With medical expenses steadily rising, having financial support during times of treatment is more crucial than ever. Health insurance in Chandigarh ensures that you and your family can access quality healthcare without the added stress of financial burden. Given Chandigarh’s strong healthcare infrastructure, health insurance plays a pivotal role in creating access to the best care without financial stress.
In this guide, we’ll explore why health insurance matters in a city like Chandigarh, the advantages it offers, the types of coverage available and how you can purchase, renew or make a claim with ease.
Why do you need health insurance in Chandigarh?
Chandigarh has many hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres. However, even with quality healthcare, treatments can be costly. Here’s why health insurance in Chandigarh is needed:
- Rising medical costs: Private hospitals in Chandigarh offer excellent services, but they can be expensive.
- Lifestyle-related illnesses: Many people in cities suffer from health problems like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
- Air pollution and health risks: Like many cities, Chandigarh also faces pollution in winter, which can lead to breathing issues and serious respiratory conditions.
- Accidents and emergencies: Road accidents can happen, and quick hospitalisation is often needed.
- Coverage in top hospitals: Health insurance lets you access treatment in top hospitals without the associated financial burden.
Benefits of health insurance in Chandigarh
Buying a health insurance policy brings several advantages, especially in a city like Chandigarh:
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Benefit
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Description
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Cashless Treatment
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Most policies offer cashless services at network hospitals in Chandigarh. You don’t need to pay upfront.
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Coverage for Major Illnesses
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Includes critical illnesses like cancer, kidney failure, heart disease and more.
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Hospitalisation Expenses
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Covers hospital room rent, doctor fees, tests, surgeries and prescribed medicines.
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Pre & Post Hospitalisation
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Costs before and after hospital admission are also covered.
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Tax Benefits
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Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, you get tax deductions for health insurance premiums.
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Maternity and Newborn Cover
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Some policies also cover pregnancy-related expenses.
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Daily Allowance
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Some insurers give a daily amount to cover additional costs like food and travel.
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Types of health coverage in Chandigarh
There are several health insurance plans for residents of Chandigarh. Depending on your age, family size and health needs, you can choose the right one.
1. Individual health insurance
- Covers one individual
- Suitable for young professionals or students in Chandigarh
2. Family floater plan
- Covers all family members under one policy
- Sum insured can be used by anyone in the family
- Cost-effective and easy to manage
3. Senior citizen health insurance
- Specially designed for people above 60 years of age
- Covers age-related diseases and often includes higher premiums
- Many retirees in Chandigarh opt for this
4. Critical illness plan
- Critical illness insurance covers serious diseases like cancer, heart attack, or stroke
- Lump sum is paid on diagnosis
- Very useful for those with a family history of illness
5. Top-up plans
- Add-on to your basic health cover
- Gives extra coverage at a lower cost
- Advantageous if your existing policy has a low sum insured
6. Group health insurance
- Offered by companies to their employees
- Basic coverage, usually free or low-cost
- Good as a backup, but not always enough
How to buy/renew health insurance in Chandigarh?
Individuals can purchase a health insurance policy both online and offline. Here’s how to get started with the process:
1. Buying a New Policy
- Compare plans online: Use reliable websites or your insurer’s official site.
- Check network hospitals: Before choosing a health insurance plan, check if your preferred or nearby hospitals are part of the insurer’s network.
- Look at features: Choose plans with cashless cover, pre-/post post-hospitalisation and low waiting periods.
- Check premium vs benefits: Balance cost and coverage.
- Fill the proposal form: Give accurate personal and medical details.
- Medical check-up (if needed): For people above 45 or those with a health history, a medical check-up is often necessary.
- Make payment: Pay using net banking, UPI, credit card, etc.
- Get policy copy: Save the digital and printed copy.
Renewing a Policy
Renew before expiry to avoid break in coverage. The following is the typical process:
- Use the insurer’s website, app, or go to an agent.
- Check if you want to increase the sum insured or add benefits.
- You might be able to access loyalty or no-claim bonuses.
How to make health insurance claim in Chandigarh?
Making a health insurance claim is easy if you follow the right steps. There are two types of claims:
1. Cashless Claim
This is when you get treated at a network hospital, and the insurer pays directly.
Steps:
- Inform the insurance desk in the hospital.
- Show your health card or policy number.
- Fill the cashless request form.
- The hospital forwards the details to the insurer.
- The insurance company approves and pays the bill directly to the hospital.
- You only pay non-covered charges like food or personal items.
2. Reimbursement Claim
If you go to a non-network hospital, you pay first and later get reimbursed.
Steps:
- Pay the hospital bills and collect the documents (discharge summary, prescriptions, test reports, bills).
- Fill out and submit a claim form to the insurer with documents.
- The insurance company reviews and transfers money to your account if you are eligible for reimbursement.
Conclusion
Health insurance is a necessity, especially in cities like Chandigarh, where medical care is advanced but can be expensive. With many insurance companies offering competitive and affordable plans, it is wise to compare, choose and regularly renew a health insurance policy that suits your needs. Whether you're a young worker, part of a family, or a senior citizen, there's a plan for everyone. Make sure you're protected, as your health and peace of mind depend on it.
FAQs
1. Is OPD treatment covered?
Some plans offer OPD (Outpatient Department) cover, but it’s not standard. Check policy details.
2. How much health insurance cover should I take?
For Chandigarh, at least ₹5–10 lakh is recommended due to high medical costs.
3. Can I buy health insurance without a medical test?
Yes, if you are young and healthy. But for people above 45 or with pre-existing diseases, tests are often required.
4. What is the waiting period?
It’s the time before certain diseases or conditions are covered. Usually 2–4 years for pre-existing diseases.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.