Introduction
Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the eastern state of Odisha. This city is located in the eastern part of the Kaukhai river and has a rich culture to boast. Bhubaneswar is not only known for being the capital city of the state but also as the Temple city as there were almost 700 temples that were found here, with the traditional architecture from the Kalinga era. Bhubaneswar along with the other temple cities of Puri and Konark are known to form the ‘Swarna Tribhuja’ or the ‘Golden triangle in the eastern part of the country making them the most visited destinations here.
Apart from being the capital city and tourist attraction, the city was also included in the smart city mission initiated by the PM. However, the health care infrastructure in the city is still not up to par. The accessibility to health care facilities is also limited and this has led to high mortality rates in the city. The city has few top class hospitals but the cost of treatment in such hospitals is too high that it cannot be affordable for the common citizen of the city. This makes health insurance a must for the citizens of Bhubaneswar.
Why is health insurance needed in Bhubaneswar?
The health care facilities in any city or state of the country have to be equipped with the facilities and the amount of health care needs of its citizens. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Bhubaneswar. The city has a few multi-speciality hospitals that can handle critical illnesses, but the cost of treatment in such hospitals is too high.
The city faces frequent floods and outbreaks of various diseases like chickenpox, fever, measles, jaundice and various other diseases that trouble the lives of the citizens. The public healthcare system is still not up to par while private health care is too expensive. Therefore, having a health insurance plan in effect is highly essential in Bhubaneswar to safeguard the citizens from any financial stress on account of hospitalization.
Tips to Find the Best Health Insurance Plans in Bhubaneswar
While we have established that having a health care plan is essential, choosing the right health insurance plan is equally important. There are many options of health insurance plans for the citizens to choose from. Therefore, there have to be certain important pointers to look out for while selecting a health insurance plan that can benefit them and meet their needs. Some of the key points to be considered while buying a health insurance plan are detailed below.
Check the amount of coverage and the premium to be paid
The amount of coverage provided by the insurers during the period of cover is an essential factor to be considered by the applicants. This will also determine the amount of premium to be paid by the insured persons. Applicants have to ensure that the amount of coverage is enough to cover their health care needs as well as that of their family members.
Check the reputation of the insurer
Another important consideration is the reputation of the insurer. The applicant has to review their reputation in payment of claims and the time taken by them to settle their dues, any previous hassles faced by insured persons due to the insurer not settling the claims, etc.
Check the number of persons included in the cover
Most health insurance policies provide the benefit of health insurance cover for the individual and his/her family members. Applicants have to get clear clarification of the meaning of the words ‘family members’ according to the insurer and the maximum number of persons that are included in a single plan.
Check if there is a waiting period or a cooling period
Most insurers have a waiting period or a cooling period from the time the policy is taken till the time it comes into effect. This period is to avoid any frauds or wrongdoing on part of the insured persons. This period is the minimum time duration that is mentioned by the insurer within which the applicant is not eligible for any claim and can vary for every insurer.
Check the network of hospitals that are covered under the plan
The network of hospitals that are included under the cover is an important consideration. Many insurers have tie-ups with a chain of hospitals in the city of Bhubaneswar as per their guidelines. Hospitalization and claim of cover are quite simple under these hospitals.
Check if the plan offers cashless treatment
Most hospitals allow cashless treatment. This facility provides the insured person to have the required treatment in the tie-up hospitals without having to pay any upfront cash at the time of admission or for any treatment. It will ensure that the hospitalization process is sped up and will provide mental peace to the insured person.
Check the eligibility criteria set by the insurer
Eligibility criteria is an important factor that has to be considered by applicants before applying for health insurance. The eligibility criteria are different for every insurer as per their guidelines. These criteria have to be met by all the applicants to be eligible for the cover. Some factors of eligibility include the minimum and the maximum age bracket as well as other factors like medical conditions, employment, etc.
Check the various exclusions under the plan
Many insurers have underlying conditions with respect to various exclusions. These exclusions exempt them from any claim raised by the applicants. These exclusions can be regarding any particular situations or diseases, treatment process or medical procedures. Getting this information at the time of taking the health care plan is essential to avoid any hassles at the time of claim.
How to purchase health insurance in Bhubaneswar?
Health Insurance can be easily availed by the residents of Bhubaneswar. They can get this cover through online or offline modes. The steps to get health insurance are mentioned below.
- The first step in this process is to get the information about the various insurers and the plans provided by them.
- After selecting the required plan, the next step is to acquire the plan through either the online portal of the insurer or by visiting their nearest office.
- The next step is to submit the necessary documents and make the payment for the plan purchased.
- The plan will be in effect after the completion of the cooling period.
Check the best health insurance plans in Bhubaneswar by filling up the form at the top of this page. The best health plans matched to your profile are sent directly to your inbox.
Conclusion
Health insurance plans have become an essential investment instrument not only from the tax saving point of view but also because of the benefits they provide. Residents of Bhubaneswar can get the best health insurance plans from reputed insurers at decent premium payments through online or offline modes.
FAQs
1. Is health insurance eligible for any tax deduction?
A. Yes. Premium paid towards health insurance is eligible for tax deduction under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
2. Can a person part of any group health insurance be eligible for individual health insurance?
A. A person part of any group health insurance can convert the policy into an individual cover when they leave the organization. Such persons are not subject to any waiting period as they would have already completed the waiting period being part of the group plan.
3. What are some of the pre-existing conditions that can be included under a health insurance plan?
A. Some of the pre-existing conditions that can be included under the health insurance plans include various ailments and approved diseases like diabetes, heart ailments, thyroid, blood pressure, etc.