A health insurance policy provides you with access to top-notch medical care and treatment while ensuring your financial security. Health insurance policies come with various features, including medical insurance claims for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, cashless treatment, room rent, ambulance costs, and more.

In these evolving times, medical expenses have surged, leading individuals to opt for multiple health insurance plans. Another significant reason is that a single policy is often inadequate to cover all family members. While there are evident advantages to having different types of health insurance, managing multiple health insurance claims can be challenging.

Here are some tips to help you file a health insurance claim under several health insurance policies:

1. Notify All Insurers: Always inform all your insurers about your existing policies when purchasing a new health insurance policy or during the health insurance claim process. Failing to do so may lead to a breach of contract and possible claim denial.
2. Choosing the Right Insurer: A policyholder has the right to claim the insurance amount from the insurer of their choice. However, if the claim amount exceeds the sum insured, insurers can apply the contribution clause.
   • For example, if an individual has two health insurance policies—Policy A with Rs. 3 Lakh and Policy B with Rs. 4 Lakh as the sum insured—and claims Rs. 2 Lakh, they can decide whether to submit the claim to Policy A or B. However, if the claim is Rs. 7 Lakh, insurers may settle the claim proportionally.
3. Prioritize Group Cover: If an individual has both a group cover and an individual health insurance policy, it is recommended to file claims against the group cover first. Group policies typically have simpler clauses and faster claim processing. Individual health insurance policies include a No Claim Bonus (NCB) clause, making them a preferable last option.
4. Check the Older Policy First: Older policies often have completed waiting periods and pre-existing condition exclusions. Checking these policies first can be beneficial when filing claims.
5. Submit Original Bills: Ensure that you submit original medical bills to the first insurer and obtain a claim settlement summary before proceeding with subsequent claims to other insurers.

Final Advice

Since you are opting for multiple policies, familiarize yourself with mediclaim and understand the differences between mediclaim and health insurance to avoid complications when filing a claim. Always review health insurance contracts carefully and understand all clauses before purchasing policies and submitting claims. By considering these factors, you can effectively manage claims with multiple insurers and secure the best possible financial and medical benefits.