Covid-19: How to choose a suitable health insurance plan for senior citizens?
COVID – 19
This extremely contagious and fatal disease, coronavirus, commonly known as COVID - 19, generated from China, has taken the whole world by a storm. It has entered almost every country of the world and affected almost all genres and age-group of people – children, youngsters, middle-aged and especially the senior citizens for whom this disease is considered as deadly.
Till now, there is no treatment or vaccine designed to curb the disease. All efforts are made towards isolating and to quarantine oneself away from the crowd and maintain social distancing taking relevant precautions like wearing a mask, sanitizing the surroundings, and washing hands regularly. These are basic guidelines to be followed by one and all.
Health Insurance Plans for Senior citizens
COVID 19 has affected the senior citizens to quite a large extent and taken many lives as of now. It does not spare anyone with a pre-existing illness or with weak immunity, thus failing to fight against the virus and finally succumbing to death due to the influence of the contagious virus.
In such a state, it is imperative to take a beneficial and lucrative health insurance plan from one of the top health insurance companies in India to guard one against the financial contingencies he may have to face in case of hospitalization or even death due to coronavirus.
Features:
- No need to jeopardize personal savings and have the budget affected – health insurance will take care of medial contingencies pertaining to coronavirus.
- For the senior citizens, there are several ailments besides COVID 19 that can affect the elderly and can be harmful to the out of pocket expenditure on these treatments. To avoid that, health insurance is always suggested.
- A comprehensive health plan should be purchased by the senior citizens or their caretakers to limit the drawbacks of medical expenses that they may have to go through. A policy without limitations, maybe expensive at the time of purchasing, but will give the benefit of peace of mind and makes the person financially prepared to deal with any ailment of the elderly.
- There is a huge misconception that many insurance companies may not cover senior citizens with pre-existing diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart ailments, etc. This is a myth, and many companies offer various plans and policies taking pre-existing diseases also into consideration after a waiting time period of a few months.
- Before buying the insurance, one must reveal all facts and figures regarding the senior citizen’s health. Any false claim or hidden information will affect the claims process, and the entire insurance will go down the drain. It is better to be truthful about the exact health of the senior citizen before buying health insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs.
Q.1. What are the benefits of buying health insurance plans for senior citizens?
A.1. The main benefits are:
- Most of the insurance policies don’t ask for a pre-medical screening
- Major companies provide OPD cover
- One can avail special discounts
- Choice of the second opinion given by most companies
- Domiciliary treatment expenses included
- Health check-ups are frequently covered and include the renewal of the policy
- Tax benefits provided to the payer
Q.2. What are the main documents required to purchase senior citizen health insurance from the top health insurance companies in India?
A.2. The main documents required are:
- Properly filled proposal form
- Pre policy medical check-up documents
- Age proof
- Supporting documents for any pre-existing ailment
Q.3. Is it possible to switch the senior citizen policy from one insurance company to another?
A.3. Yes, the IRDA regulations have allowed the same in India.
Q.4. What are the main points to remember before buying a senior citizen health insurance plan?
A.4. Main things to consider:
- Waiting period
- Pre-existing illness requirements
- Medical test expenditure
- Claim settlement process
- Sum assured, policy term and premium payable
Number of network hospitals