Tax Benefit | Details |
---|---|
Applicable Section | Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961 |
Premium Deduction Limit |
Up to ₹25,000 for individuals and families (under 60 years old) Up to ₹50,000 for senior citizens (60 years and above) |
Additional Deduction for Parents |
Additional ₹25,000 if parents are under 60 years Additional ₹50,000 if parents are senior citizens |
Total Maximum Deduction | Up to ₹1 lakh (₹25,000 for self and family + ₹50,000 for senior parents) |
Feature | Regular Health Insurance | Critical Illness Cover |
---|---|---|
Coverage | Covers a wide range of medical expenses including hospitalization, doctor visits, and medications. | Provides coverage for a specific list of critical illnesses (e.g., cancer, heart attack). |
Payout | Reimburses actual medical expenses incurred, with the sum insured adjusting accordingly. | Pays a lump sum upon diagnosis of a covered illness, after which the policy ceases. |
Number of Claims | Allows multiple claims throughout the policy term. | Typically allows only one claim during the policy duration. |
Policy Term | Usually has terms of 1 to 3 years, requiring renewal at the end of the term. | Generally an annual policy with options for lifetime renewal. | Cashless Claims | Offers cashless treatment at SBI General Insurance network hospital. | Not typically applicable; lump sum is paid directly upon diagnosis. |
Premium Amount | Generally higher due to extensive coverage and benefits. | Lower premiums as coverage is limited to specific illnesses. |
Waiting Period | Usually has a waiting period of 30 days for pre-existing conditions. | Waiting periods can vary; often around 90 days for critical illnesses. |
Survival Period | Not applicable; claims can be made as soon as treatment is needed. | Requires the insured to survive a specified period (e.g., 14 to 30 days) after diagnosis. |
The following illnesses are commonly included in most critical illness health insurance policies:
While health insurance for critical illness provides valuable coverage, there are certain exclusions that policyholders should be aware of:
Claim Process | Cashless Claim Process | Reimbursement Claim Process |
---|---|---|
Step 1 | Go to a listed in-network hospital for treatment. | Notify SBI General Insurance about hospitalization or planned treatment within 24-48 hours. |
Step 2 | Fill out the necessary forms at the insurance desk upon admission. | Collect all required documents, including hospital bills, discharge summaries, and prescriptions. |
Step 3 | Submit the completed form to the claim management team at the hospital. | Fill out the reimbursement claim form accurately with all necessary details. |
Step 4 | The hospital will coordinate with SBI General to settle the bill directly. | Submit the claim form along with supporting documents online or at a branch. |
Step 5 | You will receive confirmation of approval or denial from the insurer shortly after submission. | The insurer will review your documents and process the claim, which may take some time. |
Step 6 | No out-of-pocket expenses during treatment when the claim gets approved. | You pay for treatment upfront and await reimbursement after claim approval. |
Aspect | Add-on Rider | Separate Policy |
---|---|---|
Definition | An optional benefit that enhances an existing insurance policy (life or health). | A standalone insurance policy that provides coverage independently. |
Cost | Generally cheaper as it requires only an additional premium on the base policy. | Often more expensive due to separate premium payments for each policy. |
Management | Easier to manage as it is part of a single policy, reducing paperwork and complexity. | Requires managing multiple policies, which can be cumbersome over time. |
Coverage Scope | Provides specific additional coverage (e.g., critical illness, accidental death) tailored to the base policy. | Offers comprehensive coverage tailored to specific needs without being tied to another policy. |
Customization | Allows for some customization based on the base policy's features and available critical illness rider. | Greater flexibility in choosing coverage options that may not be available as riders. |
Claim Process | Claims are processed under the same policy, simplifying the process for the insured. | Separate claims processes for each policy, which may complicate matters during stressful times. |
Tax Benefits | Premiums paid for critical illness riders may qualify for tax deductions under applicable laws (e.g., Section 80C in India). | Premiums for separate policies also qualify for tax benefits but may have different limits or conditions. |
A Critical Illness Insurance Policy is a type of health insurance that provides a lump sum payout when the policyholder is diagnosed with a critical illness covered under the plan. This payout can be used for treatment, recovery, or any financial requirements, offering comprehensive financial security during a health crisis.
