Tuesday, June 13, 2023

How Much Health Insurance One should Have

 How Much Health Insurance should a fresher get

Typically, Financial planners tell you to start saving right when you get your first salary. While that is true, there is something you’ve got to do even before you start investing: Buy a good health insurance policy. Here’s why.
A health emergency can strike at any time and the exorbitant cost of treatment can swiftly drain your finances. The recent Covid-19 pandemic showed us how a medical emergency can rush through our doors without knocking and wreak havoc. And if you do not have a job or your income falls because of, say, an economic slowdown, then your financial savings might not be enough.
Also, it is a misconception that health emergencies are limited to the higher age group. Even young people can fall ill or experience accidents. Given these realities, there is no doubt about the necessity of health insurance. A health insurance policy comes to your rescue in such times.

Tax Benefit on Health Insurance Premiums

 Section 80D: Ensure you claim all tax benefits on health insurance premiums while filing I-T returns

Section 80D offers tax breaks on health insurance premium paid for self, spouse, children and parents. You can avail of tax breaks at the time of filing returns, even if you have missed out on claiming these while submitting tax-saver investment proofs to your employer
Besides section 80C instruments such as equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS), tax-saver fixed deposits and employees’ provident fund contribution, section 80D, too, is a highly popular avenue for reducing your tax burden.
Salaried tax-payers should ideally claim tax breaks - that is, if they have chosen the old, with-exemptions tax regime - while submitting investment proofs in the months of January and February.
This ensures that your employer does not deduct excess tax. If you missed the deadline for filing investment declaration, however, you can claim refund for excess tax deducted while filing your income tax return before July 31.

Sunday, June 11, 2023

The Importance of Health Insurance

 The Importance of Health Insurance: A Vital Need in the Present Situation

Introduction: In today's uncertain world, ensuring the well-being and security of ourselves and our loved ones has become more critical than ever. One key aspect of safeguarding our health and financial stability is having comprehensive health insurance coverage. Health insurance plays a pivotal role in providing access to quality healthcare, managing medical expenses, and offering peace of mind during challenging times. In this blog, we will explore the importance of health insurance and why it is a crucial necessity in the present situation.

  1. Protection against Rising Healthcare Costs: Healthcare expenses have been steadily rising over the years, and unexpected medical emergencies or illnesses can quickly drain your savings. Health insurance acts as a shield, providing financial protection by covering a significant portion of medical costs, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and diagnostic tests. It ensures that you are not burdened with exorbitant bills and allows you to focus on your recovery without financial stress.

  2. Access to Quality Healthcare: Having health insurance gives you access to a wide network of healthcare providers and facilities. You can choose from a range of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and clinics, knowing that your insurance will cover a significant portion of the expenses. This ensures that you receive timely and appropriate medical care, leading to better health outcomes.

  3. Preventive Care and Wellness: Many health insurance plans include coverage for preventive services such as vaccinations, screenings, and routine check-ups. These preventive measures play a vital role in early detection and prevention of diseases, ultimately leading to better health and reduced healthcare costs in the long run. Regular check-ups and screenings can help identify potential health issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

  4. Financial Security for Unexpected Events: Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen accidents or illnesses can strike at any time. In such situations, health insurance provides the much-needed financial security. Whether it's an emergency surgery, a chronic condition, or a sudden health crisis, health insurance ensures that you are financially prepared and can receive the necessary medical attention without worrying about the associated costs.

  5. Mental Health Coverage: Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and the significance of mental healthcare has become increasingly recognized. Many health insurance plans now offer coverage for mental health services, including therapy and counseling. This helps remove barriers to seeking mental healthcare and promotes holistic well-being.

  6. Support for Chronic Conditions: Chronic illnesses require long-term management and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Health insurance plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with chronic conditions by covering ongoing medical treatments, medications, and necessary consultations. It ensures that individuals can afford the care they need to effectively manage their health conditions.

  7. Flexibility and Customization: Health insurance plans come in various types and can be customized to suit individual needs. Whether you're an individual, a family, or a small business owner, there are options available to tailor coverage based on your specific requirements and budget. From basic plans to comprehensive coverage, you can choose the one that best aligns with your needs and priorities.

