Are you someone who does not have health insurance? Or you do, but are wondering if you should switch plans, or worried that you missed out on something? In this special episode, we speak to Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt to discuss the A to Z of getting health insurance. We will break down jargon, consider all important factors, and bust myths to help you make an informed decision.

Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

(This episode was first published on 1st July, 2024).

Timestamps:
01:50 - Why you should get health insurance
04:42 - How health insurance works
05:15 - At what age should you get health insurance?
06:45 - Is there an age limit?
07:28 - Should one choose a public company or a private one?
08:07 - What is a claim settlement ratio?
08:58 - The importance of a good network of hospitals
09:50 - How much coverage should you get?
10:47 - What is a waiting period?
12:06 - How much would you typically end up spending on health insurance?
12:54 - Is the insurance provided by your workplace sufficient?
13:56 - Benefits of sticking to an insurance plan
14:27 - What factors determine your premium?
15:45 - Why you should not lie when getting health insurance
17:32 - Why almost no one covers OPD expenses
19:34 - What do policies usually exclude?
21:37 - How insurance companies avoid paying for mental health treatment
23:02 - Are maternity-related expenses covered?
23:54 - Are daycare procedures covered?
25:32 - Discussing hospital room rents
26:08 - Beware of Co-pay
28:20 - How are pre- and post-hospitalization costs covered?
30:20 - What is a no-claim bonus?
31:02 - What are sub-limits?
31:57 - Benefits and disadvantages of a family floater plan
33:55 - Common reasons why claims get rejected
34:44 - The types of individuals that insurance companies try to avoid
36:39 - Key takeaways