Make Sure You Add These 5 Riders to Your Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance serves as a vital financial safety net, providing coverage for medical expenses. However, to customize your policy and ensure comprehensive protection, it's essential to consider additional riders. In this article, we will explore five important riders to consider when purchasing a health insurance plan.

Riders To Enhance Your Health Plan Coverage

Riders are optional add-ons that can be attached to your policy to enhance its health insurance benefits, especially for specific needs. You can consider the following riders to enhance your policy’s coverage:

- Critical Illness Rider ^^

A critical illness rider provides coverage for specified critical illnesses, such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, organ transplant, or kidney failure. If you are diagnosed with any of the covered critical illnesses, the rider pays a lump sum amount, irrespective of the actual medical expenses incurred. This rider can help cover the high costs associated with specialized treatments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments during critical illness recovery. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy. It offers valuable financial support during challenging times, allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than worrying about the financial burden.*

- Hospital Cash Daily Allowance Rider ^^

A hospital cash daily allowance rider provides a fixed daily-cash benefit for each day you are hospitalised due to illness or injury. However, it is important to note that such allowance shall be paid only when there is continuous hospitalisation for a period of more than 24 hours. In addition, twice the allowance is paid if the hospitalisation is in an intensive care unit (ICU) subject to a capping of seven days for each hospitalisation. This additional financial support can be used to cover incidental expenses like transportation, food, and other miscellaneous costs that may arise during your hospital stay. This rider is particularly useful when you consider that health policies may not cover these day-to-day expenses. It provides an extra layer of financial security, ensuring that you can manage the associated costs during your hospitalisation period. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy*

- Maternity Rider ^^

If you are planning to start a family, a maternity rider can be a valuable addition to your health insurance policy. This rider provides coverage for expenses related to prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care. Maternity riders ensure that parents receive comprehensive coverage for maternity-related medical expenses, relieving the financial burden and allowing them to focus on the joyous moments of welcoming a new life. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy*

- Personal Accident Rider ^^

A personal accident rider offers coverage in the event of accidental injuries or loss of life. It provides financial compensation if you experience disabilities resulting from an accident, such as permanent total disability, permanent partial disability, or temporary total disability. The rider pays a defined benefit as mentioned in the policy terms. These include support for medical expenses (optional), rehabilitation costs for chronic ailments, and even serve as income replacement during the recovery period. If the event of an unfortunate demise, it even provides a death benefit to the nominee. Including a personal accident rider in your health policy provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring you are financially secure in case of unforeseen accidents. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy*

- Room Rent Waiver

Hospital rooms have specific daily rents. Depending on the type of room you wish to recuperate in after your procedure, the rent will be applicable. Generally, speciality and super-speciality wards have higher rents as they are mostly single occupancy rooms. General wards have a lower rent due to the multiple beds being shared. The health plan covers room rent, but only up to a certain limit. The room rent waiver allows you to waive this limit and select a room to your liking. The additional rent will be covered by the policy. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy*

Alternate Riders You May Consider

There are other riders which you can select from. You can consider including the following riders as an alternative option:

- OPD Coverage Rider

This rider covers the cost of doctor visits, medical tests, and medicines. The rider covers costs which do not require hospitalisation. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy*

- Restoration Benefit Rider

This rider is designed to restore the exhausted sum insured amount of your policy. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy. The type of restoration depends on the insurer, so discuss it with them before including it in the policy.*

How To Include Riders In The Policy?

There are two ways you can include riders to enhance your health insurance coverage:

- At The Time Of Purchase

When you are looking to purchase a new health plan, you can customise the policy as per your liking and include the riders you want. As a thumb rule, use the health insurance premium calculator to see how much the policy would cost with the riders you wish to add to the policy. On the basis of the quote provided, you may include or exclude them.

- At The Time Of Renewal

You can add or remove riders when you renew health insurance. At the time of renewal, customise your policy to add more riders. Alternatively, you can remove existing riders that remain unused.

Conclusion

Riders are valuable additions to your health policy, allowing you to customize your coverage according to your specific needs. Carefully consider these riders based on your personal circumstances and requirements. Compare health insurance plans to see the difference in coverage and cost, so that you can make an informed decision.   *Standard T&C apply ^^ These add-ons may be available as riders, standalone plans, or as a part of a comprehensive health plan depending on the insurer and insurance policy you choose to buy. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.