Health insurance for diabetics

Ans: While availability of insurance plans can change you are requested to consult a professional medical health insurance agent who can assist you with your mediclaim requirements. However, I can provide you with some general guidance on finding suitable medical insurance for individuals with diabetes in India.

Star Health Diabetes Safe Insurance Policy:

• Star Health is known for its diabetes-specific insurance plans.
• Diabetes Safe Insurance Policy is designed exclusively for individuals with diabetes.

New India Assurance Jan Arogya Policy:

New India Assurance offers Jan Arogya Policy, which covers pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.

Apollo Munich Optima Restore Family Health Insurance:

• This plan provides coverage for diabetes after a waiting period.
• It offers a Restore benefit, which automatically restores the sum insured if it gets exhausted during the policy year.

Max Bupa Health Companion Individual:

Max Bupa offers the Health Companion Individual plan, which covers diabetes after a specified waiting period.

HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha Gold:

• This plan provides coverage for diabetes after the waiting period.
• It offers cashless hospitalisation, and the sum insured can be enhanced through the multiplier benefit.

It's crucial to carefully read the policy documents, terms, and conditions to understand the coverage details, waiting periods, exclusions, and other important aspects. Additionally, consider factors such as the network of hospitals, claim settlement ratio, and customer reviews when choosing an insurance provider.

Before making a decision, I recommend contacting insurance agents, checking the official websites of insurance companies, or visiting their local branches to get the most up-to-date and accurate information on available plans. You can also consult with a financial advisor or an insurance expert to find the best plan that suits your specific needs and preferences.

Ans: Yes, some health insurance companies in India offer mediclaim coverage for diabetics and cancer patients, but with certain conditions and limitations. Here's a breakdown:

For diabetics:

• Specific diabetes-focused plans: Several insurers offer dedicated health insurance plans for diabetics, covering medical expenses related to managing the condition, including:
• Daycare treatments: Dialysis, insulin pump therapy, etc.
• Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses: Doctor consultations, lab tests, medications.
• AYUSH treatments: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
• Critical illness cover: Coverage for specific complications like kidney failure.
• Regular health insurance plans: Many regular health insurance plans also cover pre-existing conditions like diabetes after an initial waiting period (2-4 years typically). However, coverage for specific diabetes-related expenses might be limited or excluded.

For cancer patients:

• Dedicated cancer-focused plans: Similar to diabetes, some insurers offer specific cancer insurance plans covering:
• Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, etc.
• Hospitalisation expenses: Room rent, nursing charges, etc.
• Loss of income: Financial support during treatment.
• Regular health insurance plans: Most regular health insurance plans cover cancer treatment after a waiting period. However, specific aspects like pre-existing stages, claim limits, and exclusions might apply.

Important things to remember:

• Pre-existing condition loading: Both diabetics and cancer patients might face higher premiums due to their pre-existing conditions.
• Waiting period: You might have to wait for a specific period (typically 2-4 years) before claiming benefits related to your pre-existing condition.
• Exclusions: Policies might exclude certain treatments, stages of cancer, or complications arising from pre-existing conditions.

Recommendations:

• Compare plans: Carefully compare various plans offered by different insurers, focusing on coverage details, exclusions, waiting periods, and premium costs.
• Consult an advisor: Seek guidance from a qualified insurance advisor who can understand your specific needs and recommend suitable plans.
• Disclose your condition: Always disclose your pre-existing condition (diabetes or cancer) accurately when applying for insurance.

Remember, this information should not be considered financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for personalised guidance on choosing the right health insurance plan.

Ans: Here’s some pointers to help you narrow down your choices. Consider these factors when choosing a health insurance plan for a diabetic person:

• Pre-existing condition exclusions: Some plans may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes. Be sure to choose a plan that covers your pre-existing conditions.
• Deductible and coinsurance: The deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts to pay. Coinsurance is a percentage of the covered costs that you have to pay after you meet the deductible. Choose a plan with a deductible and coinsurance that you can afford.
• Network coverage: Make sure the plan covers the doctors and hospitals you want to see.
• Coverage for diabetes-related care: Look for a plan that covers diabetes-specific services, such as insulin pumps, diabetic supplies, and diabetes education.
• Renewal rates: Be sure to understand how much the premiums will increase each year.

Here are some health insurance plans that are designed for people with diabetes:

• Star Health & Allied Diabetes Safe: This plan offers coverage for diabetes-related complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy.
• National Varishta Mediclaim: This plan offers coverage for pre-existing conditions, including diabetes.
• Aditya Birla Activ Health Enhanced Diabetes Plan: This plan offers a critical illness rider that pays out a lump sum benefit if you are diagnosed with a critical illness, such as heart attack, stroke, or cancer.

It is important to compare quotes from several different insurance companies before making a decision. You can use a comparison website or an insurance broker to help you compare plans.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a health insurance plan:

• Read the plan brochure carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
• Ask questions if you don't understand something.
• Don't be afraid to negotiate with the insurance company.

Ans: Hello;

Honestly the insurance company mentioned in your query offered you a reasonable solution.

Because the truth is no health insurer will offer cover for a person of 60 age with angioplasty and diabetes history because from their point of view it's a 99% risk.

Some may accept it with lot of ifs and buts, eventually rejecting any claim at a later date on flimsy grounds.

Recommend you to earmark some corpus for any heart related complication(say @ 10 L) for your father and go ahead with the cover because your Mother will also have waiting period for diabetes.

Check Tata AIG and Niva Bupa also before you sign up.

Best wishes;