Aside from the financial assistance provided by health insurance plans, there are also other attractive benefits available. The primary appealing aspect is the ‘wellness points’ linked to the renewal of health insurance. Wellness benefits in health insurance are offered in the form of wellness points, which can be redeemed either as discounts on premium payments or as membership perks at any affiliated organization. These health insurance policies centered on wellness aim to encourage individuals to take a proactive approach to healthy living. Therefore, let’s explore how to maximize the use of these wellness points.

How Do Wellness Programs in Health Insurance Function?
Wellness programs in health insurance emphasize preventive care, assisting individuals in maintaining good health while minimizing long-term medical costs. These programs generally include benefits such as regular health examinations, vaccinations, screenings, and fitness incentives. Some insurers also reward healthy behaviors, like walking or exercising, with redeemable points or reductions on premiums.

What’s Included in Health Insurance Wellness Programmes?
Health insurance wellness programmes usually provide a variety of preventive and health-promoting benefits, which encompass:

• Routine health check-ups – Regular visits to the general practitioner to assess overall health.
• Vaccinations – Coverage for essential immunizations to avert diseases.
• Diagnostic screenings – Tests aimed at detecting health issues at an early stage.
• Dental and vision care – Preventive services for oral and visual health.
• Fitness incentives – Subsidized gym memberships, wellness coaching, and discounts on fitness plans.
• Health rewards – Points or discounts for monitoring steps or completing health evaluations.
• Mental health support – Access to counseling and resources for stress management.

IRDAI Guidelines for Health Insurance Wellness Programs
According to the recent IRDA amendment, every insurance company in health insurance plans is required to:

• Summarize the wellness benefit points to the respective policyholders annually.
• Clarify the medium of communication for the aforementioned reward points.
• Outline the means of redeeming the accumulated wellness benefit points.
• Take responsibility for any inconsistencies in the administration of the reward program.

Benefits of Choosing Health Insurance Wellness Programs
The idea of “prevention is better than cure” initiated the need for incorporating wellness features in health insurance plans. These wellness components provide numerous advantages for both the insured and the insurer. They are designed to motivate the insured to place their health as a priority.

Various types of wellness benefits available under health insurance plans include:

• Redeemable vouchers for health boosters and supplements.
• Redeemable vouchers for memberships at affiliated yoga centers and gyms.
• Discount on insurance premium payments during health insurance renewal.
• Increase in the sum insured amount.
• Complimentary health diagnostics and evaluations at partnered hospitals.
• Redeemable pharmaceutical vouchers at affiliated outlets.
• Free or significantly reduced costs for outpatient treatment and consultations.

All savings are provided by the insurer in accordance with the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard terms and conditions apply.

Please be aware that no wellness benefits program under any health insurance plans includes discounts on third-party merchandise or services.

1) Reward Points to Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
The reward points accumulated through healthy living can be used for discounts on various medical tests and check-ups at all network hospitals and diagnostic centers. The points can also be exchanged for discounted membership at various wellness centers such as yoga studios, gyms, and more.

2) A Personal Wellness Coach
Several insurance companies also offer the attractive option of a personal coach. The coach guides the insured individual on their dietary habits, exercise plans, nutritional balance, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy BMI, and much more. The coach sets achievable targets. Upon reaching these targets, the insured earns points that can be redeemed as mentioned earlier.

3) Second Medical Opinion
Specific health plans feature the benefit of a second medical opinion wellness service. Under this provision, in cases of chronic or serious medical issues, the insured has the option to request a second medical opinion. This second opinion is provided at no cost to the insured. However, it is essential to note that no insurance company takes responsibility for any mistakes that might occur in the medical opinion.

4) Exciting Concessions on Renewal
The availability of appealing concessions on wellness benefit plans motivates the insured to monitor their healthy living. Furthermore, these wellness benefits can be accessed without additional charges to the insurance company. Additionally, there is no requirement to enroll separately in the wellness program. The insured is automatically enrolled from the day they or their family is covered under the family health insurance or individual plan.

All savings are provided by the insurer in accordance with the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply.

Health Insurance Wellness Benefits Program and Digital Integration
We live in a digital era, where every industry requires a technology-based solution. Therefore, how could the insurance industry stay behind?

With numerous Android and iPhone health and wellness applications trending, it has become simple for any health-conscious individual to monitor their routine health and wellness metrics. The insured can subsequently integrate the results from these applications with their health plan provider to receive wellness benefit rewards.

Some health insurance companies also offer personal wellness programs to encourage individuals to lead a healthy life. Therefore, insurers provide a ‘cumulative bonus’ for each claim-free year.

Today, insurance firms also utilize smart wearable health monitoring devices to oversee the reward points of their insured clients. They employ digital badges and other incentives to encourage healthier lifestyles among the population.

Conclusion
Wellness programs in health insurance schemes create a mutually beneficial situation for both the insurer and the insured. For instance, an insured individual who maintains a healthy lifestyle is less likely to suffer from chronic diseases, resulting in a lower probability of filing claims. Conversely, wellness points motivate the insured to adopt a healthier lifestyle while also saving their hard-earned money on avoidable medical costs. The preventive care offerings thus encourage individuals to simultaneously enjoy both financial and wellness benefits.