Do necessary due diligence before chosing a health plan

1. I am 56 and have never had a health insurance policy. I have diabetes and blood pressure. I had a cardiac arrest and was hospitalised when I was 40. But now I feel I should get myself a health insurance policy. I am confused and unable to find any. Can you please advise?

Considering your health history, I suggest you to visit an Insurance advisor for guidance on best suitable policy. It is important that you understand terms and conditions of the policy and do the necessary due diligence as you have pre-existing disease. Adequate cover for your age and declaring all ailments is necessary for hassle free claims experience.

2. My wife, who is 32, has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and she was hospitalized for three weeks. Her health insurance covers critical illnesses. Will her policy cover this?

There are different health policies available in the market. Each product has its own features and defined wording. You would have to refer to the product wording to determine the admissibility of claim and its head under which the claim can be lodged. I suggest you to get in touch with your advisor or company representative to know more details on it.

3. Currently, I have a car insurance from New India Assurance and there is nothing written on it with regards to no claim bonus (NCB). This insurance will end in a couple of weeks and I have not made a claim this year. So, when I renew my insurance, what should be my NCB? Will it be 0 or 20%?

In case the NCB is 0 in your current policy and you have not made any claim, then you will be eligible for 20% NCB while renewing the policy. The company would ask for a declaration in this regard and would check with your existing insurer of it. However, in case you file for a claim before expiry of the current policy, then you are not eligible for NCB benefit.

Amit Jain, president - personal lines, bancassurance & affinity and marketing, Liberty General Insurance