Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

Know how senior citizens can benefit from a health insurance policy. Buy the best senior citizen health insurance policies with up to Rs. 5 lakh* coverage.
Health insurance plans for senior citizens
3 mins
10-May-2023

Having a senior citizen health insurance policy is essential, considering the rising healthcare costs. With age, senior citizens are likely to develop health issues, which may require immediate or regular medical attention.

At such times, health insurance becomes an advantage and provides the financial security needed during a medical emergency.

What is senior citizen health insurance?

Senior citizen health insurance covers medical expenses and healthcare needs of senior citizens. It is a specially designed health insurance plan for individuals above 60 years old. Health insurance for senior citizens offers numerous benefits, such as pre-existing disease coverage, preventive health check-ups, and cashless hospitalisation.

Medical insurance for senior citizens: Check budget-friendly plans

Senior citizens require special care and attention, and to cater to their age-related health needs, senior citizens health insurance comes with extensive coverages. However, these coverages may not cover certain secondary expenses such as lab tests, teleconsultations, and more. To cater to such needs, Bajaj Finance brings you over 300 insurance and subscription plans that cover health emergencies, including accidents, critical illnesses and more at pocket-friendly premiums.

For example, Senior Citizen Care plan gives extensive coverage and offers network discounts on OPD consultations, lab tests and room rent starting at just Rs. 899.

You can buy these policies easily within through a 100% digital process on Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall.

Key features of senior citizen health insurance plans

Here are some of the key benefits of having a medical insurance for senior citizens.

Features

Specification

Premium

12,453*

Minimum entry age

60 years and above

Coverage

Rs. 5 lakh*

Tax benefits

Available

Cashless hospital network

6,500+


Key benefits of senior citizen health insurance plans

Here are some of the key benefits of having a senior citizen health insurance plan.

Pre-existing diseases coverage

You can avail coverage for pre-existing diseases after the first year of the policy, depending on the policy you choose. Some plans offer the coverage value after the second or third year of the policy.

Save on your medical expenses

Keep the savings or pension money intact as the health insurance pays for the medical expenses.

Cashless treatment facility

Cashless facility enables you to settle your mediclaim for senior citizens without paying cash at the network hospitals.

Pre-and post-hospitalisation coverage

Senior citizen health insurance policies cover medical expenses incurred before and after hospitalisation.

Tax-saving benefit

Get tax exemption for paying premiums towards these health insurance policies.

Transportation coverage

With senior citizen health insurance policies, you can avail of coverage against road ambulance charges.

Know why senior citizens must have a health insurance policy

Below are some key benefits of health insurance for senior citizens:

Provides cover for age-related ailments

Senior citizens’ health insurance policies are designed to provide financial coverage for age-related medical conditions. These policies cover hospitalisation for illnesses like cancer, heart issues, kidney failure, and more. Also, covers pre-existing diseases like blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.

Shields your savings from long-term medical costs due to lifestyle diseases

With our changing lifestyles and environment, we are today far more vulnerable to several lifestyle-related diseases. With age, any diseases require consistent and long-term medication. Some may lead to hospitalisation. A health insurance policy come at our rescue at such times. These policies provide financial relief to the senior citizens during medical emergencies.

Keeps you financially prepared for rising healthcare expenses

Advanced medical facilities and new technologies has made treatment for many medical conditions possible. This has also been the reason for higher healthcare costs. A health insurance policy can bring you great relief to deal with finances at such times.

Insurance companies cover all the medical expenses against treatments or tests required for any ailment. You can avail the coverages up to the sum insured on the policy. Get coverage for hospitalisation expenses, medications and more. Health insurance policies help you keep your savings intact.

Offers comprehensive benefits

Medical insurance for senior citizens covers expenses against hospitalisation, pre-and post-hospitalisation, daycare, and domiciliary treatment, and many more. You can also avail of free health check-ups that many insurers offer to help you keep a tab on your health vitals.

Does not let you compromise on healthcare

Senior citizen health insurance policies offer extensive coverage that caters to the needs of senior citizens. These policies come at a higher price but having one is worth. From offering online doctor consultations to covering modern and alternative treatments, these policies provide adequate coverage. These policies also cover critical illnesses. Nonetheless, you can also benefit from the sum reinstatement facility if you exhaust the sum insured. It enables you to restore the entire sum insured on the policy and continue to provide financial security.

