Due to rise in the incidence of health disorders with age, health insurance for senior citizens has become no less than a necessity. Senior citizen health insurance is meant for those who fall in the senior citizen age bracket, i.e. people who have crossed 60 years of age. Senior citizens are those who usually do not have a steady income to support their medical needs, except pension (if applicable), and for whom the escalating health care costs can become a financial burden. This is a key reason which stresses on the need of health insurance for seniors.
Need for health insurance policies for senior citizens in India
Almost half of seniors in Indians, approximately 47 per cent, suffer from at least one chronic disease such as asthma, angina, arthritis, depression, or diabetes.
Less than 10 per cent people in India have health insurance, and approximately 72 per cent of the people are spending out-of-pocket for the health care costs.
By 2050, India is expected to have a population of 300 million elderly people. Hence, there is an urgent need to focus on elderly health and living. Health insurance plans for senior citizens provide the seniors with financial security to face any medical emergency, whenever the need arises. In fact, every senior in India needs to be protected by a health insurance plan that provides him/her with comprehensive cover for all medical needs.
What is medical insurance for senior citizens?
Most insurers offer medical insurance to senior citizens between the age brackets of 60 to 80 years, and in most plans, there is no medical test required before availing health insurance. Plus, there are certain providers who offer health insurance policies with no maximum entry age.
The renewal age of senior citizen health insurance plans can go as high as 80 years. Hence, a senior citizen who has purchased health insurance at the age of 60 years can renew his policy up to 80 years of age. However, the renewal age limit may vary from one provider to another, so it’s best to check details before selecting a health insurance plan.
Common Benefits of senior citizen mediclaim policy
- Pre and post hospitalization charges, consultation, nursing, etc.
- Hospitalization expenses, including room rent, cost of medicine, doctor
- Cashless hospitalization facility in network hospitals
- Day care costs
- Ambulance charges
- Pre-existing diseases are covered subject to terms and conditions
- Periodic health check-ups
- Higher sum insured benefit
- Tax benefit
Common Exclusions of mediclaim policy for senior citizens
- Pre-existing disease or medical condition (subject to terms and conditions)
- Diseases contracted within 30 days of taking a policy
- Any non-allopathic medical treatment
- Any harm or injury caused by self
- Drug abuse
- AIDS or similar conditions
- Cost of spectacles/lenses and dental treatment
- Cosmetic surgery
- Illness contracted due to war, act of foreign army etc.
Why should you buy health insurance plans for senior citizens?
Health insurance plans or mediclaim for senior citizens cater to people above 60 years of age. With age, the risk of contracting diseases has now visibly increased, and seniors have to pay out of their hard-earned savings to meet the expenses. Therefore, a health insurance plan can be an ideal way to keep your elders protected and prepared for the future. But, before you buying, compare senior citizen health insurance on Insurance Inbox, and get the best quotes according to the health requirements of the senior citizen(s) in question.