Why you shouldn’t hide pre-existing illness from insurance companies

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Insurance is not just an expense, but a protective shield against unforeseen crisis. Considering the rising medical inflation, health insurance is a ‘must have’ for all. From accessing your needs to buying the right policy, one must understand the fine details. However, while buying health insurance, pre-existing disease is one area which many policyholders find confusing. Besides, there are many who think they can’t get a health cover because of a pre-existing illness.

According to Amit Chhabra, head-health insurance, Policybazaar, “People can get full coverage even if they have a pre-existing illness. Policy is determined according to pre-existing illness. So, don’t hide any disease that you are suffering with at the time of signing up for the policy. Sometimes insurance agents say that it is not important to mention any pre-existing illness. But, this can make things difficult at the time of claim. Health plans are made to save money in your pocket. Therefore, mention every disease that you are suffering with at the time of buying a policy.”

“Even mention the surgeries and operations from the past, if any. Also, if you are taking any kind of medication, mention that as well. If hidden, the claim could be problematic,” Chhabra added.

Chronic diseases coverage As per Chhabra, those with a pre-existing chronic disease can also get a health cover. Even for life threatening diseases such as cancer, there are some of the best plans that insurers are offering. However, in such cases, there’s a waiting period. Insurance companies keep a waiting period for pre-existing illness. These illnesses are covered after the waiting period only. Terms & conditions vary from policy to policy, Chhabra explained.

No medical probe Those with a pre-existing disease can even get a health policy while sitting in the comfort of home. IRDAI has relaxed the rules since past two years and insurance companies follow a tele-underwriting process, Chhabra explains. A doctor from the insurance company does a telephonic consultation with the potential policyholder and the whole process is online, he added.

Here’s the complete interview of Amit Chhabra, head-health insurance, Policybazaar