Health Insurance, The cost of healthcare is increasing faster than medical inflation. this is the reason why it’s a imperative for every person to have a health insurance plan which will not only help you save emergency funds, and also save for your life in the event that a medical emergencies occur to you or your close family members and also helps to cope with the growing medical costs.
The experts believe that health insurance policies must be an integral element of your financial plan and should be bought in the early years of your life and accountable to ensure that you are secure and safe. Making the investment in a health insurance policy when you are young offers other advantages including better total insurance coverage, lower cost of premiums as well as no medical examinations and more.
This guide will explain in detail everything about the health insurance policy, the aspects that affect health insurance, the various kinds of health plans are available and much more.
source : khabrein.info
What Is Health Insurance: Health Insurance Meaning
Health Insurance, The health insurance policy is a type of insurance that provides instant financial assistance there is a medical emergency. This is the contract that exists between the policy holder and an insurance company, which will cover medical expenses that could result from injuries, illness or accidents. If you are covered by an insurance policy for health, it is likely that a part or all medical expenses will be covered by the insurance provider, against which the insured is required to pay a specific amount, referred to as the premium.
There are two methods by which insurance companies reimburses you for medical costs:
Cashless Therapy:Here, the policyholder does not have to make any payments to the hospital in the network. The insurance company will pay directly to the hospital.
reimbursement:Here you can see that the person who is insured must pay for medical bills first, and then seek an insurance reimbursement.
Why Should I Have A Health Insurance Policy?
Health Insurance, A health insurance plan is something we should all put off until we are aware of its importance. Prior to purchasing one, it is essential to know the many advantages of a health insurance plan, as medical emergencies could come at any time and cause huge holes in your wallet. It is therefore advisable to purchase health insurance early in life and get comprehensive coverage for the lowest cost of premium as well as the benefit of tax deductions on premiums.
In essence the reason to buy a health insurance plan as follows:
- It allows you to receive top medical care without anxiety about the high cost of medical treatment.
- Specialized coverage is available for the most serious diseases.
- The insurance covers road ambulance expenses.
- Provides a low-cost premium for children.
- Offers cashless claim benefits, that allows you to look after your health without worrying about hefty medical costs.
- Make sure you have your savings ready for medical emergency.
- Provides tax benefits under Section 80D.
- It also protects you and your family as well as helps protect your savings.
Kinds Of Health Insurance Policies
There are generally two kinds of insurance for health, such as self-plan, individual and family floater. Like the name implies, an one policy will provide benefits and coverage for the policyholder who is the primary beneficiary. However for a family floater policy, it is the only policy that covers the entire family, including spouse and dependent children, parents and/or parent-in-laws, as well as dependent siblings.
It is important to choose the right plan according to the relevant aspects like your age, medical history of your family and children’s age medical history, and of course the budget. Let’s look at the plans in greater detail:
Individual or Self Health Insurance Plan
A health insurance policy for individuals is issued on behalf of one policyholder this means that the amount of the insured’s coverage as well as the benefits offered by the policy are exclusively devoted to the person who is insured and nobody else. The person who purchase the policy to safeguard their own health. The policy will in turn provide financial assistance for their own health emergency.
Family Floater Health Insurance Plan
Family floater is one policy that aims to offer insurance coverage for the entire family and relatives. Instead of having a separate policy for every person in the family the health insurance policy is a better choice, because it functions as an umbrella that covers the entire family. The sum assured coverage is shared among all members who have been covered by the same policy.
It is nevertheless recommended to purchase a separate insurance plan for your elderly parents or parents-in-law as it can be cheaper. If any person of the family has a significant medical history, it is best to get a separate plan for them instead of having them covered under the family floating plan.
Factors To Consider Before Deciding On A Health Insurance Plan
Step 1: Finding the Right Insurance Company
Here are some aspects you should consider when choosing the best health insurance provider –
1. The Range of Plans Offered
Explore the different kinds of plans that a particular company provides as well as plans USPs. Certain companies offer a variety of plans to meet the different coverage requirements you’ll need. Pick a firm that has an array of plans to help you discover the perfect policy for your requirements.
2. The Network of Hospitals
The hospital network is crucial for obtaining cashless claims. The larger the network insurers have the better it will be. This will enable you to find the nearest hospital that is cash-free easily.
3. Claim Settlement Ratio
The ratio of settlement for claims is a measure of how many claims was settled by the company during the financial year. A higher number suggests that the business remains steadfast in settling claims. This is a factor that works to the benefit of the insurance company.
4. Claim-Based Loading
Some companies will increase renewal rates for claims made in previous years. This results in higher costs for premiums. So, stay clear of companies who follow this method.
5. Premium Rate
Pricing policy relates to the price the company is charging in comparison to its competition. It is possible to check prices by looking at similar policies among various businesses.
