We live with a perception that health insurance plans for disabled are either rejected or offered with a loaded premium. Is it so? Read on to find out.
Health insurance feels like manna from heaven in case of medical contingencies when the huge hospital bill stare at our face. By taking care of such huge bills, our health insurance plans protect our finances from being lapped up by our medical expenses. Perhaps this is the reason why increasing number of people are waking up to the importance of a good health insurance plan which would take care of their hospital bills. Though the penetration of health insurance is low in our country yet, more and more people are investing in it and industry experts feel that sunny days are ahead for health insurance companies since market penetration is predicted to increase. However, one problem which we still face when it comes to health insurance is lack of knowledge.
Age old facts and limited knowledge prevent us from exploiting the vast health insurance market and we end up thinking that we are not eligible for certain coverages. For instance, when we talk about disability, most people have the perception that if you are disabled, you are not entitled to a health plan because a health insurance plan is not meant for people with disability. This article seeks to burst this bubble because this preconceived notion does not hold true. Except one exception, disabled people can buy a health insurance plan and that too at normal rates of premiums. The word ‘exception’ might have made you suspicious so let's discuss whether disabled people can buy a health plan. Health insurance for disabled people is provided based on the cause of disability. While people with a congenital disability are not covered, people with accidental disability are covered.
Congenital Disability
A congenital disability is one which mars an individual since birth. If an individual is born with a disability it is referred to as a congenital disability and people affected with a congenital disability will not be offered a health insurance plan. Most health insurance providers in India do not offer a policy for an individual with congenital disability as they are under a high risk category.
Disability due to an Accident
If you suffer any partial or total permanent disability as a result of an accident, you will be eligible to buy a health insurance plan. People who are accidentally disabled are given health insurance and treated like a normal person. There will not be any loading in the premium due to the disability or any disability specific exclusions or restrictive clauses. If you have a disability that is caused due to an accident, you do not need to lead a life with the fear of financial constraints that may be caused with another medical contingency. You have already faced the consequence of not having a health insurance once by paying for all the medical charges incurred at the time of your hospitalization caused due to your accident.
Health insurers do not differentiate between a disabled proposer and a normal proposer and grant him a valid health insurance policy without the extra baggage of any terms and conditions. However, people with a congenital disability cannot avail a health plan because they present a higher risk to the company. So, don’t let your disability hinder your decision to buy a health insurance plan. A health plan is very necessary and you should invest in it without considering your disability because the insurer will not consider it.
Be wise and buy a health insurance now as we all know medical emergencies can come without a warning and who would admit more than you.