Therefore, it is wise to have medical insurance for senior citizens. It ensures that your loved ones have access to quality healthcare without worrying about finances. You can also include your parents above 60 years of age under your family health insurance policy.

Top things to consider when buying a medical policy for senior citizens

Check for the below things before buying medical insurance for senior citizens.

Daycare treatments

Check if the medical insurance for senior citizens includes coverage for daycare treatments. Know the list of daycare treatments against which you can avail coverage. Daycare treatments offer advanced medical treatments and surgeries that require hospitalisation for less than 24 hours. These include dialysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and more.

Cashless hospitals

Check the list of network hospitals where you can avail of cashless treatment. Insurance companies tie up with several hospitals across the country to offer cashless treatment facility. This enables you to get the treatment without worrying making immediate payment or arranging funds.

Easy claim settlement process

You must know the entire claim settlement process of the insurance company. This will help you understand the efficacy of claim settlement, helping you avoid any hassle when raising a claim.

Free health check-up facility

Most medical insurance policies for senior citizens offers free annual health check-up facility. This facility in mediclaim for senior citizens helps you to track the health record of senior citizens. It ensures you know about any occurrence of serious illnesses, so you get immediate medical attention.

Waiting period for pre-existing diseases

Check the duration of the waiting period for pre-existing diseases. You can avail of the coverage only when the waiting period gets over. Hence, know the duration so your claims do not get rejected if made during the waiting period for the mentioned diseases.

What does a senior citizens health insurance policy include?

Health insurance for senior citizens includes hospitalisation and health benefits ranging from domiciliary treatment to coverage of diagnostic tests. Below are some key benefits of the best health insurance plans for senior citizens:

Coverage of hospital expenses

Senior citizens’ health insurance covers various hospital expenses. Get coverage for doctor fees, nursing fees, medicines, and drugs. It also covers room charges and ICU charges. Some health insurance policies also cover the fees of other medical staff. These include anesthetists, surgeons, consultants, and specialists.

Daycare treatments

Covers treatments that require hospitalisation for less than 24 hours. These include chemotherapy, dialysis, and physiotherapy.

Cover for AYUSH treatments

Ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha, and homoeopathy (AYUSH) treatments are alternative medical options available and preferred by many seniors. Many health insurance policies for senior citizens also cover AYUSH expenses.

Modern treatments

Most health insurance plans for senior citizens also cover modern treatments. These include immunotherapy, stem cell therapy, robotic surgeries and more.

Donor expenses

Health insurance policies cover the treatment cost of the organ donor. You can avail this benefit in case an organ transplant is required.

Other medical expenses

Medical insurance for senior citizens also covers other expenses such as medical appliances, blood transfusion, operation theatre, pacemakers, and stents. Also, various tests like X-rays, blood tests, or other expensive tests.

What does a senior citizens health insurance policy exclude?

Below are some key exclusions under health insurance for senior citizens:

Pre-existing diseases

It covers pre-existing diseases in the second year of the policy. In a few cases, it can be from the third or fourth year.

Cosmetic treatments and non-allopathic medicines

It does not cover non-allopathic medicines, cosmetic, aesthetic, or related treatments.

Diseases contracted during the first 30 days

It does not cover any disease contracted during the first 30 days of the policy.

Other exclusions

It excludes AIDS and related disorders, and expenses related to self-inflicted injuries. Also, any expenses due to the addiction to drugs, alcohol or any mental or psychiatric illness.

Bajaj Finance Limited along with leading insurance providers offers a range of health insurance policies at affordable premiums. You can choose from any of the health insurance policies and stay financially secure.

A step-by-step guide to buying senior citizens health insurance plans

Follow these steps to buy senior citizens health insurance plan on Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall:

Step 1: Click on ‘Get Quote’ to open our online application form.
Step 2: Fill in the application form with your basic details or the person whom you want to insure. Provide name, gender, mobile number, date of birth, and residential PIN code.
Step 3: Now click on ‘Get Quote’ to proceed.
Step 4: Choose from the list of health insurance policies by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button.
Step 5: Select the policy term and premium amount.
Step 6: Enter your email ID and check if all personal details shown are correct. Click ‘Next’ to proceed.
Step 7: Enter some additional details, such as height, weight, nationality, marital status, address, and nominee details (if applicable).
Step 8: Answer a few questions about your health and lifestyle by clicking the relevant checkboxes. Click on the ‘Next’ button to proceed.
Step 9: Verify if the previously filled details are correct. Click on the ‘Proceed’ button to visit the payment page.
Step 10: Make the payment through net banking, UPI, debit, or credit card to buy the policy.

