Health insurance premiums for senior citizens are always on the higher side. Insurance companies may also be unwilling to provide a health cover tax benefit for those who are old or suffer from pre-existing ailments.
However, Budget 2018 provided some relief for senior citizens who have high medical expenses and are unable to buy health insurance due to pre-existing ailments or can't afford high premiums.
The Budget has amended Section 80D, which allows a maximum deduction of ₹50,000 for medical expenses incurred on senior citizens. This deduction can be claimed by the senior citizen himself/herself or by his/her children if the children are incurring medical expenses for their senior citizen parents.
For Example, Mr. Mehta has paid ₹53,000 for his senior citizen parent, who did not have a health insurance policy. He can claim a total deduction of ₹50,000 under the Section 80D.