Health Insurance Plans for Parents

Acko's parent health insurance policy ensures that your parents receive coverage for medical treatment expenses and hospitalisation, particularly important for age-related health issues. Given the escalating costs of medical procedures and hospital stays, this insurance policy can be a lifeline during challenging times. It's advisable to select a policy with a significant premium that offers additional benefits like annual health check-ups, cashless treatment, and more, empowering you to handle the healthcare expenses for your ailing parents efficiently. Acko offers a range of health insurance plans for parents designed to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Acko's parent health insurance policy ensures that your parents receive coverage for medical treatment expenses and hospitalisation, particularly important for age-related health issues. Given the escalating costs of medical procedures and hospital stays, this insurance policy...
Acko's parent health insurance policy ensures that your parents receive coverage for medical...

ACKO Health Insurance Plans starting at Rs.20/day*

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Cashless hospitals

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Bills covered

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What is Health Insurance Plans for Parents?

Health insurance for parents is a type of health insurance which plays an important role in parental care; imagine your parents or elderly family members getting sick or needing medical care. We all want the best for our loved ones, right? But sometimes, taking care of their health can be expensive. That's where parents' health insurance comes to the rescue. Parents' health insurance is a special kind of insurance that you can get for your parents or elderly family members. It's like a safety net for their health. This insurance helps pay for their medical bills and treatment costs when they feel ill.

📰📢Latest News

 

Historic Inclusion of Seniors Over 70 years under the AB PM-JAY Scheme

The government has extended its flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), to include citizens above 70 years of age. In general, senior citizens were excluded from insurance because of the higher risk profile, but in this recent decision, it will be possible for them to enrol in the scheme, irrespective of income status. This will provide the much-needed financial relief to over six crore senior citizens, providing a family health insurance plan with a sum insured of ₹ 5 lakh. The seniors who are already enrolled under other government-sponsored health schemes will now be able to migrate to AB PM-JAY.

Why Do Your Parents Need Health Insurance?

Securing health insurance is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your parents' well-being in their later years. There are several compelling reasons why health coverage is critical once they pass 60.

More Vulnerable to Age-Related Condition

As parents advance in years, their bodies become more susceptible to common age-related health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cataracts, and more. Managing these chronic conditions often requires regular treatment and medications, which can become costly. Health insurance provides a safety net to help cover expensive ongoing care.

Spiralling Healthcare Costs

With advancing medical technology and inflation, healthcare costs have skyrocketed recently. Even a short hospital stay can result in bills of several lakhs of rupees. Health insurance cushions parents from the financial hardship of excessively high medical bills, providing cashless hospitalisation and coverage for treatment costs.

Access Quality Care Without Compromise

The high price tag of modern healthcare may force you to cut corners on tests, doctor visits, or treatments. With health insurance, cost does not have to be a deterrent in making healthcare decisions. Parents can access the best quality care from top hospitals and specialists without worrying about expenses.

Protect Retirement Savings

A health crisis can wipe out a lifetime of retirement savings in one stroke. Health insurance safeguards parents' hard-earned money, so it can be used to fulfil retirement dreams rather than pay for medical bills. It provides the financial backup they need in their golden years.

Peace of Mind for the Family

Knowing parents have comprehensive health coverage brings immense peace of mind. Health insurance lifts the financial stress of medical care costs and allows the family to focus on recovery and well-being rather than money matters. This reassurance is invaluable.

Types of Health Insurance Plans for Parents in India

Here are different types of health insurance plans for parents in India.

Individual Health Insurance

This type of plan covers one person, which means your parents will have their own health insurance policy. It's great if you want to ensure their specific healthcare needs are taken care of.

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Family Floater Health Insurance

If you have both parents and maybe even you and your siblings to cover, a family floater plan can be a good choice. It covers the entire family under one policy, and the sum assured can be shared among family members.

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Senior Citizen Health Insurance

These plans are specially designed for elderly parents. They usually have higher coverage for age-related illnesses and come with lower entry age limits.
 

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Critical Illness Insurance

This plan provides a lump sum amount if your parent is diagnosed with a critical illness like cancer, heart disease, or stroke. It can help cover the costly treatments associated with these conditions.

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Hospital Cash Insurance

This type offers a daily allowance for each day your parent is hospitalised. It can help with additional expenses like transportation and food while they are in the hospital.

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Pre-existing Condition Cover

If your parents already have a health issue, look for plans that cover pre-existing conditions. These plans might have a waiting period before they provide coverage for such conditions.

