Health Insurance in Kerala

Know everything about health insurance plans in Kerala, from features and benefits to buy and claim process.
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3 min
31-May-2025

In Kerala’s rapidly advancing healthcare ecosystem, choosing the best health insurance in Kerala is essential to protect your well-being and finances. With rising medical expenses, a comprehensive insurance plan not only ensures quality treatment but also shields you from unexpected healthcare costs.

Whether you're looking for standard coverage or specialised plans for critical illnesses, the best health insurance in Kerala offers a wide range of policies tailored to individual and family needs. These plans often extend beyond just hospitalisation—they typically include pre- and post-hospitalisation care, day-care procedures, and access to a strong network of hospitals, helping you stay prepared for any medical emergency.

Health statistics of Kerala

Kerala boasts some of India's best health statistics, reflecting its strong healthcare infrastructure. The state has the highest life expectancy in the country, with an average of 75 years, and a low infant mortality rate. Kerala also excels in maternal health. High literacy rates and widespread healthcare access contribute to low disease prevalence and a higher overall standard of health compared to other Indian states.

Why do you need health insurance in Kerala?

In Kerala, where the costs of medical treatments are rising and diseases are increasingly prevalent, having robust health insurance is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. It serves as a crucial financial safety net, ensuring you can access top-quality healthcare without the stress of overwhelming expenses.

  • Rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs : Healthcare expenses in Kerala have significantly increased due to rising hospital charges, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations. Many residents face high out-of-pocket costs for treatments, especially during emergencies. Health insurance helps cover these expenses, reducing financial burdens and ensuring access to quality care.
  • Growing prevalence of waterborne diseases: Kerala experiences frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, particularly during monsoon seasons. Health insurance becomes essential to cover hospitalisation and treatment costs for such ailments, providing financial security in case of unexpected health issues.
  • Increasing incidence of lifestyle-related illnesses: As lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions become more common in Kerala, health insurance is crucial to cover expensive treatments, doctor consultations, and medications. It helps manage long-term healthcare costs for chronic illnesses that require ongoing care.
  • Ensuring no compromise on medical treatments: In Kerala, where quality medical treatments can be expensive, having individual health insurance ensures that nobody has to compromise on receiving the best possible care. It allows access to advanced treatments and specialists without worrying about immediate financial strain, ensuring health priorities come first.

What are importance of buying health policy in Kerala

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call across the globe, highlighting how unpredictable medical emergencies can be—and the financial strain they can cause. In Kerala, with its high infection rates, the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan is more evident than ever. Rising healthcare costs and access to quality treatment can make out-of-pocket expenses overwhelming. That’s why opting for an individual health insurance policy or a family health insurance plan is a smart, protective measure during uncertain times. Besides offering peace of mind and financial protection, a health insurance policy shields you from the growing burden of medical inflation.

Here’s why buying mediclaim insurance in Kerala is essential:

Rising healthcare costs

Medical expenses are on the rise due to constant advancements and medical inflation. Having the best medical insurance in Kerala ensures you're safeguarded against soaring healthcare bills and stay financially stable during medical crises.

Lifestyle-driven health issues

Busy routines, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets, and rising pollution are all contributing to the early onset of lifestyle diseases. In such a scenario, health insurance isn't just about hospitalisation cover—it also offers preventive care benefits like free annual health check-ups, early diagnosis, and cashless treatments at leading hospitals. That makes health insurance plans in Kerala a must-have today.

Financial safety net

Building long-term financial security isn't just about savings and investments—it also involves being prepared for medical emergencies. Without insurance, any unexpected hospitalisation could deplete your savings. A comprehensive health insurance policy acts as a financial buffer, allowing you to meet emergency medical expenses without compromising your future financial goals.

Tax benefits

Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, you can claim deductions of up to Rs. 50,000 on premiums paid for your policy—including premiums paid for senior citizen parents' health insurance.

Diverse plan options in Kerala

There is no shortage of reliable health insurance providers in Kerala offering everything from family floater plans and individual health insurance to senior citizen policies and pre-existing disease coverage. With increasingly affordable premiums and streamlined claim processes, buying the right plan based on your health needs and budget has become simpler than ever.

Health statistics of Kerala

Kerala holds the unfortunate title of being the diabetes capital of India. Alarmingly, over 40% of deaths in the state are attributed to heart diseases, which have a prevalence rate of 19.9%—among the highest in the country.

When it comes to cancer, Kerala sees 913 men and 974 women per million affected. Breast cancer ranks as the most common cancer among women, while prostate cancer is most prevalent among men.

Additionally, residents of Kerala have the highest average cholesterol levels in India, raising further concerns about lifestyle diseases. Despite these alarming trends, nearly 48.5% of households in Kerala lack even a single member with a mediclaim or health insurance policy, leaving many financially vulnerable to medical emergencies.

