Health Insurance Short Term Medical Details: Importance, Eligiblity and Plans

Health insurance is the best way to protect yourself from financial burdens during medical emergencies. Everyone needs to get health insurance as early as possible. Therefore, many health insurance companies launch policies that will suit everyone, and short term medical insurance is one of them. It is ideal for those between jobs who don’t have a proper plan or are looking to cover specific healthcare needs. 

As these plans are short term, you can get coverage at a very affordable cost. Read on in this article to understand short-term health insurance plans, their eligibility, their limitations, and the best short-term health plans. 

Why Consider Short Term Health Insurance Plans?

Short-term health insurance works best if you need a health insurance plan for specific purposes. It generally lasts from 30 days to 12 months. When you are between jobs, need coverage for a specific treatment, or are waiting for your primary plan, you can take this plan. As it is applicable, it comes with low premiums. You can also choose according to your needs and switch easily per your terms. Its easy accessibility and benefits make it a considerable option for all. 

Eligibility Criteria for Short Term Health Insurance Plans

Taking a short term insurance plan is very easy. It has some eligibility criteria that you need to know. They include- 

• Age: Individuals ages 18 to 65 are eligible for short-term health insurance plans. Sometimes, it varies depending on the insurance company.
• Residency: Short-term health insurance plans are generally applicable to all Indian residents. However, non-citizen residents can also take advantage of this plan.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Sometimes, insurance companies restrict coverage to certain pre-existing conditions. Always check the restrictions or limits. 
• Waiting Period: Some insurance companies require a waiting period before benefits are available. You should understand the waiting period clause when choosing a plan.

What is Covered in Short Term Healthcare Plans?

A short-term healthcare policy can cover many essential healthcare related things. Policyholders cover the following medical expenses:

• Inpatient service - Short term healthcare plans pay for inpatient services, including hospital bills, room rent, doctor's fees, surgery charges, and medicines.
• Outpatient services- This plan also offers outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and follow-up visits.
• Preventive Healthcare- Most short-term plans offer preventive healthcare services, such as vaccinations, health check-ups, and screenings.
• Daycare- The plan will cover daycare when you don’t need overnight hospitalisation or require less than 24 hours of hospitalisation.
• Emergency Medical Expenses- These plans cover emergency medical services. They can pay for ambulance charges up to a certain amount mentioned in your policy documents. 
• Cost of organ donation- Some short term plans bear the expenses of surgery for organ donation.
• Maternity Benefits: Some short term plans also cover maternity benefits. These plans cover limited maternity coverage, including prenatal and postnatal expenses.

Best Short Term Health Plans

1. Aditya Birla Activ One Plan

Entry Age: Above 18 years.

• Provides for the cost of extended illnesses such as asthma, hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Provide treatment costs 30 days before and 90 days after the hospitalisation.
• 527 daycare or less than 24 hours of hospitalisation.

Sum Insured: up to 10 lakhs.

Network Hospitals: 11000+

2. Bajaj Allianz Health Guard Plan

Age: 18-65 years

• It provides coverage for treatment for 60 days before hospitalisation and 90 days after discharge from the hospital.
• If you are confined to the hospital for more than ten days, you will receive Rs. 5,000 in allowances.
• It covers 536 daycare procedures, excluding the outpatient department.

Sum Insured: up to ₹50 lakh.

Network Hospitals: 18400+

3. Niva Bupa Health Pulse

Entry Age: 18-60 years

• It provides for patients' medical bills up to 30 days before admission and up to 60 days after discharge.
• Aids cover additional costs of nursing, ICU, the doctor’s fee, and operation theatre charges.
• Covers 536 daycare procedures up to the sum insured.

Sum Insured:  ₹5 lakh.

Network Hospitals: 8,500+

4. ManipalCigna Pro-Health Group

Age: 18-65 years

• Get 100% compensation on medical bills.
• Provides for the expenses of treatment taken at home.
• Cover 500 days of daycare or less than 24 hours of hospitalisation.

5. Care Supreme Plan

Age:18 years onwards

• Reimbursement for in-patient hospitalisation, day care procedures, AYUSH treatment, organ donor expenses, and emergency ambulance.
• Annual health check-ups are one of the optional benefits.

Sum Insured: ₹5 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh 

Network Hospitals: 22900+

Contact an InsuranceDekho relationship manager via email at support@insurancedekho.com or on call at +91-755 1196 989 to get a complete guide to short-term healthcare plans and compare them with the best plans available in the market. Our insurance managers will help you choose the best policy for your needs. 

Limitations and Exclusions

There are some coverage limits and exclusions in short term health insurance plans; let's see- 

• Pre-existing conditions: Sometimes, short term health insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions like chronic diseases.
• Limited benefits: Short-term health insurance plans also have some limitations on the benefits of certain medical services.  You must review the plan's terms and conditions to understand coverage limitations.
• Exclusions: Some plans exclude coverage such as maternity care, preventive care, and mental health services. 

FAQs-

Ques 1. Can we get health insurance for one month?

Ans. Short-term health insurance plans in India are typically 30 days to 12 months, depending on the insurance provider.

Ques 2. What is the minimum time to claim health insurance?

Ans. You must claim your policy within 24 hours of an emergency hospitalisation and at least 48 hours before your planned hospitalisation.

Ques 3. What are the disadvantages of short term insurance?

Ans. Short-term health insurance plans cannot be renewed, and there are limits to renewal. A temporary health insurance plan only covers all essential benefits.