After successful payment, your policy document will be available for you to download instantly. You will receive a copy of the policy document on your registered email ID within 5-7 working days.

You will also receive an SMS confirmation immediately after the payment is processed successfully. You can also access your policy details through the ‘My Account’ section within 5-7 days after the purchase.

How to make a claim for your Senior Citizen Health Insurance?

The claim procedure for health insurance plans for senior citizens is simple and hassle-free. You can either make a cashless or reimbursement claim. You can make a cashless claim if you choose to avail the treatment from a network hospital. If you go to any other hospital, you can raise a reimbursement claim. Read below to know the claim process for both options.

Know more about claim settlement ratio in health insurance.

Cashless claim process for senior citizens health insurance

  • Visit any of the insurer’s network hospitals to avail the cashless claim facility.
  • The network hospital will connect with the insurer to complete required formalities.
  • The insurer will verify the claim application after receiving all the details.
  • Once verified, the insurer will directly settle the bills with the network hospital.
  • The best health insurance plans for senior citizens helps you focus on the treatment and recovery and stay stress-free.

Know more about Cashless medical insurance.

Reimbursement claim process for senior citizens health insurance

  • Apply for a reimbursement claim if you have taken treatment at any of your preferred hospitals.
  • Collect the documents like medical reports, discharge summary, bills, and prescriptions from the hospital.
  • Submit these documents to the insurer along with the reimbursement claim form.
  • You can submit the claim online on the insurer’s website or their nearest branch office.
  • Upon receiving the documents, the insurer will verify and contact you if they have any queries.
  • Once your claim gets approved, you will receive the reimbursement amount on your registered bank account.

What are the tax benefits of senior citizens health insurance?

Senior citizens often have unique healthcare needs that require more frequent medical attention than younger individuals. Purchasing health insurance reduces the financial burden of healthcare costs for seniors but also comes with tax benefits. Here are some tax benefits of senior citizens' health insurance:

  • Tax exemption: Claim a tax deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 for premiums paid towards health insurance under section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
  • Tax rebate: Avail of a deduction of up to Rs. 5,000 under section 80D on payments made towards preventive health check-ups for parents.
  • Medical expenditure: Section 80DDB allows for a tax deduction of expenses incurred towards senior citizens' medical treatment. It includes deductions for treatment of certain specified illnesses and diseases.

Why should you buy health insurance for senior citizens online?

Buying health insurance for senior citizens online is convenient. You can compare the policies, coverages offered, premiums and other benefits online. After getting a complete understanding of the offerings, you can choose the best senior citizens health insurance in India that fits all your requirements.

Also, buying a health insurance policy online saves you from lengthy paperwork. Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall offers a 100% digital buying process. It helps customers avail of any policy of their choice from the comfort of their homes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a senior citizen health insurance policy?

Senior citizens health insurance caters to the medical needs of a senior citizen. The health insurance plan covers the treatment expenses of senior citizens. Get coverage for hospitalisation, pre-and post-hospitalisation, and medicines. It also covers diagnostic tests, and other medical-related expenses. Many senior citizens health insurance plans cover the expenses of modern and traditional treatments. You also get coverage for daycare treatments.

Why should you buy health insurance for senior citizens?

Considering the medical inflation, having a health insurance for senior citizen has become necessary. The health insurance plans for senior citizens cover all the medical-related expenses of senior citizens. It gives you the required financial security for any kind of medical emergency. The policy enables you to access quality healthcare facilities without worrying about the funds.

What are the age criteria for senior citizens to buy medical insurance?

Health insurance policies for senior citizens usually have an entry of 60 years. The maximum age limit depends on the insurer and policy that you choose.

How much does health insurance for senior citizens cost?

Generally, health insurance plans for senior citizens come at a higher price. The premium for senior citizens health insurance depends on several factors. It considers the entry age, pre-existing diseases, gender etc. Also, the coverages you choose to have. The premium varies from policy to policy.

