Health Insurance in Kerala

Kerala is well known for its green backwaters, high literacy rate, and well-structured healthcare system combining modern medicine with traditional Ayurveda. The medical expenses in Kerala are rapidly increasing.

Choosing the right health insurance in Kerala will keep you ready against unexpected medical bills and help manage lifestyle diseases. Irrespective of whether you are residing in Kochi or in Thiruvananthapuram, the state comprises well-planned health plans.

Moreover, buying health insurance is essential to maintain peace of mind and gain access to enhanced treatment. Take adequate time to reach a well-informed decision concerning your family. 

In Kerala, opting for the right health insurance encompassing all medical expenses is essential. That’s why you need Bajaj General Insurance, one of the best health insurance plans in Kerala. With rising medical treatment costs, Bajaj General Insurance designs plans for Keralites to safeguard against hospital bills.

The available plans offer cashless treatment in more than 18,400+ network hospitals, eliminating the need to pay upfront. Also, these plans cover pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses. Moreover, as Kerala comprises modern hospitals and is well known for traditional Ayurvedic care, Bajaj General Insurance includes policies with an AYUSH hospitalisation feature.

Thus, purchasing the right health insurance provides you with financial security and access to benefits. You can also focus more on recovery – not costs – and maintain peace of mind.

What are the Health Problems Faced in Kerala?

Kerala has a great impact on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as well as various communicable and waterborne diseases. Look at the various health problems prevalent in Kerala:

Diabetes

Diabetes is highly prevalent. Kerala is declared the “diabetes capital of India” with a prevalence rate of up to 24% in certain surveys. The effects of diabetes on other issues are very dangerous to people, particularly heart disease.

Cancer

The state cancer cases per year are almost 35,000. It is associated with a high incidence, which is attributed to lifestyle, diet, and old age.

Heart Diseases

In Kerala, the leading cause of death is heart disease. Approximately 14% of all deaths are due to coronary heart disease. Out of the age group 40-69 years, approximately 38% of deaths are cardiovascular.

Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is also eminent. A survey reveals that about 30.4% of adults have hypertension. The rates of control are poor, thereby exposing residents of Kerala to a greater risk of stroke and coronary attack.

Obesity

Another emerging problem is obesity. Overweight or obesity is prevalent among a major percentage of over 39% of the population in many regions of Kerala. The presence of obesity and inactivity increases the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

Waterborne Diseases

There are also high occurrences of waterborne diseases. Diarrhoeal disease, typhoid, jaundice, and amoebic diseases are on the rise due to contaminated water. It destroys sanitation systems, particularly after downpours and floods.

What are the Types of Health Insurance Plans in Kerala?

Bajaj General Insurance offers health plans across India to meet the medical needs of individuals and family members. Kerala policyholders can gain access to these plans at over 18,400+ network hospitals.

Let’s explore the different types of health insurance plans Bajaj General Insurance provides:

Individual Health Insurance

This policy is specifically for a single individual. The expenses covered under this plan include surgeries, hospitalisation, and daycare procedures. Any individual or working professional can avail this plan, choosing an adequate sum insured starting from ₹3 lakh up to ₹1 crore.

Family Floater Health Insurance

Choosing this plan lets you cover the whole family under a single policy. The premium amount is, however, decided based on the age of the eldest member of the family. This plan is beneficial, particularly when the age of family members is younger.

Senior Citizen Health Insurance

This plan is designed specifically for the senior category residents. People aged 60 years and above in Kerala can choose this plan to avail a high sum insured. Under this plan, Bajaj General Insurance also provides coverage for pre-existing illnesses.

Super Top-up Health Insurance

Choosing this plan provides you with an additional layer of financial protection for your existing plan. This is applicable, however, once your medical expenses exceed a specified limit. With Bajaj General Insurance, policyholders in Kerala can opt for protection up to ₹50 lakh without paying the higher base premium.

Critical Illness Insurance

If you experience a stroke or other critical illness, choosing this plan, you can get a lump sum amount. Bajaj General Insurance provides this amount for further treatment use and meeting everyday expenses. Always find out the illnesses included under this plan and the underlying conditions for the claim process.

How to Choose Sum Insured Options for Health Insurance in Kerala?

Choosing the right sum insured for health insurance in Kerala depends on your medical needs, lifestyle risks, and financial comfort. Kerala has quality healthcare facilities, but hospitalisation and treatment costs can vary widely, making it essential to select adequate coverage.

