Less known facts about health insurance for your benefit

In this article, we have tried to cover a few important features of health insurance for your benefit.

1. Alternate treatments

   It is a general impression that health plans only cover allopathic treatments. As per the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) 2013 guidelines, health plans can cover alternative treatments such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. If you are a believer in alternate medicine, check if your insurance plan covers it.

2. Free health check-up

   Health plan covers free medical check-up up to a certain limit. These health check-ups are cashless and are available to people who have had four to five consecutive claim free years.

3. No claims bonus

   In case you don't file a claim during the policy's year-long tenure, you become eligible for a bonus. The bonus could be a higher sum insured (up to 50 percent) or a discount in premium during the annual renewal. Insurers may also offer a cumulative bonus instead for every no-claim year.

4. Day care treatment

   Home treatment for a disease or injury under medical supervision is compensated by the health insurance companies. There is a limit on the number of days and the plan varies from policy to policy. Check before you are buying a health plan and ask how many days of day care is covered.

5. Recovery benefit

   A few insurance companies also pay a lump sum to cover additional costs such as loss in income or compassionate visits by family members resulting from prolonged hospitalisation, as defined in the policy document. It could range from 7 to 12 days. Read the policy features to make use of this benefit.

6. Daily cash benefit

   A few insurance companies also cover your other expenses apart from the medical costs. These are costs like food, visits, etc. Check with your company and make use of this policy in case of hospitalization.

HDFC Life provides its patrons with a variety of health insurance policies. For more information, visit https://www.hdfclife.com/insurance-knowledge-centre/secure-your-health

ARN: EC/06/2017/9792