Investing in a health plan but got 99 questions on your mind? Let us be your guiding light. Here are 8 imp. questions you must ask...
When life offers you choices, and you can’t make up your mind, you would want to pull out your hair. Especially when the choice you got to make affects your personal and financial well-being. The startup boom across the globe, technology changing how we lead our daily lives, and the lessons we've learnt from the pandemic have all led to new products and services that are hyper-focussed on our health and well-being.
With so many options available in the market, one can often feel lost and overwhelmed. Don’t worry, that’s why you have us. In this piece, we take a look at 8 important questions that need to be answered before you buy a health plan.
1. What type of Health Plan do I need?
There are different types of health plans available today. Some are meant for individuals, some cover your family (kids, parents etc.) and some are meant to help you deal with specific illnesses. It is up to you to decide which one best suits your needs.
Before choosing a plan, make sure that you evaluate the needs of everyone involved/dependent on you. In certain cases, you may even need two plans. For example, a family plan can address shared health needs and a disease-specific plan for any lifestyle illness you may be battling.
2. What about Hospital & Doctor Network?
Every healthcare plan provider has a network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals. You may want to check if your health plan provider lists your preferred hospitals and doctors. If you don't have a preference, you may still want to check if their network is vast enough for your city.
3. Are OPD Costs included?
You may not always need hospitalisation benefits but doctor visits, medicines, diagnostic tests can burn a hole in your pocket. Most health plan providers in India don’t give you any benefits on these expenses.
Ideally, if you're investing in a health plan, it should cover all your needs. Take the time to check if saving on these expenses makes sense to you.
4. What expenses are not included?
Be well informed of all the health conditions covered and not covered under your new health plan. Furthermore, check if the plan covers hospitalisation charges, lab tests, emergency service expenses, and other medical expenses. This will ensure you know the costs you may have to pay out of your pocket, even in a medical emergency.
5. What if I don’t use any of these services?
Your health plan is meant to save you money even when in the pink of health. We all need timely checkups, vaccines and preventive care. The ideal health plan should help you save money on these expenses, not just when you or your loved ones fall seriously ill.
If you end up sticking to a plan that does not benefit you for most of the year, it may be more of a liability than an advantage.
Did you know with Kenko, you get benefits on daily healthcare as well? Now why wouldn’t you want a plan that covers all your medical expenses? A to Z?
6. Are there any Additional Benefits to the Plan?
Health plans aren’t all about the limits, cool-off periods, and other numbers. Health subscriptions today also offer a range of additional benefits. There might be tie-ups with other health and wellness services like yoga, fitness, dance, mental health care and more.
Kenko, for example, partners with different companies to provide cheap and easy home delivery of medicines and other over-the-counter healthcare products. It also organises regular events and programs that help you spend your free time well and join the community of health-conscious people. These can be invaluable benefits that make your journey to good health a lot more rewarding.
7. Do I have to pay first? How does it work?
How much you spend on your healthcare depends on your situation and health status. Make a note of these expenses and ask your healthcare provider the benefits they offer upfront. If you have specific healthcare needs, such as diabetes treatment, see if you can get an add-on.
8. How easy is it to seek benefits?
In a competitive market, healthcare providers are going for a customer-centric approach, especially when it comes to benefits. Several of them offer cashless services. That means if you’re hospitalised, you don’t have to pay anything, your health plan provider takes care of your bills.
However, there can still be hiccups and issues in the journey. Do some research on how long it takes for your health plan provider to transfer your benefits. You can find a lot of this information online. Don’t hesitate to ask them as well.
At the end of the day, a health plan is only as good as its ability to lift the financial weight of quality healthcare off your shoulders.
Follow A Checklist. Prioritise Your Requirements.
Committing to a health plan is ideally a decision you make only a few times in your life. Carry out all the research needed before making a decision.
While you’re here, check out the various health plans provided by Kenko and the range of benefits they provide. They’re crucial in providing you with financial security in times of urgency.
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