Nobody thinks of having health insurance before we truly need it. However, knowing all the benefits is crucial to buying a health insurance policy! Here are some:
1. Hospitalisation Expenses
Any medical condition requiring urgent hospitalisation is covered under health insurance plans. However, claims are only entertained if the disease has not been previously diagnosed when the insurance plan was not availed of.
Renowned insurance providers also extend hospitalisation expenses incurred under the following situations:
- Treatment Against Critical Illness - Some insurance providers extend substantial amounts equal to or greater than the sum insured to cover all underlying expenses to treat critical diseases. This includes the cost of hospitalisation, diagnosis and medication, etc.
- Accident and Illness-Related Hospitalisation Coverage - Medical expenses borne in the course of hospitalisation due to illnesses or accidental injuries also come under this category. Major insurance providers offer comprehensive treatment charges up to or higher than the sum insured.
2. Pre and Post Hospitalisation Charges
A health insurance plan can cover pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. Pre-hospitalization expenses include diagnosis expenses, doctors’ fees, medications, etc.
Most insurance companies also reimburse post-release expenses such as medication, routine check-ups, injections, etc.
3. No Room Rent Cap on ICU Room Charges
There is no room rent cap on the type of bed you choose. Health insurance policies also cover ICU bed charges. An insured individual can also choose to stay in a private room, the costs of which can be billed against the respective insurance provider up to a total insured amount.
4. Cover Against Mental Illness
Hospitalisation in due course for mental treatment is also covered under such health insurance policies. With rising rates of mental health issues in India and globally, this facility allows individuals to seek professional help for a well-rounded life.
5. Daycare Procedures
Expenses incurred for daycare treatment at hospitals, such as dialysis, cataract, tonsillectomy, etc. are covered under most health insurance plans.
6. Road Ambulance Charges
A standard health insurance policy covers any road ambulance expenses incurred during times of medical emergency. This poses a significant benefit as premium hospitals often charge substantial amounts for transportation.
7. Refill Sum Insured
Under such a health insurance policy, you can make claims amounting to the sum insured twice a year, provided the medical conditions differ each time.
8. No Claim Bonus
For every non-claim year, insured individuals are extended discounts or a higher sum insured (at no additional cost) in the succeeding years, which can help to reduce their premium charges payable annually or to extend their sum insured coverage.
9. Daily Hospital Cash Cover
Daily cash allowance is provided by stipulated institutions, enabling individuals to make up for the loss of pay during times of hospitalisation.
10. Zero or No Co-payment
Insurance companies cover all medical bills generated during an insured individual's treatment procedure up to the sum insured. Zero co-payment supports a patient financially, allowing him/her to focus solely on recovery.
11. Zone Upgrade Facility
In India, treatment costs usually vary from one city to the other. It is especially higher in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
With a zone upgrade, you can avail of higher financial coverage for treatments in different city zones. Zones are classified according to the city’s medical expenses. The higher the medical expense in a particular region, the higher it is placed in such a classification.
*Currently, at Digit, we have no Zone Upgrade Add-on. However, you will get an additional discount on the premium if you are based in Zone B.
12. Domiciliary Care
Comprehensive health insurance policies cover all expenses incurred for home hospitalisation expenses. This includes medication, nurse fees, injections, etc., payable for a patient's comprehensive treatment.
