Vani: So, what is a “Super Top-Up”?
Ameya: Super top-up plan is a top-up plan on energy drinks. It takes into account the aggregate of hospitalisations in a policy year. So, if you would have chosen the super top-up plan instead of the top-up in the example above, you will be covered for ₹ 4 lakhs from the second hospitalisation.
Vani: Could you explain the difference between a super top up and a regular top up plan?
Ameya: Both these plans differ in how they are structured, health plans which are efficiently structured can help bring cost down. Top-up plans consider each hospitalisation as singular and a new one. So if you anticipate multiple hospitalisations, each of them will have to exceed the deductible. This is one of the major and most cost-effective differentiators of a super top-up plan.
Super top-up’s cost-benefit lies in its coverage of multiple treatments in a year. It considers the total treatment expenses in a year for claiming, hence you end up saving on huge medical bills in such a policy.
Vani: Why do I even need these top-ups?
Ameya: Most comprehensive insurance don’t cover every specific illness. They are designed to suit wide range of uses and demographics. Hence, if you need a very specific treatment, the cost can go much higher and some of it won’t be covered by your basic health insurance policy.
Whereas, a super top-up also offers specialised coverage such as Donor Expenses, and gives enhanced coverage over and above your normal policy. Instead of buying a new insurance policy entirely to meet you increased medical requirement, it is a much feasible option to attach a top-up to your regular health plan.
Vani: How important is choosing a right deductible in my health plan?
Ameya: Very important! Deductible can make or break the efficacy of your health insurance plan. It is the amount that you have to pay for – either out-of-pocket or from your basic health insurance policy – before your health insurance top-ups kick in.
Choosing a very high deductible means you will have to take care of the base amount yourself. Always calculate the amount of deductible by taking in your medical history and the kind of costs you anticipate in the next 5 years. If you are nearing 50, a super top-up will be more beneficial, since the risk of ailments is higher as you grow older.
Vani: Do I need to have a health insurance policy to opt for Super top up plan?
Ameya: No, you need not. If you don't have a health plan, you can still purchase a Super top-up plan. For instance, ICICI Lombard’s health booster plan is a standalone policy that can be purchased independently, even if you don’t have a base plan.
However, in this case you will end up paying the expenses out-of-pocket until you exceed your deductible limit and the super top up kicks in. Hence, it is ideal to have a basic health insurance plan, however not necessary.
Vani: What kind of coverages are offered in ICICI Lombard’s Health Booster Plan?
Ameya: Health Booster, a super top-up plan comes with features like lifetime cover, day care treatment, pre and post hospitalization, critical illness coverage. Wellness Programs and emergency ambulance charges are also included in the plan. With the free-look in period of 15 days, you can get to know the policy closely before investing. The inclusions and exclusions in the policy wordings will offer you a better understanding of the scope of coverage.