Checkpoints to Remember While Buying a Mediclaim Policy

Individual vs family floater-

In individual policies each family member is insured for a specific amount whereas in family floater the whole family is insured for a particular amount. Before deciding on which one to opt for, there are certain points to consider.

In case of family floater, when the primary person insured or the eldest member of the family reaches a specific age, the policy is closed and even the members who are still younger cannot renew the same policy. In individual polices, the individual is insured and he is evaluated on individual parameters. The attainment of specific age or death will not impact the mediclaim policy of other family members and their renewability.

Renewability age-

Although the mediclaim policies are normally only for a period of one year, in actual practice it is a long term relationship with benefits accruing to you as the relationship with the insurance companies progresses. So your mediclaim policies should cover you as you age as it will be difficult to buy a policy from another provider at that age.

Sub limit-

Suppose your sum assured is Rs 5 lakh and they have a clause of sub-limit which says that they will pay a maximum of 1 per cent of sum assured per day for room rent implying that the insurance company will pay a maximum of Rs 5,000 per day for room rent and anything additional would be paid by the insured. These kinds of sub-limits are not there in all policies so you should prefer policies that do not have such sub-limits. Also, there are certain diseases that are covered within the policy but with a certain limit. For example a policy may say that it would cover cataract operation but with a limit of only Rs 15,000. This means that whatever cost you incur due to hospitalisation for cataract, the maximum you can claim is Rs. 15,000. Ensure you understand these points before taking a policy.

HDFC LIFE offers simple mediclaim policies to cover your medical needs. Choose the ones best suited as per your requirement.