The Health Insurance Policy Thread

[Sai]

I am looking to get a health insurance policy for myself. Never had one and haven't studied this area. I am a bachelor; I don't smoke or drink. Other than spectacles, I don't have any health issues.

What are the things to look at while getting a policy and who is the recommended provider?. Do we have any experts here?.

 

[manu1991]

Not an expert at all, but I had to buy one for my parents recently and a lot of people I talked to recommended Star Health so I went for that. The plan is very comprehensive based on the details I read. It's called Optima family or something like that.

 

[anubhav11]

Just an info that premiums will increase wef 1st April for all kinds of insurance. I personally have national insurance mediclaim for my family. In private companies i have heard good things about Tata aig. For detailed information check the link below.


Source

 

[igloo]

Talk to HI claim department of hospital you gonna visit the most. I think thats true for most town n rural areas as mostly 1 or 2 hospital for each area have almost everything.
They have best info about how easy each provider is.
for eg: Recently came to know that gallstone removal invoice amt of 60k with most providers is overbilled for 1.5lac with hdfc health policy, though the co easily gives the given amount but easily claim amt is 1/3th of what person is buying.

For me any policy from 4 old govt cos is the only option. Can't trust newly formed entities including sbi health too.

Also make sure any daycare procedures are included, its a new tool by pvt hospital to loot ppl.

Also read about room rent limit and how it changes total claim amt.

 

[Jonas]

I've heard good things about Star Health insurance as well.

 

[Sai]

I spoke with few of the hospital owners who are close to me after posting this. They suggested me to stick with government insurance companies strictly. New India, United India, Oriental, National Insurance only. They are the cheapest and easiest when it comes to claims.

 

[igloo]

Even one my cousin suggested star and read online too. Was thinking to switch but on asking claim guy he suggested me to avoid.
He said most pvt cos unnecessarily delay claims and too many formalities.

 

[socrates]

Though I got a raw deal from new india assurance, I still agree with you @Sai as the alternatives are worse.

 

[Sai]

I had done a comparison of policies across various private providers yesterday. Today I am being bombarded by their sales guys with never-ending calls. That alone is enough for me to never opt for their product.

 

[ijsa]

There is also an option from Bank..... wherein they cover there account holders/ their families..... it is sort of group mediclaim.... the premium is comparatively cheaper....... the insurer is mostly a government insurance company for the bank.

I know of PNB and Erstwhile Andhra Bank having this service. Still have with Andhra Bank.

I had good as well as bad experience with them.
I started almost 10 years back at that time with BoB and my son suffered from Typhoid and was admitted to Hospital for a week or so.... it was settled by TPA no questions asked..... in the first year of paying premium itself.

My parents also had a similar policy with them...... paid premium for almost 10years.... never had any claim...... And suddenly BoB declared that they will not be continuing the service..... to Continue the subscription they had to get the Policy renewed by the insurer directly i.e New India Assurance....
There was a huge change in premium from 12K to 75K for both.... so they decided to discontinue. But than if they had to had mediclaim, it would have been similar amount from any Insurer.....

Andhra Bank now Union Bank has discontinued fresh subscription.

PNB still accepts fresh subscription.