Updated on - 23 Oct 2025
Life after retirement brings many changes, and one of the biggest concerns is health. As we grow older, medical needs often increase, and staying covered becomes more important than ever. But what happens to your health insurance when you stop working? Can you continue with your existing plan, or do you need to switch to a new one?
Understanding how health insurance works after retirement can help you avoid stress and make smart choices. Let’s break down what you need to know.
How does health insurance work after retirement?
During your working years, your employer might have provided you with a health insurance policy. However, this usually ends once you retire, and you will need to make new arrangements for your medical cover.
Health insurance after retirement helps cover the costs of hospital visits, treatments, surgeries, medicines and more. Without it, you may have to pay these expenses from your savings, which can be difficult in the long run.
Do you need to buy a new health insurance policy after retirement?
In most cases, yes. If your employer stops the health cover after retirement, you will need to buy your own policy. There are special health insurance plans made for retired people or senior citizens. These are designed to meet the needs of older individuals and often include cover for pre-existing diseases, day care procedures and regular health check-ups.
Can you continue with your old policy after retirement?
It depends. Some employers allow retired employees to continue the same group health policy by paying the full premium themselves. If that’s not possible, you might be able to convert the group insurance into an individual plan offered by the same insurer. However, you will still need to check the terms, premiums and what is covered.
Eligibility criteria for senior citizen health insurance
Senior citizen health insurance is generally available to individuals who are 60 years of age or older and do not have access to any other form of health insurance coverage. However, some plans may include additional eligibility criteria, such as specific residency conditions or income limits.
Is senior citizen health insurance enough?
Senior citizen health insurance is helpful, but sometimes, it may not cover everything. It may have limits on how much you can claim in a year or on specific treatments. Also, some plans may not include dental, eye care or home healthcare.
In such cases, you can consider:
- Buying a top-up plan for extra coverage.
- Keeping a savings fund for medical emergencies.
- Looking for health insurance with higher limits and broader coverage.
Can you continue with your old policy after retirement?
If your employer’s group health insurance ends, you cannot use it unless there’s an option to convert or continue it individually. Always ask your employer what choices are available before retiring.
Transition from employer coverage
Upon retirement, individuals typically lose employer-sponsored health insurance. In such cases, they can explore options like private insurance or government-run schemes available for senior citizens in India.
Government health schemes in India
There are several health insurance plans for the elderly available in India, including:
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): Seniors below the poverty line who have no other choices for insurance are eligible for free treatments, surgeries and medicine under this scheme.
- Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY): For seniors who fall below the poverty line and have no alternative access to healthcare, RSBY covers hospital stays and procedures.
- The Central Government Health Scheme and the Employee's State Insurance Scheme: Both provide benefits to government workers, retirees and workers in the organised sector, as well as to their families.
Conclusion
Retirement is a new chapter in life, and taking care of your health should be a top priority. Health insurance after retirement helps you handle medical costs without using up your savings. Whether you continue with your old policy, buy a new one or use a government scheme, it is important to plan ahead. Compare plans, understand the benefits and choose one that gives you peace of mind after retirement.
Need help choosing the right health insurance after retirement? We are here to guide you. Simply fill out the form on this page and get personal advice tailored to your health needs and budget. It only takes a minute, and it could make all the difference when you need it most.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.