Here is how you can decide on the right sum insured:

1. Assess Your Risk Level: Consider age, pre-existing conditions, and family medical history.

2. Check Plan Options: Bajaj General Insurance offers individual plans with sums insured from ₹3 lakh to ₹1 crore, while comprehensive plans extend up to ₹5 crore.

3. For Higher Risks: Choose the My Health Care Plan, which provides flexible coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹5 crore, suitable for extensive medical needs.

4. Match Kerala’s Medical Costs: Ensure your sum insured covers hospitalisation, ICU charges, day-care procedures, and unexpected emergencies.

5. Focus on Cashless Access: Bajaj General Insurance provides cashless treatment across network hospitals in Kerala, offering smoother medical care during emergencies.

Why Choose Bajaj General Insurance in Kerala?

Bajaj General Insurance offers a variety of health insurance plans in Kerala designed specifically to meet the needs of Keralites. Here are the key reasons to choose:

Comprehensive Coverage

Bajaj General Insurance health plans include ICU charges, hospitalisation expenses, day care treatments, ambulance charges, and AYUSH treatments (which include Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy).

Pre and Post Hospitalisation Charges

Choosing the right policy from Bajaj General Insurance, you can avail coverage of diagnostic tests, follow-up consultations, and medicine bills, starting from admission, and even post-discharge.

Cashless Treatment

With a robust network of more than 18,400+ hospitals across India, insured individuals in Kerala can receive quality care without making a payment upfront.

Sum Insured Restoration

Even if your sum insured amount is exhausted during the policy tenure, Bajaj General Insurance plans get you covered. Many plans have features of automatic restoration to ensure safeguarding you throughout the year.

Health Check-ups

The majority of health plans under Bajaj General Insurance include regular health check-ups. This way, you can track health and detect medical issues at an early stage.

No Claim Bonus (NCB)

If there are no claims filed during a particular year, your coverage amount will increase. You can avail high protection coverage at no additional costs.

Tax Benefits

The premium amount you pay for Bajaj General Insurance health plans is subject to deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This lets you save on taxes while safeguarding your health in the long term.

Things to Consider While Choosing Health Insurance in Kerala

There are certain factors to consider when buying health insurance in Kerala. The key factors include:

1. Network Hospitals: Determine the network hospitals in Kerala. A large network of hospitals will provide easy access to cashless treatment. This is one of the major benefits during emergencies.

2. Cashless Claim Process: Find an insurance provider with a high claim settlement ratio (CSR). High CSR indicates trustworthiness of the insurer and quick claim payments.

3. Sum Insured Amount: Choose a sum insured which is a sufficient amount in Kerala to meet medical expenses. Take into account present-day inflation and expenses on healthcare in the future. Opt for a plan with higher coverage, particularly for families.

4. Premiums: Find out the premiums other health insurance plans charge. The premium must be pocket-friendly. Keep in mind that the reduced premiums imply reduced benefits.

5. Waiting Periods: Find out about the waiting periods for particular diseases and pre-existing conditions. Short waiting periods are usually preferred.

6. Co-Payment and Deductibles: Inquire whether the policy contains a co-payment or deductible. A co-pay means you need to pay a certain percentage of the bill. Whereas the deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance begins.

7. Policy Inclusions: The plan you choose must include what you need. This can include the in-patient hospitalisation, day care procedures, and pre- and post-hospitalisation costs.

8. Additional Coverage: Choose a plan offering additional coverage that includes the treatment of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy). There can be annual health check-ups.

Every policyholder in Kerala must keep the following documents ready to have a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are the documents mandatory to submit:

Passport-Sized Photograph

Provide a recent copy of your passport-sized photograph as a significant part of your application.

Proposal Form

Fill up and submit the policy proposal form that your insurance company has provided.

Proof of Residence

Submit the following documents as valid proof of residence:

1. Passport

2. Voter ID

3. Aadhaar Card

4. Electricity Bill

5. Driving License

6. Ration Card

Age Proof

Here are the documents to submit as proof of age:

1. Passport

2. Aadhaar Card

3. Ration Card

4. Birth Certificate

5. 10^th and 12^th class marksheets

6. PAN card

Identity Proof

The following documents are mandatory to submit as proof of identity:

1. Voter ID

2. Driving License

3. Passport

4. PAN card

5. Aadhaar card

Eligibility Criteria to Purchase Health Insurance in Kerala

The eligibility criteria are easy to meet for every policyholder. Let's look into the criteria in detail below:

1. Entry Age-Adults: Minimum 18 years, while the maximum age varies from one plan to another. For new entrants, the maximum age is 65 years, with the feature of renewing lifelong.