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Top-up Health Insurance

These plans kick in when the basic health insurance coverage is exhausted. It can be a cost-effective way to enhance your parent's health coverage without buying a completely new policy.

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Super Top-up Health Insurance

Similar to top-up plans, super top-up policies provide coverage once a certain threshold is reached. These are useful if you want to extend the coverage significantly.

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Group Health Insurance

Some employers offer group health insurance that can cover your parents if you're working in a company. It's often a convenient and cost-effective option.

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Government Health Schemes

 India also has government health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat. These schemes are designed to provide financial protection for healthcare to families below the poverty line.

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Key Features of Parents Health Insurance

Here are the key features of parental health insurance plans:

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Cashless Treatment

Many insurance policies offer cashless treatment, which means your parents can get medical care at network hospitals without paying upfront. The insurance company settles the bills directly with the hospital.

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No-Claim Bonus

If your parents don't make any claims during a policy year, they can earn a no-claim bonus. This can increase the sum insured or lower the premium for the next year.

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Renewability

Most health insurance plans for parents offer lifelong renewability. This means you can continue the coverage even as your parents get older.
 

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Waiting Period

There's usually a waiting period when you first get the insurance, during which some conditions may not be covered. This period can vary between policies.

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Co-Payment

Some plans may require your parents to pay a percentage of the medical bills, known as co-payment. It's important to understand this aspect before choosing a policy.

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Premium

You'll need to pay a regular premium to keep the insurance active. The cost can vary depending on factors like your parents' age and the coverage amount.

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Room Rent Limits

Some policies have limits on room rent, so it's essential to choose a plan with room rent coverage that matches your preferred hospital category.

What are the Benefits of Choosing Parents Medical Insurance Policy Online

Benefits of choosing your parents medical insurance policy online in India can be a smart and convenient way to ensure that they receive the best Parental healthcare when they need it. Let us break down some of the benefits for you in a friendly and simple way.

Convenience at Your Fingertips

 When you choose a medical insurance policy online, you don't need to visit insurance offices or spend hours on the phone. Everything you need is just a few clicks away on your computer or smartphone. It's like shopping for insurance in your pyjamas!

Compare Multiple Plans

Online platforms allow you to compare various insurance plans easily. You can see the features, benefits, and prices side by side. This helps you pick the one that fits your parents' needs and your budget.

Time-Saving

Instead of spending hours travelling to different insurance companies, you can do all the research and purchase a policy online within minutes. No need to take time off work or worry about long queues.

Paperless and Eco-Friendly

Online policies are paperless, which means you won't have to deal with stacks of documents. It's also better for the environment since it reduces the use of paper.

Access to Information

You can access all the policy details, terms, and conditions online at any time. This makes it easier to understand your coverage and benefits.

Easy Premium Payment

Paying premiums is a breeze online. You can set up automatic payments, so you never miss a due date. This ensures continuous coverage for your parents.

Claim Processing

If your parents need to make a claim, the online process is usually faster and more straightforward. You can submit documents digitally and track the progress of your claim online.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Online platforms often provide customer reviews and ratings for different insurance companies and policies. This can help you make an informed decision based on other people's experiences.

Secure Transactions

Online insurance platforms use secure payment gateways, so your financial information remains safe.

Understanding Premiums, Deductibles, and Out-of-Pocket Limits

Premiums

The amount paid periodically (monthly, quarterly, etc.) to maintain coverage. Premiums are based on factors like age, location, and health status. Higher premiums usually result in lower out-of-pocket costs.

Deductibles

The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering care. Preventive services may be covered before the deductible is met. Higher deductibles lead to lower premiums.

Copays

A fixed fee paid for certain services after the deductible is met. Common copays range from Rs. 200 to 500 for doctor visits or prescriptions.

Coinsurance

The percentage of costs you share after deductible. For example, 20% coinsurance means you pay 20% of a bill.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

The most you'll pay in a year via deductible, copays and coinsurance. After this limit is reached, insurance covers 100% of costs.

Review the policy details to understand how much you'll pay for care based on the deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses. Choose a plan as per your budget.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance for Your Parents?

Here are some simple steps to help you make the right choice while buying health insurance for parents.

Start by understanding your parents' current health status and any pre-existing medical conditions. This will help you determine the type and level of coverage they need.

Consider how much you can afford to pay as a premium. Health insurance premiums can vary widely, so it's essential to find a balance between coverage and cost.

Look at what the health insurance plan covers. It should include hospitalisation expenses, doctor's fees, medicines, and diagnostic tests. Additionally, check if it covers pre-existing diseases and offers maternity benefits (if applicable).

