Health Insurance Add-on Covers

Health Insurance add-on covers are extra coverage benefits that policyholders can buy in addition to their base health insurance policy. They expand the policyholder’s overall medical insurance coverage, eliminating the need for another health insurance plan. Add-on covers can be purchased alongside a base health insurance policy but not independently.

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Best Health Insurance Add-on Covers in India

Take a look at some of the best add-on covers in health insurance available in India:

1. Consumables Cover

   The consumables cover pays for various non-medical expenses incurred by policyholders during hospitalization that are otherwise excluded from the policy coverage. For example, the cost of oxygen masks, gloves, syringes, needles, PPE kits, cotton, bandage, gown, etc. is not covered under basic health insurance plans.

2. No Claim Bonus Safeguard

   The No Claim Bonus Safeguard protects the no claim bonus (NCB) from any claims raised during the policy year. As a result, the NCB percentage remains untouched even if the policyholder raises a claim.

3. Inflation Shield

   The inflation shield safeguards the policyholder from rising inflation. This add-on cover increases the base sum insured of the policy every year on a cumulative basis based on the inflation rate.

4. Home Care Treatment

   The home care treatment pays for the cost of treatments availed at home on the doctor’s advice in case hospital admission is not possible.

Benefits of Buying Add-on Covers in Health Insurance

Check out some of the benefits of buying add-on covers in health insurance in India:

1. Broader Coverage

   Add-on covers amend the terms and conditions of the base health insurance policy to include the coverage desired by the policyholder. Thus, add-on covers enhance the coverage of the base health insurance to cater to the medical needs of the insured.

2. Affordable Premiums

   Buying an add-on cover with the base health insurance policy is more affordable than purchasing another health plan. This is because the IRDAI has directed all insurance companies not to charge more than 30% of the base policy premium as the cost of an add-on cover. For example, if your base policy premium is Rs 9000 per annum, the rider cost cannot be more than Rs 2700.

3. No Need for Another Policy

   Buying an add-on cover enables policyholders to add the desired medical coverage to their base health policy. Thus, it saves them from the hassle of purchasing another policy to obtain coverage and, eventually, pay more money.

4. Customized Coverage

   Policyholders can alter the coverage of a health insurance policy by choosing an add-on cover of their choice. Thus, an add-on mediclaim policy customizes the base health policy’s coverage as per the policyholder’s needs.

Things to Consider While Buying Health Insurance Add-on Covers

Here are some things to consider while buying add-on covers under health insurance:

• Terms and Conditions – Make sure to read your policy documents carefully to understand the various terms and conditions of the add-on mediclaim policy. This will prevent your claims from getting rejected.
• Premium – Before buying an add-on cover, make sure to check the additional amount that you need to pay along with your base health insurance premium. This will prevent you from exceeding your budget and purchasing an add-on you can afford.
• Waiting Periods – Just like your base health insurance policy, add-on covers also come with waiting periods. Make sure to check the waiting periods applicable to your add-on cover before making the premium payment.

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