Multiple Health Insurance

Having a health insurance policy is not mandatory, but it is nothing less a necessity. After this horrific pandemic of COVID-19, everyone has understood how important it is to have a reliable financial backup during such medical emergencies.

Not just this, the continuous rise in healthcare fees and medical costs, it has become crucial to secure your healthcare needs with a Health Insurance Policy. Moreover, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and other lifestyle-related issues have highlighted the importance of health insurance.

To ensure that you have enough financial support at the time of a medical emergency, policyholders now have the option to opt for Multiple Health Insurance Plans. Yes, you heard it right! An individual can now buy two or more health insurance policies to indemnify treatment costs.

Let’s explore more about Multiple Health Insurance Plans:

Generally, Health Insurance companies sell standard Health Plans or Health indemnity plans under which one can claim the expenses incurred on the hospitalization based on the amount of coverage (sum insured) and policy sub-limits.

On the other hand, Insurance companies these days offer some fixed-benefit insurance plans for critical illnesses, personal accidents, maternity and some lifestyle diseases. Other than this, the insurance companies also offer unit-linked health plans and hospital cash-benefit policies.

Thus, with so many options available one can buy multiple health policies along with one basic Health plan. Buying another health plan is purely need-driven, however, it is also true that with multiple health plans, one can increase their coverage, claim filing flexibility, and can save a lot of money by utilising multiple benefits.

Benefits of Having Multiple Health Insurance Plans

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying Second and Subsequent Health Policies

Below-mentioned are some of the factors that one needs to consider before buying another health insurance policy:

Health Insurance Claim Procedure from Multiple Policies

With multiple health insurance policies, one has the flexibility in the number of claims at the time of a medical emergency. One can claim for Cashless or for Reimbursement. Take a look at the below points to understand the claim procedure:

For Cashless Claims:

There are two ways to use multiple health insurance plans for cashless claims. The first is the most common, in which you, and obtain the claims settlement summary. After then, you need to obtain the attested copies of the bills. You may then approach the second insurance company and ask for the remaining money to be reimbursed. If you are fortunate enough to get a treatment cost that is clearly specified, you can fill out both of the authorization forms. Both insurance companies will get a document from the hospital, and with the information provided by the hospital, your Insurance companies will settle the cost directly.

For Reimbursement Claims:

It is true that the cashless method is increasingly popular these days as it allows the hospital and insurance company to settle expenses directly between them. Despite its growing popularity, some hospitals refuse to accept the cashless payment option. In such situations, you must pay the amount out of pocket first, then have the insurance company refund you later. You will be needed to provide original bills in order for the insurance to pay you for your medical expenditures. Please note that your insurance company will keep these bills.

Wrapping it up…

Before opting for multiple Health Insurance, one must consider the overall claim amount as well as the total sum insured available. Examine the clause for any deductibles or co-payment provisions.

It's best to utilise the insurance without a co-payment or deductible because both of these provisions force the policyholder to pay a portion of the claim out of cash or via another coverage. Go through the policy documents of your first policy and choose another on the basis of what's excluded and your needs.