We all want to purchase a health insurance policy that provides
comprehensive coverage to our dear ones in times of need. However, with so many
different health insurance plans to choose from, it can be challenging to find
the right one. It may appear daunting to go through many policy types, their
features, inclusions, and limitations. And to avoid the inconvenience or time
constraints, many purchase a health plan without understanding whether or not
it is adequate for them. Here are some helpful tips to assist you in selecting
the best family health insurance plan.
Consider the
flexibility of adding new family members
When purchasing a family health insurance plan, the policy buyer must
look for options for adding new family members easily. Suppose a senior member
of the family is no longer eligible for coverage or dies. In that case, other
family members can proceed with the same plan without forgoing the plan's
benefits. Care Health Insurance offers Family Health Insurance Plan where you
can secure up to 6 members under one policy.
Choose a plan with
lifetime renewability
Lifetime renewability is also an important consideration that many of us
forget about. Check the number of years your policy is valid, as well as
whether it offers limited renewability or not because you will need a health
plan the most in your later years. Purchase a family health plan that can be
renewed indefinitely. This will allow you to continue with the same plan in the
future without having to purchase a new policy after reaching the age limit.
For example, your health insurance policy may be renewed for another 45 years.
Once you reach the age limit, you must purchase a new one.
Deciding the
adequate sum insured
It is always necessary to select a sum insured that is sufficient to
cover all of our family members, and it is preferable to select a large sum
assured. A large sum assured will ensure that all your family members get
quality care, and your Health Insurance policy will cover the cost of care.
However, suppose you cannot afford a high sum assured due to budget
constraints. In that case, you can always go for top-up plan plans at
affordable premiums in addition to your base policy or gradually increase the
cover amount of your base policy.
Evaluate the
co-payment clause
A co-payment is a term used in health insurance
policies to describe the percentage of the cost the policyholder agrees to pay
out of pocket. The insurance company will cover the remaining hospitalization
costs. For example, if a policyholder has a health plan with a 10% co-payment
clause when filing a claim of Rs. 1 lakh, the policyholder must pay Rs.10,000
out of pocket, and the insurance company will pay the remaining Rs. 90,000 as
part of the claim. One can select a purchasing policy that does not include a
co-payment clause.
Check the Waiting
Period Clause
Pre-existing diseases, maternity expenses, and specific treatments like
hernia, varicose veins, etc., are usually covered after a specified waiting
period, which varies from plan to plan, of 2 to 4 years. Maternity expenses,
for example, are typically covered 2 to 4 years after the policy purchase date.
Check the period after which pre-existing illnesses will be covered in your
family health plan and select a plan with a short waiting period.
When purchasing family health insurance, you can use the above tips to improve your coverage benefits. You'd be able to make an educated decision. Besides, you would not have to run from pillar to post during the claim.