How should senior citizens cope with increase in health insurance premiums? How can I get this offline or online?

Ans: For a family of three with ages 57, 51, and 20, the health insurance requirement depends on several factors like current health status, medical history, lifestyle, and location. Here's a general guideline:

Medical Inflation: Medical costs tend to rise with inflation. Consider the average annual medical inflation rate (around 10-15%) to estimate future medical expenses.
Healthcare Needs: Assess the healthcare needs based on family history, lifestyle, and any existing health conditions. Older individuals may require more frequent medical care and treatments.
Coverage Amount: A minimum coverage of Rs 5-10 lakhs for the younger member and Rs 10-15 lakhs for the older members is recommended.
Family Floater vs Individual Policies: A family floater policy can provide coverage for all family members under a single sum insured, whereas individual policies offer separate coverage for each member.
Considering the above factors, a health insurance coverage of Rs 15-25 lakhs for the family would be a reasonable starting point. However, it's essential to reassess your coverage needs periodically and adjust the coverage amount accordingly. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner or insurance advisor can help determine the appropriate coverage amount based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Ans: Several insurance companies offer health insurance policies specifically designed for senior citizens. Some of these companies include:

1. Star Health and Allied Insurance: They offer various health insurance plans specifically for senior citizens with comprehensive coverage and benefits tailored to their needs.

2. New India Assurance: They have health insurance policies catering to senior citizens, providing coverage for medical expenses, hospitalisation, and more.

3. National Insurance Company: They offer health insurance plans with coverage options suitable for senior citizens, including pre-existing disease coverage and other benefits.

4. United India Insurance: They provide health insurance policies for senior citizens with features like cashless hospitalisation, pre-existing disease coverage, and more.

5. Religare Health Insurance: They offer health insurance plans specially designed for senior citizens, providing coverage for hospitalisation expenses, pre-existing diseases, and other medical needs.

6. Bajaj Allianz: They have health insurance policies tailored for senior citizens, offering coverage for hospitalisation, medical expenses, and other related costs.

7. Max Bupa Health Insurance: They offer health insurance plans with specific coverage options for senior citizens, including comprehensive coverage for various medical expenses.

Before choosing a policy, it's essential to compare the features, coverage, premiums, and exclusions of different plans to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Additionally, consider factors such as network hospitals, claim settlement ratio, and customer service quality when selecting an insurance company.

Ans: I understand you're looking for a good health insurance plan for you and your wife. That's a smart decision, especially considering your health conditions. Let's break it down to help you choose the best option:

Understanding Pre-existing Conditions:

Your existing health conditions (BP, spondylitis, etc.) are called pre-existing conditions. These might affect your policy options and premiums.
Individual vs. Family Plan:

Family plan: Covers you and your wife together under one plan. It can be cheaper, but coverage limits get shared.
Individual plans: Separate plans for each of you. More flexibility, but might cost slightly more overall.
Considering Your Needs:

Pre-existing condition coverage: Look for plans that cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period (if any).
Hospitalization coverage: Choose a plan with sufficient coverage for hospitalization expenses.
Medicines: Check if the plan covers medicines you take regularly.
Finding the Right Plan:

Talk to a CFP professional: A Certified Financial Planner can assess your needs and recommend suitable plans from different insurers.
Compare plans online: Many insurance companies offer online plan comparisons. Look for plans that cover pre-existing conditions and have good network hospitals in your area.
Here's a quick tip: Since your wife is younger and has a different health profile, individual plans might be better. This allows you to get customized coverage based on your specific needs.

Remember: Don't hesitate to ask questions! Choosing the right health insurance is important, and a CFP professional can guide you through the process.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in