How to Pick the Right Health Insurance for Your Mother

Choosing a gift for your mother is never easy, for no gift—be it an exquisite piece of jewellery or that magnificent watch you saw at the mall recently—can truly match up to how you feel for her. But one thing you can always give her is the assurance of support in time of need; the assurance that everything will be taken care of. And, what can say it better than a robust health insurance? A health policy is more than just a financial cover in the face of a medical emergency. It is a surety that you need not worry about the medical expenses and may focus on the treatment process.

Do not buy a health insurance for parents in a hurry. Do some pre-purchase research. Nowadays, almost all insurance companies have an online presence. Besides, there are several quote comparison websites too. Consider the following factors while selecting the best health insurance cover for your mother:

• Maximum coverage

Look for a plan that provides maximum coverage. Elderly people can fall sick easily due to low immunity, and it is good if the policy covers several diseases, including critical illnesses. Also, check whether the policy covers day care and domiciliary treatments. Certain treatments such as cataract surgery require hospitalisation for less than 24 hours. Again, in case of bone fractures, you can avail the treatment from the comfort of your home. The policy should cover all these situations. Many companies also offer senior citizen health insurance.

• Eligibility

Certain policies may have attractive features related to healthcare, and provide extensive coverage and No Claim Bonus but may have a limit on the enrolment age. Check the eligibility criteria for the specific health insurance policies and select policies with maximum renewal age and lifetime coverage.

• Waiting period

It is a minimum time between the issuance of policy and availing the benefits. You may find certain policies without a waiting period. Others may have waiting periods ranging from 30 days to one year or more. If your mother has any pre-existing disease, then she may have to go through a waiting period. Try to select policies with short waiting periods. 

• Exclusions  

A policy, no matter how extensive, would have a limit up to which it can cover. There may be certain diseases or treatment procedures that are not covered by it. The insurers specify the exclusions to avoid problems during claim settlement. Before purchasing a policy, go through the exclusions carefully to avoid confusion in future. Try to buy policies with a minimum number of exclusions.  

• Premium 

Do not go for policies based on low premiums only. Generally, low-priced policies have limited coverage or other limitations. Choose a policy with maximum coverage at an affordable premium. The premium amount should not become a burden on you. 

Invest time in research and select a health insurance policy for your mother based on the factors mentioned above. It would be the perfect gift to show that you love her and care for her.