What Is Comprehensive Health Insurance?
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage, Benefits, and Key Inclusions
Health issues are unpredictable, and when they arise, they take a toll on both your health and finances. Thus, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is a wise choice that offers complete protection.
So, what is it to purchase comprehensive insurance? Let's find out.
What Comprehensive Health Insurance Means
A comprehensive health insurance plan is an extensive coverage policy that takes care of a wide range of medical expenses. Unlike basic health insurance plans, which cater to limited/specific coverage, comprehensive insurance offers broader coverage including in-patient and outpatient costs, emergency services, ambulance expenses, pre- and post-hospitalisation costs, and more.
This all-inclusive plan also covers the costs of preventive check-ups and daycare procedures, as well as alternative treatments like AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy).
Coverage and Inclusions of Comprehensive Health Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance provides extensive coverage for various medical expenses, ensuring financial security during medical emergencies. Here is what it covers:
In-Patient Hospitalisation Cover
A comprehensive plan covers room coverage like private single A/C room, boarding, and nursing expenses. It also includes medical bills like the fees of doctors, consultants, specialists, etc. Other than this hospitalisation costs may also include ICU charges, oxygen, blood, diagnostic tests, medicines, etc. which are also covered by comprehensive insurance.
Ambulance Expenses
This includes road ambulance costs to the hospital, between hospitals, or back home (in case a doctor prescribes it). Emergency ambulance charges are also mostly covered for transport from one's location to the nearest hospital. Some premium insurance plans also include air ambulance coverage.
Pre and Post Hospitalisation
Pre-hospitalisation medical expenses are typically covered up to 60 days before admission. Post-hospitalisation expenses are also covered typically between 60 to 90 days after discharge.
Outpatient Medical Consultation
Outpatient medical consultation coverage includes OPD visits, mainly at network hospitals. Some comprehensive plans also cover specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medications, and minor procedures performed outside the hospital, ensuring broader healthcare support without requiring hospitalisation.
Domiciliary Hospitalisation
It covers home treatment for more than three days if hospitalisation is not possible and is advised by the medical practitioner. However, please note that it generally excludes conditions like asthma, diabetes, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, and minor infections.
Organ Donor Treatment
Medical expenses related to organ donation, including hospitalisation costs for organ harvesting, pre and post-surgical medical care, and necessary treatments, are also covered under comprehensive insurance plans.
AYUSH Treatments
AYUSH treatments, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, are also covered if taken in a government-recognised or NABH-accredited AYUSH hospital. The policy provides coverage only for an inpatient hospitalisation, while outpatient consultations and minor treatments under AYUSH may not be included in the benefits.
Daycare Treatments
Finally, a comprehensive plan includes daycare treatments that need hospitalisation for less than 24 hours. Covered treatments mostly include ones that require less than 24 hours due to technological advancements, like, eye surgeries, ENT procedures, dialysis, orthopaedic treatments, chemotherapy, and minor surgical procedures.
This ensures financial support for necessary medical interventions without the requirement of extended hospital stays.
Benefits of Purchasing a Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan
Here are some of the top reasons why a comprehensive plan can be advantageous to you:
●Wide Coverage
A comprehensive plan offers extensive coverage, including hospitalisation, pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, daycare treatments, ambulance charges, and more. It ensures financial security against major medical emergencies, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and providing peace of mind during unexpected health issues.
●Cashless Hospitalisation
With cashless hospitalisation, you can get treatment at network hospitals without having to pay upfront. Your insurer will take care of the bill directly with the hospital, so you can concentrate on your recovery instead of worrying about finances. This option is particularly beneficial during medical emergencies.
●Coverage for the Entire Family
Many comprehensive plans offer family floater options, covering you, your spouse, children, and even parents under a single policy. This ensures complete healthcare protection for all family members while being cost-effective compared to buying individual policies.
●Lifetime Renewability
With lifetime renewability, you can continue your health insurance coverage without any age restrictions. This feature is crucial as medical expenses rise with age, ensuring you remain protected even in your senior years when health risks increase.
●Cumulative Bonus
If you do not file a claim during the policy year, insurers reward you with a cumulative bonus, which increases your sum insured without extra premium costs. This benefit helps enhance the coverage over time, providing better financial security against rising medical expenses.
●Tax Benefits
As per Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, the premiums you pay for health insurance policies will qualify for tax deductions. So, you can save up to Rs. 25,000 annually, and for senior citizens, the deduction limit goes up to Rs. 50,000, making it a smart financial decision.
So, to sum up, you can opt for a comprehensive health insurance plan with extensive coverage to safeguard yourself and your family against medical emergencies.
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This FAQ page contains information for general purpose only and has no medical or legal advice. For any personalized advice, do refer company's policy documents or consult a licensed health insurance agent. T & C apply.