Key tips to make your health insurance policy comprehensive

While the festive season is highly anticipated every year, what is much dreaded afterwards is the appalling level of the AQI. Especially if we talk about the NCR, the index reaches 400-500, which is considered extremely dangerous for breathing. While stifling pollution levels have been a concern for a few years, this time of year seems to be seeing the worst. And with that come the associated health risks for all age groups, more so for children and the elderly.

While it is necessary to take precautions such as staying indoors, wearing masks and installing air purifiers, it is almost impossible to entirely escape the harmful effects of pollution. Eye irritation, shortness of breath, itchy throat are quite common in this atmosphere, but lung disease, heart disease and reduced life expectancy are among the most intense health consequences of inhalation of impure air. Since a medical emergency occurs unexpectedly, it is best to stay protected with a policy that adequately covers you against such unpleasant surprises.

How to make your health insurance comprehensive –

• High sum insured

Breathing contaminated air can cause long-term illnesses such as respiratory infections, lung disease, bronchial asthma, to name a few. In more severe cases, prolonged exposure to toxic air can even lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. The treatment for these acute illnesses can range from Rs 30 to 40 lakh. This can lead to a massive monetary burden if there is no insurance or insufficient sum insured. Therefore, opting for an adequate sum is advisable to guard against costly hospitalization and treatment costs. For example, a policy offering Rs 1 crore cover comes at an affordable monthly premium of Rs 1100-1200 but provides absolute protection in case of emergency.

• OPD coverage

OPD or outpatient service is said to constitute 70% of all healthcare expenditure. Most of the time, polluted air can trigger disorders that only require OPD care. Although these do not involve being admitted to hospital, they can nevertheless strain his budget due to regular medical visits, pharmaceutical costs or day treatments. Thus, choosing a plan that covers OPD will protect you against the frequency of such expenses.

• Additional blankets

Apart from basic coverage, a holistic health plan also includes riders like critical illness, daily hospital cash, consumables coverage, personal accident coverage, etc. if necessary. Since pollution is associated with life-threatening consequences, these runners could effectively protect you from any major medical expenses.

• Covers the whole family

Since pollution brings health hazards that pose a risk to the whole family, the plan should also be chosen based on the needs of the family. For example, a family consisting of a husband, wife and two children should opt for a floating plan. However, a family with adult children who work with aging parents should opt for separate senior health policies and plans.

• Catering service

Health plans now also come with an unlimited restoration benefit that replenishes your sum insured in the event of depletion. If the policyholder opts for this benefit and ends up using the entire sum insured during the term of the policy, the sum insured will automatically be restored and keep financial security against rising medical costs.

In conclusion, exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause adverse and unknown health effects. A comprehensive health insurance policy should definitely be on the radar of people looking to stay protected, especially in these times when poor air quality can lead to a wide range of infections and ailments. medical.

Moreover, purchasing a health insurance policy at an early stage of life is also advisable as it is more affordable and provides adequate medical coverage against unforeseen medical conditions. But, before making the final decision, always check the features and prices of the various comprehensive medical policies available online and know their inclusions and exclusions. Also read the fine print to avoid any last minute surprises.

Amit Chhabra is Head of Health Insurance at Policybazaar.com