I am working in an IT company and have medical insurance coverage to all family members up to 10 LPA.

Apart from company insurance I had taken Bharati Axa Insurance health Insurance for 15 LPA for my family members but 2022 March it got expired and they moved to ICICI Insurance.

At present that insurance is closed. I would like to take a small insurance of 2 to 5 LPA per annum and continue till lifelong with increase in the sum assured without any extra payment on yearly basis and free medical checkup every year and premium to be 5K to 10K per annum.

I am 46 years old.

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: Hi, the coverage amount should be an estimate of the treatment you may be expecting in the near future in case you have any pre existing diseases. Else, due to the age being on higher end, you may have to pay higher premiums. Do not delay and purchase as soon as possible.

Ans: I can guide you towards finding the best plan for your family based on your needs and medical history (thyroid). Here are some key factors to consider:

Family Needs:

Age: Consider your family's age and potential health risks associated with each age group.
Medical History: Disclose your thyroid condition to ensure the plan covers pre-existing conditions or offers add-on riders for specific illnesses.
Coverage Requirements: Think about the type of hospital you prefer (network vs. non-network), room type (single, double), and preferred treatments (Ayurvedic, homeopathy).
Policy Features:

Sum Insured: Choose a sufficient sum insured to cover hospitalization costs for everyone in your family. Consider factors like city tier (medical costs are higher in metros) and inflation.
Coverage Type: Consider a comprehensive plan that covers hospitalization expenses, pre and post-hospitalization costs, ambulance charges, and day care procedures.
Network Hospitals: Opt for a plan with a wide network of hospitals in your city to ensure easy access to quality healthcare.
Co-pay/Deductible: A co-pay or deductible involves sharing a portion of the hospitalization cost. This lowers premiums but increases your out-of-pocket expense.
Exclusions: Carefully review policy exclusions to understand what treatments or conditions are not covered.
Here's a roadmap to finding the best policy:

Compare Online: Use online insurance comparison platforms to get quotes from different insurers.
Shortlist Based on Needs: Shortlist plans that meet your family's coverage requirements and budget.
Read Policy Wording: Carefully read the policy wording (wording can differ between insurers) to understand inclusions, exclusions, claim settlement process, and renewal terms.
Customer Service Reviews: Research customer reviews to get an idea about claim settlement experiences with different insurers.
Agent vs. Direct Purchase: You can buy directly from the insurer's website or consult an insurance agent who can guide you through the process and recommend plans based on your needs.
Here are some additional tips:

Pre-existing Conditions: Disclose your thyroid condition clearly during the application process.
Some plans might have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions before coverage applies.
Some might offer coverage with exclusions or higher premiums.
Renewability: Choose a plan with guaranteed lifetime renewability to ensure coverage throughout your life.
Claim Settlement Ratio: Consider the insurer's claim settlement ratio to understand their record of settling claims efficiently.
Remember: The best health insurance policy is the one that caters to your specific needs and offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable premium.