Conclusion: Health insurance is not just an expense; it is an investment in your well-being and financial security. In the present situation, with increasing healthcare costs and uncertainties, having health insurance is more important than ever. It provides access to quality healthcare, protects against exorbitant medical expenses, and ensures peace of mind during challenging times. Prioritizing health insurance is a proactive step towards safeguarding your health and the health of your loved ones. Remember, good health is priceless, and health insurance is a valuable tool in preserving it.

Friday, June 9, 2023

Key Things To Check Before Buying Health Insurance For Senior Citizens

 https://starhealthdevarajan.com/news/1779
Health Insurance is necessary for everyone, especially senior citizens, to live a peaceful life without worrying about medical bills. In times of medical inflation, senior citizens can secure their hard-earned savings from exorbitant medical bills with Health Insurance. There is a common misconception prevailing among people about whether senior citizens can purchase a new Health Insurance policy. The answer is YES.

 

There are many health insurance providers who offer exclusive medical insurance plans for senior citizens. As the medical needs of senior citizens may differ from people of other age groups, it is crucial for them to check the coverage, what is covered and not covered, available optional features and add-ons, etc.

 

Here are some key factors to check before purchasing a Health Insurance policy:

 

Check the Premium

The health condition of a person can influence the premium of a medical insurance plan. As people in the higher age groups tend to develop health issues and risks when compared to the younger age groups, the premium for senior citizens can be slightly higher. However, there are certain features that reduce the policy premium. Moreover, not all Health Insurance companies offer similar coverage, which results in varying premiums. Hence, before purchasing Health Insurance for senior citizens, it is important to compare various plans across different health insurance providers. This helps in choosing the best policy with the coverage one needs at an affordable premium.

 

Co-Payment

A co-payment is a cost-sharing feature in Health Insurance. That is, the accepted claim amount will be split between the insured and the insurer, where a certain percentage of the claim amount will be paid by the insured person and the rest will be paid by the insurer. This is a common feature in many senior citizen Health Insurance plans.

 

However, in some policies, the insured can choose whether to opt for a co-payment or not. If the policyholder opts for a co-payment clause or purchases a policy that has a co-payment by default, the premium will be low. However, during claims, a certain portion of the risk needs to be borne by the insured. In addition, the co-payment varies from one insurer to another. Hence, it is wise to choose a policy that best fits the people's requirements.

 

Out-Patient Cover

In current times while lifestyle diseases are rising on one hand, medical inflation, on the other, is soaring due to the huge demand for healthcare. At such times, it is critical to invest in a Health Insurance plan to get access to quality healthcare. Usually, when it comes to Health Insurance, many of us only think of hospitalisation cover; however, the cover for out-patient expenses is equally important, if not more. Out-patient expenses such as lab tests, doctor consultations, health check-ups, etc. can put a huge financial burden if unchecked, especially for senior citizens, as most of the time, people pay out-of-pocket to afford them. Hence, it is crucial to choose a policy that also offers out-patient cover, especially for those who have chronic health conditions as they might require regular doctor visits.

 

Look for Cataract Cover

As we age, we may tend to develop some age-related health problems. One such common health issue is cataract. Many Health Insurance plans for senior citizens cover cataract surgeries after a certain waiting period. The coverage limit for cataract surgeries varies based on the opted sum insured and on the type of policy, that is, whether the opted policy is an Individual or Family Health Insurance. In the case of a floater policy, the coverage will be applicable separately for both insured persons. Hence, comparing various policies for better coverage limits, waiting periods and premiums helps choose the best policy.

 

Low Waiting Period

Most Health Insurance plans have certain waiting periods to cover pre-existing diseases (PEDs). The policyholders can make a claim for such PED health conditions only after the completion of the waiting period. Hence, it is important to choose a policy that has a low PED waiting period. However, most senior citizen plans have comparatively lower waiting periods.

 

Pre-Medical Check-Up

Most Health Insurance plans for senior citizens do not require the policyholders to undergo a pre-medical check-up. However, under some policies, senior citizens can earn premium discounts if they undergo the medical tests listed under the policy. This helps avail coverage at an affordable premium. Health Insurance provides solid financial support for people, especially senior citizens. There are various medical insurance plans available that are specifically designed to address the medical needs of senior citizens. Choosing the right plan helps them enjoy their retirement life peacefully without having to be concerned about medical bills.