According to the 75th round of the National Sample Survey, over 80% of Indians do not have health insurance. That is over 80 crore people who do not have health insurance today. This is due to a host of reasons: poor awareness, lack of financial inclusion, and not being aware of the benefits provided by health insurance.
We live in a society where the quality of life is increasing every day, along with the average lifespan of people. In just 30 years, the average lifespan of Indians has risen from 59 to 70. This is possible due to a host of factors including better food, access to medicine, and an increase in health literacy.
The increase in lifespan also brings in related health problems. Thanks to the development of diagnostic tools and their massive proliferation, health problems that would have sounded the death knell only a few years ago can now be cured.
But, without having adequate health insurance, health problems will cause medical bankruptcies. Health insurance is so much more than just a safety blanket. Let’s take a look at how health insurance plans can be helpful.
Coverage at the hospital:
- Having health insurance will remove the need for carrying cash at the hospital, as it is completely cashless.
- Covers the expenses for staying at the hospital, including coverage for the room rent, expenses incurred during the treatment, and daily cash allowance.
- Coverage for alternate treatment, only valid at Government hospitals and clinics that have been designated by the Government.
- If required because of health issues, the health insurance policy will provide for treatment at home.
- Daily recovery benefits will be awarded to cover non-medical expenses during hospitalization.
Ambulance cover
Health insurance policies also provide ambulance cover, which otherwise can cost you up to Rs. 10,000, depending on the distance and the location of the hospital.
NCB – No-Claim Bonus
If in a given year, no claims have been made, then the insurance company will pay a sum to the insured, called the NCB.
Income tax deduction
Section 80D of the Income Tax Act gives the provision for deduction on health insurance premiums paid up to Rs. 50,000. If one of the parents of the insured is over the age of 50, then the cap is raised to Rs. 60,000, and if both parents are over the age of 60 the cap is raised to Rs. 1,00,000
Free health check-ups
Majority of health problems today can either be prevented, or their intensity reduced through periodic screenings. Another benefit of having health insurance is the provision for free health check-ups.
Dental treatment
Periodic dental check-ups are necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. Most insurance providers also cover yearly dental treatments.
Bariatric surgery
No longer a cosmetic procedure, weight-loss surgeries can have a positive impact on the lives of people suffering from excess weight, and most insurance policies cover these surgeries.=
Mental health
Mental health affects 90 lakh Indians, and is a serious issue. This is why most health insurance policies cover psychiatric treatment.
Maternity care
This is an add-on benefit that can be purchased after 2 years of purchasing the policy. This benefit will cover childbirth, and its associated medical expenses.
Benefits of the Bajaj Finserv Health EMI Card
While a health insurance plan provides you with all the above mentioned benefits, you can also opt for the Bajaj Finserv Health EMI Card. Some of the Bajaj Health EMI Card benefits include:
- A single solution for all your medical expenses
- The Bajaj Finserv Health EMI Network Card will help divide the cost of all hospital, pharmacy and diagnostic bills into EMIs
- The Health EMI Network Card can be used to pay for a wide range of treatments, such as dental care, eye care, diagnostic care, cosmetic and plastic surgeries, hair transplantation etc.
- The card is instantly activated
- You can repay the amount in flexible tenors of up to 24 months
- The Health EMI Network Card also offers a complimentary personal accidental insurance of Rs. 1 lakh for a period of one year
