3 days ago

Cancer Survivors Should Strengthen Existing Health Insurance Cover

Cancer Survivors Should Strengthen Existing Health Insurance Cover
Insurance Query: Building a financial cushion for health · thehindubusinessline.com

Being cancer-free is good news, but future medical care can still be expensive.

A person who has had cancer should check whether their health insurance is large enough.

They may ask their current insurer about adding a Super Top-Up policy.

This can provide extra money if hospital bills become very high.

Other possible additions include restoring used coverage, paying cash for hospital days, and covering some non-medical expenses.

The insurer may not approve every addition because of the person’s medical history.

New or increased coverage may also have new waiting periods.

Changing insurers can be difficult after a cancer diagnosis because the new insurer may add exclusions or charge more.

Staying with a current insurer may be more practical when previous claims were handled satisfactorily.

Key facts

Medical history
Early-stage breast cancer treatment was completed two years ago, and the policyholder was declared cancer-free by her oncologist.
Previous claim
Her existing health insurance policy covered her cancer treatment, and the insurer honoured the claim.
Possible enhancement
A Super Top-Up policy can provide additional coverage for high-value medical claims.
Other benefits
The insurer may offer unlimited restoration, hospital daily cash, and coverage for non-medical expenses.
Waiting periods
Waiting periods for newly added coverage or increased benefits may start afresh.
Switching insurers
A new insurer may impose exclusions, additional premium loading, disease-specific waiting periods, or other restrictions.
Recommended approach
The advice generally favours strengthening and optimising the existing policy rather than replacing it.

Sources

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