Your tongue possesses remarkable versatility, carrying out a wide range of tasks. Its impressive mobility allows coordinated functions like speaking, sucking, and swallowing. Not only that, this skilled organ acts as a sensory powerhouse, governing your sense of taste and displaying remarkable sensitivity to touch. In addition, it houses numerous immune cells, actively contributing to your body's defence mechanisms. Understandably, any condition that affects your tongue, such as tongue cancer, can lead to distress and discomfort. However, by promptly identifying and addressing such issues, you can be secured financially and mentally.

What is Tongue Cancer?

Tongue cancer typically arises from abnormal cell growth on your tongue and falls into the category of head and neck cancers. There are various types of tongue-related cancers, but the most common type starts from the flat, slim cells that cover the surface of your tongue, known as squamous cells. This type of cancer is commonly called squamous cell carcinoma.

Your tongue is divided into two distinct parts, namely, the oral tongue and the base of the tongue, both of which can be susceptible to cancer. The oral tongue makes up the first two portions you see when you stick your tongue out. On the other hand, the base of your tongue is located at the back and is very close to your throat.

Symptoms of Tongue Cancer

The following are some of the most common tongue cancer symptoms.

You might notice early stage tongue cancer symptoms such as an unhealed ulcer, sore, or lump on your tongue that tends to bleed easily. This condition can lead to sensations of pain or a lingering burning feeling within your tongue. 

Pay attention to tongue cancer symptoms such as discovering a lump in your neck, experiencing a persistent sore throat, or feeling like something is obstructing your throat over time. This condition might even impact your ability to speak clearly and lead to the development of bad breath, unintentional weight loss, and persistent fatigue.

Causes of Tongue Cancer

The following are some of the most popularly known tongue cancer causes.

Tongue tumour is strongly linked to the excessive use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV). While it used to mainly affect older men, this disease in recent years has started affecting women and younger individuals more frequently. This change is partly due to the rise in HPV infections. HPV, a widely spread sexually transmitted infection, affects nearly everyone who is sexually active.

There are other aspects that contribute to the risk of tongue tumour. These include getting older, with those over 45 years of age being more susceptible. Not having enough fruits, vegetables, and sources of vitamin A in your diet also increases your risk. 

As we age, the risk of developing critical illnesses increases, making planning for unexpected healthcare expenses essential. Critical illness insurance for senior citizens provides financial protection against life-threatening ailments and lifestyle diseases that are expensive to treat. We will discuss the advantages of acquiring critical illness insurance for those aged over 60. Such policies provide coverage for exclusive therapies, medicines, and domestic medical services not included in standard health insurance plans. Furthermore, we will delve into how this supplementary coverage can safeguard retirement funds and offer reassurance for senior citizens and their loved ones.

What Is Critical Illness Insurance For Senior Citizens

The fast-paced and stressful lifestyle of modern times has resulted in a rise in lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and others, leading to serious health complications later in life. However, one can live a healthy life with proper management and treatment. Critical illness insurance policies help you deal with the expenses related to critical conditions and lifestyle-related diseases. It’s imperative to invest in a top-tier health insurance plan that safeguards you financially from these ailments since the treatment for these critical illnesses is exorbitant, and the resultant financial burden is unsettling.

Before purchasing a senior citizen critical illness policy, it is crucial to consider various factors, such as present age, number of dependents, and health status. For example, suppose you have certain family members who are senior citizens and dependents. In such circumstances, you may want additional coverage for sudden healthcare emergencies, such as heart attacks. Thus, it is always advisable to opt for a critical illness cover for senior citizens with sufficient financial support. Additionally, people who smoke regularly, have high-stress jobs or are more at risk of developing health problems with advancing age should start to plan early to overcome hurdles while purchasing insurance.

Your present financial position is also crucial to consider as the cost of quality healthcare continuously increases, and inflation is bound to happen. Consequently, it is essential to think about all these issues while deciding on the adequate sum insured.

Why Should You Buy Critical Illness Insurance For Senior Citizens

While traditional health insurance coverage can help with medical expenses, it may not cover all the costs associated with a critical illness. For this reason, senior citizens must consider obtaining a separate critical illness insurance plan.