For instance, the Aarogya policy has the same coverage features for all insurers. However, the premiums are contingent on the insurance company’s pricing policy. You can compare the price of the plan with other insurers to determine the one which charges the lowest. It is likely that its pricing policy is equal across all plans.
6. Ease of Claim Settlement
Insurers have revolutionized the process of claiming and have made it easier. The following ideas are gaining momentum:
- AI-enabled claim processing
- WhatsApp notification
- Digital documentation
- Rapider approvals
- Tracking and notification of claims via apps as well as tracking.
These services help speed up the process of filing claims and makes it easy. So, search for insurers who offer these facilities to ensure faster claim settlements.
7. Reviews
Don’t forget to read reviews and testimonials of customers. Many insurance companies display their reviews from customers through their website. They are available to view. Alternately, you can speak to your relatives and friends about their insurance providers. If they’ve ever had a claim made, find out the experience of their claim to determine which insurer follows the most effective procedures.
Step 2: Identifying the most effective strategy
After you have decided on the best insurance provider the second, and most important step would be to choose the right plan. With a variety of insurers offering a variety of plans, you can choose from many options. But choosing the best policy is crucial.
In this regard there are a few things to help you in similar issues –
1. Coverage benefits
The first thing you must look over for is coverage advantages provided by various plans. Although most plans offer basic benefits of coverage, you should look for plans with distinct benefits.
Assess your requirements for coverage, and then search for plans that provide the coverage you require. If, for instance, you’re planning to have a baby soon, search for plans that provide the coverage for maternity. In the event that your family is already complete and you are already covered, then skip these plans.
In addition, you should look for options that can increase the the coverage. For example the sum insured restoration and high no-claim bonus, value-added advantages, annual health checks as well as annual health check-ups. are just a few of the options you should look out for.
Select a plan that offers the broadest range of coverage. This will reduce your expense out-of-pocket during claims, and offer you greater financial security.
2. The option to customize
Find plans that permit you to modify the features of coverage to meet your needs. This is achievable through the add-ons health insurance plans provide. The add-ons let you choose additional coverage options depending on your needs. They also enable customization.
3. Premium Amount
Naturally, the cost of insurance is vital. Compare the amount of premium charged vs the coverage provided. To gain a better understanding to look at the comparison. The premiums are compared against other plans offered by different insurance companies with similar benefits. Examine if the price is reasonable or overpriced due to the coverage.
Select a plan that has the highest premium with the same benefits, even if that requires you to choose a different insurance provider.
4. Sub-Limits
Health insurance plans may have limits on various expenses, such as rooms rent, ICU room rent, Domiciliary treatment, AYUSH coverage and so on. The sub-limits restrict the scope of coverage and could result in out-of pocket expenses. Therefore, you should select an insurance policy with no limit on the amount of coverage to benefit from the greatest coverage.
5. Co-Payment Clause
Some health insurance plans may include co-payment provisions for a variety of reasons. Co-payments are when, in each event of a claim you have to pay the specific portion of the amount through your pocket. For example, a copayment of 10% implies you pay 10% each claim will be paid by you. Common co-payment clauses can be applied in the following situations:
- If the insured is more than 61 years old in the year of purchasing the insurance policy
- If you purchase the insurance in a city that is the lower Tier, you can take advantage of treatment within a city of an upper level
- In the event of specific conditions or treatments
Search for the health insurance plan that don’t have a co-payment provision. Even when the clause cannot be avoided such as the situation of senior citizen plans, choose plans that have a lower rate.
6. Waiting Period
The waiting period occurs in the event that a particular coverage isn’t permitted under an insurance plan for health. When the waiting time is completed, coverage is permissible.
Health insurance plans have waiting times in a variety of situations. This includes:
- The initial 30 or 60 days waiting period to cover diseases. Also known as the cooling-off period, during which diseases are not covered. However, injuries caused by accidents are covered starting on day 1.
- The waiting period for certain illnesses or treatments such as hernia, fissures and hydrocele tonsillectomy, cataract joint replacement or joint replacement, etc. The average waiting time is 24 months. However, in certain plans the duration may differ.
- The pre-existing waiting time is between 12 months and 48 months. The waiting period applies to illnesses or medical conditions could arise when purchasing new insurance. The effects of existing health conditions aren’t covered during this time.
- The waiting time for maternity can vary from 9 months to up to 48 months.
- The waiting period is for the reimbursement of OPD costs, bariatric treatment and other treatments.
There are waiting periods that are inevitable. But, it is possible to find plans where the duration is minimal. This is especially important in the case of pregnant coverage or already have a medical condition and require coverage as soon as possible.
7. Discounts Available
Health insurance plans offer a variety of kinds of discounts to attract customers. Some of the most commonly offered discounts include:
- Discount on purchasing the two- or three-year term of a policy
- Discounts for more than one member under this policy, on an individual basis
- Discount on purchasing the policy on the internet
- Discount when taking the cost in one lump sum, rather than in installments
- Discounts for existing clients of our company
- Discount to maintain an active way of life
- Renewal discount for those who haven’t made any claim during the previous year of your policy
- Discount when you choose to opt for the voluntary deductible
- Discount for taking advantage of treatment at a network hospital
Check for discounts available. Pick a plan that gives the biggest discount so that you get the most price on top-quality.
