Medical insurance is a critical aspect of financial planning for households as it provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses. A medical emergency can arise at any time, and without insurance, one might end up borrowing or using up their savings to meet the costs. In this article, we shall explore the world of medical insurance with a focus on family medical insurance plans and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
Family medical insurance plans are policies that offer coverage to all members of a family, including spouse, children, parents, and dependent siblings. These policies can be customized to suit a family’s needs, and the premium is calculated based on the sum insured, age, and medical history of family members.
The benefits of family medical insurance plans are several. Firstly, they provide comprehensive coverage for in-patient hospitalization expenses, daycare treatments, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, ambulance charges, and more. Additionally, many policies offer free health check-ups, wellness programs, and discounts on pharmacy bills.
When choosing a family medical insurance plan, it is essential to consider the coverage offered and the premium payable. One should read the policy document carefully to understand the exclusions and limitations of the policy. It is also critical to disclose pre-existing medical conditions and lifestyle habits truthfully to avoid claim rejection.
Parents and senior citizens may require additional health coverage beyond what is offered in a family medical insurance plan. They may consider purchasing a separate policy specific to their needs. Some policies offer lifelong renewability, ensuring continued coverage for seniors.
One such policy is the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), introduced by the Government of India in 2015. The PMSBY full form is the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and it is available for individuals between the ages of 18 and 70 years. The premium payable is just Rs. 12 per annum, and the policy covers death and disability due to an accident.
The coverage offered under the PMSBY includes benefits for accidental death, disability due to an accident, and partial disability. In the event of the policyholder’s death, the nominee is eligible to receive the sum insured of Rs. 2 lakhs. In the case of permanent total disability, the policyholder is eligible to receive the sum insured, and in the case of partial disability, a partial payout is offered.
The PMSBY offers a significant benefit at a nominal cost, making it accessible to a large section of the population. It is an excellent option for those who may not be able to afford comprehensive medical insurance but require some financial protection against accidental death or disability.
In addition to family medical insurance plans and the PMSBY, there are several other options available for medical insurance in India. The most common types of medical insurance policies include individual health insurance, group health insurance, critical illness insurance, and disease-specific insurance.
Individual health insurance policies are policies that cover an individual’s medical expenses. These policies may be customized to include add-ons such as maternity benefits, coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, and international coverage. The premium for an individual health insurance policy is typically based on the policyholder’s age and medical history.
Group health insurance policies are policies that cover a group of individuals, usually employees of an organization. These policies offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospitalization, daycare treatments, and pre and post-hospitalization expenses. Some policies also offer coverage for outpatient expenses, including doctor consultations and diagnostic tests, and maternity benefits. The premium for group health insurance is typically lower than for individual health insurance due to the large number of individuals covered.
Critical illness insurance policies are policies that offer coverage for specific critical illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure. These policies provide a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of the illness, which can be used to cover medical expenses and other costs. The premiums for critical illness insurance policies are typically higher than other policies due to the higher risk.
Disease-specific insurance policies are policies that offer coverage for specific diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These policies provide coverage for medical expenses related to the disease, including consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests. The premiums for these policies are typically higher than regular health insurance policies due to the higher risk associated with the disease.
Medical insurance is an essential aspect of financial planning for households. It provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses and ensures that one has access to quality healthcare without worrying about the cost. When choosing a medical insurance policy, one should consider the coverage offered, premium payable, and exclusions and limitations of the policy carefully. One should also disclose pre-existing medical conditions and lifestyle habits truthfully to avoid claim rejection.
Conclusion
Family medical insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage to all members of a family and can be customized to suit a family’s needs. The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is an excellent option for those who may not be able to afford comprehensive medical insurance but require some financial protection against accidental death or disability. There are several other options available for medical insurance in India, including individual health insurance, group health insurance, critical illness insurance, and disease-specific insurance. It is essential to choose a policy that offers adequate coverage at an affordable premium and disclose pre-existing medical conditions truthfully to avoid claim rejection.