• A critical illness policy for senior citizens can provide additional financial coverage in the event of a severe medical condition. This type of insurance can cover specialised treatments, medications, and domiciliary treatment, which do not typically get covered by regular health insurance policies. This additional coverage gives those aged over 60 the financial resources they need to cover the costs associated with a critical illness.
• A critical illness’s potential impact can have severe repercussions on the retirement savings of senior citizens. In the event of a severe medical condition, senior citizens may have to withdraw funds from their retirement savings to cover expenses not covered by their standard medical insurance plan. This could significantly impact their retirement plans and leave them with a shortage of funds in their twilight years. Investing in a separate critical illness insurance policy can help alleviate these concerns.
• Critical illness insurance provides a safety net to senior citizens and their family members, as they have additional financial coverage in the event of a severe medical condition.

In conclusion, senior citizens should consider obtaining a separate critical illness insurance plan in addition to their regular health insurance coverage. One can also opt for it as an add-on coverage to widen the scope of coverage of their primary healthcare policy. This can ensure they have the requisite financial resources to meet the extra expenses related to a critical illness and protect their retirement savings.

Health insurance has become crucial in safeguarding our finances with continually rising medical cost. However, navigating the complex claim processes and expenses involved in your time of need can sometimes be overwhelming. To cater to these challenges faced by our customers, ICICI Lombard has introduced an innovative solution called 'Anywhere Cashless.' This feature revolutionises health insurance, offering our policyholders a hassle-free and convenient experience at the time of claim.

Let's delve into the benefits of Anywhere Cashless and discover how it can make managing and using your health insurance easier.

Freedom from network hospital limitations:

Anywhere Cashless allows you to choose any hospital you want without worrying if it's a network hospital or not. This service lets you decide which hospital is best for you, whether near your home or a specialised facility you trust. You can get cashless treatment even if your preferred hospital is not in our network. This is available pan-India, so if you're in your hometown or travelling to another city, you can still get cashless treatment if the hospital you prefer accepts it.

Treatment without worries:

One of the most significant advantages of Anywhere Cashless is that it allows you to receive treatment without worrying about upfront payments. Unlike traditional health insurance plans that require you to pay a deposit or make payments during discharge, Anywhere Cashless eliminates these out-of-pocket expenses. This means you can focus solely on your & your family's well-being, knowing that your insurance will cover the costs directly.

Hassle-free cashless facility:

With Anywhere Cashless, you can bid farewell to the hassle of reimbursement processes and complex paperwork. This seamless cashless experience ensures you can concentrate on your recovery rather than worrying about insurance-related matters.

Peace of mind:

Lack of awareness about insurance coverage and reimbursement processes can be a source of stress during medical emergencies. Anywhere Cashless eliminates these concerns by simplifying the claims process. You no longer have to worry about understanding medical admissibility, sub-limits, or which expenses are covered. By opting for Anywhere Cashless, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your insurance will cover the costs, and you can focus solely on your recovery.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Buldhana, Maharashtra

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

With the increasing costs of medical care and treatments, having a health insurance plan has become essential for everyone. Choosing the right health insurance plan for your family can be a confusing and overwhelming task, especially with the numerous options available in the market. This guide will help you understand the factors to consider while choosing a health insurance plan that best suits your family's needs.

Factors to focus in while deciding coverage

• Coverage

One of the most important aspects to consider while choosing a health insurance plan is the coverage it offers. The plan should cover all the essential medical treatments and procedures required by your family. It is also important to check if the plan covers pre-existing conditions, as it could have a significant impact on the overall cost of treatment.

• Premiums

The premium you pay for your health insurance plan is a monthly or annual fee that you need to pay to keep your policy active. It is important to choose a plan that fits within your budget and is affordable for you in the long run. Do not compromise on coverage for a lower premium, as it could result in out-of-pocket expenses in case of medical emergencies.

• Network Hospitals

Make sure to check the network of hospitals that are covered under the health insurance plan. This is important as it will help you determine the hospitals you can go to in case of a medical emergency. Also, check if the plan covers out-of-network hospitals, as it could have a significant impact on the cost of treatment.

• Deductibles

A deductible is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. It is important to choose a plan with a deductible that you can afford in case of a medical emergency. High deductibles can lower your monthly premium but could result in higher out-of-pocket expenses.

• Co-payments

Co-payments is the amount you need to pay after your deductible has been met. It is important to choose a plan with co-payments that you can afford. A plan with higher co-payments could result in lower premiums but could result in higher out-of-pocket expenses in case of medical emergencies.

