iam holding a health insurance policy from bajaj for 15 lakhs. iam told that one has to disclose ailments if any, while taking policy. i was suffering from high bp when i took policy, but do not remember whether the same had been dic sclosed or not at the time of taking policy. the policy is more than 3 years old, and no claim has been made under this. will in the future my claim for any heart related ailements that i might suffer , gets rejecte by company on grounds that bp was not disclosed while taking policy. 12.03.2024

Ans: Ideally, you must declare. You can do it now as well. Also note that this will have an impact on your premium amount.

Ans: I understand you're concerned about Reliance General settling claims properly. It's good to be aware! Here's how we can approach this:

Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) Check: Every insurance company has a CSR, a public record showing the percentage of claims they settle. You can check Reliance General's CSR online to see their historical performance.

Policy Review: Review your policy documents carefully. Understand the terms and exclusions related to claim settlements. If something seems unclear, reach out to Reliance General for clarification.

Network Hospitals: Using network hospitals within your policy can streamline the claim settlement process.

Remember, a single experience doesn't represent the entire picture. However, your concern is valid. Let's not worry, we can assess further!

You did well porting your policy! Health insurance is crucial, and you've taken a great step for your family.

Moving forward: If you'd like a more in-depth analysis of your health insurance options, consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can assess your specific needs and recommend the best plan based on your family's requirements.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: You have a health insurance policy with a coverage of Rs 10 lakhs, which you ported in 2022. However, you did not disclose a bile duct reconstruction surgery done in 2002. Now you’re concerned about claim rejection due to this undisclosed surgery, even if the claim is for an unrelated issue. Let's address your concern comprehensively.

Importance of Disclosure in Health Insurance
Health insurance relies heavily on the principle of utmost good faith. This means both the insurer and the insured must disclose all relevant information truthfully. Non-disclosure of medical history can have serious consequences.

Impact of Non-Disclosure
Claim Rejection: Insurers can reject claims if they find out that significant medical history was not disclosed. This applies even if the claim is not related to the undisclosed condition.
Policy Cancellation: In some cases, the insurer may cancel the policy altogether upon discovering non-disclosure.
Legal Issues: Non-disclosure can lead to legal complications where the insured may face difficulties in proving their claim.
Assessing Your Specific Situation
Your surgery was in 2002, and you are currently healthy with no ongoing medication related to that issue. Given this, let’s analyze your situation.

Time Factor
The surgery happened over 20 years ago, and you have been living a healthy life since then. This long duration might make it less impactful, but it’s still a significant medical event that should have been disclosed.
Porting Health Insurance
When porting a health insurance policy, the new insurer evaluates your health risk based on the information provided. Non-disclosure of a major surgery might influence their decision on claims and policy terms.
Steps to Take Now
Inform Your Insurer
Contact Your Insurer: It's advisable to inform your insurer about the surgery. Explain the situation honestly, including that the surgery happened in 2002 and you have had no related health issues since.
Provide Medical Records: If possible, provide medical records or a letter from your doctor confirming that you have fully recovered and have no ongoing health issues related to the surgery.
Benefits of Informing Your Insurer
Transparency: Being transparent can build trust with your insurer and prevent future complications.
Reduced Risk of Claim Rejection: Disclosing now can reduce the risk of future claim rejections due to non-disclosure.
Policy Review: The insurer might review your policy terms, but it’s better to face this now rather than during a claim.
Possible Outcomes
Policy Continuation: The insurer may continue your policy without any changes if they consider the surgery as not impacting your current health risk.
Policy Amendment: The insurer might amend the policy terms, such as excluding the surgery-related condition from coverage.
Premium Adjustment: In some cases, there might be an adjustment in the premium based on the newly disclosed information.
Importance of Maintaining Adequate Health Insurance
Reviewing Coverage
Ensure that your health insurance coverage is adequate for your current needs. A family floater policy of Rs 10 lakhs might be sufficient now, but review it periodically to keep up with rising medical costs.
Considering Top-Up Plans
If needed, consider top-up or super top-up health insurance plans to enhance your coverage at a lower additional premium. These plans provide additional coverage after your base policy limit is exhausted.
Staying Informed and Proactive
Regular Policy Review
Review your health insurance policy annually. Ensure all details are accurate and up-to-date. Discuss any changes in your health status with your insurer.
Keeping Medical Records
Maintain a file of all your medical records. This helps in providing accurate information to your insurer and simplifies the claims process.
Understanding Policy Terms
Thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy. Know what is covered, what is excluded, and the process for making a claim.
Final Insights
Transparency with your insurer is crucial for ensuring your health insurance policy serves its purpose effectively. Informing your insurer about your past surgery, even if it was 20 years ago, will help in maintaining a trustworthy relationship and avoiding potential claim rejections.

With a comprehensive approach to managing your health insurance, including regular reviews and staying informed about your policy, you can ensure you and your family are adequately protected.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hello;

This cannot be a valid reason for rejecting a claim.

You need to challenge this decision of the insurance company.

Best wishes;