Health insurance is an important investment, but understanding all the details upfront can also be difficult. Many people sign up for a policy only to realise it may not fully cover their needs later. That's why health insurance policies in India include a free-look period. The Free Look Period in Health Insurance in India is when you can assess the insurance policy bought from a company. If you don't like the policy or feel its benefits aren't suitable, you can cancel the insurance policy. This article will help you understand this term a bit better.
Free-Look Period In Health Insurance In India
Sometimes, people go for health insurance plans without adequately understanding the policy offers. Hence, you may buy a plan that doesn't suit your needs, leading to unexpected extra expenses during claims. This is why the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has regulated insurers to offer this feature known as the Free Look Period in health insurance policies.
Most insurers consider a free-look period of 15 days. A 15-day free look period in health insurance policies, including indemnity and defined benefit plans, gives you a window of 15 days to cancel the policy. Similarly, a policies would give you a time period of 30 days to cancel. The free look period begins when you accept and confirm the insurance policy. It then continues for 15-30 days.
Once you inform the insurer about your plans to cancelling the policy during this period, you must provide them with the following:
- A valid reason for the cancellation
- A policy contract
- Other important documents.
The insurer will refund the cash you paid when purchasing the policy immediately after your request gets confirmed.
Conclusion
A free look period in health insurance is an agreement your insurance provider gives. As a policyholder, you can review and terminate their policies if necessary. Whether it is term or health insurance, you can benefit from terminating the insurance policy through the free look period of 15 to 30 days. So, ensure you go through the terms and conditions thoroughly. If you're unsatisfied with health coverage after purchasing the policy, you can cancel the health insurance and get a refund for the policy amount you paid.