What is a senior citizen health insurance policy?
A senior citizen health insurance policy covers the healthcare needs of senior citizens. These plans cover all medical expenses incurred by the insured person, including hospitalisation, day-care
procedures and AYUSH treatments. Our Golden Shield policy also covers home care treatment, donor expenses and ambulance coverage.
Why should you buy health insurance for senior citizens?
We all know that as we grow old, our body becomes weak, and the risk of catching infections and illnesses increases. This fact, coupled with the rising healthcare inflation in our country, means that
aged people may incur very high healthcare expenses during the golden years of their lives. And in the absence of a regular income, bearing these costs can become too complicated. That is why buying a
health insurance plan for senior citizens is considered a wise move.
What should I look out for in a senior citizen medical insurance policy?
While buying a senior citizen health insurance policy, you first need to consider the sum insured. It should be adequate to meet the high medical costs for the treatment of older people. It would
be best if you also looked at the co-pay clause, deductibles and sub-limits. Also check for additional benefits like OPD cover, complementary annual health check-up and network hospitals of the
insurer. It would also help if you compare various plans online before choosing one for yourself or your family member.
Do I need to undergo medical screening before purchasing a senior citizen health plan?
It is subject to the underwriting guidelines of the respective company, and it depends upon the insured case. Once you take a quote on our site, we will evaluate your case based on your inputs. We
may then suggest a medical check-up, and if all goes well, we will issue a health policy to you.
How is a senior citizen health insurance policy beneficial?
A senior citizen health insurance policy is designed to provide financial security to the elderly against unforeseen medical expenses. Hence, such policies safeguard their hard-earned savings from
getting drained due to medical emergencies and even accidents. Additionally, senior citizens' health insurance policies provide certain tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax Act of
1961.
What is the right time to buy a senior citizen health insurance policy?
You should purchase a senior citizen health insurance policy as soon as you can. As you grow older, you may catch more illnesses which may result in increased premiums.
How to choose the right sum insured?
It would help if you opted for a sum insured which must be adequate to cover all healthcare expenses you or your senior citizen parents may incur during a year. If your parents are already
suffering from pre-existing illnesses or if they have a history of medical complications, you should go for a high sum insured, i.e., ₹10 lakhs or more. You should also consider your parents'
lifestyle and personal habits while choosing the sum insured for their senior citizen health insurance policy.
How is the premium calculated for senior citizen health insurance?
The premium for a senior citizen health insurance plan is calculated based on the following factors:
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Age of the insured: As the insured person's age increases, the risk of health issues also increases. Hence, the premium goes up.
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Pre-existing diseases: If the insured person has no pre-existing conditions when buying the policy, the insurer may ask for a lower premium. Conversely, the premium may become high if the
insured person has a pre-existing ailment.
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Lifestyle: If the insured person is leading a healthy lifestyle, the premium may be lower. On the other hand, habits like smoking, drinking, etc., may increase the premium amount.
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City of residence: The insurance companies usually ask for a higher premium from those living in metropolitan cities than those belonging to non-metro locations.