Professional needs are forcing lifestyle changes on an increasing number of people each passing year in our country; together with escalating pollution and other environmental factors, more people are falling critically ill. Regular health check-ups can help detect early symptoms or underlying risk factors before they turn critical.
The importance of health insurance in India is even more severe now than in the past. Several health insurance plans cover periodic free medical check-ups, which can help individuals identify potential health issues.
What are Free Health check-up benefits?
Free medical check-ups are periodic tests your insurer provides as part of your health insurance policy.
Tests covered
Your policy document will provide full details of your free body check-up as part of your health insurance benefits. Some standard tests of all basic plans are total blood count, fasting blood sugar level, lipid profile, ECG chest x-rays, and others.
Limitation of tests
The sum insured in your health policy determines whether you can receive free check-ups. Usually, policies that are above Rs 10 lakhs offer free check-ups.
The benefit varies with the sum insured. While a Rs 10 Lakh policy may give you a few basic tests free, a Rs 25 Lakh cover includes more comprehensive tests. Most insurers provide cashless free check-ups at their accredited test centres. In a few cases, however, they offer reimbursements between Rs 800 and Rs 10,000 against the check-up benefit.
Does the test result affect your Insurance policy?
The results do not impact your ongoing plan premium and can only be considered if you wish to increase coverage during renewal.
Using your free health check-up benefits
Many insurers have empanelled diagnostic centres in major cities where you can undertake the tests; the insurer pays the costs directly to the centre.
You may also choose other non-empanelled centres and have the insurance provider reimburse the cost upon submission of bills.
While insurers may have specific recommendations, generally, the steps to avail of check-ups are as follows:
- Informing your insurance provider either online or offline – connect with customer service or the nearest branch office with your policy details
- The insurer’s response team will arrange your medical test at an empanelled diagnostic centre; alternatively, they will permit you to get the tests done elsewhere, and you can submit a reimbursement claim for the cost of the various tests.
Periodicity of free tests
The number of free check-ups varies across insurers and their specific plans. Some may offer annual check-ups, others once every two years, and the like. The free check-up schemes usually cover both types of insurance, individual and family floater health insurance plans.
Other wellness benefits of Health Insurance plans
A study of health plan comparison will reveal several insurers are offering wellness benefitsas an add-on. Wellness programmes encourage a healthy lifestyle, balanced food and nutrition, and regular exercise.
Other wellness benefits include health check-ups, fitness centre membership, and sessions with a wellness coach who guides clients to achieve physical and mental well-being and helps them recover quicker from illness.
Impact on premiums
While free health check-ups are a significant customer–friendly reward, maintaining the recommended health parameters through participation in other wellness programmes can earn you reward points, which can be exchanged as discounts on policy renewal.
Key Takeaways
A fast-paced lifestyle with improper diet planning and environmental issues has contributed to the increase in critical illness. Additionally, the rising cost of medical treatment makes health insurance necessary as a measure of financial protection. A mandatory insurance health check can work wonders in preventing critical illness.
Choosing a policy with wellness advantages like free check-ups and other benefits gives you twin advantages- you gain financial discounts on premiums during renewals and healthy living!
A crowded health insurance market requires thoroughly analysing your needs and studying policy documents to leverage the offered wellness benefits. However, consulting online expert platforms like PhonePe can be a better alternative—they may help you choose the best-suited health insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is health insurance in India for managing critical illnesses?
What tests are covered under free health check-ups provided by health insurance plans in India?
How can we use our free health check-up benefits?
What other wellness benefits do health insurance plans offer?
Can I renew my health insurance policy through PhonePe?