Whenever people face any disease and are admitted to the hospital, the first thing that comes to their mind is health insurance. They think that if they had not paid heed to the health insurance myths and had bought health insurance that day, then their entire life’s savings would not have been wasted in paying such hospital bills.
There are many rumors and misconceptions in families that are tarnishing the true meaning of health insurance plans. Due to this, they think that this is useless to them and it will only waste their money. And often they stop themselves from buying health insurance plans. And when any medical disaster occurs, then its real meaning is understood.
So what are those rumours and misconceptions that everyone should know?
Health Insurance Myths Busted
1. Young people don’t need health insurance
Many think health insurance is only for older people. But illness or accidents can happen anytime. Getting health insurance plans for family when you’re young is a smart move. It usually costs less, and you’re covered before anything unexpected happens. No matter your age, having insurance helps protect your health and your wallet, so you’re not scrambling later when things get expensive.
2. Coverage starts immediately after buying a plan
Some assume they’re covered as soon as they purchase the best health insurance plan. In reality, many policies have waiting periods for specific illnesses. So always check the waiting periods before buying health insurance for family or an individual, so you know when you can claim.
3. The cheapest plan is the best
Cheap health insurance plans can seem like a great deal, but they often miss the stuff you really need. A smart plan is about more than just price; you want something that covers your health needs, fits your budget, and actually gives you peace of mind.
4. Employer-provided group insurance is enough
Every employee thinks that the health insurance plans offered by their company are sufficient for them and they will get the benefit in case of any disaster. But sometimes these plans fall short. So, for better protection of your family, include your own plan along with the coverage provided by the employer.
5. Pregnancy isn’t covered
Another big myth about health insurance is that people think that medical insurance does not cover maternity. This means that if someone has taken family health insurance and a child is born in the family, then they will have to pay the hospital expenses at that time.
But the truth is that most health insurance for families covers maternity insurance. Special maternity plans are also available, but check the waiting period before buying.
6. Hospitalisation is required for claims
Some people think that after taking health insurance, they will need to get admitted to the hospital, and then they will get the benefits by making a claim. But keep in mind that hospitalisation is not necessary to make a claim. In some plans, claims are also available for daycare procedures, diagnostic and OPD treatments.
7. Online health insurance is risky
With the changing times, the insurance sector has also changed, and now, just like everything is available online, insurance plans can also be chosen online. But people fear that buying an online plan can lead to falling prey to fraud. But usually this does not happen. But the truth is that online health insurance is safe and often cheaper. You can get some great deals online.
Just keep in mind, while buying plans online, that the source from which you are buying these plans is a reliable source.
8. Pre-existing illnesses are never covered
One of the biggest misconceptions that most older people have is that they will not get good health insurance due to their pre-existing diseases, and their diseases will not be covered in it, and even if they get it, the installments will be very high. But this is not true, while taking health insurance, you should openly talk about all your diseases, so that a plan can be chosen for you accordingly.
9. Plans cannot be customised
Many policyholders think that once a plan is purchased, it cannot be changed or any changes can not be made to it, and they have to take the plan as it is made by the company. But the truth is that with the help of add-ons and riders, you can increase coverage for additional protection by spending a little extra.
10. More daycare procedures always mean better insurance
There is a myth that the more daycare procedures a policy has, the better the insurance. But this is not necessarily the case. So, whether you already have a policy or are going to buy a new policy, do check the restrictions and limitations on each daycare treatment.
11. Smokers and drinkers can’t get insurance
People whose lifestyle includes smoking and drinking may think that no health insurance plans are made for them, and they cannot get health insurance. But if you look at it, they need it more. So there are plans for them too, but they may have to undergo a pre-policy check-up, and the premiums may be high.
12. Hiding pre-existing illnesses helps get coverage
When many people buy health insurance, they hide their old diseases and do not disclose them, because they think that their premiums will be reduced. But doing this can prove to be costly for them when they make any kind of claim and it gets rejected. So always tell the truth about all the old diseases.
13. Network hospitals exist only in big cities
One such myth that is prevalent among people living in small towns is that if they buy health insurance, they will have to go to a big city for any treatment, as the coverage is limited to metropolitan hospitals only. But the truth is that most insurance companies have a vast hospital network that includes smaller towns as well, and they do not need to go to any metropolitan hospital for cashless treatment.
14. Insurance covers all hospitalisation costs
People believe that if they get hospitalised in an emergency, medical insurance covers all the expenses. But some things have limits, like room rent, co-payment, etc. So always keep in mind the terms and conditions of the policy.
15. Health insurance in India is too expensive
People avoid plans, thinking they’re costly. The truth is, health insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. There are affordable plans out there, many premiums are tax-deductible, and some companies even offer easy financing options to make payments manageable. You really can protect your family without stressing your budget.
16. Delay in renewal means losing all benefits
When any insurance is taken, it has to be renewed after a limited period, so many people believe that if there is any delay in renewal, their benefits will end. But most plans give 15-30 days to renew without losing coverage. However, treatments during this interval are not covered.
17. You can discard old insurance documents
When a new insurance plan is put in place of the old one, many people do not consider it necessary to keep those old documents and throw them away or burn them. So never do this because the policies taken in the last 3-4 years keep your medical history safe, which can be helpful in getting your claim passed in the future. Especially when TPAs ​​settle the claims.
Final Words
Honestly, don’t let those old myths fool you. A good health insurance plan really does help, you’re looking at protecting your family, avoiding unexpected bills, and just feeling a bit calmer about life. Take your time, check out a few plans, maybe use a health insurance premium calculator, and pick one that actually works for you.
