Purchasing Health Insurance?

Check these 5 myths and know the facts before buying

- Ashwini Kumar Sharma

The importance of buying a health insurance plan for protection against rising hospital costs is a well-accepted fact now. However, selecting the right plan or choosing the right add-ons, etc may not be easy at times, as there are several myths surrounding the purchase of health covers. It is always better to clear some air before making the right moves. Few health insurance myths that needs to be spoken about.

Myth: All health insurance plans are same

It is a myth that all health insurance plans are the same. Critical illness plans (CIP) are defined benefit covers that work differently from indemnity-based health covers. They provide financial assistance when one develops a serious ailment such as cancer, or has a stroke. In such cases, a CIP pays the entire sum insured, unlike a health cover, which reimburses the costs. Such plans cover a specific number of ailments only and the cover ends once the sum insured is paid.

Myth: No separate plans for seniors

Till a few years ago, it was difficult for a senior citizen to get a health cover though they are the ones who need it most. But, nowadays most insurers offer separate plans as health covers for senior citizens. Most of these have a fixed cover of Rs 1 lakh or Rs 2 lakh. Some compulsorily require a copayment.

Myth: The cheapest policy is the best policy