Conclusion

Choosing the right health insurance plan for your family is a crucial decision that should not be taken lightly. It is important to consider the coverage, premium, network of hospitals, deductible, co-payments, and co-insurance while making your decision. With the right health insurance plan, you can ensure the financial stability of your family in case of a medical emergency.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans:

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Baramati, Maharashtra

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Amravati, Maharashtra

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Amalner, Maharashtra

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

Super top-up health insurance means a policy that provides additional protection beyond the existing medical insurance coverage. It acts as a supplementary policy that kicks in when the sum insured by the primary health insurance policy is exhausted. In other words, it provides an extra layer of protection against unexpected medical expenses that may exceed the coverage limit of your standard or primary health insurance policy. Increasing ailments, a sedentary lifestyle, and rising medical inflation make it necessary to consider medical coverage over and above your basic healthcare plans. Let us try to grasp the meaning of what is a super top up policy and how we can use it in medical emergencies.

What is the Meaning of Super Top-Up Health Insurance?

To understand the ins and outs of super top-up health insurance plans, one needs to know super top up health insurance meaning. A super top-up health insurance plan provides additional coverage if the existing cover of the primary health insurance policy is exhausted. It works on the principle of aggregate expense. The total hospitalisation and treatment expenses in a policy year get considered, not the per-claim expenditure. If the cumulative expenses in a year exceed the deductible limit, the super top-up policy comes into effect and covers the remaining expenses up to the sum insured.

Understanding what is super top-up in health insurance explains its need as well. Medical expenses, including hospitalisation charges, surgeries, and other treatments, can quickly escalate and surpass the coverage limit of a primary health insurance policy. In such cases, having a super top-up health insurance plan can provide an extra layer of financial protection, ensuring that individuals do not get burdened with excessive out-of-pocket expenses. Super top-up plans offer additional coverage beyond the primary policy at a lower cost than purchasing a comprehensive plan with a higher coverage limit. It helps individuals mitigate the financial risks associated with unexpected medical expenses and ensures continuous coverage during critical or prolonged illness.

Benefits of Super Top-up Health Insurance Plan

Listed below are some of the major benefits of a super top-up health insurance plan.

• Increased Coverage:

One of the significant benefits of a super top-up health insurance plan is that it enhances the coverage limit beyond the existing health insurance policy. It provides an additional cushion to protect against high medical expenses, especially in cases where the primary policy's coverage limit is insufficient.

• Cost-effective:

Super top-up health insurance is usually more cost-effective compared to purchasing a separate health insurance policy with a higher coverage limit. It allows individuals to enhance their coverage without having to pay high premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan.

• Flexibility:

Super top-up health insurance offers flexibility in choosing the deductible limit, which is the amount up to which an individual is responsible for paying for medical expenses. The higher the deductible limit, the lower the premium amount. This allows individuals to avail of a policy as per their budget and needs.

• No Claim Bonus (NCB):

Some super top-up health insurance plans offer a no-claim bonus (NCB) feature. If a policyholder does not make any claims in a policy year, he/she gets rewarded an increase in the sum insured or a discount on the premium for the next policy year.

Super top-up health insurance is an effective way to enhance the coverage limit of an existing health insurance policy at an affordable cost. But most importantly, understanding what is a super top up Mediclaim policy will help you make a well-thought-out choice. With its flexibility, affordability and comprehensive protection, super top-up health insurance can be a valuable addition to your healthcare strategy.

Health insurance can involve a plethora of terms and concepts that may be difficult to comprehend. Two of these concepts are copay and coinsurance.

While both terms refer to the amount you pay out of pocket for medical care, they work in different ways. Copay is a specified amount you pay for a covered service, while coinsurance is a percentage of the cost you pay after paying the deductible amount mentioned in your policy.

Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial for making informed decisions about your health insurance coverage.

In this blog, we will delve into copay and coinsurance in health insurance, their differences, and how they impact your health insurance policies.

What is Co-Pay in Health Insurance?

Copays refer to the fixed amount an individual must pay out of pocket for a covered healthcare service. However, the copay amounts may vary depending on the specific health insurance plan and the type of service received.

Copays are a cost-sharing mechanism between the individual and the insurance provider. This helps to make healthcare more affordable and accessible while also discouraging unnecessary claims. For example, a copay might discourage individuals from scheduling unnecessary doctor’s appointments or tests since they will have to pay a portion of the cost themselves.