Key features and benefits of buying health insurance in Kerala

Buying health insurance in Kerala offers several key features and benefits that are crucial for securing your and your family's health and financial well-being. For those seeking health insurance plans for family in Kerala, Bajaj Finance offers comprehensive coverage that caters to the diverse healthcare needs of families in this region. Here are some notable features and benefits of health insurance plans offered through Bajaj Finance:

Cashless treatment:

Health insurance plans in Kerala often feature cashless treatment options, enabling you to receive necessary medical care without upfront payments. This is particularly advantageous during emergencies, as the insurance provider directly settles the bills with the hospital.

Comprehensive coverage:

Most plans in Kerala offer extensive coverage, including hospitalisation, pre-and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare treatments, OPD expenses, maternity benefits, and more. This ensures you're well-prepared for various medical needs.

Tax benefits:

Health insurance in Kerala also provides tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, allowing you to save money while securing health coverage.

Network of hospitals:

Choose insurance plans that offer a wide network of hospitals across Kerala, ensuring you have access to quality healthcare facilities nearby. This is essential for cashless treatment and timely medical care.

Additional coverage options:

Depending on your specific needs, you can enhance your coverage with add-on riders, such as maternity riders to cover pregnancy and newborn expenses. This customisation allows your policy to fit your unique requirements.

Lifetime protection:

Many insurance providers in Kerala offer plans with lifetime renewability, ensuring you can renew your policy indefinitely and maintain lifelong coverage.

Coverage for lifestyle diseases:

As lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol become more common, comprehensive health insurance plans in Kerala cover these chronic conditions, offering financial relief from high treatment costs. Some plans also cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.

Financial security:

The primary advantage of health insurance is the financial security it provides during medical emergencies, helping you manage the rising costs of healthcare without depleting your savings.

Early age benefits:

Securing health insurance at a young age in Kerala typically means lower premiums. Younger individuals also tend to have fewer pre-existing conditions, making it easier and more affordable to obtain comprehensive coverage.

When choosing a health insurance plan in Kerala, it's important to consider these features and benefits. Evaluate your family's health needs, compare different plans, and select one that offers the best combination of coverage.

Pro Tip

Avail hospitalisation and treatment benefits with health insurance plans starting at just Rs. 15*/day.

End Uses

Major health problems in Kerala

Kerala grapples with several health challenges that require comprehensive healthcare planning. Predominant health concerns include lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, respiratory issues driven by pollution, and vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Having a mediclaim policy in Kerala is crucial to tackling these challenges, offering financial coverage for treatments and hospitalisation, thus enabling residents to manage their health without the burden of financial stress.

Key health challenges in Kerala include:

Diabetes

Kerala has a high prevalence of diabetes, largely attributed to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and genetic predispositions. The state's urban population is particularly vulnerable, and managing diabetes requires long-term medical care, making it a significant public health challenge.

Cancer

Cancer rates in Kerala are rising due to factors such as increased tobacco use, late detection, and environmental pollutants. Breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers are particularly prevalent, requiring awareness and early screening for better outcomes.

Heart diseases

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Kerala, driven by risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets have exacerbated the incidence of cardiac conditions across various age groups.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is common among Kerala’s aging population, often linked to stress, poor dietary habits, and lack of exercise. It increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, making it a critical public health issue.

Obesity

The incidence of obesity is rising in Kerala due to sedentary lifestyles and high consumption of unhealthy, calorie-dense foods. Obesity is linked to numerous health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems, and requires lifestyle interventions.

Dengue

Dengue fever outbreaks are frequent in Kerala, especially during the monsoon season. Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant threat to public health, leading to hospitalisations and placing stress on the healthcare system.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a waterborne bacterial infection that is common during Kerala's rainy season. The disease can lead to severe complications if not treated early, highlighting the need for preventive measures and prompt healthcare responses.

Waterborne diseases

Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis are prevalent in Kerala, especially in flood-prone areas. Poor sanitation and contaminated water supplies increase the risk, making public health interventions and access to clean water essential.

How to buy health insurance in Kerala?

Purchasing the best medical insurance in Kerala involves thorough research, comparing policy features, and selecting a plan that aligns with your healthcare needs and budget. In addition to health insurance, it’s wise to consider accident insurance for added protection against unexpected mishaps.

You can buy policies directly from insurers, through licensed agents, or via online platforms that allow you to compare multiple options at once. When evaluating the best medical insurance in Kerala, key factors to consider include the sum insured, premium cost, extent of coverage, list of network hospitals, and the insurer’s claim settlement ratio. Making an informed choice ensures both peace of mind and financial protection in times of need.

