Family planning to travel: Expert answers all health insurance queries

Will you be covered by health insurance in case if you participate in an adventure activity like paragliding, trekking?

I am planning to get married next year. If I start planning a family in a few years down the line, do you recommend buying a health policy with maternity cover? My current health insurance policy doesn’t cover maternity. What would be the premium to coverage ratio for such a cover?

Yes, you may opt for a maternity cover in your family floater plan. The maternity waiting period would be calculated from the date your spouse has become a part of the policy. For a few insurance companies, maternity is an inbuilt cover, while few other insurance companies give it as an add-on cover. The coverage ratio would vary from company to company.

I am 23 years old and a travel enthusiast. I wanted to understand if I will be covered by health insurance in case I participate in an adventure activity like paragliding, trekking etc. and hurt myself. 

The standard documentation generally includes claim form, discharge summary, final hospital bill with a paid receipt, Investigation reports and medical bills with a prescription. Also, you may need to provide NEFT information since many insurance companies are now settling claims only through direct online credit to your bank account.

My father had a heart attack while travelling in Europe. The treatment was started in the hospital in Europe, which was covered by their travel insurance. I want to understand if the same travel insurance will cover it if he continues the treatment in India?

Usually, the international travel policy ends when you return to India. Thus, your travel insurance policy will not cover treatment that is continued in India. In case your father is covered under a local health insurance policy, further treatment will get covered thereunder. However,it is suggested to further check with your insurance company whether your policy would cover the continued treatment in India. 

I am 26 years old, and I live in Delhi. Due to the environmental conditions, I’m planning to buy a health insurance policy, would the health insurance premiums go up due to changes in weather/ pollution or any other environmental factor?

No, the health insurance premium does not vary basis weather or pollution or any other environmental factor as yet. So, in your case, don’t worry on the premium change and opt for a health insurance policy immediately – it is an investment in your financial well-being that is worth the premium you will pay.

I am a 26-year-old working woman, my mother is 51 years old, and my father is 54 years old. I am looking for joint health insurance. But two-three insurers have declined because my father is overweight and even their age is a factor, what should I do now? 

Age and obesity are significant criteria while accepting the insurance proposal. Having said this, few insurance companies accept such conditions with additional premium. I suggest visiting an insurance advisor for better clarity. In any case, you should not delay taking a health insurance cover for yourself and your mother.

I have not claimed any premium on my motor insurance. But two months back, my insurance policy expired. Can I renew it by paying a penalty? Will I lose the No Claim Bonus (NCB)?

No, you will not lose your NCB since it is valid up to 90 days from the expiry of the previous policy if no claim has been made in the last policy and the policy has run a full 365 days in the name of the same Insured. You can approach the Insurance Company for the renewal of Insurance. Please do so immediately.

I am a 37-year-old Yoga instructor; I have been living a healthy lifestyle. I’m planning to buy a health insurance policy. Can I get any benefits because of my lifestyle choice for my health insurance?

Significantly, you follow a healthy lifestyle – congratulations. Basis your lifestyle, you should go for a health insurance policy which offers a high renewal bonus every year you do not claim under the policy. This will help you get a higher sum insured on renewal without having to pay an extra premium for the same. Some insurers offer reward points for a healthy lifestyle that can be monitored by them – you may want to consider such policies as well.

The writer is CEO & Whole Time Director, Liberty General Insurance Limited. The views expressed are his own. Send your queries to yourmoney@bsmail.in