Please enlighten me on my query on buying medical insurance.
I reside in India where cost of medical treatment (medicine, hospitalization, cost of surgery etc.)have now become way too costly specially serious illnnesses diagnosed around old age and which requires prolonged medical treatmnet. There are so many companies and associates offering medical insurance to meet your medical expense need and I have been pondering that should I buy one to cover my familys sudden unexpected medical expenses. Though as of now me and none in my family are suffering from any kind of disease.
But whenever I think of buying a medical insurance policy I have a inner voice which says leave it to Allah its for Him decide whether to give you a good health or illness (as insurance is haram) and if you buy one then Allah will say if you dont trust me and want to go for a medical insurance then take a disease as well so that you now use your medical insurance. I have discussed with my other muslim friends and they say we agree that medical insurance may be haram but considering the circumstances in todays life its for your safety against unexpected high medical treatmnets which you may face on any corner of your life.
Please suggest what is your advise in this regards, Thanks, SM
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh
Medical insurance is impermissible in general for the following reasons:
1. Qimaar (gambling): The medical Insurance Company might receive more than the insured monies or might not receive any amount of money. This is the same as gambling. If the insured person is afflicted with any serious medical injury and requires treatment worth millions, he might receive more than what he has paid for or might receive less. This is exactly how gambling works.
2. Riba (Interest): If the medical Insurance Company receives premiums worth more than the medical payout, then that will be usury and interest. If there is any medical payout to the insured individual and the payout is worth much lesser than the total premiums that he has paid to the insurance company, such a person would be guilty of undertaking a usurious and interest based transaction.
3. Gharar (Future Uncertainty): There is no certainty when the insured person will require medical treatment. Therefore the insurance contract is based on an uncertain future event, i.e. medical condition of the insured person. Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Sallam) prohibited any transaction which has the element of Gharar.
We advise Shariah Compliant Fund be established to overcome the huge medical bills. For that, you should consult your local Ulama and accountants to devises such a fund. We would avail ourselves to assist in devising such a fund.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Ismail Desai,
Darul Iftaa
Checked and Approved,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.