What is covered in health insurance in Kerala?

Health insurance policies in Kerala typically cover the following medical-related expenses:

  • Hospitalisation expenses: Your policy generally covers costs associated with hospital stays, from room charges to surgical procedures.
  • Pre-and post-hospitalisation: Expenses for diagnostic tests, consultations, and medications before and after hospitalisation are often included in the coverage.
  • Daycare treatments: Medical procedures that don't require overnight stays, like chemotherapy or minor surgeries, are covered.
  • Domiciliary treatment: Health insurance plans cover at-home medical care for specific conditions, ensuring patient comfort. Bajaj Finance offers coverage for treatment at home due to unavailability of hospital beds or if the patient is unable to travel.
  • Ambulance charges: Emergency ambulance services for transportation to the hospital are typically covered by health insurance plans.
  • Organ donor expenses: Costs related to organ transplantation, including surgery and post-operative care, are often included in the coverage.
  • Additional benefits: Besides the above coverages, health insurance plans through Bajaj Finance also offer maternity benefits, newborn care, and preventive health check-ups.

What is not covered in health insurance in Kerala?

While health insurance offers comprehensive coverage, certain conditions and treatments are generally excluded. To find the best health insurance in Kerala, it's essential to review the policy's exclusions carefully. Common exclusions include:

  • Pre-existing diseases (covered after a waiting period)
  • Cosmetic surgeries like bariatric surgery
  • Dental treatments
  • Injuries due to participation in high-risk activities

Reading the policy document carefully is crucial to understand the coverage and exclusions.

How to claim health insurance in Kerala?

Claiming health insurance involves two main types of claims: a feature commonly included in the best medical insurance in Kerala for smooth and hassle-free coverage.

Cashless claims:

  • Inform your insurer: Notify your insurance provider in advance about planned hospitalisation.
  • Choose a network hospital: Seek treatment at a hospital within your insurer's network.
  • Submit documents: Provide your health insurance card and relevant documents like doctor's prescriptions and diagnostic reports.
  • Approval: The insurer verifies your details and approves cashless treatment directly with the hospital.
  • Get the treatment: Receive treatment without paying upfront (except for non-medical expenses).

Reimbursement claims:

  • Pay upfront: Cover your medical expenses and keep all bills, receipts, and medical reports.
  • Inform your insurer: Notify your insurer about the treatment and expenses incurred.
  • Submit documents: Fill the reimbursement claim form and attach all original bills and documents.
  • Review and approval: The insurer will assess your claim and approves reimbursement based on policy terms.
  • Receive payment: Once approved, the insurer reimburses the eligible expenses.

Understanding these processes ensures a smooth claim experience and timely reimbursement or cashless treatment under your health insurance policy.

Things to consider when choosing the most suitable health insurance in Kerala

When choosing medical insurance in Kerala, consider the following factors:

  • Coverage scope: Evaluate the extent of coverage provided by the health insurance policy. Ensure it includes hospitalisation, daycare procedures, treatment for pre-existing conditions, and critical illnesses to meet your comprehensive healthcare needs.
  • Network hospitals: Verify the list of network hospitals associated with the insurance provider. A wide network ensures easier access to cashless treatment, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses and streamlining your healthcare experience.
  • Premiums and deductibles: Compare different policies to find a balance between premiums and deductibles. Aim for an affordable premium while ensuring the deductible does not compromise your coverage benefits or lead to high out-of-pocket costs.
  • Claim process: Assess the efficiency of the claim process, including the availability of cashless treatment and the speed of reimbursement. An efficient claim process can significantly reduce stress and ensure timely access to funds when needed.
  • Additional benefits: Explore additional benefits offered by the policy, such as wellness programs, preventive care services, and maternity coverage. These extras can enhance your overall health management and provide added value beyond standard coverage.
  • Waiting periods: Understand the waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, maternity benefits, and specific treatments. Knowing these waiting times helps in planning your healthcare and avoiding unexpected delays in claim approvals.
  • Renewal age and lifetime renewability: Ensure the health insurance policy provides lifelong renewability and check the maximum renewal age. This guarantees continued coverage as you age, avoiding potential gaps in your health insurance.
  • Exclusions: Familiarise yourself with the policy’s exclusions to avoid unexpected issues during claim settlement. Knowing what is not covered helps you select a policy that aligns with your specific health needs.
  • Customer service: Evaluate the insurer’s reputation for customer service, including responsiveness to queries and efficiency in handling claims. Good customer service ensures you receive timely assistance and support throughout your policy tenure.

What are tips for finding a health insurance policy in Kerala?