If you’ve located the top company and most appropriate strategy, you may believe that your job is over. But it’s not. It is important to keep the other aspect in mind when picking the best amount to be insured.
Step 3: How To Find the Right Coverage Amount?
A proper amount of insurance is crucial to ensure that your health insurance will cover your medical costs. A small amount insured is incompatible with the reason to invest in health insurance, and is a complete no-no.
The right amount of insurance is easier than you imagine. Just think about the following elements:
- The total number of participants covered by the policy
- If you or any other member is suffering from any existing health condition
- The cost of hospitalization is the most basic as well as medical treatments
- The rise in medical costs
The majority of insurers will help you calculate the best amount of insurance by analyzing your earnings, expenses, your current insurance coverage and the number of members covered. It is also possible to estimate the ideal amount of coverage using simple formulas such like this:
Sum insured equals 50 percent of your income plus the total hospitalization expenses for the past three years
As an example, suppose your annual earnings are INR 15 lakh, and over the past three years, you’ve incurred an expense for hospitalization in the amount of INR five lakh. In this instance the maximum amount insured could be calculated in the following manner:
50 percent of INR 15 Lakh + 5 lakh INR = INR 12.5 lakh
Step 4: How To Afford a Health Plan
The cost of health insurance policies are not expensive. In addition, insurance companies offer the option of installment premiums that allow you to pay your premium on a monthly basis, quarterly or every half-year. This makes health insurance affordable.
In addition, if paying for the cost of a huge amount of insurance is the problem, you may choose super top-up health insurance plans. Super top-up health plans aid to increase coverage while keeping the price low.For example, suppose you need protection of INR 15 lakh, but the cost of the premium is prohibitive. In these instances you could opt for the comprehensive health insurance plan of INR 5 lakh or 10 lakh. You can also include a super top-up plan that is INR 10 lakh or INR 5 lakh, respectively.
The super top-up insurance plan will provide you with an overall coverage of 15 lakh INR. But, the total cost will be less than purchasing a health insurance plan worth INR 15 lakh.
How To Purchase A Health Insurance Policy Online?
- The most convenient method of purchasing an insurance policy on health is to do it through the internet, which can be completed in a matter of minutes, using a paperless method and without physical signatures.
- All you need is the complete, detailed information on different health policies that meet your requirements and preferences.
- Take a look at the best health insurance policies and evaluate them in further detail and according to your requirements and needs in order to choose the most appropriate one. Explore them on the internet to learn more about coverage, benefits, and the premium rates at your preferred location and at the right time.
- After you have completed your policy, you must read the policy thoroughly and complete the documenting process.
- Once the documents are uploaded, it’s time to complete the final payment, which is possible through debit or credit card, or via net banking. Insurance companies generally require seven to 10 days to complete the entire process. They then they will hand over the policy to you.
Things To Avoid While Buying A Health Insurance Policy
The pressure to buy a policy : Don’t buy the health insurance plan in a rush. It is recommended to conduct an adequate amount of research and then choose the most suitable health insurance policy for yourself or your family. You are able to conduct your own research and then compare the quotes for premiums online prior to deciding on an insurance plan for health.
The choice of not having enough coverage: The price of premiums is an important consideration when purchasing a health insurance. Make sure you do not select limited or insufficient coverage to reduce costs for premiums. Better to choose a full insurance plan that considers the size of your family, your medical history and financial circumstances.
Hiding Health-Related Information: While purchasing a health insurance plan, be sure to disclose all relevant information regarding your health, lifestyle or any pre-existing health conditions. The concealing of relevant medical information could result in major harm as insurance claims could be denied due to the lack of medical details.
Not Purchasing A Separate Medical Insurance policy: Do not rely solely on the health insurance coverage offered by your employer as it only covers a small portion of. Additionally, if you quit the company, your contract will end immediately. It is vital to get an additional health insurance plan in which the amount of coverage is higher and is not affected by the conditions and terms of your current job.
Infringing Terms and Conditions of The Policies Document Be sure to not disregard or ignore the conditions and terms of your policy. It doesn’t matter if it concerns the coverage, premium cost renewal conditions discounts, sub-limits or discounts waiting periods, free-look periods and co-payment provisions or any other deductibles all of it is stated in your policy documents. If you are still having questions, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company to get more information regarding the health insurance policy you have.
buying a policy Simply Saving Tax:Do not buy a health insurance policy to save tax on the premium you pay. It is important to know the tax benefits that are provided by the insurance policy but the principal goal of purchasing the health insurance plan is to secure a good amount of insurance that can financially support you and your family members in times of health or medical emergencies.
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