Early Payout on Terminal Illness

What Is Terminal Illness Benefit? 

Terminal illnesses are incurable ailments and diseases. Regrettably, these kinds of illnesses are increasing, majorly in urban regions, thus results in a low life expectancy of the individuals who are suffering from terminal diseases. The example of terminal illnesses are heart disease, lung diseases, etc. In these situations, having terminal illness benefit is a necessity. It is a type of life insurance policy that pays out upon the diagnosis of a terminal illness. In this, the nominee/beneficiary receives the sum assured amount along with an additional bonus after the policyholder’s death. Some insurers also provide an option to pay 25 percent of the sum assured to the insured if their assumed life expectancy is less than 12 months. However, in these circumstances, the death benefit is generally reduced to an equivalent amount that is already paid for the policyholder’s treatment. 

Early Payout On Terminal Illness Insurance 

A Terminal Illness Payout is an early death payout. This means that the insurer will pay what they would otherwise have paid out in case of a policyholder’s death because in terminal the insurer can see the death within a policy tenure. Some insurers have also excluded the terminal illness early payout if the insured received their diagnosis reports of terminal illness in the last 12-18 months of the policy tenure. This is because if the diagnosis was made in the last 12-18 months, then in that case death might happen after a policy has ended. However, after the death of the policyholder, the insurer provides a payout to your loved ones but they cannot make an early claim on term insurance based on the terminal illness diagnosis. 

Once the policyholder informs the insurer, they contact the respective hospital and request all the required details about your medical condition. This will give them an idea of your correctness and your life expectancy. After approval from the hospital, the insurer decides the early payout of the sum assured. 

Who Are Eligible For Terminal Illness Benefit? 

People suffering from severe illnesses such as bypass surgery, organ failure, cancer, heart diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, blindness, deafness, brain tumors, etc. are mentioned on the company’s brochure. 

Why Is Early Payout On Terminal Insurance Cover Is Important For You? 

With terminal illness benefit, your family member is protected to face future uncertainties or unpredictability. As discussed, policyholders have the option to avail 25% of the sum assured amount for his/her treatment. One of the amazing benefits of term insurance cover is that it provides financial support to your family when you are not employed that generally applies after the diagnosis of a terminal illness. 

• Acts as an income replacement option 
• Protects from the life-threatening health issues 
• Tax Benefits 

Early claim on terminal illness is very important as it is very rare that an individual dies suddenly because of the terminal illness. Early payout helps you to go through alternative medical treatment and you also get the chance to spend time with your loved ones. 

Most of the medical insurance policies offer different premium charges after the different points of time, but a term insurance policy along with a terminal illness cover extends for a high amount of coverage at the most inexpensive premium charges. This is due to the rising costs of managing a terminal illness that ranges from 20lac to 50 lacs. So, it is always suggested to take terminal illness cover along with a term insurance policy if you are facing any terminal illness. 

Can I Claim for the Terminal Illness Benefit if I buy my Policy after the diagnosis of Illness? 

While applying for life insurance, the policyholder is required to provide details about his/her health condition and also past medical records. Insurers also want policyholders to undergo a medical examination that helps in determining the overall individual’s health. So, if you have already been diagnosed with a terminal illness before buying any cover, then the insurer will reject your application of early claim on terminal illness to provide you any cover for illnesses. 

Is Terminal Illness is same as Critical Illness? 

Critical illness is also a very critical condition but is curable using intensive medical treatments, thus not necessarily leads to death. In this, the policyholder is provided with only a one-time fixed option. But after availing it, no more benefits are provided from the insurer till the renewal of the policy. 

Wrapping It Up!

Terminal illness is a free benefit that is mainly attached to life insurance policies. Early payout is possible in terminal illness cases. If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and your life expectancy is less than 12 months, then you can claim this benefit. Term insurance along with the terminal illness cover is beneficial as it assists you and you're loved during the critical times. One should always be aware be of the features and benefits of the availed benefit. This will help you make an informed decision.