With our lifestyle changing constantly, there is spike in the issues related to health and the complexity of the diseases has also increased. This is why it has become important to have a health insurance policy for each individual. This kind of an insurance policy assists in providing financial cover in case of medical emergencies by paying our bills.
While most insurance policies have certain things in common, some of them may have terms and conditions you may not be aware of, if you do not purchase it objectively. This applies to health care policies generally, as we may overlook what is absent in the policy while we are told what all is covered. Certain healthy policies do not cover some kinds of medical conditions, which are known as health insurance exclusions.
Some of these exclusions that are common are listed here. So before you claim your insurance, check if you fall under any of the following exclusions:
- Previously existing medical conditions: Any previous medical history needs to be disclosed before purchasing the policy. The coverage for such conditions starts after a specified waiting period
- Alternative treatments: Treatments such as Ayurveda, Unani, Naturopathy, acupressure, etc are not covered under policies because their costs are uncertain
- Cosmetic surgery: Treatments used to enhance the beauty, which are called cosmetic surgeries, are not covered under health insurance policies. Even dental surgeries are considered to be cosmetic in nature, and hence excluded.
- Injuries that are self-inflicted: Injuries caused due to any kind of suicide attempts or in an attempt to harm the self are not covered under your health insurance policy.
- Pregnancy: Expenses such as child birth, vaccines, abortion, infertility treatments, etc are not covered under certain policies
- Clauses related to waiting period: One must check the waiting period that differs between different policies. Some policies do not cover you for a specified waiting period, which is of about 1 to 3 months generally. In any case, accidental expenses are covered right from the beginning of the policy. For further information, check out the following:
- 2 to 4 years for previously existing medical conditions
- 1 to 2 years for osteoporosis, ENT or hernia
- 90 days for new born children
- 2 years for diseases like joint replacements, tonsils, cataract, cysts, tumors, spinal problems, etc
- Permanent exclusions: Injuries incurred from war, congenital diseases, HIV or self-inflicted injuries are excluded from comprehensive policy coverage.
This is why it is important for one to be smart while purchasing the health insurance policy. You must go through the exclusions thoroughly and do a cost-benefit analysis between different options. Choose a policy with least exclusions, and one which suits your requirements. This will protect you from denial of claims in the future.