Why should you purchase a health insurance policy for your parents?
Purchasing a health insurance policy for your parents is a prudent decision to ensure their financial and medical well-being during their golden years. As they grow older, they may face health challenges and financial constraints that can be mitigated with a robust health insurance plan. Below are the key reasons why this investment is vital:
More prone to age-related health complications
As individuals age, they become more vulnerable to chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. A comprehensive health insurance policy ensures timely diagnosis, routine health check-ups, and appropriate medical interventions, safeguarding their overall health.
Rising healthcare costs
The cost of medical treatment is increasing rapidly, with advanced procedures and hospitalisation becoming significantly expensive. Health insurance provides financial cushioning, covering hospitalisation charges, doctor fees, and diagnostic expenses, thus reducing the financial strain on your family.
Increasing lifestyle diseases
Modern lifestyles, even for older adults, can lead to conditions like hypertension, obesity, and sleep disorders. Health insurance covers the cost of treating these ailments, ensuring access to necessary medical care without worrying about the associated expenses.
No compromise on quality of treatment
Health insurance ensures your parents can access quality medical facilities, advanced treatments, and specialists without financial concerns. This allows them to receive the best care possible, regardless of the cost, for a healthier and more comfortable life.
Safeguard your parents' retirement funds
Retirement funds are often limited and meant for fulfilling life aspirations. Unexpected medical expenses can deplete these savings. A health insurance policy helps protect their financial independence, allowing them to enjoy a stress-free retirement.
Cashless hospitalisation facilities
Most health insurance policies offer cashless hospitalisation services, eliminating the need to arrange upfront payments during emergencies. This feature enables hassle-free treatment in network hospitals, providing peace of mind during critical times.
Tax benefits
Purchasing health insurance for your parents offers tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. These benefits reduce your taxable income, making it a financially wise decision while ensuring your parents’ health and security.
What are the Features of parents health insurance
Here’s a quick look at some of the key features of the best health insurance for parents.
Features
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Specifications
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Sum insured
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Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh
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Pre-and post-hospitalisation expenses
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Covered
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OPD cover
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Covered
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ICU charges
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Covered
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Tax benefits
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Covered
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Pre-existing diseases
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Covered (according to the plan terms and conditions)
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Daycare procedures
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Covered
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Ambulance Cover
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Covered (depending on plan)
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Key benefits of parents’ health insurance
Below are the key benefits of health insurance for parents: It ensures timely medical care, reduces financial stress, and offers tax benefits, preventive check-ups, and peace of mind.
Financial protection during medical emergencies
Health insurance shields you from high treatment costs. If your parents require hospitalization or surgery, the policy covers major expenses—helping you avoid financial strain and stay focused on their recovery.
Cashless hospitalisation facility
Many plans offer cashless treatment at network hospitals. The insurer settles bills directly with the hospital, so you don’t need to pay large sums upfront during emergencies.
Coverage for pre and post-hospitalisation
Most policies also cover expenses like diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, and medicines incurred before and after hospitalization—for a specified period—ensuring complete care.
Critical illness cover
Special critical illness plans provide a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of serious conditions like cancer, stroke, or heart attack. This helps manage high treatment costs without delay.
Tax savings under section 80D
Premiums paid for your parents’ health insurance are eligible for tax deductions of up to Rs. 25,000 per year under Section 80D—reducing your taxable income while securing their health.
What is covered under a parents health insurance policy?
Here’s what is covered by a health insurance plan for parents.
Hospitalization expenses
Covers all expenses related to in-patient care when your parents are admitted to the hospital for more than 24 hours. This includes room rent, nursing charges, ICU charges, doctor’s fees, medicines, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures.
Pre-hospitalization expenses
Reimburses costs incurred before hospital admission, typically up to 30 days. This includes diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, and prescribed medicines needed for diagnosis and preparation for treatment.
Post-hospitalization expenses
Takes care of expenses after discharge—usually up to 60 or 90 days. These include follow-up consultations, medication, therapies, and diagnostic tests necessary for recovery.
Day care procedures
Covers medical treatments or surgeries that do not require a 24-hour hospital stay. Examples include cataract surgery, dialysis, chemotherapy, and minor orthopedic procedures.
AYUSH benefit
Many health insurance plans also cover alternative treatments under Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, provided they are taken at government-approved or networked AYUSH hospitals.
Pre-existing Diseases (PED)
After a waiting period (usually 2 to 4 years), the policy covers pre-existing illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart conditions—helping manage chronic conditions without financial stress.
