Outlook Money
Senior citizens should prioritise their health by engaging in light exercise and outdoor activities, to better cope with age-related issues, such as cancer, strokes, and other illnesses.
Go for an all-inclusive health plan to protect against medical emergencies and future illnesses, as it’s practically impossible to predict future health issues.
Consider government-backed policies, such as the National Varishtha Mediclaim Policy, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, United India Healthcare Insurance, or New India Assurance Mediclaim Policy for cost-effective coverage.
These are available for people aged 60-80 years and can be renewed till the subscriber reaches the age of 90 years.
They cover critical illnesses, such as cancer and heart stroke, and provide costs for medicines, organ transplants, blood, oxygen, diagnosis, and doctors’ consultations.
Health insurance policies offer tax rebates under Section 80D of the Income-tax Act 1961, despite the potential lower sum assured.
Before purchasing a health policy, consider premiums, check-up services, pre-existing disease coverage, hospital network, OPD benefits, and claim settlement process.
Insurers demand a mandatory health check-up when buying a policy after a certain age. The premiums increase significantly due to higher risks involved.