Everything you need to know about Nominees in Health Insurance
A nominee is a person that you as a policyholder choose to receive the benefits of your health insurance plan in case of an unfortunate event. When you purchase a health insurance plan, it’s important that you pick a trusty party to be your health insurance plan’s nominee. Although appointing a nominee in health insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.
Typically, a nominee is a close family member or friend. In case there is no nominee in health insurance, the claim will be paid out to the natural heir.
The concept of picking a nominee for your health insurance comes with a lot of restrictions. Here’s who you can select:
Spouse
Parents
Children
Friends
Distant relatives
You can also nominate a minor (someone below the age of 18). However, since a minor cannot manage the claim amount, you might also have to mention the details of their guardian. In case the nominee passes away before you, the claim amount shall be transferred to your legal heir (s).
Adding a nominee in a health insurance plan is very easy. In fact, you can do it at the time of purchase itself. All that you have to do is fill in the necessary details of the nominee in the relevant section of the health insurance application form and submit the same to the service provider.
However, since the assignment of a nominee is not mandatory, many individuals skip assigning one at the time of purchase. In that case, you don’t have to worry; you can still assign a health insurance nominee. To do so, you would have to obtain a nomination form from your insurance service provider, fill it up, and submit the same.
Here’s the process for nominee health insurance claims:
Step 1: The nominee must inform the insurance company about your demise with a valid succession and death certificate. In case of accidental death, a copy of the FIR and postmortem report must also be furnished.
Step 2: The nominee then has to send any required documents like health records, relationship proof, and medical bills to the insurer within 30 days. They shall reach out to the nominee in case of any additional requirements.
Step 3: Once the documents are verified, your insurer will transfer the claim amount to the nominee’s bank account.
Now that you know the importance of assigning a nominee in health insurance, make sure that you do it as soon as possible, if you haven't already. This will make it easier for your loved ones to claim the benefits under the health insurance plan after your demise. So, head over to our ‘health insurance’ section and get yourself a comprehensive health cover now!
It is possible to add a nominee for your health insurance plan when you’re making the purchase. However, it is possible for you to appoint a nominee for your health insurance plan after making the purchase as well. All you need to do is get a nomination form from your insurance provider, fill it up, and submit the same.
Yes, you can change your nominee at any point during the insurance’s tenor. To change your nominee, just get in touch with your insurance provider, get a nomination form, duly fill it and submit the same. Many insurers also give you the option to change your nominee or nominee details online.
No, it’s not mandatory that you add a nominee for your health insurance. However, it’s advisable that you do as it can help safeguard your loved ones in your absence.
Yes, most insurers allow you to add friends as your health insurance plan’s nominee. However, many insurers would recommend that you choose an immediate family member as your nominee to avoid legal complications.
You can change your nominee any number of times. However, depending on your insurer’s policy, you may have to pay a small change of nomination charge.
If you don’t assign a nominee for your health insurance plan, claiming the benefits of the plan would take longer and can be done only by your legal heirs after submitting all the necessary documents.
Yes, you can add multiple nominees for your health insurance plan and specify the percentage of benefits that each nominee is entitled to.