Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Buying Health Insurance After 70: Key Details
Buying health insurance after 70 has become easier since April 2024 when the upper age limit was removed.
Insurers can now offer health insurance to individuals of any age, but eligibility depends on underwriting norms and health profiles.
Medical tests are required, and premiums are higher for seniors.
Coverage includes hospitalisation, day-care, and ambulance charges, but exclusions apply for pre-existing diseases and cosmetic procedures.
Insurers may reject applications if the medical risk is too high.
Seniors should consider coverage for pre-existing diseases, co-payment clauses, and network hospitals when choosing a policy.
A combination of a base policy and a super top-up plan can be cost-effective for retirees.
The upper age limit for purchasing health insurance was removed in April 2024 by IRDAI.
Insurers evaluate multiple factors, including existing illnesses, BMI, and lifestyle habits, to assess risk.
Medical tests such as blood sugar, lipid profile, and ECG are required for applicants above 70.
Common coverages include hospitalisation, day-care, and ambulance charges, while exclusions apply for pre-existing diseases and cosmetic procedures.
Premiums for first-time buyers above 70 can be 50% to over 100% higher than for younger buyers.
- Who
- Senior citizens aged 70 and above
- What
- Purchasing health insurance
- When
- After the removal of the upper age limit in April 2024
- Where
- India
- Why
- To obtain coverage and financial protection against medical expenses
Pro-Insurance Advocates
Cost-Conscious Seniors
Premium Costs
Pro-Insurance Advocates
Advocate for the necessity of higher premiums to ensure comprehensive coverage and financial protection against high medical costs.
Cost-Conscious Seniors
Concerned about the significantly higher premiums for seniors, which can be a financial burden, and seek more affordable options.
- Upper Age Limit
- Removed in April 2024 by IRDAI
- Common Medical Tests
- Blood sugar, lipid profile, kidney and liver function, ECG, chest X-ray, blood pressure
- Common Coverages
- Hospitalisation, day-care, pre- and post-hospitalisation, ambulance, domiciliary treatment
- Common Exclusions
- Pre-existing diseases during waiting periods, cosmetic procedures, non-medically necessary treatments
- Reasons for Rejection
- Severe uncontrolled illnesses, advanced organ failure, active cancer treatment, recent major cardiac events
- Premium Increase
- 50% to over 100% higher for first-time buyers above 70
- Key Features to Consider
- Pre-existing disease coverage, co-payment, room rent eligibility, network hospitals, claim-related features
- Super Top-Up Benefit
- Additional protection against large or multiple medical bills