Let’s say you have a medical insurance policy with a copay of Rs 500 for a specialist visit. If you schedule an appointment with a specialist for a health concern, you will be responsible for paying Rs 500 at the time of your visit. Your insurance provider would reimburse the remaining cost of the visit.

Overall, copays are an important component of health insurance plans that help make healthcare more affordable and accessible for individuals. It is essential to understand your specific copay requirements and how they fit into your overall healthcare costs.

What is Co-Insurance in Health Insurance?

• Co-insurance is a cost-sharing mechanism between the individual and the insurance provider, similar to a copay.
• However, while copays are a fixed amount, co-insurance is a percentage of the total cost of the healthcare service. The percentage of co-insurance required may vary depending on the specific health insurance plan.
• Co-insurance typically applies after an individual has met his/her deductible, which is the amount the person must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in.
• For example, an individual has a health insurance plan with a Rs 5,000 deductible and a 20% co-insurance requirement. If the person undergoes a healthcare service that costs Rs 10,000, he/she would be responsible for paying the first Rs 5,000 (the deductible). After that, the person would be responsible for paying 20% of the remaining Rs 5,000, or Rs 1,000. The insurance provider would cover the remaining amount.
• Co-insurance helps to incentivise individuals to choose more cost-effective healthcare options, as they will be responsible for a portion of the cost. However, it can also result in higher out-of-pocket expenses for individuals if they require extensive or expensive healthcare services.

What is the difference between Co-pay and Co-insurance?

Both co-pay and co-insurance are cost-sharing mechanisms between the individual and the insurance provider in health insurance plans. However, they vary in the following aspects.

• Copay is a fixed amount paid by a person at the time of service, while co-insurance is a percentage of the total cost of a healthcare service paid by the policyholder after the deductible gets paid.
• While copays can differ based on the type or procedure, coinsurance applies the same percentage to all procedures.
• Copay is more common in less comprehensive plans; co-insurance is more common in comprehensive plans with higher premiums.

Overall, while coinsurance and co-pay in health insurance differ in the way in which the cost gets shared - a fixed amount for copay (co-payment) versus a percentage of the total cost for coinsurance (co-insurance) - they are both cost-sharing mechanisms between the individual and the insurance provider. After a policyholder pays his/her co insurance and co payment amount, the insurance provider covers the remaining cost of the healthcare service. By knowing the amount you will be responsible for paying out of pocket for each healthcare service, you can better budget your healthcare expenses. Additionally, understanding the difference between copay and coinsurance can help you select the right health insurance plan for your specific healthcare needs and financial situation.

Accidents in India occur frequently and can result in major financial burdens. Investing in an insurance plan, such as Personal Accident Insurance, is highly beneficial in mitigating the financial impact on the policyholder as well as his/her family. Coverage for personal accidents benefits both policyholders and their families. Personal accident insurance is crucial as it provides financial protection against accidental injuries, disability, and death. Some significant benefits of personal accident insurance are financial assistance for medical expenses, loss of income, and other related costs.

Advantages of Personal Accident Insurance

Some of the significant benefits of personal accident insurance are as follows.

• Financial protection against accidental injuries: One of the major benefits of purchasing personal accident insurance is the coverage it offers for medical expenses incurred due to accidental injuries, including hospitalisation, surgeries, and rehabilitation, helping policyholders cope with the financial burden of unexpected medical bills.
• Income replacement: Another significant benefit of purchasing personal accident insurance is that it offers coverage for loss of income or disability caused by accidental injuries, ensuring that policyholders can maintain their financial stability even if they are unable to work due to an accident.
• Accidental death benefit: Personal accident insurance provides a lump sum amount to the nominee in case of the policyholder’s accidental death, providing financial support to the family during a difficult time.
• Customisable coverage: Coverage for personal accident benefits can be customised to suit policyholders’ specific requirements, allowing them to choose the coverage amount and add-on benefits as per their preferences.

Features of a Personal Accident Insurance Policy

Some of the prime features of a personal accident insurance policy are:

• Coverage for accidental injuries and death:

  Personal accident insurance provides coverage for accidental injuries resulting from events such as road accidents, falls, burns, and drowning, as well as accidental death.

• Permanent total disability coverage:

  These policies offer coverage for a permanent total disability caused by accidental injuries, providing financial support to policyholders who are permanently disabled due to accidents.

