Comparison Of Short Term and Long Term Health Insurance

The difference between short-term and long-term health insurance lies primarily in the policy tenure. While short-term health insurance can have a term of up to 12 months, long-term health insurance ranges from 5 to 7 years.

Also, the latter is expensive when compared to short-term insurance. Irrespective of the tenure, it is wise to subscribe to a health insurance plan as it can come in handy in times of emergency and give you from financial burden in times of health crises.

Let us compare short term medical plans vs long term medical plans based on some key parameters:

Short-term medical insurance refers to plans that have a validity period of 6 months to 12 months. Short-term health plans cover pre and post-hospitalisation, ambulance charges, organ donor expenses and more. Apart from this, you can also benefit from perks such as a No Claim Bonus (NCB) for not making any claims in the policy tenor and free health checkups.

When compared to long term insurance, the premium rate for short term medical plans are more cost-effective due to the short policy period. 

• In case you need to make changes in your policy, you can do it in just a few months as short-term policies last for a smaller period.

• In case you require short-term health coverage while switching jobs or insurance providers, short-term plans are a suitable option.

• It secures individuals such as international students or Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from visiting the country for a brief duration.

• Short-term medical insurance also offers tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, of 1961.

• The premiums on short-term plans can be more expensive than the ones on long-term plans as health insurance companies offer discounts to individuals who buy long-term plans.

• Most short-term plans do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.

• You cannot benefit from the NCB in short-term plans.

• Short-term plans usually have lesser coverage for diseases and medical expenses compared to long-term plans.

Long term health insurance plan has a policy tenure of 2 to 3 years or more and secures the medical needs of the policyholder for more than a year. Unlike short term plans, you don’t need to renew insurance policy every year.

You also get additional coverage for pre-existing ailments, daycare treatment, and a comprehensive insurance plan that isn’t possible with short term plans. In the comparison between short term vs long term medical insurance, the long term insurance plans have their own set of advantages.

• You can enjoy insurance coverage for a longer period of time in the event of a medical emergency.

• You can stop worrying about forgetting to renew your health plan every year which can lead to a policy lapse.

• The policy also covers alternative treatment such as AYUSH, offering policyholders another option to better their health.

• Long term healthcare insurance gives you access to add-on benefits like critical illness cover, maternity and newborn cover, etc. along with wellness programs.

1. It could be difficult to make changes to long term plans once they are set in place.

2. People may not be willing to buy long term plans in case the health insurance premiums in a lump sum, as the cost of a long term plan will be much higher.

3. Senior and super-senior citizens may have trouble finding affordable long-term plans.

Short-term medical insurance plans are excellent for people who need temporary insurance or are unsure about buying a long-term policy. Short term insurance will be highly useful for the following groups of people:

1. International students studying or traveling in foreign countries.

2. People who wish to switch jobs and need personal insurance during the period of changing their job.

3. NRIs visiting India for a period of time.

4. Anyone traveling abroad for business or vacations needs short term insurance as most countries have mandatory insurance requirements for visitors.

While short-term health policies have their own advantages, long-term policies are suitable for people who have stable jobs and are looking for extensive health coverage for themselves and their families. A long-term health policy provides enhanced protection to the policyholders against any unexpected illnesses or accidents. The following are the groups of people who should look into getting a long-term policy:

1. Everyone should aim to have one long-term health policy to be prepared for any medical emergencies.

2. People who do not wish to renew their policy frequently should look into getting a long term insurance plan to avoid the hassle of renewing the policy frequently.

3. People looking to get medical insurance at a lower rate should go for a long term plan as the premiums for these plans are often cheaper than short term plans.

4. Young people should especially get long term health plans as they can benefit from getting a lower premium for their long term plan, compared to the elderly who need to pay higher premiums. This can save a large sum of money.

With the above comparative view of long term vs short term insurance, some of your dilemmas may have been resolved. However, to pick a suitable insurance plan, it is recommended to understand your insurance needs first. Due to soaring healthcare costs, it is best to have the right insurance backup to avoid using up your savings during emergencies. So, don’t put it off anymore and head over to Bajaj Markets to get a comprehensive health insurance policy and benefit from easy claim settlements, hassle-free renewals, extensive coverage, lucrative add-ons and more!

Health Insurance Plans Available at Bajaj Markets