Health insurance means a contract between you and an insurance company that covers your medical expenses in case of accidents, illnesses, or injuries. The insurer pays for your insured medical expenses in two ways: cashless treatment or reimbursement after you pay upfront.
Health insurance is essential because it protects your financial well-being during a medical emergency, provides access to quality medical treatment without high costs, safeguards your savings, and offers tax benefits. It’s best to buy a policy early in life, as premiums may increase with age, and the waiting period for claims may lengthen.
There are two types of general health insurance, the one is individual plans and other one family floater plans. Individual plans cover a single person, while family floater plans cover the entire family under one policy.
Individual plans offer personalized coverage tailored to the specific needs of the insured person. They provide a dedicated sum insured for each individual, ensuring their medical expenses are fully covered. This type of plan is suitable for individuals without dependents or unique health requirements that differ significantly from other family members.
On the other hand, family floater plans offer the convenience of covering the entire family under a single policy. The sum insured is shared among all family members, allowing flexibility in utilizing the coverage based on the medical needs of each individual.
This plan is beneficial for families with multiple members, especially if they are relatively healthy and have a low likelihood of simultaneous hospitalization. In addition, family floater plans offer cost savings compared to individual plans, as the premium is generally lower.
When you choose a health insurance policy, consider factors like the comprehensiveness of coverage, premium costs, inclusions and exclusions, room rent limits, a network of hospitals, waiting periods, coverage for critical illnesses, no claim bonuses, coverage for daycare procedures and alternative treatments, the reputation of the insurance company, and policy exclusions.
You can buy health insurance online through a simple and fast process. Health insurance ensures that you have the financial resources to maintain good health and access necessary medical care when needed.
Factors to know or check before buying health insurance
When considering purchasing a health insurance policy, it is essential to thoroughly understand the available options that is good for you and your family’s needs.
When considering purchasing a health insurance policy, it is important to thoroughly understand the available options and then make a decision that best suits your needs and your family’s needs. One crucial factor to consider is the comprehensiveness of coverage. Assess the sum insured, considering current medical treatment costs, inflation rates, and your specific requirements. It’s advisable to reevaluate the coverage needed annually during the renewal process.
- One crucial factor to consider is the comprehensiveness of coverage. Assess the sum insured, considering current medical treatment costs, inflation rates, and your specific requirements. It’s advisable to reevaluate the coverage needed annually during the renewal process.
- Another significant consideration is the premium, which is influenced by the sum insured, age, medical history, and the type of plan chosen. While it’s important to compare premiums, it should not be the only factor when deciding.
Understanding what is included and excluded in the policy is essential. Review the policy to be aware of any conditions under which the claim may be rejected, ensuring clarity to avoid future complications and claim rejections.
- Room rent sub-limits are also essential to consider. Different health insurance companies in the market have rules regarding room rent and capping, which should be clearly stated in the policy document. Understanding these limits will allow you to choose based on the type of room and hospital you may prefer.
- Check the network of hospitals associated with the insurance policy, especially if you frequently travel or require access to hospitals outside your local area. Opt for a policy with a wide network of hospitals to ensure convenience and cashless facilities when needed.
- Co-pay is an option to reduce the premium while buying a health policy. It involves committing to pay you a fixed percentage or amount of the total claims made during the policy year. Consider this option carefully and select the desired percentage at the beginning.
Be aware of the waiting period, which is the duration during which certain claims will not be accepted. Different policies have varying waiting periods, with longer waiting periods typically associated with claims related to pre-existing illnesses. Look for a policy with the shortest waiting period possible.
Considering the rising incidence of critical illnesses, choosing a health plan that covers expenses associated with these life-threatening conditions is advisable. However, evaluate your needs and affordability before deciding to include critical illness coverage, as it often comes at an additional cost.
- No Claim Bonus (NCB) is a reward insurance providers offer for not making any claims during a policy year. It can be given as a discount on the insurance premium for the following year or as an increase in the insured sum for the same premium. Evaluate the options wisely to make the best choice.
Some policies cover daycare procedures that do not require hospitalization, such as certain medical treatments completed within a day. Check if these treatments are covered in your plan.
If you prefer alternative treatments like Ayurveda, yoga, Unani, Siddha, and homeopathy (AYUSH), ensure that your policy covers these treatments. Many health plans now cover alternative treatments, catering to individuals who prefer such approaches.
Consider the insurance company’s reputation by evaluating factors like claim settlement ratio, solvency ratio, customer service, and product portfolio. A reliable and reputable insurance company is more likely to provide satisfactory services.
- Familiarize yourself with the policy’s exclusions. Common exclusions include cosmetic procedures, dental procedures, pre-existing conditions, congenital diseases, non-prescription drugs, and injuries resulting from war, terrorism, and suicide. Exclusions may differ from policy to policy, so it is crucial to review and understand them before deciding.
To healthcare when faced with medical emergencies. It provides a safety net for your financial well-being by covering medical expenses resulting from accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Healthcare expenses continually increase at a rate higher than medical inflation, making health insurance even more crucial. It ensures that you receive the necessary medical treatment without compromising due to financial constraints.
Additionally, health insurance premiums are often tax-deductible up to specified limits, offering additional financial benefits.
In summary, health insurance:
- Enables you to receive quality medical treatment without the burden of high costs.
- Acts as a cushion against the impact of medical inflation.
- Protects your savings during medical emergencies.
- Provides tax benefits.
- Allows you to prioritize your and your loved ones’ health without worrying about hefty medical bills.
When considering when to buy a health insurance policy, it is advisable to do so as early as possible. In your 20s, when you are likely to be in good health with fewer financial responsibilities, investing in a health insurance plan offers several advantages. You can take benefits from better coverage at a lower premium, avoid medical tests, and accumulate claim-free years, which add extra coverage to your policy at no additional cost.
In your 30s, as you enter the settling down phase, it becomes even more important to have a health insurance policy. You may start a family, invest in a home, and face the increasing risk of lifestyle diseases. The premium may be higher at this stage, reflecting the increased chances of making a claim.
From your 40s to 60s, your financial responsibilities are likely to be at their peak. You will require a higher sum insured, resulting in higher premiums. If you have developed conditions like diabetes or hypertension, you can expect longer waiting periods before making claims. It is important to consider add-on benefits to ensure adequate additional protection. Medical screening may be required, particularly for individuals above 50.
For senior citizens, a high sum insured becomes essential as a long-term treatment for critical illnesses and hospitalization becomes more likely. Opting for senior citizen health policies is advisable, but it is essential to research, compare, and choose the best one. Remember that policies for senior citizens often come with co-pay conditions, requiring you to bear a portion of the medical costs.
It is vital to carefully consider the pros and cons of your individual and family floater plans before deciding. Factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, and the likelihood of simultaneous hospitalization should be considered. You should review the terms of policy and conditions, as some family floater plans may restrict the maximum age of coverage for senior family members.
In conclusion, choosing the right health insurance policy requires careful consideration of coverage, premium, network hospitals, waiting periods, and policy exclusions. It is essential to assess your healthcare needs, evaluate various options, and select a policy that provides comprehensive coverage while being affordable and suitable for you and your family’s specific requirements. Health insurance keeps you a financial safety net and provides peace of mind, ensuring you access quality healthcare without exorbitant medical expenses.
