What are the things to conside before buying health insurance in India?

3 min read
01 August 2023

Before buying health insurance in India, there are several crucial factors to consider to ensure you make the right decision for your healthcare needs:

Coverage and Benefits: Evaluate the coverage offered by the health insurance plan, including hospitalization expenses, pre and post-hospitalization care, day-care procedures, ambulance charges, and specific treatments or surgeries. Look for additional benefits like maternity coverage, wellness programs, and preventive care.

Sum Insured: Choose an adequate sum insured based on factors like your age, health condition, and the cost of medical treatments in your area. It should be sufficient to cover potential medical expenses without straining your finances.

Network Hospitals: Check the list of network hospitals where you can avail of cashless treatments. Ensure that the network hospitals are conveniently located near your residence or workplace.

Waiting Periods: Understand the waiting periods associated with various illnesses or pre-existing conditions. Some health insurance plans have waiting periods before you can claim for specific treatments.

Pre-existing Conditions: Declare all pre-existing medical conditions truthfully to avoid claim rejections in the future. Some plans might have specific waiting periods before pre-existing conditions are covered.

Co-payment and Deductibles: Check if the policy requires you to pay a portion of the medical expenses (co-payment) or if there is a deductible amount you need to bear before the insurance kicks in.

Premiums and Renewability: Compare premiums of different policies and choose one that fits your budget. Also, consider the renewal process and ensure the policy is renewable for a lifetime, especially as you age.

Exclusions: Understand the exclusions of the policy, such as certain illnesses, treatments, or circumstances not covered by the insurance. Be aware of any sub-limits on specific expenses.

No-claim Bonus (NCB): Inquire about the NCB feature that rewards you with a higher sum insured or reduced premiums for claim-free years.

Claim Settlement Ratio: Research the claim settlement ratio of the insurance company to ensure a smooth and hassle-free claims process.

Customer Reviews and Reputation: Read customer reviews and check the reputation of the insurance provider to gauge their service quality and responsiveness.

Critical Illness Coverage: Consider a critical illness rider or a separate policy that covers major illnesses like cancer, heart diseases, or organ transplantations.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a health insurance policy that best aligns with your medical needs, financial capacity, and future requirements. It's essential to read the policy document thoroughly and seek advice from insurance experts if needed.

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MrTechish 2
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