Answer box: Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute in Bathinda, Punjab, India is empanelled with almost all major insurers and TPAs for cashless gastro treatment. The insurance desk checks your policy and arranges pre-authorisation, so Dr Raman Garg can operate without you arranging cash first. Send your card on WhatsApp to +91 82641-60001 and get an answer the same day.
What cashless treatment means in plain words
Cashless means the hospital and your insurance company settle the bill between themselves. You do not run to the bank or sell a crop early. The insurer approves the treatment first, then pays the approved amount directly to the hospital. You pay only the part your policy does not cover.
There are two kinds of claims. In a cashless claim, the hospital is on the insurer's list, and the approval comes before surgery. In a reimbursement claim, you pay first and claim the money back later with bills. Cashless is easier on the family, and it is what our insurance desk is built for.
A gastro operation such as gallbladder removal, appendix surgery, piles surgery or hernia repair is usually covered when it is medically needed. A farmer from Talwandi Sabo with a health policy through his bank, or a shopkeeper in Rampura Phul with a family floater, can often get the planned surgery approved before admission.
Insurers and TPAs we work with
BGCI is empanelled with almost all major insurers and TPAs. TPA means third party administrator, the company that handles claims on behalf of many insurers. The names include:
| Insurers and TPAs |
|---|
| Aditya Birla Health Insurance |
| Niva Bupa |
| Digit Insurance |
| Care Health Insurance |
| Vidal Health TPA |
| ICICI Lombard |
| Raksha TPA |
| Future Generali |
| SBI General Insurance |
| Oriental Insurance |
| Liberty General Insurance |
| IFFCO Tokio |
| Cholamandalam MS |
| Medi Assist TPA |
| Almost all other major insurers and TPAs |
If your insurer is not on this list, send us the policy card anyway. Our desk will tell you the same day whether cashless is possible.
Ayushman Bharat card
Many families in the Malwa belt hold an Ayushman card, and the rules on what can be used where keep changing. So we do not guess. Call us with your card details and our insurance desk will tell you the same day how your card can be used. For a longer explanation, read our guide on Ayushman card and insurance for gastro surgery.
The 4-step cashless process at BGCI
- Send your details. Share a photo of your insurance card and ID on WhatsApp +91 82641-60001, with any old reports or the doctor's advice. Out-of-town and NRI patients can do this from home before arrival.
- Policy check. The insurance desk checks that your policy is active, what the cover limit is, and whether any waiting period applies for your condition.
- Pre-authorisation. After Dr Raman Garg examines you and fixes the plan, the desk sends the treatment details and estimate to your insurer or TPA and follows up for approval. This usually happens before the surgery date, so you are not waiting on the day.
- Treatment and settlement. Surgery is done, you are discharged with your papers, and the approved amount is settled directly between BGCI and the insurer. You pay only items that your policy does not cover.
Documents to bring or send
- Insurance card or policy copy, with the policy number and TPA card if you have one.
- Photo ID (Aadhaar or another government ID) of the patient.
- Your doctor's advice or any earlier prescription.
- Reports you already have: ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy, blood tests, CT or MRCP.
- A working mobile number, since the insurer's messages and approval calls go to the patient or the family member named.
- Ayushman card or other government scheme card, if you have one.
- Bank cancelled cheque or details only if you need a reimbursement claim.
Treatments commonly claimed through insurance
Most planned gastro surgeries are claimed when advised by the treating surgeon. These pages explain each one:
| Treatment | Page |
|---|---|
| Gallbladder removal for gallstones | Gallbladder removal surgery and gallstone treatment |
| Appendix removal | Appendicitis surgery |
| Piles, fissure and fistula surgery | Piles, fissure, fistula |
| Hernia repair | Hernia surgery, full details at laparoscopic hernia surgery in Punjab |
| Hiatal hernia and severe reflux surgery | Hiatal hernia treatment |
| Bowel blockage and emergency abdominal surgery | Intestinal obstruction surgery and gastro emergency |
| Colon and stomach cancer surgery | Colon cancer surgery and stomach cancer surgery |
| Endoscopy and colonoscopy tests | Endoscopy and colonoscopy |
Coverage depends on your policy terms. Some insurers do not pay for a test done only as a health check, and most apply a waiting period for certain conditions. The insurance desk reads your policy for you so there are no surprises.