Given below are a few key tips to be kept in mind when finding a health insurance policy in Kerala:

  • Assess your needs: Evaluate your healthcare needs and family medical history to choose a policy that covers essential treatments and conditions.
  • Compare plans: Compare different health insurance plans based on coverage, premiums, and benefits to find the best fit for your needs.
  • Check network hospitals: Ensure the policy has a wide network of hospitals in Kerala for easy access to cashless treatment.
  • Read reviews: Look for customer reviews and ratings of insurance providers to gauge their service quality and claim settlement efficiency.

How to avail cashless treatment in Kerala?

  • Check network hospitals: Verify if the hospital is part of the insurer’s network for cashless treatment.
  • Pre-authorisation: Contact the insurer or hospital to get pre-authorisation for the treatment, if required.
  • Provide documents: Submit necessary documents like the policy number and ID at the hospital’s insurance desk.
  • Treatment and billing: Receive treatment and ensure the hospital bills are settled directly with the insurer, minimising out-of-pocket expenses.

Is government health insurance sufficient for medical expenses in Kerala?

Government health insurance schemes in Kerala, like the Kerala State Insurance Scheme, provide valuable coverage but may not cover all medical expenses. These plans typically cover essential treatments but may have limitations on high-cost procedures and specific conditions. For comprehensive coverage, especially for advanced treatments and pre-existing conditions, considering additional private health insurance may be beneficial. It’s important to evaluate the extent of coverage and assess if it aligns with your healthcare needs and financial situation.

Also, read: Family Health Insurance

Health insurance in Kerala for NRIs

Health insurance options in Kerala for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) are crucial for ensuring comprehensive medical coverage during visits or extended stays. Mediclaim in Kerala offers tailored plans that cater to the specific needs of NRIs, providing coverage for hospitalisation, emergencies, and other healthcare expenses, ensuring peace of mind while staying in Kerala.

Health and prevention tips in Kerala

  • Balanced diet: Consume traditional, nutrient-rich foods and reduce intake of processed items to prevent lifestyle diseases.
  • Regular exercise: Engage in physical activities like walking or yoga to manage weight and reduce risk of diabetes and heart disease.
  • Mosquito control: Use repellents and eliminate stagnant water to prevent diseases like dengue and malaria.
  • Timely vaccinations: Stay updated on vaccinations, especially for children, to prevent outbreaks of waterborne and infectious diseases.
  • Routine health checkups: Regular screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are crucial for early detection and management.

Conclusion

Health insurance is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in a city like Kerala where medical costs can quickly become a burden. With the right health insurance plan, individuals and families can safeguard their health and finances, ensuring peace of mind in times of medical emergencies. For easy and hassle-free purchase, visit Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall to compare and buy the best medical insurance in Kerala through a 100% digital process and no paperwork.

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Frequently asked questions

What factors should I consider when choosing health insurance in Kerala?
Consider the insurance coverage, sum insured, premium cost, network hospitals, claim settlement ratio, and specific benefits like cashless treatment and health check-ups.

Are there any specific health insurance plans designed for families in Kerala?
Yes, many insurers offer family floater plans that provide coverage for the entire family under a single policy, often proving to be more cost-effective than individual plans.

How can I compare different health insurance options available in Kerala?
Use online comparison tools offered by financial advisory websites or insurance aggregators to compare policies based on coverage, premiums, benefits, and other factors.

What are the key benefits of having health insurance coverage in Kerala?
The key benefits include financial protection against high medical costs, access to quality healthcare without delay, peace of mind during health emergencies, and coverage for a wide range of medical treatments and services.

Which health insurance is best in Kerala?

The best health insurance in Kerala offers comprehensive coverage, a wide network of hospitals, affordable premiums, and efficient claim processing. Look for policies that align with your healthcare needs and provide good customer service and benefits.

Is it possible to improve the coverage of my health insurance policy in Kerala?

Yes, you can enhance your health insurance coverage by opting for additional riders or top-up plans. Review your current policy and consult with insurers to explore options that extend coverage for more treatments and conditions.

Is health insurance mandatory in Kerala?

Health insurance is not legally mandatory in Kerala. However, it is highly recommended to safeguard against unexpected medical expenses and ensure financial protection, as it helps cover various health treatments and hospitalisation costs.

Which health insurance is best in Kerala?

The best health insurance in Kerala depends on individual needs, such as coverage for hospitalisation, critical illness, maternity, and outpatient services. Opt for a plan that offers comprehensive coverage, cashless treatment, and a wide hospital network to ensure financial security during medical emergencies.

What is the health insurance scheme in Kerala?

The Karunya Health Scheme in Kerala provides financial assistance to underprivileged citizens for the treatment of critical illnesses like cancer, heart diseases, and kidney ailments. It covers the cost of treatments, including surgery and hospitalisation, helping reduce the financial burden on families.

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