Health is one of our greatest assets, and protecting it should always be a top priority. With medical costs steadily rising in busy cities like Lucknow, health insurance has become less of a choice and more of a necessity. The right health insurance plan not only safeguards your well-being but also shields your savings from unexpected medical expenses. In this blog, we’ll explore why health insurance is essential, the types of plans available, and how you can easily navigate claims.
Why do you need health insurance in Lucknow?
Here are some reasons why health insurance in Lucknow is important:
- Rising medical costs: Even a basic hospital stay can cost thousands of rupees. Surgery or emergency care can cost much more.
- Pollution and lifestyle diseases: The populations in dense cities like Lucknow face risks related to a fast-paced lifestyle and polluted environments.
- Sudden illness or accidents: Healthcare emergencies or sudden injury can occur at any moment. Adequate health insurance helps you stay prepared.
- Cashless hospitalisation: Many hospitals in Lucknow have partnered with relevant insurance providers, making the claims process during high-stress situations easy.
- Protects savings: Instead of using your savings, insurance covers most or all of your medical expenses.
Benefits of health insurance in Lucknow
A health insurance policy offers many advantages. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Cashless treatment: You can access treatment at partner hospitals without paying upfront.
- Pre & post hospitalisation: Covers expenses before and after being admitted to the hospital.
- Tax benefits: Premiums paid for health insurance give tax deductions under Section 80D.
- Maternity cover: Many plans include cover for pregnancy and childbirth-related expenses.
- Day-care procedures: Covers treatments that do not need a 24-hour hospital stay.
- Annual health check-ups: Some plans offer free check-ups once a year.
- Family floater plans: You can cover your whole family under one policy.
Types of health coverage in Lucknow
There are various types of health coverage available in Lucknow. You can select based on budget and needs.
1. Individual health insurance
- Best for single individuals
- Covers hospital expenses for one person
- Ideal for young professionals or even students
2. Family floater policy
- One plan covers the entire family
- You pay a single premium for all members
- Recommended for families with children or elderly parents
3. Senior citizen health insurance
- Specially designed for people above 60 years
- Includes cover for age-related diseases
- May have higher premiums, but useful for older adults
4. Critical illness insurance cover
- Covers serious diseases like cancer, heart attack, kidney failure, etc.
- Offers a lump sum payment upon diagnosis
- Helps with expensive treatments
5. Top-up health plans
- Acts as extra cover when your regular policy is not enough
- Cheaper than buying a second policy
- Good if you already have a basic cover
How to buy or renew health insurance in Lucknow?
Buying or renewing health insurance in Lucknow is very easy. Here's how to navigate the process:
Buying health insurance:
Online method:
- Visit the official websites of insurance companies or comparison platforms
- Enter your details like age, family size, health condition, etc.
- Compare plans and select one that suits you
- Pay the premium online and get the policy instantly via email
Offline method:
- Visit a local insurance office or agent
- Discuss your requirements
- Fill out a form and submit documents
- Pay the premium and receive the policy
Renewing health insurance:
- Check your policy’s expiry date
- Renew before the due date to avoid lapses
- You can easily renew online by signing into your insurer’s website
- If renewing offline, contact your agent or visit the company office
How to make health insurance claim in Lucknow?
When you get sick or meet with an accident, you can make a claim under your health insurance policy. Here's how the process works:
Cashless claim process:
- Visit a network hospital (partnered with your insurer)
- Show your health card and fill the pre-authorisation form
- The hospital contacts the insurer for approval
- If approved, the insurer pays the hospital directly
- You only pay for non-covered items
Reimbursement claim process:
- Access treatment at any hospital (even if not in network)
- Clear all the bills yourself upon discharge
- Collect all bills, prescriptions, and reports
- Fill out the claim form and send it to the insurer
- After verification, the insurer transfers money to your account
Important documents for claims:
- Health card
- Doctor’s prescription
- Hospital bills and discharge summary
- Medical test reports
- Filled claim form
- ID proof
Conclusion
Health insurance is a smart and accessible way to protect your family from medical expenses. In busy environments, where healthcare costs are increasing, having the right insurance plan is essential. Whether you are a single working professional, have a family, or are planning for retirement, there is a suitable plan for everyone.
FAQs
1. What is the minimum age to buy health insurance in Lucknow?
You can buy insurance for a child from 90 days onwards. For adults, it starts at 18 years.
2. Can I include my parents in my health insurance?
Yes, many family floater policies allow you to include parents. However, for senior citizens, separate plans are often better.
3. What is a waiting period?
A waiting period is the time you must wait after buying the policy before certain illnesses or benefits are covered. This typically ranges from 30 days to 2 years.
4. Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Yes, but only after a waiting period of 2–4 years, depending on the policy.
5. Can I transfer my health insurance to another company?
Yes, you can transfer your insurance to another company during renewal without losing benefits.
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.