No, cashless hospitalization does not means the free of cost treatment. The assigned TPA will mediate between the hospital and the insurance company and settle the bills on behalf of the of the insured customer. The hospital is only a facilitator and has no authority to approve or disapprove any request for cashless hospitalization. Certain protocols lay down by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) with respect to cashless hospitalization will need to be adhered to strictly.