Ask These 10 Critical Questions Before You Buy Health Insurance for Yourself and Your Family

Choosing a health insurance plan might be a tough task due to the variety of options available online. In addition, a lack of knowledge may lead you to select a health insurance coverage that may not be the best for you. Before purchasing health insurance, one should conduct a more in-depth and thoughtful study to enjoy the benefits of health insurance.

Here is a list of 10 questions you should ask your insurer before deciding on a health insurance plan.

1. What type of health plan is right?

The first question you should pose to your insurer is which form of insurance plan is good for you. Three categories of available health insurance policies are fixed benefit, medical, and critical illness. Examine each plan’s advantages carefully, and then select the best one that meets your needs. *

2. What are the inclusions of the policy?

Policy coverage or inclusions refers to the list of ailments covered by a health insurance policy and are eligible for reimbursement. A health insurance policy may cover hospitalization expenses, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, ambulance services, laboratory tests, prescription medications, and organ donation expenses. 

You should study the policy document thoroughly to comprehend the coverage provided. *

3. What’s not covered by the insurance policy?

Exclusions are conditions that the policy would not cover. Certain insurance policies do not cover the treatment during the waiting period. The exclusions may vary from insurer to insurer; therefore, it is equally important to be aware of these limitations. *

4. Does your health insurance plan cover diagnostic tests?

Certain medical conditions necessitate regular medical examinations. You should inquire as to whether your plan can cover your routine check-ups. *

5. What can be the price of the plan?

The plan’s cost is the monthly/ yearly premium or the amount you pay to your insurer to keep your health insurance active. This aspect largely affects your decision while buying coverage. *

6. How is the premium for the policy determined?

Age is an important consideration in deciding the cost of your health insurance premium. Medical history also plays an important role. *

7. How much you may have to pay out of pocket?

Certain out-of-pocket expenses might be associated with health insurance, such as deductibles and co-insurance. When you receive medical care, you may be responsible for this amount. *

8. Can you receive treatment from your preferred hospital?

If you have a trusted doctor or hospital, examine the list of network hospitals to determine whether or not you can utilize their services, as out-of-network providers might be quite expensive. *

9. What is the process for filing a claim?

As crises can strike anytime without warning, familiarising yourself with the health insurance claim process would prove to be useful. *

10. What is the maximum number of claims that you can file in a year?

There should be no limit to the number of claims you can make in a given year generally, as long as the total does not exceed your policy’s sum insured. 

You should also inquire in advance about the extent of the health insurance no-claim bonus or cumulative bonus you would be eligible for if you do not claim in a year.*

* Standard T&C Apply

Create a checklist of these questions, then examine all potential health insurance alternatives. Before you sign the policy documents, it is also important that you thoroughly review the policy terms and conditions, regardless of the plan you choose.

‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.’