2. Entry Age-Dependent Children: Children aged 3 months and up to 25 years can opt for the plan.

3. Medical Check-up Pre-Policy: Medical check-up is mandatory for applicants aged 45 years and above or with complicated health risks outlined in the proposal form.

4. Initial Waiting Period: 30 days

5. Pre-existing Diseases Waiting Period: Usually 2 to 4 years, depending on the  chosen plan and its terms

6. Nationality: Indian residents and NRIs

7. Renewability: The Majority of plans offer a lifetime renewability feature.

Buying health insurance in Kerala online is a simple and hassle-free procedure, provided you follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to the official website of Bajaj General Insurance.

Step 2: Enter all relevant details relating to your age, family details, and location (Kerala).

Step 3: Compare plans among other well-known insurance providers, their premium amounts, features, and others.

Step 4: Check if there are any offers and discounts from the plan you have chosen.

Step 5: Include optional benefits and proceed to make the payment.

Step 6:  Upon successful payment, you will receive a policy confirmation instantly.

Also, as an alternative, you can reach out to several other agents of Bajaj General Insurance or dial the customer care number for further assistance.

How to Renew Health Insurance in Kerala?

For your existing policy renewal in Kerala, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Log in to the Bajaj General Insurance app from your smartphone device.

Step 2: Provide all relevant details relating to your current and existing policy.

Step 3: Review the coverage options and update them, if required.

Step 4: Find out if there are renewal offers. Also, include or remove riders in the plan.

Step 5: Confirm the details you entered and proceed further.

Step 6: Complete payment for renewal online. Once you finish, you will receive a confirmation email instantly regarding your policy renewal.

How much Health Insurance Coverage is Required in Kerala?

The health insurance coverage required in Kerala depends on several factors. Make sure to choose an adequate sum insured amount for safeguarding your finances.

1. Medical Inflation: The cost of healthcare is rising, and, in particular, in cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. The rising medical inflation suggests a high sum insured.

2. Size of the Family: A family floater plan includes higher coverage than an individual one. When it comes to a family with four individuals, it is generally suggested to have between ₹10 and ₹15 lakh as a minimum insurance cover.

3. Age and Health: The elderly persons with existing conditions require greater coverage. The treatment cost of a critical illness in Kerala may require ₹5 lakh or above.

4. Urban/ Rural: The treatment costs in the underprivileged category of hospitals in the city of Kerala are higher. For instance, a routine surgery might require more than ₹3 lakh. Thus, high coverage is essential in these areas.

Hence, to buy health insurance, make sure to choose a plan providing adequate financial support during severe medical emergencies.

Consider the following factors to choose the right health insurance in Kerala:

1. Assess Needs of Coverage: To begin with, identify the required sum insured. Consider Kochi, where the costs of medical treatment are comparatively higher. A family of four may require coverage of ₹15 lakh or above.

2. Wide Network of Hospitals: Check the list of network hospitals in your city or district. The high network provides accessibility to cashless hospitalisation. This prevents huge out-of-pocket costs.

3. Claim History: Search the insurer's Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR). A higher ratio, preferably above 90, means a smooth and efficient claim process. This minimises stress during a crisis.

4. Compare Policies: Conduct a thorough comparison of plans online. Negotiate the coverage of pre-existing illnesses and critical illnesses. Know the original waiting times of the compared policies.

5. Evaluation of Premium and Costs: Strike a balance between the coverage and the premium. Find out if there are deductibles and co-payments. These will reduce your premium but raise your out-of-pocket cost in the future.

6. Choose Lifetime Renewability: Find a plan offering lifetime renewability. This ensures uninterrupted coverage during old age.

7. Look for Add-ons: Find other useful add-ons, such as a Super Top-Up Health Insurance plan. This will give an additional cover at a reduced premium on critical illnesses.

Ready to secure the right protection? Check out Bajaj General Insurance health plans for affordable premiums, wide hospital networks, and hassle-free claims.