Health Insurance: The Essential Checklist

Concern for health issues is rising and it is inevitable for you to have some form of protection for your health. It must at least be a personal health plan or an employer offered one. Otherwise, you will end up shelling a lot of money when a medical emergency strikes.

Usually, you do not have much control over your employer’s health benefits. Nevertheless, when it comes to buying personal health insurance, you do. You can utilize this control by buying a health insurance plan that has the essential features given below:

  • Cover for Pre-existing diseases

While buying a health policy, you will have to list out any pre-existing diseases that you suffer from. These diseases are not covered by general insurance firms from day one. They also have a waiting period. Ideally, the waiting period ranges from two to four years. During this time, the insurer will not acknowledge any claims concerning pre-existing illnesses or diseases. Look out for insurance firms that have a minimal waiting period.

  • Day-care procedures

Most of the health insurers require hospitalization for at least 24 hours before a claim is accepted. Due to the progress in medical technology, procedures are completed within a few hours and do not need hospitalization. Therefore, find an insurer who will cover the maximum number of day-care procedures.

  • Cumulative Bonus (CB)

Bonus offered when the insured person has not filed any claims in the previous years is known as Cumulative Bonus (CB). For every claim-free year, the insurer will reward you with a bonus. CB can percentages vary from company to company. Therefore, always look for insurance providers who offer the highest CB for a claim-free year.

  • Network Hospitals

Network Hospitals tie-up with insurers. If there is a case of hospitalization or medical emergencies at these hospitals, you can avail cashless treatment. Here, the insurer settles the medical bill with the hospital. Hence, when you buy a health insurance plan, always go for insurers with a large number of network hospitals.

  • Pre and post Hospitalization Charges

The pre and post hospitalization expenses are taken care of by the health insurance policy. Medical expenses that are incurred before as well as after hospitalization are known as pre and post-hospitalization charges. 30 days for pre hospitalization and 60 days for post-hospitalization charges are offered by most insurance firms. You must search for a health plan that covers more days. Hospitalization charges include nursing charges, medical practitioner’s fees, intensive care unit charges, room rent, diagnostic procedure charges, boarding expenses, blood transfusion charges, anaesthesia, blood, oxygen, operation theatre charges, etc.

  • Ambulance Charges

Ambulance services must also be covered under your health insurance policy. Transportation fees are taken care of by your insurance provider. Hence, it is beneficial for your health insurance policy to have this feature. An emergency ambulance cover is also offered by the insurance companies.

  • Health check-ups

Some insurance companies cover general health check-ups. These are annual health check-ups and offered to all the insured people above 18 years of age. Complete blood count, ESR, fasting blood sugar, kidney function test, ECG, Urine routine, complete physical examination by a physician, lipid profile, creatinine, stress test, etc. are included in this feature.

  • Critical illnesses insurance

Usually, general insurance companies providing a health cover include critical diseases like cancer, heart attack, chronic lung disease, coronary artery disease, paralysis, stroke, and major organ transplant under a critical illness insurance plan.

People have insurance plans, but not everyone has the right one. Consider the above-given features and buy the best one for you.