The amount of critical illness benefit required depends on an individual’s financial situation, including income, existing liabilities, and medical costs. Generally, it is better to get coverage that is at least three to five times your annual income to ensure adequate protection.
No, critical illness insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions or illnesses diagnosed before purchasing the policy. You must purchase the policy while you are in good health to enjoy its benefits.
A Benefit Policy is a type of insurance policy that guarantees the payment of a predetermined sum to the policyholder or their beneficiaries on the occurrence of a specified event, such as death or disability.
Critical illness policies offer several benefits, including financial support through a lump sum payment, coverage for high-cost treatments and non-medical expenses like EMIs, and tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This ensures financial stability during a difficult time.
Eligibility for critical illness insurance typically includes an age range of 18 to 65 years, although this can vary by insurer. Additionally, individuals must not have any pre-existing conditions related to the illnesses covered under the policy.
Whether medical tests are required depends on your age, sum insured, and medical history. For younger individuals or those getting lower coverage, medical tests may not be mandatory. However, older individuals or those with higher coverage requirements may need to undergo medical screening.
To purchase a critical illness insurance policy, you generally need to provide documents like identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.), address proof, a completed application form, and any related medical history or diagnostic reports, depending on the insurer's requirements.
Yes, premiums paid for critical illness insurance policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Pre-existing diseases refer to any medical condition or illness that the insured had been diagnosed with or treated for before purchasing the insurance policy. These conditions are typically excluded from coverage for a specified period or permanently.
Some policies allow multiple claims for different illnesses, but repeated claims for the same illness are usually not permitted. It is essential to review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand its claim rules.
In case of a claim, you should contact the claims department of your insurance provider. Most insurers provide toll-free numbers, email support, or dedicated online portals for claim assistance and filing.
In insurance, a critical illness refers to severe, life-threatening diseases like cancer, heart attack, stroke, organ failure, or multiple sclerosis that require extensive medical care and often have significant financial implications.
A critical illness plan typically covers a range of severe illnesses, including cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, organ transplant, paralysis, and multiple sclerosis. The specific illnesses covered may vary by insurer.
The waiting period is the initial period after the policy’s commencement during which claims cannot be made for covered illnesses. This period generally ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the insurer.
Yes, critical illness insurance is worth it as it provides financial security during expensive medical treatments. It ensures that individuals and their families do not face financial hardships while managing the costs of critical illnesses.
No, once you are diagnosed with cancer or any other critical illness, you cannot purchase a critical illness policy. Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage.
No, LASIK surgery is considered an elective procedure and does not fall under the category of critical illnesses. Such surgeries are mainly not covered under critical illness policies.
Critical illness cover policy is essential because it provides financial support for costly treatments, allowing you to focus on recovery without worrying about depleting your savings or affecting your family’s financial stability.
No, the list of illnesses covered varies from one insurer to another. It is important to review the policy document of your selected insurer to understand what illnesses are included and excluded.
Yes, as senior citizen health insurance may not fully cover critical illnesses or provide a lump sum payout. Critical disease insurance offers an additional layer of protection tailored for severe illnesses.
Generally, insurers do not allow an increase in the sum assured during the policy year. However, you can revise the coverage amount at the time of policy renewal.
The waiting period is the time after policy purchase during which no claims can be made. The survival period, on the other hand, is the minimum number of days the insured must survive after diagnosis to be eligible for the lump sum payout. This is typically 30 days, depending on the policy.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature, for more details on complete coverage and terms and conditions, please contact our nearest office and also read the policy document and sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale.
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