Is it worth buying a health insurance policy for senior citizens?

Yes, it is worth an investment for senior citizens. A health insurance policy keeps you financially secure for any kind of medical emergency. It covers medical expenses for individuals above 60 years. These insurance plans, specially designed for senior citizens, cater to the medical needs of their age. Most of these plans cover pre-existing conditions and critical illnesses. You do not have to worry about the funds before availing of quality healthcare services.

Why is health insurance coverage required for senior citizens?

When the person crosses the age of 60 years, they are likely to experience health ailments. Some may experience any illness that is not very serious, while in some other cases can become severe. This may lead to hefty medical expenses. To mitigate this unexpected financial burden, health insurance for senior citizens becomes a need of the hour.

Do I need to go through medical screening before purchasing a senior citizen health plan?

Yes, before any health insurance, the person needs to go through a full-body health check-up. Any company providing health insurance for senior citizens asks for pre-insurance medical test reports.

Does any health insurance plan for senior citizens cover cashless hospitalisation?

Almost every health insurance policy for senior citizens offers cashless treatment. You can avail of the cashless treatment facility at any of the insurer’s network hospitals.

Does Bajaj Finance offer free annual health check-ups in health policies?

Some insurance partners of Bajaj Finance do provide free annual health check-ups in their health policies.

With whom should I submit claim documents – third-party administrator or insurance company?

Now, with the advantage of digitalisation, you can raise all the claims online. You can directly contact the insurer to make cashless or reimbursement claims.

Is there any medical policy for senior citizens?

Yes, various medical insurances for senior citizens are available and offer several benefits to the elderly. It covers a wide range of medical expenses. You get coverage for pre-and post-hospitalisation costs and in-patient hospitalisation costs. The policies also offer cashless treatment and tax benefits. The offerings under the health insurance policies may vary from insurer to insurer. Therefore, compare and buy the right health insurance for senior citizens that meets their needs.

Which policy is best for senior citizens?

There are many medical insurance policies for senior citizens available in India. Each comes with its unique benefits, features, and rates. While choosing the best health insurance for senior citizens, individuals must check the eligibility criteria and number of cashless hospitals. Also, benefits like no claim bonus, free medical health check-up facility, policy renewability, and co-payment. Apart from these aspects, individuals should also check the premiums to avoid any financial burden in the long run.

Why is health insurance important for senior citizens?

Health insurance policy for senior citizens gives a financial backup at the time of need. Senior citizens are more likely to develop illnesses and treatment costs which may be high. Senior citizen health insurance policy covers you against such medical expenses. Also, encourages you to access quality healthcare services without worrying about the funds.

Am I eligible for senior citizens health insurance if I am above 65 years of age?

Anyone above 60 years of age can buy a senior citizens health insurance policy. The insurer may ask you to get a few preventive health check-ups before giving you the policy. Also, you must declare your pre-existing diseases to the insurer, if any. Insurers usually have a waiting period for a few pre-existing diseases.

How do I calculate the premium for senior citizen health insurance?

Most insurers provide a health insurance premium calculator on their website. Insurers consider your age, pre-existing diseases, income, and coverages you choose to calculate the premium. You likewise calculate the premium on the calculator.

Can a 60-year-old person buy a health insurance policy?

Yes, individuals above 60 years old can buy a health insurance plan for senior citizens. The age limit for such plans goes up to 90 years. However, check with the insurer about the age criteria when buying a health insurance plan.

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL) is merely a distributor of third party products from Assistance Services providers such as CPP Assistance Services Pvt Ltd, Bajaj Finserv Health Ltd.(BFHL), AWP Assistance India Pvt. Ltd. (Allianz), Doc Online Health India Pvt Ltd. etc. Issuance of the product is at sole discretion of Assistance Company or Services provider . The product and services or benefits assured under the product shall be governed by respective partner’s product T&C’s and BFL does NOT hold any responsibility for the issuance, quality, serviceability, maintenance and any claims post sale. Your purchase of an assistance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any product. For more details on terms and conditions, inclusions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure carefully before purchase or subscription. All product information such as membership fees, benefits, exclusions, value added services, etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective value added service provider or Assistance company.

Note – While we have made all efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits, etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective product’s sales brochures before concluding their sale.