When should I buy health insurance?+
The best time to buy health insurance is when you are healthy. Many benefits, including coverage for certain conditions, may have waiting periods. Taking insurance early gives you access to protection before you need it. Health insurance is easier to plan when everything is fine — not during a medical emergency.
How much coverage do I need?+
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right coverage depends on your family size, age of family members, and existing medical conditions. At SafeAssets, Rasi helps families understand what level of protection suits their specific situation.
Can I buy health insurance for my parents?+
Yes. Many health insurance plans allow you to cover your parents. Available options may depend on their age, current health condition, and existing medical history. The earlier you explore parent coverage, the more options are typically available.
Can I use my insurance in any hospital?+
Many policies provide access to a network of hospitals for cashless treatment. Treatment may also be available outside the network through reimbursement, depending on policy conditions. Rasi will explain your specific policy's network during the consultation.
What is the difference between cashless and reimbursement claims?+
Cashless: The insurer settles eligible expenses directly with the hospital. You do not need to pay large amounts upfront. Reimbursement: You pay first and later submit documents to claim eligible expenses. Both are valid — the right choice depends on which hospital you visit.
How does cashless treatment work?+
In a cashless facility, the insurance company directly settles eligible medical expenses with the hospital, subject to policy terms and approval. You show your health card at the hospital's insurance desk, fill a pre-authorisation form, and the insurer approves directly with the hospital. This reduces the need for large upfront payments.
What is a waiting period?+
A waiting period is the time after policy purchase during which certain conditions are not covered. Initial waiting: 30 days (accidents covered from day 1). Pre-existing diseases: 2–4 years. Maternity: 9 months to 2 years. Specific conditions (hernia, cataract, etc.): 1–2 years. The key: waiting periods begin only after you buy the policy.
What happens when I need to claim?+
For cashless claims: go to a network hospital, show your health card, the hospital communicates with the insurer, and eligible expenses are settled directly. For reimbursement: collect all original bills, discharge summary, lab reports, and prescription. Submit to insurer or TPA within 30–45 days. Rasi provides complete claim assistance at every step.
Can I switch my health insurance to a different insurer?+
Yes — this is called portability. Under IRDAI regulations, you can port your policy to a new insurer at renewal without losing your completed waiting period credits. No-claim bonus also transfers. Apply 45 days before your renewal date. Rasi helps evaluate whether porting makes sense for your situation.
What is not covered in health insurance?+
Common exclusions include cosmetic treatments, dental procedures (unless due to accident), self-inflicted injuries, and treatments for conditions during the waiting period. The specific exclusions vary by plan. Rasi reviews these clearly during the consultation so there are no surprises.
What are the tax benefits of health insurance?+
Under Section 80D of Income Tax Act: ₹25,000 deduction per year for self and family premiums. An additional ₹50,000 deduction for senior parents' premiums. Total possible deduction: ₹75,000 per year. At the 30% tax bracket, this saves ₹22,500 in taxes annually.
How much does health insurance cost?+
Premiums vary based on age, number of members, sum insured, and insurer. Approximate annual premiums in Kerala: Individual aged 30, ₹5L cover — ₹4,500 to ₹7,000. Family of 4, ₹10L cover — ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. Senior parents, ₹5L cover — ₹18,000 to ₹28,000. Rasi provides exact premium comparisons during the free consultation.