Major surgeries
Policies often include coverage for high-cost surgeries like bypass, knee replacement, or organ transplants. Some plans offer lump sum payouts or reimbursement for such treatments.
Health check-up benefit
Many plans offer annual or bi-annual preventive health check-ups for insured parents to detect any health issues early and encourage timely medical intervention.
Domiciliary treatment
If your parent’s condition prevents hospital admission and treatment is provided at home under medical supervision, the policy covers this as domiciliary care—within set limits.
Besides these, you can also avail of add-on covers like critical illness, hospital cash cover, and more.
What is not covered under a parents health insurance policy?
Here’s what is not covered by a health insurance plan for parents.
- Non-allopathic treatments: Any treatment that does not fall under modern medicine (unless specifically covered) is excluded.
- Self-inflicted injuries or suicide attempts: Injuries caused intentionally, including suicide attempts, are not covered.
- Dietary or nutritional supplements: The cost of vitamins, tonics, or health supplements not prescribed as part of hospitalization is excluded.
- Treatment related to substance abuse: Expenses arising from excessive alcohol consumption, drug overdose, or intoxication are not payable.
- Vision and hearing aids: Costs for spectacles, contact lenses, hearing aids, or similar external devices are generally excluded.
- Routine dental procedures: Dental care is not covered unless it results from an accident.
- Cosmetic or plastic surgeries: Treatments done for aesthetic reasons (not medically necessary) are not included.
- Minor vision corrections: Expenses for correcting refractive errors below 7.5 dioptres are not covered.
- Experimental or unproven treatments: Therapies or procedures not backed by clinical evidence or regulatory approval are excluded.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Treatment for venereal or sexually transmitted infections is not typically covered.
- Unlisted alternative therapies: Therapies outside the scope of AYUSH or not recognized by the policy are excluded.
Tax benefits on health insurance for parents
Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, buying health insurance for your parents can help you save on taxes. If your parents are below 60 years of age, you can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 25,000 per financial year on the premium paid. This limit increases to Rs. 50,000 if either of your parents is a senior citizen (60 years or older). So, if you buy separate policies for both senior citizen parents, you can claim up to Rs. 1 lakh in deductions. Additionally, if you’ve opted for a long-term policy of 2 or 3 years, the total premium can be proportionately split and claimed annually. For instance, if you pay Rs. 1 lakh for a 2-year policy for your senior citizen parents, you can claim Rs. 50,000 each year. You can also claim up to Rs. 5,000 for preventive health check-ups within the overall deduction limit of Rs. 25,000 or Rs. 50,000, depending on your parents’ age.
How to choose the best health insurance for parents?
Purchasing adequate health insurance for your parents is crucial to ensure they receive quality medical care without placing a financial burden on you. While many senior citizen health insurance plans are available, here are some important factors to consider before making a decision:
Evaluate their current health conditions
Begin by assessing your parents’ overall health, including any pre-existing conditions they may have. Understanding their medical background will help you select a plan that aligns with their specific health requirements.
Choose a plan with comprehensive coverage
Select a health insurance policy that offers broad coverage at a reasonable premium. Look for features such as critical illness cover, day care procedures, domiciliary hospitalization, modern treatment options, and more. Also, prioritize plans with value-added benefits like unlimited sum insured restoration, cumulative bonuses, and annual preventive health check-ups.
Prefer a shorter waiting period for pre-existing diseases
If your parents have existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, opt for a plan with a lower waiting period—ideally 1–2 years—or consider policies that provide coverage for pre-existing conditions from day one.
Select a higher sum insured
Given the increased health risks that come with age, a policy with a sum insured of at least ₹20 lakh is advisable. This ensures access to quality healthcare without financial stress during major treatments.
Opt for minimal or no co-payment
Co-payment is the portion of the claim amount you must pay during settlement. Choose a policy with either no co-payment or a manageable co-pay amount to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Consider individual policies
Due to the higher medical risks associated with aging, adding your parents to a family floater plan could significantly increase the premium. Instead, go for individual health insurance plans tailored to their needs.
Avoid policies with sub-limits
Avoid choosing plans with sub-limits on hospital room rent or treatments, as these restrictions can reduce claim amounts and lead to higher personal expenses. Notably, IRDAI’s recent guidelines have removed sub-limits on AYUSH treatments, which is a bonus.
Compare policies thoroughly
Finally, make an informed decision by comparing various parent-specific health insurance policies online. Evaluate features, premiums, and benefits to choose a plan that meets both your parents’ healthcare needs and your financial capacity.
By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure your parents have the right protection when they need it most—without any last-minute financial hurdles.