 

Ensure that the insurance company has a network of hospitals and healthcare providers near your parents' residence. This will make it convenient for them to access healthcare services.

 

Pay attention to co-payment clauses and sub-limits. Some policies require you to share a percentage of the medical expenses, while sub-limits restrict the maximum amount you can claim for specific services.

Understand the waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Some policies may have a waiting period before they cover existing health issues, so check for shorter waiting periods

Consider the renewal age limit of the policy. It's preferable to choose a policy that offers lifelong renewability to ensure your parents are covered in their old age.

Some insurance plans offer optional riders like critical illness or accidental coverage. Evaluate if any of these riders would be beneficial for your parents.

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have purchased health insurance for their parents. Additionally, read online reviews and customer feedback about the insurance company.

Use online comparison tools or consult an insurance advisor to compare different health insurance plans available in the market. Compare premiums, coverage, and other features to make an informed decision.

Familiarise yourself with the policy exclusions, which are conditions or situations not covered by the insurance. Knowing these can help you manage expectations.

Eligibility Criteria for Mediclaim Policy for Parents

Here are the general eligibility criteria for buying Mediclaim Policy for Parents

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Age RequirementsMost health insurance companies in India offer Mediclaim policies for parents between the ages of 18 and 65. Some policies may have slightly different age limits, so it's essential to check with the specific insurance provider.
Relationship StatusTo get a Mediclaim policy for your parents, you need to be their child or have a legal relationship with them. This means biological children, adopted children, or even stepchildren can usually buy policies for their parents.
Financial IndependenceSome insurers might require you to demonstrate that you are financially independent before purchasing a policy for your parents. This could include providing income proof or other financial documents.
Medical Check-upFor parents who are above a certain age (usually 45-50), insurance companies often require a medical check-up. This helps assess their current health status and determines the premium you'll pay.

Adding Parents as Dependents vs Individual Plans

One option is to add your parents as dependents on your employer-provided or personal health insurance policy up until they reach the maximum dependent age, often 60 or 65 years old. This can be more affordable than separate policies, allows pre-existing conditions to potentially be covered, and simplifies coordination of benefits and claims through one shared policy. However, there are some factors to consider.

Pros of Adding as Dependents

  • Lower premium by combining coverage under one policy
  • Pre-existing conditions may be covered
  • Easier coordination of benefits and claims

Cons of Adding as Dependents

  • Limited control for parents over policy and coverage
  • Parents lose coverage if the subscriber's employment is terminated
  • Health history of parents can impact subscriber's premium
  • Maximum age for dependent coverage

Individual Plans

With individual health plans, your parents maintain full control over choosing a policy and coverage that fits their specific health needs and budget. They are not dependent on your employment status and can renew coverage at any age, regardless of health conditions. While premiums and out-of-pocket costs are solely based on their health profile, individual plans allow more independence and flexibility. Your parents can change plans, upgrade coverage, or switch insurance providers as their needs evolve without impacting your policy.

What is covered & What is not covered under a Health Insurance Policy for your Parents?

Coverage for Hospitalisation

Parents' health insurance provides coverage for hospitalisation expenses. If your mom or dad needs to stay in the hospital due to an illness or injury, the insurance helps pay for the medical bills, including room charges, doctor fees, and medicines.

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Pre-existing Conditions

Some plans cover pre-existing medical conditions. This means if your parents already have health issues before getting the insurance, those conditions might be covered after a waiting period.

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Pre and Post-Hospitalization Expenses

Health insurance also covers expenses before and after hospitalisation, like diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, and follow-up treatments.

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Ambulance Services

If your parents need an ambulance to go to the hospital, health insurance can cover those costs too.

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Day Care Procedures

Many policies cover day care treatments, which are medical procedures that don't require an overnight stay in the hospital.

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Domiciliary Treatment

If your parents need treatment at home due to the severity of their condition, some policies cover those expenses. This is helpful if the hospital doesn't have room or if it's better for them to recover at home.

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Critical Illness Coverage

Some policies offer coverage for critical illnesses like cancer, heart disease, or stroke, as an add-on to the base policy. If your parents face such a condition, the insurance can provide a lump sum amount for their treatment.

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Specific Treatments

Some plans might not cover certain treatments or procedures. For example, cosmetic surgeries, infertility treatments, and experimental treatments may not be included. Always check the policy documents to know what is excluded.

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Non-Medical Expenses

Health insurance usually covers medical expenses like doctor's fees, hospital bills, and medicines. But it may not cover non-medical expenses like transportation to the hospital or food during the hospital stay.

