After the pandemic, there has been an increasing demand for health insu- rance in India as people have realised their vulnerabilities. The health insurance sector in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.55% from 2023 to 2030. Rising income levels, increasing healthcare costs, and longer life expectancies push people to secure their health and finances with a health insurance plan.
If you are looking for the best online health insurance, this blog highlights the top features you must look for in your health insurance policy to maximise its benefits.
Finding the right health insurance plan that fits your family's needs and your budget is critical. Often, people choose an insurance policy with the lowest premium. Your health insurance is your financial safety net during medical emergencies. So, look beyond the insurance cost to find a plan with comprehensive coverage. While comparing different health insurance policies, pay attention to the following features:
Ideally, your health insurance must cover basic hospitalisation and extend broader financial protection. Key factors to look for are:
• In-patient and out-patient care: This coverage pays for in-patient hospital admission, out-patient procedures or consultations, and minor operations such as daycare procedures.
• Pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage: The right policy should include coverage for at least 30 days prior and 60 to 90 days after discharge from a hospital.
• Daycare treatments: This covers cataract surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatment, which require a hospital stay of less than 24 hours.
A cashless facility allows you to avail treatment at network hospitals without paying upfront; the insurer would settle the bill directly.
• Emergency access: If you are in an emergency, this would help remove the reimbursement headache.
• Extensive hospital network: Look for insurers with large, reputable hospitals in their networks close to your home and work locations.
• Good quality hospitals: Favour companies with highly ranked hospitals under your cover so you are sure you are getting good care.
Opt for health insurance plans that include coverage for chronic and existing illnesses with minimum waiting times. Pay attention to:
• Shorter waiting period: Seek policies with a waiting period of less than two years.
• Immediate coverage for critical diseases: Without a waiting period or a shortened waiting period, coverage is given for critical illnesses.
• Annual health checkups: Many plans offer free yearly health checkups that help you with early detection and management of chronic conditions with ongoing monitoring.
These two features expand coverage without increasing your premium.
• NCB: You can accumulate bonus coverage for every claim-free year. Some policies continue to increase your coverage up to 100%.
• Restoration benefit: Exhausting your insurance coverage within a policy term will automatically restore coverage.
• Integrated benefits: Some policies offer both features, ensuring continuous coverage and added value over time.
Digital solutions make health care more accessible and easier to manage. Many insurance providers offer:
• Telemedicine: A virtual consultation with the doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Health tracking apps: An application monitors your health metrics, steps, and sleep. These can turn into rewards or discounts if you practice good health habits.
• 24/7 medical support: Some plans offer round-the-clock support for emergencies or symptom guidance.
Choosing a health insurance plan involves more than comparing premiums or basic benefits. A comprehensive plan allows you to get cashless treatments from network hospitals without waiting longer. Additional features like NCB, restoration benefits, and digital healthcare will help you seek medical care immediately. Look beyond basic policy coverage to secure your health and align your health insurance with your lifestyle and future healthcare needs.
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read more...
