Senior Citizen Health Insurance- Everything You Need to Know

 

Individuals above 60-65 years of age have different medical requirements than their younger counterparts. As a result of their age, they are more susceptible to illnesses and health issues. Thus, they require reliable healthcare frequently. To deal effectively with such situations at this age, it is paramount to have a senior citizen health insurance policy. Such health insurance policies have been structured keeping in mind the unique needs of senior citizens. 

 

In this article, we guide you through several elements of senior citizen health insurance. We hope the information we provide here increases your understanding of the same. 

 

An overview of coverage provided by senior citizen health insurance policies

 

Generally, senior citizen health insurance will cover expenses for the following - 

- Hospitalization 

- Pre- and post-hospitalization (for a specified period as mentioned in the policy)

- Day-care procedures and treatments 

- Alternative treatment methods such as AYUSH 

- Ambulance charges 

 

The best health insurance company in India will provide coverage for critical illnesses as well. 

 

Pre-existing diseases

 

As you may be aware, regular health insurance policies do not cover pre-existing illnesses until a specified period has passed. Senior citizen health insurance, however, does cover pre-existing illnesses subject to certain terms and conditions. 

 

Minimum and maximum age limit

 

The minimum age limit required to insure somebody under senior citizen health insurance is 60 years and the maximum is set to 80 years of age, depending on the insurer. 

 

Tax benefits to be gained

 

To increase awareness about health insurance and to encourage more people to purchase it, authorities have provided a host of tax benefits. Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, premiums paid towards health insurance for individuals above 60 years are eligible for tax deductions up to Rs 50,000. So, your premiums for senior citizen health insurance (under Rs 50,000) can be deducted to reduce your taxable income and help you increase your overall savings. 

 

Why opt for a senior citizen health insurance over regular health insurance policies 

 

As mentioned before, senior citizens require medical care often. Your regular health insurance may not be equipped to handle the frequent claims. Moreover, if the senior citizen is covered under a family floater policy, the frequent claims could lead to a reduction in the sum insured for the remaining family members. In senior citizen health insurance, there is no claim limit, so one can make as many claims as they require as long as it stays within the upper range of the sum insured.  

 

Another important aspect to consider is the possibility of our older loved ones developing a critical illness. Regular health insurance may not cover critical illness, but senior citizen health insurance does. 

 

Lastly, regular health insurance policies have a maximum age limit beyond which the insured is not eligible for coverage. So, opting for a senior citizen health insurance once the senior citizen nears that limit is the wisest option. 

 

Do bear in mind that the coverage of senior citizen health insurance policies differs between insurers. Kindly read the policy documents carefully before signing.