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Alternative Therapies

Some policies may not cover alternative therapies like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, or Naturopathy. If your parents prefer these treatments, they might have to pay for them separately.

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Dental and Vision Care

Most health insurance policies in India do not cover dental and vision care. So, if your parents need dental work or glasses, they might need a separate insurance plan for that.

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Routine Check-ups

Routine health check-ups or preventive care might not be covered. Insurance usually kicks in when there is an illness or injury, not for regular check-ups.

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Maternity Expenses

Health insurance for parents usually doesn't cover maternity expenses. If your mother is expecting, she might need a separate maternity insurance plan.

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HIV/AIDS and Other STDs

Some policies may not cover treatments related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

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How to Buy Parents Health Insurance Policy Online from ACKO

Here are the steps to buy Parent's health insurance online from ACKO.

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Download the ACKO App

First, you need to get the ACKO app on your phone. You can also scroll up and use the widget to get a quote.

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Get quote

Once you're on the app or the website, find the section about health insurance. Then, type in your PIN code and click on "Get a quote."

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Share details

Now, you'll have to answer a few questions about yourself, your family, and the kind of health insurance you want. After that, take a look at the quote to see how much it will cost.

After you do this, we'll contact you for the medical check-up of your parents before finalising your insurance. Once everything's okay, we'll issue the insurance policy. It's that simple!

FAQs about Health Insurance for Parents

Take a look at some of the common questions people have while understanding Health Insurance for Parents.

Yes, you can buy health insurance for your parents even if they have a pre-existing disease. However, it's important to note that the coverage for pre-existing conditions might have certain waiting periods or limitations. Make sure to carefully read the policy terms and conditions to understand how pre-existing conditions are covered.

Most insurance companies in India have an age limit for buying health insurance for parents, typically between 60 and 80 years. However, this can vary from one insurance provider to another. It's a good idea to compare different policies to find one that suits your parents' age and health needs.

Yes, many health insurance policies allow you to add your parents as dependents to your existing policy. This is called "family floater" coverage. It's a convenient way to ensure that your parents have insurance protection under the same policy you have.

Yes, health insurance can provide tax benefits for both you and your parents. Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act in India, you can claim deductions on the premium paid for your parents' health insurance policies. This can help you save on your income tax.

You can enhance your parents' insurance coverage by:

Increasing the Sum Insured: Consider opting for a higher sum insured to ensure adequate coverage for medical expenses.

Adding Riders: Some insurance policies offer optional riders (add-ons) like critical illness or hospital cash. Adding these riders can provide additional coverage.

Regular Health Check-ups: Encourage your parents to undergo regular health check-ups to identify health issues early and manage them effectively.

Renewing Timely: Make sure to renew the policy on time without any breaks to maintain continuous coverage.

Reviewing the Policy: Periodically review your parents' health insurance policy to ensure it still meets their needs as they age or if their health conditions change.

Yes, buying a health insurance policy for ageing parents is beneficial as it reduces out-of-pocket expenses while ensuring the best treatment for them.

It depends upon the age of parents and the terms & conditions of the insurance company. A few insurers may need basic information to issue a policy, while many insurance companies may ask for medical reports. You can check with your health insurance company and decide which insurer to pick.

 

Yes, you can add your parents to the Family Floater Health Plan. They can share the sum insured of the health plan.

 

Usually, a waiting period is applicable on pre-existing diseases. Meaning, you can claim only after a certain number of renewals. Please go through the "Waiting Period" section of your health policy to know more.

Mothers tend to ignore their health issues, citing monetary reasons or lack of time. A good health insurance plan can help them get the correct treatment at the right time. Thus, health insurance for a mother is important.

A Senior Citizen plan is one of the types of Parents Health Insurance plans. There is no direct difference between the two, and similar benefits can be availed. However, a Senior Citizen Health Insurance plan is for people above the age of 60 years.

A Family Health Insurance plan can help cover self, spouse, and parents. It can include parents if the policyholder does not wish to buy a separate health plan for parents. The sum insured can be shared among all the insured persons.

Medical expenses increase with age-related complications and can become a financial liability in the long run. Buying Health Insurance for Parents ensures that timely treatment is given to them without facing a financial loss. Thus, you need a health insurance policy to cover your parents.

Disclaimer: The plans, services, features, processes, and other details mentioned on this page are subject to availability and changes. Please check the applicable policy wordings before making any insurance-related decisions. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] for any queries.

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Written by Roocha Kanande

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Reviewed by Rupinderjit Singh Author info Icon

I find the world of policies and premiums absolutely fascinating! Join me as I unravel health insurance with a dash of creativity and a fresh perspective.

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