A Guide to Health Insurance Plans for Senior Citizens: Ensuring Proper Care

After the age of 60, it is only natural that one needs to take special care of his/her health as the body becomes more susceptible to illnesses. Having health insurance plans that are specifically designed to cater to the needs of the elderly is one of the things you have to do along with changes to the lifestyle.

This blog is here to help you with the process of selecting the most suitable senior citizen health insurance plan.

How to Select the Best Health Insurance Plans for Senior Citizens?

As you know, purchasing any health plan for senior citizens would not be efficient if you do not have an idea about the benefits it possesses. Hence read the following while comparing the best senior citizen health insurance plans:

1.      Coverage

For senior citizens choosing comprehensive coverage is crucial. You have to make sure that the plan covers OPD costs, pre-existing conditions, cashless hospitalisation, and so on that every need of the insured person is met.   

2.     Inclusions and Exclusions

Reviewing both the policy inclusions and exclusions is a must. Ensure that a plan includes coverage for ambulance charges, doctor's fees, room rent, domiciliary treatment, and so on. In its exclusions try to understand restrictions concerning specific treatments and waiting periods for pre-existing diseases.

3.     Sum Insured

Assess the person’s medical history and current condition to figure out a range of healthcare expenses that he/she might require. Ensure that the policy you are purchasing offers an adequate sum insured. 

4.     Premiums

It is crucial to opt for a plan that is affordable for the policyholder. Otherwise, it would cause undue financial strain and rob you of the peace of mind that you intend to reinforce with such an initiative. You have to find a balance between affordable premiums and adequate coverage.

5.     Age Limit and Renewability

Find out what is the maximum age limit to enter a specific plan before making a purchase. Try to go for plans that allow lifelong renewability so that you do not have to buy new plans every time one plan ends. It will offer you continuous protection without the hassle of buying new plans.

6.     Waiting Periods

For treatments of pre-existing conditions, most health insurance plans have a waiting period which means a period in which you cannot make claims or get coverage. Try to go for a plan that has minimal waiting periods or zero waiting periods.

7.     Free Health Check-ups

Early detections are better than greater symptoms later, therefore, plans that offer free check-ups are beneficial. They save money and encourage you to stay healthy.

8.     Top-up Plans

If you think you require a large coverage but cannot afford it, top-up plans are the way to go. These can increase the coverage significantly without putting any significant pressure financially as they only activate themselves when the base plan exhausts itself.

9.     Co-Pay and Sub-Limits

Co-pay or co-payment clauses, limits, and sub-limits require you to pay a portion of the healthcare expense. This may at times create worry about financial burden however small. Try to go for plans that have low or zero co-pay or limits.

10. Day Care Procedures

This is an essential coverage that all plans do not offer. However, many treatments (radiation, dialysis, etc.) are completed within a day. Therefore, prefer plans that offer daycare coverage.

The Bottom Line

It is highly important to select one of the best health insurance plans for senior citizens. You have to thoroughly research insurance providers, consider several coverage options, and understand the specific needs of the insured person. By choosing a suitable plan you can make the golden years peaceful.