Health Insurance

Buying Medical Insurance Online is One of the Most Sensible Approaches

By Vikas Chandra Das
14 November 2022, 5:14 PM

A health insurance policy is a product that shields you from the financial repercussions of a wide range of health-related costs, from those brought on by minor injuries and illnesses to those brought on by serious diseases. Therefore, if you have a significant medical bill, your health insurance coverage and accumulated bonus act as a safeguard for your financial security. Choosing appropriate medical insurance is challenging but crucial if you want to be well prepared for any unexpected and, in some situations, anticipated medical bills.

Nobody wants to go to the insurance office or meet an insurance agent in today's busy world to get covered. Today, every major insurer in the nation offers its current and potential clients internet services. Not only that, but the market is flooded with internet insurance aggregators that provide all the information on the various policies and plans of various insurers on a single platform.

It makes sense given the paradigm change from the conventional way of relying on insurance brokers to purchasing insurance online. This transition has been accelerated by the fact that purchasing insurance online has numerous advantages. Let's examine a few advantages of internet insurance.

5 Easy Steps - To Get Health Insurance Online

  • Go to multiple insurance sites or even visit a comparison site. You will be expected to furnish details about your name, age, marital status, city of residence, number of family members opting to purchase insurance, occupation, and annual income. Once you fill in these details, you can select the "get quotes" option.
  • The estimates can be contrasted based on several factors, including a cap on the amount insured, the premium, whether or not medical exams are necessary, and so on. You can now shortlist two to three quotations based on your needs and budget and compare them.
  • You can select a plan by clicking on it once you've finalised your decision. You will be taken to a health declaration form, where you must provide information such as your occupation, medical history, and other pertinent facts. Additionally, you have the choice to add benefits and riders to the plan here. Always fill out a health declaration form entirely and accurately since this is necessary for a quick and easy claim settlement. Withholding any important information now could end up costing you dearly afterwards.
  • You will be directed to the payment option (debit/credit/net banking) after completing the declaration form, where you can then complete the payment.
  • You will receive a copy of the policy that has been digitally signed as soon as the transaction is complete. Printing a copy of the policy document and safeguarding it for future use is advisable.

Considerations When Purchasing Health Insurance

Even while it's necessary to purchase health insurance as early as possible in your life, doing extensive research before choosing a health insurance plan is even more crucial. Here are some of the key elements you should take into account while selecting a health insurance option for yourself:

The Sum Insured

You must confirm that the amount insured under the chosen health insurance plan corresponds to your existing and projected needs for health insurance. You must select a plan that covers your pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, if you have them or if they run in your family.

Waiting Periods

While some health insurance benefits are immediately activated, others require a waiting time before they become more than just words on your policy document. Therefore, reviewing the various waiting periods in your health insurance plan is crucial. To begin with, there is a one-month initial waiting period during which you are not permitted to file any claims other than accidental claims. Second, depending on your policy and the ailment, there is a two- to a five-year waiting time before the pre-existing illness coverage is activated. Third, there is typically a four-year waiting period before the maternity cover portion of your coverage kicks in.

Network Hospitals

The more hospitals your health insurance company has a cashless network with, the more freedom and convenience you'll have with cashless claims.

The Add-Ons & Riders Available

In terms of the value of the plan, it is typically viewed favourably if a health insurance policy allows adding an add-on rider. You can significantly improve the coverage of your health insurance plan with only a slight increase in the cost of your health insurance by including the necessary add-ons. If there ever was a win-win scenario for you, this is it.

The Claim Settlement Ratio

Always choose a health insurance company with a high claims ratio settled during the previous few fiscal years. A higher percentage is a huge "go ahead" for you because it is one of the primary indicators of an insurer's customer-centricity and claims efficiency. 

Age Limits

Most health insurance policies have an upper age limit restriction that restricts those beyond a specific age from benefitting from coverage. When renewing insurance, similar age limitations can also be in place. Therefore, checking the policy wording is crucial before choosing your health insurance plan.

Conclusion

The continual stress of today's competitive world has significantly increased the prevalence of mental health disorders and physical ailments in our lives, which is why purchasing a good  health insurance plan for yourself and your family is crucial.  At least buying medical insurance coverage online can reduce your worry; nevertheless, if you ever become perplexed, you can seek professional advice by requesting a callback. Needless to say, it’s a digital world that we live in. When we can find everything online, be it groceries, outfits, books, or even our life partner, why not purchase insurance online as well? Mostly all the insurance companies have gone digital, so let’s make the most of it.

FAQs
1. Can I get health insurance online?

Yes, getting a health insurance policy online is more practical and less expensive than doing it offline. This is primarily because the digital infrastructure used by online health insurance providers has become significantly user-friendly.
 

2. How do I submit an online application for health insurance?

It is straightforward, quick and smooth. Just visit the insurer's website, select the policy, and make the payment. Plus, digital renewal is possible through online platforms.

3. What documents will I be expected to submit while buying an insurance policy?

To avail of a medical insurance policy, below are the required documents:
- Proof of Age: Driving Licence, Voter's ID, Passport, Birth Certificate, etc.
- Identity Proof: PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter's ID, etc.
- Proof of Address: Ration Card, Passport, Voter's ID, Aadhaar Card, Bank Statement, Telephone/Electricity Bill, etc.
- Medical Test Report: You'll have to undergo a medical check-up and submit the report.
 

4. What are the benefits of applying online Vs offline?

It saves time, no paperwork involved, and you don't have to deal with insurance agents or visit the office.

5. Can I file a claim online as well?

Absolutely, you can file a claim digitally without any hassles.

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