I am 73 (DOB 10-07-1949). I had an open-heart surgery in Sept, 1999.

I have an Oriental Insurance Co. health insurance family floater for self and wife for 5L. They did not increase the amount to 10L. I am looking for only self or family floater Health Insurance for 5L OR TOP UP for 5L. Please advise if possible and to contact which Co.

Ans: Hi Mr RN Mitra, sorry to hear about your condition, wish you good health and recovery.

As far as the top up plan is considered, given your age and pre-existing diseases, your risk profile is high and most insurers may not be able to offer Super top up plans.

The best option is to apply for a new base plan with a higher sum insured, however the premium will be on the higher side.

Ans: You can go with any health insurance company with whom you are comfortable as all the companies are the same

Ans: For a comprehensive Family Floater health insurance plan, consider the following top-rated options in India:

Star Health Family Health Optima: Offers coverage for up to 16 relationships, including parents, children, and in-laws. It provides lifelong renewability and covers pre and post-hospitalization expenses.
HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha Gold: Provides a wide range of coverage options with flexible sum insured options. It offers lifetime renewability and covers daycare procedures and organ donor expenses.
ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance: Offers cashless hospitalization at network hospitals, maternity benefits, and covers pre-existing diseases after a waiting period. It also provides coverage for alternative treatments like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani.
ManipalCigna ProHealth Insurance: Provides comprehensive coverage with flexible plan options. It offers rewards for maintaining good health and covers alternative treatments and maternity expenses.
Religare Health Insurance Care: Offers comprehensive coverage with no upper age limit for entry. It provides automatic recharge of sum insured and covers daycare procedures and annual health check-ups.
When selecting a Family Floater health insurance plan, consider factors like coverage amount, network hospitals, claim settlement ratio, waiting periods for pre-existing diseases, and additional benefits like maternity coverage, OPD expenses, and alternative treatments. Compare the premiums, features, and benefits of different plans to choose the one that best meets your family's healthcare needs and budget. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner or insurance advisor to help you make an informed decision tailored to your requirements.

Ans: Unfortunately, finding a new health insurance policy with pre-existing conditions like open-heart surgery can be challenging, especially at the age of 69. Here's why:

• Pre-existing Conditions: Most insurers are hesitant to cover pre-existing conditions, and open-heart surgery falls under that category.
• Age: As you age, premiums tend to rise, and insurers might be more cautious about taking on new senior citizens.

However, there are still some options to explore:

1. Renew Existing Policy with Oriental:

Check with Oriental Insurance Co. again regarding renewal. While they might not increase the sum insured to 15 lakh, they might still offer renewal on the existing 10 lakh plan.

2. Senior Citizen Mediclaim Plans:

Many insurers offer senior citizen health insurance plans designed for people above 60. These plans may have limitations on pre-existing conditions, but they could offer some coverage. You can explore options from reputable companies like Max Bupa, Care Health Insurance, or Cholamandalam MS. Research these companies online or consult an insurance broker for plan details.

3. Top-up Plans:
These plans work alongside your existing policy and provide additional coverage in case your existing sum insured gets exhausted. However, pre-existing condition exclusions might still apply. Explore top-up plans offered by your existing insurer or other companies.

4. Finding the Right Plan:

• Use online insurance comparison platforms or consult an insurance broker to compare different senior citizen mediclaim or top-up plans.
• Carefully review the policy documents, especially exclusions related to pre-existing conditions.
• Consider factors like network hospitals, co-pay clauses, and claim settlement ratio before finalising a plan.