Short Term Health Insurance

A short term health insurance in India is a kind of medical insurance policy that offers coverage for a limited period of time. Typically, short term health coverage lasts for a period of up to 12 months. The best short term health insurance plans offer temporary coverage for any medical emergencies or requirements. And above all, they can be more affordable than their long term counterparts, since the premiums are on the lower side. Let’s take a closer look at the features and benefits of short term health insurance plans and who should buy them.

Important Update (Dated May 30, 2024) – Good news for Health Insurance policyholders! According to the Master Circular on Health Insurance Business 29052024 rolled out on May 29, 2024 by IRDAI, insurers are to decide on the request for cashless claims within 1 hour of receiving the request. Also, the final claim is to be granted within 3 hours after the policyholder’s discharge from the hospital. Insurers have been directed by IRDAI to establish necessary systems and procedures for this process by July 31, 2024.

The Master Circular on Health Insurance Business 29052024 circular is available here - https://irdai.gov.in/document-detail?documentId=4942918

Here are some important features of short term insurance plans that you should be aware of:

• The duration of short term plans is 12 months or lower.

• Short term plans need to be renewed frequently due to the coverage ending soon.

• These plans generally do not cover maternity, critical illness, or pre-existing diseases due to their short term nature.

• The premiums under short term plans are lower compared to long term plans as they only cover a smaller period of time.

• You can switch your short term plan to a different insurer at the time of health insurance renewal.

As mentioned above, short term health insurance is a type of health insurance that offers coverage to the policyholder/the insured for a period of 12 months or lower. This kind of health cover includes financial protection for preventive care, emergency medical needs, doctors’ consultations and any other urgent medical requirements. Short term health insurance coverage can be extremely useful if you are temporarily uninsured on the health front, or if you want to access health insurance plans coverage at affordable costs.

Let’s understand some of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a short term health insurance policy:

Pros

• The premiums of short term health insurance plans are quite low.

• It offers coverage for a wide range of diseases and medical conditions.

• Potential policyholders have the choice to customize their plans.

• Provides health insurance tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

• No Claim Bonus can be availed at the time of renewing your short term health insurance.

Cons

• The discounts that are available for long term insurance are not usually offered with short term health insurance.

• While the total insurance premiums of short term plans are cheaper than long term plans, when monthly or quarterly premiums are taken into consideration, the premiums of long term plans are cheaper.

• Short term plans lack some advanced coverage options that are available on long term health plans.

• If you end up contracting a serious illness or medical condition during the policy term of your short-term plan, your insurer may reject renewing your policy when your original health plan expires.

You are the best judge of whether or not you need short term health coverage. However, it can always help to be aware of the situations in which short term health insurance plans can be useful. Here are some such scenarios:

• If you only have your employer’s health insurance cover, and you are planning to switch jobs.

• If you are an NRI visiting India for a few months at a stretch.

• You are looking for an affordable health insurance cover temporarily.

• There is a gap in your health insurance coverage.

Aside from these scenarios, you can always opt for the best short term health insurance plans if you wish to have your long term medical cover at affordable premiums.

Now that you are aware of all the features and benefits of short term plans, you can list out your requirements and then select the best short-term health insurance based on your specific needs. Just like in the case of long term coverage, it is important to pay your premiums promptly if you choose to buy short term health insurance too. This way, you can continue to enjoy the benefits offered by your short term medical insurance plan without any interruption. You can check out the list of health insurance plans available at Bajaj Markets if you are looking to buy health insurance for yourself and your loved ones. 

Health Insurance Plans Available at Bajaj Markets