In an era where healthcare costs are increasing, especially for senior citizens, the Government of India has introduced dedicated health insurance schemes to alleviate the burden on the elderly. These initiatives, such as the senior citizen health insurance scheme by Government of India, aim to ensure that seniors have access to quality healthcare without financial strain. Through comprehensive coverage, affordable premiums, and specialised benefits, health insurance schemes cater to the specific medical needs of elderly individuals. By providing financial security, they empower senior citizens to seek necessary medical care without hesitation. This article explores the various senior citizen health insurance schemes offered by the Government of India, highlighting their features, benefits, and significance in promoting the well-being of our elderly population.
List of Senior Citizen Health Insurance Schemes
Given below is the list of government schemes for senior citizen health insurance:
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Ayushman Bharat or PMJAY, the government of India's flagship scheme, was launched in line with the National Health Policy 2017's vision of achieving universal health coverage. It stands as the largest government health initiative, extending its benefits not only to senior citizens but also to women and children. Noteworthy features include a healthcare cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation across a network of public and private hospitals. Eligibility is limited to families below the poverty line.
Additional benefits encompass cashless access to healthcare services, coverage of pre-and post-hospitalisation expenses, including diagnostics and medicines, and comprehensive coverage of all pre-existing conditions from day one. Moreover, the scheme offers portability benefits, allowing beneficiaries to access cashless treatment at any empanelled public or private hospital across the nation.
2. National Varishtha Mediclaim Policy
The Varishtha Mediclaim policy offered by the National Health Insurance Company caters specifically to senior citizens aged between 60 and 80 years. While the policy duration spans one year, renewals are permissible until the insured reaches 90 years of age. Notable features of this health insurance plan include coverage for medical expenses such as medicines, diagnostics, and critical illnesses. The sum insured for hospitalisation and domiciliary hospitalisation is Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh for critical illnesses, respectively.
This policy is an excellent example of health insurance for senior citizens in India by government initiatives, designed to provide financial security and comprehensive healthcare coverage for the elderly.
Additionally, emergency ambulance charges of up to Rs. 1000 are covered. Surgical fees, consultant charges, and specialists' fees are also reimbursed, along with coverage for specific medical conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and organ transplants, up to predetermined limits. Moreover, coverage extends to illnesses like cancer and multiple sclerosis, even without hospitalization, while premiums up to Rs. 15,000 under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act qualify for deductions.
3. United India Senior Citizen Health Insurance
United India Senior Citizen Health Insurance, provided by United India Insurance Company, is tailored to meet the healthcare needs of elderly individuals. Key features of this scheme include an entry age range from 61 to 80 years for those acquiring a Mediclaim Policy for the first time. The sum insured can vary from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh, ensuring comprehensive coverage for medical expenses. Hospitalisation expenses for treatments or surgeries exceeding 24 hours are covered, along with domiciliary hospitalisation for periods exceeding three days. This policy is part of the senior citizen health scheme govt of India, designed to provide elderly individuals with financial security and access to necessary medical care.
Additionally, ayurvedic treatment expenses are reimbursed if undergone in a government or government-recognized institute. Moreover, a family discount of 5% of the total premium is available, covering the insured and their spouse, dependent children, or dependent parents, offering further financial benefits and security.
Also read: Family Health Insurance
4. New India Assurance Health insurance
The Senior Citizen Mediclaim Policy by New India Assurance Health Insurance is specifically crafted for individuals aged between 60 and 80 years, offering a range of beneficial features. Insured senior citizens can select a sum insured amount ranging from Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 1.5 Lakh. Coverage extends to pre-existing diseases after an 18-month waiting period, with pre-and post-hospitalisation expenses covered for 30 and 60 days, respectively.
This policy is an excellent representation of senior citizen health insurance India government initiatives, aimed at providing financial protection and access to essential healthcare services for the elderly.
Additionally, a 10% premium discount is available when the spouse is included in the policy. Furthermore, upon payment of an additional premium, certain pre-existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and related complications can be covered after the completion of the stipulated 18 months.
Explore: Types of insurance policies in India
