Best Pre Existing Diseases Health Insurance To Buy in 2024

Many individuals and families purchase health insurance plans at an early age to get protection against critical illnesses, injuries, and impairments. But, in certain cases, policyholders purchase a policy after suffering or identifying chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, etc. These individuals must apply for health insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions.

The waiting period for pre-existing medical conditions can vary from insurer to insurer. Once the policyholder completes the waiting period then only, he can claim policy benefits. Generally, the waiting period for such cases is 1-4 years. Any costs that are incurred before the waiting period is not covered under such plans. However, health insurance companies may sometimes reimburse a portion of such expenditures provided you pay the remainder of the costs as a "co-payment."

In this blog, we will cover some of the best health insurance policies for pre-existing diseases, key factors, and the latest changes made to insurance policies. Further, we have listed all the exclusions in Pre-Existing Disease Health Insurance Plans.

Changes in Pre-Existing Disease Coverage for 2024

Here are a few changes that have been made this year in pre-existing diseases (PED) health insurance plans:

• Reduced Waiting Period: Health insurance companies have been notified to reduce the waiting period for pre-existing conditions from 4 years to 3 years. Insurers must adapt to this change to enable policyholders to access coverage benefits sooner.
• Changes in the Moratorium period: As per the previous rules, the moratorium period for health insurance policies was 8 years. But now, after the IRDAI statement release, it has been confirmed that the moratorium period for health insurance policies has been reduced to 5 years. Now, policyholders can easily make their claims after completing 5 years of their moratorium period. Also, keep in mind that the insurer has no right to deny your request on any grounds (except fraud).
• Claims with multiple insurers: Policyholders have gained another benefit from the newly changed policy rules. An Insured individual can use his different policy coverage benefits for a single hospitalization. Let's say, you got hospitalized during a medical emergency, and the entire hospitalization cost totals up to 10 lakhs. But, you had only two health insurance policies with a sum insured of 5 lac each. After the new change, you can use multiple plans to cover your expenses.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Diseases

When purchasing a health insurance plan for pre-existing diseases, make sure to keep the below-listed factors in mind, such as:

• Pre-existing Illness Disclosure: Informing your insurance provider about your pre-existing illness and complications initially during the time of policy purchase is essential. If the person misses out on this crucial detail, the insurance provider has the full right to reject your policy claim or cancel anytime. Due to policy cancellation during a medical emergency, the policyholder can face financial burden and mental stress.
• Waiting Period: Until the waiting period for your selected policy is complete, one cannot make immediate claims after policy purchase. Hence, it is important to check your waiting period at the time of policy selection. Remember, any treatment that you incur before completing the waiting period, the entire cost will be borne out of your own pocket.
• Review terms and conditions before purchase: Not all health insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing diseases. Also, if some provide coverage, they impose a waiting period. So, make sure to check your policy documents carefully and avoid claim rejections in the future due to exclusions or waiting periods.
• Option to Waive the Waiting Period: A few insurance companies provide the option to waive the waiting period in exchange for an additional premium. Keep in mind this decision depends on the severity of your illness.
• Impact Your Policy Premiums: In comparison to insurance plans that do not cover pre-existing conditions, your health insurance premium will be greater if you are already receiving treatment.

Best Pre-Existing Diseases Health Insurance Plans

The following health insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing diseases:

• Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Essential Plan

Activ Health Platinum Essential Health Insurance Plan is one of the best plans for pre-health conditions provided by Aditya Birla Capital. Apart from the comprehensive plan benefits, it offers financial protection against several chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, high blood pressure, etc. The eligibility age criteria for an Active Health insurance plan are 91 days to no maximum limit and a 36-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Further, the plan offers several other benefits, such as a cumulative bonus of 10% of the Sum Insured, Expert Health Coach, HLTH Meter (optional), 50% HealthReturnsTM, etc.

• Care Supreme Plan with Instant Cover

Care Supreme Health Insurance is another popular plan purchased by most individuals and families for pre-existing illnesses. It is a complete health plan that covers hospitalization expenses, domiciliary care, organ donor expenses, daycare treatment, AYUSH treatment, etc. Apart from the basic benefits, the care health plan includes Cumulative Bonus Super, unlimited auto recharge of sum insured, annual health check-ups, wellness benefits, e-consultation, etc. The entry age for the Care Supreme Health plan for adults is 18 - 99 years and 90 days to 24 years for children. Further, a 36-month waiting period with continued coverage is available for pre-existing diseases.

