Five Tips to Buy a Mediclaim Policy

In this day and age, many ailments that were considered critical, have become very common. This in turn has given a rise to the cost of medical treatments which may drain one’s lifelong savings. Hence, it has become imperative to have a health insurance policy to secure yourself from the financial stress of expensive medical treatments. Most companies offer Group Medical Coverage Policy to their employees that cover their dependants such as parents and spouse. However, the cover provided is limited for all and is not sufficient.

It is therefore advised to have a Mediclaim Plan, over and above your employer sponsored GMC to cover you and your dependants against an untoward health condition.

But how do you know which plan is best for you Fret Not, we’re here to help. Read on to learn the 5 handy tips you must know of, before you buy a Mediclaim Policy.

• Coverage and Premium Amount: You must compare and choose an appropriate mediclaim plan based on your medical needs of the upcoming years. Amongst plans, you must look at the sum insured that can adequately cover you and your family. Similarly, you must check the premium amount that you need to pay to avail your chosen health insurance policy. Ensure you don’t buy the first plan that you think is the cheapest as it may not be sufficient to cover your health insurance needs.

• Waiting Period: Some mediclaim policies have a waiting period before they cover certain diseases. Hence, it is important to check the policy’s waiting period to cover the ailment, especially if you have a pre-existing disease such as diabetes. This will help you buy a plan that covers you or your family in the times of need.

• No. of Dependants: This is an important factor to consider when buying a mediclaim policy. The number of dependants that can be covered in a plan is limited and hence, you must evaluate whether you need one plan to cover all your family members or need individual health insurance plans for certain senior members of your family.

• Network Hospitals: Health insurance companies have certain network hospitals associated with them that provide cashless treatments. It is important to look at the list of network hospitals associated with the insurers that you intend to buy a mediclaim policy from. Look at the ones in your vicinity and then take a wise decision.

• The Fine Print: Most of us tend to ignore reading the ‘terms and conditions’ of a mediclaim policy. We only learn its importance when we raise a claim and realise that our claim might be rejected because of a clause that we did not pay heed to. Hence, to avoid such a situation, it is best to read the fine print pf the mediclaim policy very carefully before you zero in on a policy.

The Final Word

With increasing levels of stress, hectic schedules and lifestyle issues, having a mediclaim plan is now more of a necessity than a want. Hence, it is best to compare and choose the mediclaim policy that meets your health needs the best.

Recommended Link: What is better- Health Insurance or Mediclaim Policy?