• Temporary total disability coverage:

  Personal accident insurance provides coverage for temporary total disability, which refers to the inability to work for a temporary period due to accidental injuries. This ensures that policyholders can maintain their income during the recovery period.

• Education benefit:

  Some personal accident insurance policies offer an education benefit to the insured’s dependent children in case of the policyholder’s accidental death or permanent total disability, helping to cover their education expenses.

• Affordable premiums:

  Such policies in India typically have affordable premiums, making them accessible to individuals with varied needs and budgets.

The benefits of purchasing personal accident insurance include financial protection against accidental injuries, income replacement, and customisable coverage. The features of such policies include coverage for accidental injuries and death, permanent and temporary total disability coverage, and affordable premiums. Having personal accident insurance can give individuals peace of mind as well as financial security in times of need.

• Women who meet certain conditions are eligible for maternity benefits, including leave and payment during this period. These conditions are:
• being pregnant for the first time
• already have one or two children
• taking in a child who is under three months old
• having a child through a surrogate
• or recovering from a miscarriage, abortion, or tubectomy operation

Nevertheless, in order to qualify for perks, it is necessary to have been employed by a company for at least 80 days within the preceding 12 months prior to your childbirth.

• Men or people who identify with other genders do not have the option to seek benefits. However, some public sector employees receive paternity leave benefits.
• The ACT applies to various establishments, such as
• factories
• mines
• government establishments
• shops or establishments with at least 10 employees
• any other establishment or class of establishments that the State may notify
• It does not differentiate between permanent, temporary, or contractual employees; denying worker benefits is against the law.
• Women engaged on a casual basis are entitled to maternity leave benefits. However, a female employee cannot avail of any maternity benefits after the expiration of the contractual period.

Employers who fail to pay maternity benefits or dismiss an employee during their maternity leave may be imprisoned and asked to pay a fine.

HR Maternity Leave Policy

• Maternity paid leave is available for up to 26 weeks, with 8 weeks of pre-natal leave.
• Employees with two or more children are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, while adoption leave is also available for 12 weeks.
• Commissioning mothers who use their eggs to create an embryo implanted in another woman are also entitled to 12 weeks of leave.
• Maternity leave is fully paid, subject to eligibility criteria, and a medical bonus is provided.
• Employees must follow a formal maternity leave procedure to request maternity leave and benefits, and HR must approve any deviation from the policy.

Maternity Leave Challenges For Employers

• According to a report, a major concern for 95% of managers is how to find a replacement for an employee who announces her pregnancy. This challenge is even greater for managers who have employees in client-facing roles or work in a team and are not individual contributors.
• Companies are uncertain whether the employee will continue working for them after having a baby.
• The report also found that 88% of women feel managing uncertainty is a significant challenge without guidance and support from mentors, especially when there are health issues involved.
• Managers also face difficulties preparing for the employee's return and managing their workload.
• Insufficient support from organisations makes the reintegration process less smooth. While managers are open to providing flexible working hours, this can be a challenge without support from the organisation's policy.
• To prevent conflicts in the workplace, it is crucial for companies to anticipate and make arrangements for paid maternity leave. This can involve conducting a risk evaluation and creating unambiguous guidelines.
• Effective communication is equally crucial and can facilitate the determination of when an employee desires to resume their job. This encompasses flexible work requests and any phased reintegration schedules.

Employers that lack supportive maternity leave policies may face a considerable strain on resources, decreased productivity, difficulty retaining top talent, and uneven distribution of work.

Additionally, employers should also look into offering health insurance coverage with maternity coverage. While not mandatory, it is an additional benefit that can be of great help. 

Whether you are a first-time expectant mother or have experienced the joy of being a mom-to-be, there may be several questions regarding the Maternity Leave Policy and its rules.

You might have asked your friends and colleagues but didn’t find satisfactory answers, or their replies have left you more puzzled than before. If you’re back to square one, let us walk you through the benefits, the eligibility criteria, and more so that you can find proper answers to your queries.

We will also provide an example of how to write a letter to HR applying for maternity leave and whether you will receive a partial or full salary if you apply for maternity leave.