What the cost looks like before insurance
Your insurer approves an amount based on an estimate. It helps to know the usual Punjab range so you can judge that estimate. OPD consultation Rs 500 to 1,000.
| Item | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), planned | 40,000 | 65,000 | 1,00,000 |
| Laparoscopic appendix removal (appendectomy) | 40,000 | 65,000 | 1,00,000 |
| Piles surgery (stapler, open or ligation, as suited) | 35,000 | 55,000 | 85,000 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, one side | 50,000 | 75,000 | 1,10,000 |
| Colonoscopy, diagnostic | 4,500 | 7,000 | 12,000 |
| Upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy) | 2,000 | 3,200 | 5,000 |
Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on type of procedure chosen, whether there was an infection or attack, your policy terms and your health.
The full list for every test and surgery is on the gastro treatment cost in Bathinda page. Cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy, radiation) is not part of the surgery figures.
Tips to avoid claim problems
- Tell us before the date is fixed. Pre-authorisation takes time, so send the card as soon as surgery is advised.
- Declare earlier illnesses honestly. Sugar, blood pressure or earlier surgery should be told to the insurer. A hidden condition is the most common reason for a rejected claim.
- Check your waiting period. Many policies take a year or more before covering certain surgeries. A gallstone found in the first year of a new policy may not be covered yet.
- Do not wait for approval in an emergency. If you have severe pain, vomiting blood or a hard swollen belly, come in first. Treatment comes before paperwork, and the desk works on the claim in parallel.
- Keep every paper. Discharge summary, bills and reports go with the claim file.
- Ask for the approval letter. It shows the approved amount and what is not covered.
Facilities at BGCI
The hospital has a modern laparoscopic operation theatre, an advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy suite, a fully equipped in-house diagnostic laboratory, comfortable patient rooms, 24/7 emergency care support and a cashless insurance desk. Keyhole surgery uses the stitchless technique with skin glue, and most patients walk the same day and go home within 24 hours. CT, MRI, MRCP and HIDA scans are arranged with trusted imaging partners in Bathinda, and Dr Raman Garg reviews the reports the same day. One surgeon looks after you from consultation to follow-up, which is by phone or video. Read more on the gastro hospital in Bathinda page.
Why patients choose Dr Raman Garg
Dr Raman Garg is a surgical gastroenterologist: a stomach, gut, liver, gallbladder and pancreas specialist who also operates. One doctor decides whether you need medicines, a scope test or surgery, and does it. He has 20+ years of experience, 10,000+ laparoscopic surgeries including 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia repairs, and holds an MBBS, MS General Surgery and DNB Surgical Gastroenterology. He is the first surgical gastroenterologist in the Malwa belt of Punjab. Know more on Dr Raman Garg and gastro doctor in Bathinda.
Patients we see from your area
Insured patients come from Goniana Mandi, Nathana, Rampura Phul, Maur Mandi, Talwandi Sabo, Mansa, Muktsar, Faridkot and the rest of the 17 towns on areas we serve, plus Sirsa and Fazilka side. Since the policy card can be sent on WhatsApp, most of the paperwork is done before you leave home.
How to book
- WhatsApp your insurance card and reports to +91 82641-60001 (or +91 99885-03800).
- Come for OPD, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Sunday is emergency only.
- Dr Raman Garg examines you and fixes the plan.
- The insurance desk sends for approval and gives you the date.
Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Power House Road, Near Street No. 10, Bathinda, Punjab 151001, India. Email bgcibathinda@gmail.com. Emergency care support 24/7 on +91 82641-60001. Severe belly pain, vomiting blood, black stool or a hard swollen belly needs same-day hospital care. Book on the appointment page.
This page is general information; your plan is set after Dr Raman Garg examines you.
Related pages
Gastro treatment hub, laparoscopic surgery, FAQ, second opinion for gastro surgery, when to see a gastro doctor.
Medically reviewed by Dr Raman Garg. Last updated: 8 November 2026.