As we age, our healthcare needs increase. For senior citizens, medical expenses can be especially high, making it important to have a financial safety net in case of unexpected illnesses or injuries. For this reason, many people consider purchasing a mediclaim policy for their parents. These policies offer coverages for medical treatment, hospitalization expenses, and other related costs.
However, it’s important to note that even the most comprehensive mediclaim policy for parents may not cover certain medical expenses. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s not covered under a mediclaim policy for parents.
Pre-existing conditions
One of the most important exclusions to keep in mind when it comes to mediclaim policies for parents is pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any medical condition that existed prior to the policy’s effective date. This means that if your parent has a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, hypertension or arthritis, the insurance company may not cover the costs associated with that illness. In most cases, it is important to disclose all pre-existing conditions when purchasing a mediclaim policy for your parents, as any failure to do so may result in the claim being denied.
Injury or illness due to alcohol or drug abuse
If an injury or illness is caused due to the excessive use of drugs or alcohol, most mediclaim policies may not cover medical expenses. It is important to note that while many policies may cover accidental injury due to usage of alcohol, injuries due to drug abuse are usually excluded.
Cosmetic surgeries
Most mediclaim policies for parents only cover medical treatments for ailments or diseases. Cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, nose jobs, or liposuction are generally not covered. However, certain policies may cover reconstructive surgeries for medical reasons, for example, after an accident or injury.
Diagnostic tests for some illnesses
Many diagnostic tests for certain illnesses such as cancer and HIV are expensive. But, most mediclaim insurance policies would usually limit the benefits provided by them. Tests for cancer screening such as mammograms and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are covered only when the policyholder has a lump or mass detected in their breast or prostate. Similarly, HIV tests would be covered only if the policyholder was exposed to the HIV virus.
Alternative therapies and treatments
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and Ayurveda have become increasingly popular for people looking for a more natural approach to their healthcare. However, many mediclaim policies don’t cover these treatments. If you or your parents are interested in alternative therapies, you should confirm what treatments, if any, are covered under their policy.
Expenses related to maternity
Maternity expenses related to childbirth, prenatal care or abortion are generally not covered by mediclaim policies for parents. However, individual policies may offer some coverage in this regard. It’s important to read the policy documents carefully and understand what is covered and what is not.
Dental, vision, and hearing care
Most mediclaim policies for parents focus on covering the expenses related to illness or hospitalization. As a result, dental, vision, and hearing care are often not included in the coverage. While some policies may offer coverage for these expenses, it is often limited. If you or your parents have ongoing dental, vision or hearing issues, it is important to check the policy’s specifics.
Preventive care
Preventive care such as regular checkups, routine exams, and screening tests are not usually covered by most mediclaim policies. While most people understand the importance of regular check-ups to maintaining their health, these expenses are typically considered out of pocket expenses.
Non-emergency treatments abroad
Many people travel abroad for specialized medical treatments or surgeries. Depending on the location and the treatment, these expenses can be quite high. However, if the trip is not due to an emergency, most mediclaim policies will not cover this expenditure.
Conclusion
While mediclaim policies for parents can provide much-needed financial support for medical expenses, it’s important to understand what is not covered by the policy. Pre-existing conditions, injuries or illnesses due to drug or alcohol abuse, maternity expenses, cosmetic surgeries, alternative therapies, dental, vision, and hearing care, preventive care, and non-emergency treatments abroad are usually excluded from cover. Understanding these exclusions will help you better assess your coverage needs, avoid out-of-pocket expenses, and ensure financial security for you and your loved ones. Using a BMI calculator can assist you in evaluating your health and insurance needs more accurately.