• HDFC ERGO Energy Health Insurance Plan

Energy Plan from HDFC ERGO is an exclusive health insurance plan designed specifically for diabetic and hypertension patients. All health issues related to diabetes and related complications are covered under this HDFC Ergo health insurance plan. With this plan in hand, you can get coverage for your day-care procedures, hospitalization costs, road ambulance, organ donor expenses, etc. It further comes with several additional benefits, such as a no-waiting period, lifelong renewability, reward bucket, wellness programs, and sum insured restore benefits. If there are any other pre-existing conditions apart from diabetes and hypertension, a waiting period of 2 years is applicable.

• Star Diabetes Safe Insurance Plan

Individuals suffering from Diabetes can apply for the Star Diabetes Safe health insurance policy that comes with no waiting period. Both individuals and families can apply for this Star health insurance coverage plan for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients. The age limit for Star Diabetes Safe Health Insurance Policy is 18 to 65 years for diabetic patients. With this policy in hand, all your hospitalization expenses, daycare medical procedures, out-patient expenses, etc., will be covered.

Comparing Health Insurance Plans for Pre-Existing Diseases in 2024

Name of the Insurance Company	Name of the Insurance Policy	Sum Insured
Aditya Birla Capital	Activ Health Platinum Essential Plan	₹50,000 to ₹1 crore
Care Health Insurance	Supreme Plan with Instant Cover	₹5 lakh, ₹7 lakh, ₹10 lakh and ₹15 lakh
HDFC ERGO	Energy Health Insurance Plan	₹2 lakh to ₹50 lakh
Star Health Insurance	Optima Secure	₹3 Lakh, ₹4 Lakh, ₹5 Lakh, to ₹10 Lakh

Exclusions in Pre-Existing Disease Health Insurance Plans

• Self-inflicted injuries: Self-inflicted injuries caused due to abuse of intoxicating drugs or alcohol are not included in pre-existing diseases' health insurance plans.
• War: Any disastrous or unfortunate event resulting from war or conflict is not covered under these plans.
• Sexually transmitted diseases: In most policies, sexually transmitted infections and venereal diseases are not covered by insurance policies.
• Cosmetic surgery: Obesity treatments or cosmetic surgery are also not provided any coverage under pre-existing disease insurance plans.

How to Choose a Plan with a Shorter Waiting Period?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a plan with a shorter waiting period:

• Compare Policies and Waiting Periods: Make use of online aggregators to compare the waiting period for different health plans and determine whether a policy meets your requirements. Some policies after a shorter waiting period of 1-2 years, so look for those policies and check if they fit best for you.
• Get Expert Advice: Contact insurance agents or advisors to get more information related to different plans that offer shorter waiting periods for certain health conditions.
• Review terms and conditions: Policies with minimal waiting periods for certain pre-existing illnesses often provide immediate coverage. Make sure to check health conditions that come under immediate coverage options.

Takeaway

Check and compare some of the best pre-existing disease health insurance plans that you can buy in 2024 for you and your family. Be it diabetes, hypertension, or any other pre-existing illness, these plans will provide coverage benefits and a minimum waiting period. For more details on the plans, you can contact InsuranceDekho's team.

FAQs

Ques 1: What criteria are used to determine pre-existing conditions?

Ans: As per IRDAI, medical conditions identified with the policyholder within 48 months before policy purchase are considered to come under pre-existing health conditions.

Ques 2: Which all health issues are considered as a serious pre-existing condition?

Ans: High blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, and other health conditions are considered serious pre-existing diseases.

Ques 3: Is there a possibility that my health insurance plan in India will be denied due to a pre-existing condition?

Ans: Certain people may not be eligible for insurance coverage by insurance companies, depending on their health. Also, if a policyholder hides the pre-existing condition from the insurer, the insurance company can deny the claim.

Ques 4: Does a pre-existing condition affect how much coverage is provided?

Ans: A pre-existing condition has no bearing on the amount of coverage that can be received. The policyholder must, however, complete the waiting period before receiving the claim.

Ques 5: How long is the health insurance waiting period for pre-existing conditions?

Ans: Generally, a waiting period of 1 to 4 years is provided for insurance plans covering pre-existing conditions. But, this period may vary from insurer to insurer.