3. If I have a chronic ailment (diabetes, BP, thyroid, heart cond ition, etc.) can I still get coverage? Should I inform the insurer?

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: It's essential to be transparent about pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure (BP) when applying for a health insurance policy. While I can't provide a definitive answer without reviewing your policy documents and the specific terms and conditions, here's some guidance:

Review Policy Documents: Take some time to carefully review your health insurance policy documents. Look for any clauses related to non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions at the time of policy issuance.

Contact the Insurer: If you're unsure whether you disclosed your high BP when taking the policy, consider reaching out to the insurance company directly. They can provide clarity on the information provided during the application process.

Grace Period: Since your policy is more than 3 years old and you haven't made any claims, it's possible that any non-disclosure issues may be considered lapsed due to the grace period typically provided by insurers.

Future Claims: In the event that you develop heart-related ailments in the future, the insurance company may investigate whether the non-disclosure of high BP was intentional or unintentional. If it's determined that the non-disclosure didn't affect the underwriting decision or the terms of the policy, your claim may still be honored.

Seek Professional Advice: If you're concerned about the potential impact of non-disclosure on future claims, consider consulting with a legal or insurance expert who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and policy terms.

Ultimately, it's crucial to maintain transparency with your insurer and ensure that all relevant information, including pre-existing conditions, is disclosed at the time of policy application to avoid any complications during claim processing.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Yes, you can still get health insurance coverage even with a pre-existing chronic ailment like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a heart condition. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:

Disclosing Pre-existing Conditions:

• It is crucial to disclose any pre-existing conditions to the insurer. This is because they assess the risk involved in covering you. Hiding this information can lead to claim rejection later.

Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions:

• Most health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, but with a waiting period. This waiting period can range from 2 to 4 years depending on the plan and the severity of the condition.
• There are plans that offer coverage for pre-existing conditions from day one, but they typically come with higher premiums.

Finding the Right Plan:

• Do your research and compare different health insurance plans to find one that offers coverage for your specific chronic ailment and has a reasonable waiting period.

Here are some additional tips:

• Be honest and upfront about your medical history in your application.
• Get a copy of the policy documents and carefully review the exclusions clause to understand what is not covered.
• Consider critical illness plans that provide a lump sum payment for specific critical illnesses, including some chronic conditions.
• Remember, transparency is the key. Disclosing pre-existing conditions ensures you get the right coverage and avoid claim rejections later.

Ans: That's a great question! It's fantastic that you've been proactive with your health and maintained good health so far. Let's break down how pre-existing conditions and health insurance claims work:

No Claims and Pre-existing Conditions:

Good news! Having no claims history generally looks good to insurance companies. It shows you've been responsible with your health.
Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions you have before buying health insurance. These might affect your coverage or premiums in the future.
Lifestyle Ailments and Claims:

Lifestyle diseases like BP and diabetes can develop over time. If they go unchecked, they might become pre-existing conditions.
The impact on claims depends on your specific policy and when the condition developed. Some plans have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. This means you might have to wait a certain time before coverage kicks in for those conditions.
Here's what you can do:

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: This is key! Keep up the good work by eating healthy, exercising, and getting regular checkups.
Review your Policy Wording: Look at the section on pre-existing conditions and waiting periods. If unsure, call your NIA customer service for clarification.
Talk to a CFP Professional: A Certified Financial Planner can help you review your health insurance coverage and see if it aligns with your future health needs.
Remember: Early detection and management of lifestyle diseases can make a big difference. Taking care of your health now can benefit you in the long run, both physically and financially.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: I'm glad to hear your surgery went well, and you're on the road to recovery. Considering your situation, it’s important to secure your health insurance needs for the future. Let’s break down your questions and concerns regarding taking an additional health insurance policy.

Can You Take Another Health Insurance Policy?
Yes, you can take another health insurance policy from a different company. However, your recent medical history, including the renal transplant surgery, will impact your new policy's terms and premiums.

Impact of Renal Transplant on New Policy
Pre-Existing Conditions: Your kidney surgery will be considered a pre-existing condition. Most insurers have a waiting period for covering pre-existing conditions, ranging from two to four years. It’s crucial to check the specifics with any new insurer.

Medical Underwriting: Given your recent medical history, the insurer may require detailed medical underwriting. They may request your medical records and possibly a medical examination to assess your current health status.

Premium Considerations
Increased Premiums: Due to your pre-existing condition, new health insurance policies are likely to come with increased premiums. The exact amount will depend on the insurer's assessment of your health risk.

Loading Charges: Some insurers might add a loading charge to your premium, which is an additional cost to cover the higher risk associated with your medical history.

Types of Policies to Consider
Individual Health Plans: These provide coverage for a single person. Given your situation, ensure the plan offers extensive coverage, including post-operative care and critical illness coverage.

Family Floater Plans: These plans cover multiple family members under a single sum insured. They might be a good option if you plan to get married and start a family in the near future.

Critical Illness Plans: These plans provide a lump sum amount upon diagnosis of specified critical illnesses, including kidney-related issues. It can be a supplementary policy to your primary health insurance.

Steps to Take
Research and Compare: Compare policies from different insurers. Look for policies with comprehensive coverage and a reasonable waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

Consult Insurers: Speak directly with insurance representatives. Explain your medical history and get clear information on how it will affect your premiums and coverage.

Read Policy Documents: Carefully read the policy documents, especially the sections on pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, exclusions, and premium loading.

Consider Riders: Look for riders or add-ons that can enhance your coverage, such as critical illness riders, hospital cash, and personal accident covers.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Given the complexities of your medical history and future health needs, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can be very beneficial. A CFP can help you understand the nuances of different policies, assess your long-term financial needs, and recommend the best health insurance options tailored to your situation.


You’ve shown great foresight in considering additional health insurance despite your recent surgery. Ensuring your future medical needs are covered demonstrates a strong commitment to your long-term well-being. Your proactive approach to securing your health is commendable and shows a responsible attitude towards managing potential future risks.

Final Insights
Securing an additional health insurance policy is a wise move, especially considering your recent medical history and future plans. While premiums might be higher due to your pre-existing condition, thorough research and consulting with professionals can help you find the best policy for your needs. Remember to compare different plans, understand the terms, and choose a policy that offers comprehensive coverage and aligns with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in