Maternity Benefit ACT 1961

The purpose of this benefit is to assist women in caring for their children. The ACT ensures job security for working women and applies to all establishments with ten or more employees. The ACT also covers government organisations and establishments employing women to perform acrobatics and equestrian exhibitions. The employer is liable to pay maternity benefits to the women employees. The ACT permits the combination of maternity leave with other forms of leave. In case of gross misconduct, the employer can dismiss the employee or deprive her of the benefit or bonus. But neglecting to adhere to the regulations outlined in the legislation can result in grave repercussions for employers.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans:

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Pune

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans:

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

Health insurance is a vital safety net providing financial protection against unforeseen medical emergencies. However, it is essential to understand the waiting period associated with health insurance policies. The waiting period is when the insured person cannot claim insurance benefits after purchasing the policy. This article will define the waiting period and its different types. Let's shed light on frequently raised queries to gain a comprehensive understanding.

Waiting period definition

The popularly known term waiting period in health insurance refers to the duration an insured person must wait before being eligible for insurance benefits. This period begins from the policy commencement date and varies between insurance companies. For instance, maternity coverage usually has a waiting period of two to four years. Waiting periods help to avoid unethical practices by policyholders. This includes purchasing a policy after being diagnosed with an illness and immediately making a claim. The waiting period helps prevent deceptive behaviour and ensures that insurance benefits get provided to only those who genuinely need them.

Types of waiting periods in health insurance

Here are the key points regarding the different waiting periods in health insurance policies:

● Initial waiting period in health insurance:

This is essentially the phase after purchasing your healthcare plan, during which you cannot claim any benefits for hospitalisation, planned or emergency. The minimum initial waiting period in health insurance is usually at least 30 days. Some insurance providers offer zero waiting period health insurance as well.

● Waiting period for pre-existing diseases:

This is a waiting period for those diagnosed with a specific pre-existing disease listed in the policy document. The insurer can impose a waiting period of up to 2 years.

● Waiting period related to specific diseases:

Health insurance plans may encompass separate waiting periods for diverse ailments, which can vary from one to two years, according to the insurer’s policy. This waiting period applies to illnesses that require long-term care.

● Maternity waiting period:

The period during which you cannot claim maternity benefits typically varies from 9 months to 6 years. The health insurance no waiting period may not be applicable here.

● Waiting period for accidental hospitalisation:

No waiting period applies in the case of immediate hospitalisation resulting from an unfortunate accident.

● Waiting period for health check-ups:

Insurers who offer complimentary health check-ups keep the waiting period to at least one year. It essentially means you can actively avail of this benefit only after completing the one-year waiting period in health insurance. You can avail of this benefit from the second year of your policy.

● Waiting period for COVID-19 coverage:

The waiting period in health insurance plans that fully cover COVID-19 disease is 15 days.

Thoroughly reviewing the policy documents is crucial to comprehend the waiting periods embedded in health insurance policies. Some insurance service providers may provide health insurance without waiting periods too. Waiting period insurance protects the insurer from the risk of high claims immediately after the policy’s purchase.

It is an undeniable truth that good health is synonymous with wealth. In today’s fast-paced life, health often gets neglected, and it is not until a medical emergency strikes that we realise the importance of being healthy. Medical expenses are skyrocketing, and paying for them can be financially draining. That is where health insurance comes in. Health insurance ensures you are not burdened with hefty medical bills and keeps you financially covered. The government encourages citizens to invest in medical policies by providing tax benefits under Income Tax Act’s Section 80D. In this article, we will delve into this Section’s provisions and comprehend the benefits it offers.

What is section 80D of the income tax act?

Section 80D of the Income Tax Act is a provision that allows taxpayers to claim a deduction on the amount paid towards health insurance premiums and medical expenses for themselves, their spouse, and dependent children or parents. The deduction limit varies based on the individual’s age and the type of policy purchased. This Section provides an additional deduction under the name of preventive health check-ups.

Deduction available under section 80D of the income tax act

• If you are under 60 years of age and have paid health insurance premiums for yourself, the eligible limit for tax exemption is Rs 25,000.

• If you have paid health insurance premiums for yourself, your spouse, and dependent children who are all under the age of 60, the eligible limit is Rs 25,000.

• If you have paid health insurance premiums for yourself and your parents, and all of you are below 60 years of age, the eligible deduction will be Rs 50,000 (Rs 25,000 for your parents and the same amount for yourself).

• If you have purchased health insurance premiums for yourself, and you are below 60 years of age and also bought insurance for your parents who are above 60 years of age, the eligible limit is Rs 75,000 (Rs 25,000 for yourself and Rs 50,000 for your parents).

