount paid will depend on the policy wording. A plan may impose a sub-limit on modern treatments or apply conditions relating to the sum insured, room category, waiting period, co-payment and medical necessity. Certain instruments or consumables used during the procedure may also result in out-of-pocket expenses.

Patients should, therefore, obtain a detailed estimate from the hospital and seek cashless pre-authorisation before a planned surgery. They should ask the insurer to confirm in writing how much it will approve and whether any part of the robotic procedure will remain excluded.

Competition Could Reduce Costs

Surgeons at the conference called for wider insurance support, including coverage under government-backed schemes. Kumar said greater use of robotic surgery and competition among technology providers could gradually lower prices.

Indian-made systems such as Mantra could also improve affordability, although doctors said their capabilities must be assessed against established international platforms.

Robotic surgery is not necessarily the best choice in every case. The decision should be based on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s clinical assessment, not on the availability or novelty of the technology.

FAQs

1. Does health insurance cover robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is recognised as a modern treatment, but the payable amount depends on the policy’s terms, sub-limits, waiting periods and co-payment clauses.

2. Why is robotic surgery more expensive?
The cost includes the robotic system, maintenance, specialised instruments, consumables, and trained medical personnel.

3. What should patients check before undergoing robotic surgery?
They should obtain a detailed hospital estimate, seek cashless pre-authorisation, and ask the insurer to confirm any exclusions or out-of-pocket expenses in writing.