Chandigarh is a unique city in India, serving as the capital for 2 states in India – Punjab and Haryana. Not only that, it is also an union territory. It was developed by a Swiss-French architect, making it one of the first planned cities of India with a grid layout. With such importance and having a rich heritage, the healthcare system is also developing in this green city.
Chandigarh's healthcare infrastructure comprises 54 government hospitals, according to the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence. Additionally, the Union Territory has 43 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and 2 Community Health Centres (CHCs). Still, using these excellent healthcare facilities can get really expensive for the common man. Health insurance ensures these expenses do not shake down your budget and savings. So, let's understand different aspects of health insurance in the wonderful city of Chandigarh.
Here are a few rising health concerns in Chandigarh:
Chandigarh has the highest rate of obesity in India amongst all other cities. As per the data by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the prevalence of obesity in Chandigarh is 13.6% (11.8% is the national average). Experts say the main cause behind this is a sedentary lifestyle and bad food habits.
The national average of prevalence in diabetes is 11.4%, whereas Chandigarh’s prevalence is as high as 20.4% (A study by Lancelot). The study also showcased that 1 in 4 new diabetic patients was under the age of 40. Diabetes is another lifestyle disease caused by a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is another major health concern in Chandigarh. It was reported by IGMPI that around 35.5% of the adult population in Chandigarh face hypertension. Not only that, but 50% of the individuals above the age of 45 have hypertension. The main cause of this is the high salt consumption in the city.
A central government report states that 60.3% of the women in Chandigarh have anaemia in ages between 15-49 (Niti Aayog). Even 73% of the children between the ages of 6-59 months are anaemic. (Niti Aayog). Anaemia is a condition where the blood has a reduced ability to carry oxygen, either due to a lower number of red blood cells or a reduced amount of haemoglobin.
In 2022, cancer rate of 93.5 in males and 105 in females per 100,000 population was recorded as per population based cancer registries. The most common cancers are breast and lung cancer in Chandigarh. PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) saw a significant increase in cancer patients, from around 3,500 in 2020 to 6,889 in 2024.
Here are the key reasons of buying health insurance in Chandigarh:
The prevalence of major health diseases, particularly lifestyle diseases, calls for medical attention. The treatment for these diseases takes time and can get really expensive. To get financial assistance with the medical costs for treatment of these diseases, get insured today.
As urbanisation is on the rise, so is inflation. Prices of treatments and quality healthcare have skyrocketed. Although Chandigarh has some of the best healthcare facilities, these facilities charge you enormous amounts of money. Having health insurance ensures that you do not completely lose out on your savings.
Many times, people tend to ignore their health due to expensive healthcare. Having a healthcare insurance plan makes sure you do not compromise your health because of money or any other reason. You can get diagnosed and can receive quality treatment from a network hospital of your insurer.
Instead of paying lakhs of rupees at a hospital, all you have to do is pay timely premiums and receive health benefits. Not only that, as per the Income Tax Act under section 80D, you also get tax benefits for having health insurance. It’s a 2 in 1 deal, get health care benefits and save on taxes!
There are different types of health insurance available in Chandigarh, catering to different needs of the policyholder. These include:
In case of severe diseases like strokes, organ failure, cancer, etc. a critical illness insurance policy is needed.
This type of insurance covers an individual person only.
This type of coverage plan covers health insurance for your entire family.
Insurance plan catering specially for elderly and aged people.
Customise your base insurance plan with add-ons like Room Rent Waiver, OPD Cover, Accidental Disability Cover, etc.
Inclusions and Exclusions of health insurance in Chandigarh include:
| What is Covered | What is Not Covered |
|---|---|
Tax Benefits:Under Section 80D as per Income Tax Act |
Substance abuse-related complications |
Sum Insured:A total of ₹5 lakh to ₹6 crore |
Pre-existing conditions during the waiting period |
Claim Process:Seamless cashless transactions through network hospitals or reimbursement process |
Non-medical expenses like toiletries or administrative charges |
Add-ons:Optional, customisable and enhance your coverage |
Injuries due to war, terrorism, or hazardous activities |
Facility Benefits:Covers room rent, pre & post-existing diseases (as per terms), organ donor expenses, and free health check-up |
Illnesses during the initial waiting period (30–90 days) |
Pre & Post Hospitalisation (30 to 60 days) |
Dental and oral treatments (unless due to an accident) |
Hospital & Treatment Expenses:Includes day care procedures, maternity expenses, OPD cover, ICU charges, and ambulance charges |
Cosmetic surgeries and aesthetic treatments |
Buying health insurance in Chandigarh is quick and easy, through Coverfox:
NOTE:You can ask for a call from Coverfox to help and guide you in buying a health insurance policy. Just click on “Call me” to connect to an excellent support staff.
Renew health insurance policy in Chandigarh by following these steps:
These documents are necessary for buying or renewing a health insurance policy in Chandigarh:
2 types of Claims can be filed in Chandigarh, and they include:
If you wish to get the best structured health insurance policy, follow these tips:
Check what’s covered and what’s not in the policy
Check for pre-existing conditions, maternity, and specific treatments
Look out for cashless hospitals that are available in your area
Sum insured should cover for entire treatment, so choose accordingly
Balance cost with the coverage offered
Go for insurers with high claim success rates
Consider critical illness, maternity, or room rent waivers
Check if you can switch plans without loss of benefits
Get annual check-up benefits.
An ideal sum insured amount covers the entire cost of treatment, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses. Chandigarh is an important urban centre. Hence, the cost of living and cost of medical expenses is higher than an average city. Getting a ₹2-3 lakh sum insured policy will not be enough in the city. You will need:
These are just assumptions made on the current costs of medical care in Chandigarh, do your own research before selecting a sum insured amount.
NRIs can buy healthcare plans for themselves and their family in Chandigarh. However, to avail the benefits of the health insurance plan, they must be in Chandigarh. They can enjoy these benefits when they are visiting or relocating back to the city. On the same note, their family in Chandigarh can easily enjoy the benefits as well. Also, health insurance helps with tax benefits. So an NRI can invest in health insurance to ensure financial security and get tax benefits at the same time.
Getting a health insurance plan in Chandigarh helps you out in many ways like:
Chandigarh is a city of great importance as a union territory and as a capital of 2 states. The people of Chandigarh do face some health crises like Anaemia, lifestyle diseases and critical illnesses which can prove to be costly. To assist you with the financial side of treatment, you can safely rely on health insurance. Coverfox provides one of the best support systems for health insurance in India. Get the best health insurance quotes online at Coverfox. So, what are you waiting for? Get insured today and take a step towards a healthy lifestyle!
Ans: Yes, you can get tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Ans: The best health insurance policy depends on the type of coverage you need, sum insured, room rent, availability of network hospitals, claim-settlement ratio, premium costs, etc.
Ans: You should get at least ₹5-10 lakh sum insured in Chandigarh to cover major treatment costs.
Ans: Yes, it is possible.
Ans: Yes, you can.
Ans: No, there is a waiting period before you can file a claim after buying a health insurance policy in Chandigarh.
Ans: You can make as many claims as you want as long as it is under the sum insured amount.
Ans: Yes, you can buy health insurance in Chandigarh online through Coverfox.