• If you have purchased a policy for both yourself and your parents, and all of you are above 60, the eligible limit is Rs 1,00,000.

Deduction under section 80D for health insurance premium paid for parents

The deduction available under Section 80D for health insurance premiums paid for parents depends on the age of the parents and the premium paid. The table below provides the details of the deduction:

Mr X is 35 years old, and during the financial year 2022-23, he paid a health insurance premium of Rs 60,000 for his 60-year-old father. He also incurred expenses of Rs 35,000 for a premium for himself during the same period. The maximum deduction he could claim in this case would be:

Deduction on preventive healthcare check-ups under section 80D

• Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, individuals can claim deductions on preventive health check-ups up to a maximum limit of Rs 5,000 per year. This benefit is for all, irrespective of their age.

• Preventive health check-ups refer to medical tests and examinations carried out to identify any health issues before they become severe. Such tests include routine blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, and other scans.

• It is essential to note that the maximum deduction limit available under this Section is Rs 5,000, and any amount exceeding this limit is not eligible for tax benefits.

For example, if an individual incurs an expense of Rs 4,000 on a preventive health check-up for himself/herself or his/her family members, the person can claim a deduction of Rs 4,000 under Section 80D. However, if a person incurs an expense higher than Rs 5,000, he/she would not be able to avail of any benefit for the amount that exceeds Rs 5,000.

Health insurance has become a crucial part of financial planning for individuals in today’s world. It assists people during any unpredictable medical crisis without worrying about the financial burden. However, despite having a health insurance policy, individuals may still face the issue of exhausting their sum insured due to unforeseen medical expenses. That is where the restoration benefit in health insurance meaning comes into play. 

What is restoration benefit in health insurance?

Restoration benefit is an add-on feature in health insurance policies that provides an additional sum insured amount after the primary sum insured is exhausted in a policy year. This feature may be handy for policyholders likely to use their original sum insured due to recurring illnesses or hospitalisations.

For instance, the policyholder has a sum insured of Rs 5,00,000 and has utilised the entire amount in a policy year. The restoration benefit will automatically restore the sum insured amount for the same policy year, allowing the policyholder to avail of further medical treatment without incurring additional expenses.

Types of restoration benefit

There are usually two types of restoration in health insurance available in the market:

• Fixed restoration benefit:

It is a type of benefit in which the insurer offers a fixed restoration amount benefit equivalent to the sum insured amount. Let's say the policyholder has an insurance policy with a coverage amount of Rs 5,00,000. Suppose the policyholder has undergone surgery and used up the entire amount. But later in the same policy year, he gets sick and again needs hospitalisation. His insurer will restore his coverage amount to Rs 5,00,000. That means he will have a total coverage amount of Rs 10,00,000 for that policy year. But the restoration benefit will be applicable after you exhaust the total sum insured.

• Partial restoration benefit:

This kind of restoration has a slight edge over the fixed restoration benefit as one does not have to exhaust the entire sum insured to avail of it. For example, let’s say a policyholder has a health insurance policy with a sum insured amount of Rs 5,00,000 and a partial restoration benefit of Rs 2,00,000. In a policy year, the policyholder incurs medical expenses of Rs 5,00,000, exhausting the entire sum insured amount. Under partial restoration benefit, the insurer will restore only a part of the sum insured amount, which in this case is Rs 2,00,000. So, the policyholder will have a total sum insured amount of Rs. 7,00,000 for the same policy year.

Benefits of buying a health insurance plan with restoration benefits

If you are planning to buy a medical insurance plan, considering a policy with restoration benefits can be helpful in numerous ways. Here are some of the advantages of purchasing a health insurance policy with restoration benefits:

• Increased financial protection:

The additional sum insured after the exhaustion of primary coverage provides a financial cushion and protects you from unexpected medical expenses that might arise during the policy year.

• Multiple claims:

Restoration benefits can enable you to make several claims during the policy year. Its advantages are more apparent to policyholders with various ailments or those requiring frequent doctor visits.

• Cost-effective:

Health insurance policies with restoration benefits might be slightly more expensive than standard policies. However, they can be cost-effective in the long run as they provide additional financial protection without requiring the purchase of another plan.

• Peace of mind:

Knowing you have a health insurance policy with restoration benefits can give you peace of mind. You can be confident that you have additional financial security and can cover any unexpected medical expenses.