When it comes to buying health insurance online, there are a few key terms you should know in order to make an informed decision. Understanding these terms will help you navigate the process and ensure that you find a plan that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Let us look into some of the important terms you must know before buying health insurance online:
- Premium: This is the amount you pay each month for your health insurance coverage. The premium is determined by a variety of factors, including your age, location, and the level of coverage you choose.
- Deductible: This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins.
- Pre & post-hospitalisation expenses: Pre-hospitalization costs refer to the medical expenses incurred before a person is hospitalized. This may include costs for doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and other medical treatments leading up to the hospital stay. Post-hospitalization costs refer to the medical expenses incurred after a person is discharged from the hospital. This may include costs for follow-up doctor visits, rehabilitation, and other medical treatments necessary for recovery. These costs are typically covered by health insurance policies.
- Cashless health insurance: It is a type of health insurance where policyholders do not have to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses. Instead, the insurance company pays the medical provider directly. This can be done through a network of hospitals and healthcare providers that have a tie-up with the insurance company. Policyholders can use their health insurance card or any other mode of identification provided by the insurance company to avail of cashless treatment. In these types of policies, the policyholder does not need to pay for the medical treatment upfront and wait for reimbursement. This type of insurance is also known as “direct billing” or “no claim” health insurance.
- Add on covers: An add-on cover, also known as a rider, is an additional coverage that can be added to a base health insurance policy. It provides additional benefits or coverage for specific risks or conditions that are not covered by the base policy. These additional covers are usually available at an additional cost and can be added to a base policy to increase the overall coverage offered by the policy. Some common examples of add-on covers include critical illness coverage, personal accident coverage, maternity coverage, and hospital cash coverage. This add-on coverage can help to cover the gap in insurance coverage and provide more comprehensive protection to policyholders.
- Exclusions: Exclusions in health insurance refer to certain conditions, treatments, or scenarios that are not covered by the policy. These exclusions are generally listed in the policy document and are not covered under any circumstances. Policyholders should be aware of the exclusions in their policy before purchasing it so they are aware of the limitations of the coverage. Some common exclusions in health insurance policies include pre-existing medical conditions, cosmetic or elective surgery, experimental treatments, and injuries or illnesses resulting from certain activities or events, such as war or criminal activity.
- Co-pay:This is a set fee that you pay for certain medical services, such as doctor visits or prescription drugs. Co-pays are typically lower than the cost of the service, and the remainder is covered by your insurance.
- Co-insurance: This is the percentage of medical expenses that you are responsible for paying after you have met your deductible. For example, if you have a co-insurance rate of 20%, you will be responsible for paying 20% of your medical expenses, while your insurance will cover the remaining 80%.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: This is the maximum amount of money you will be required to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses in a given year. Once you reach this maximum, your insurance will cover all of your medical expenses for the rest of the year.
- Pre-existing conditions: Some health insurance plans may not cover pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or cancer. It is important to check the details of your plan to see if pre-existing conditions are covered and if there are any exclusions or limitations.
- Open enrollment: This is the period of time during which you can enroll in a health insurance plan. Open enrollment typically occurs once a year, and it is important to enroll during this time in order to ensure that you have coverage for the coming year.
Takeaway:
When buying health insurance online, it is important to do your research and compare different plans to find one that meets your needs and fits within your budget. At Chola MS health insurance, we believe in educating our customers so they can make informed decisions about their policies. By understanding these key terms, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision and find a plan that is right for you. Remember to always read the terms of your health insurance policy carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service if you have any questions.
Explore the various guides on Chola MS health insurance pages on our website and equip yourself with the knowledge you need to be a smart policyholder.