The cooling-off period is a window of time following recuperation during which a person cannot buy health insurance.

If prospective insurance customers suffer from a specific illness during this period, the insurance company denies them medical coverage. * 

* Standard T&C Apply

To put it in another way, it can be compared to a deferment period or the amount of time an individual takes to recover from an illness fully and, as a result, become eligible to be insured. All health insurance types in India generally include a cooling-off period.

The benefits ofa health insurance policy can actually come to your rescue in case there is a health emergency.

How long does it last?

This period to “cool off” can last anywhere between a few days to a few months.

In health insurance, how exactly does the cooling-off period function?

The cooling-off period allows insurance companies to evaluate the health of policyholders. A few health insurance companies in India have implemented a “cooling-off” waiting period for COVID-19 survivors considering purchasing a health insurance policy.

For instance, some applicants may not exhibit symptoms and can be unaware of the covid infection. However, they may get diagnosed with coronavirus in future. In addition, individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 must wait for 15 to 90 days from their diagnosis before they can submit an application for medical insurance coverage. * 

* Standard T&C Apply

What happens when you get diagnosed with Covid 19?

People exposed to the virus must wait until they have made a full recovery before being eligible to purchase a health insurance plan. This should be done to reduce the risk of subsequent infections. It may be important to ensure that the applicant’s pre-existing medical condition has improved to the point where it does not pose a high risk.

The important part to note here should be that this shall not affect the monthly premiums for health insurance.

Does vaccination make a difference?

There is no difference between vaccinated applicants and non-vaccinated applicants. It suggests that all standard health insurance policies shall be subject to a waiting period before the insurer can evaluate and decide whether or not the insurance application shall be accepted.

What can you do?

Always remember that you should get coverage for your medical expenses to ensure that you have a coverage against Covid-19 and other health conditions. This may ensure that there are no delays in receiving the benefits of your health insurance policy after becoming infected with the coronavirus. *

* Standard T&C Apply

When you compare health insurance plans, you will find that there is no one best health insurance plan in India. You may use a health insurance premium calculator to compare a few policy premiums too. Once you close on a policy, read the terms and conditions of the final policy very carefully, and ensure that the policy covers COVID-19 infections.

Additionally, to avoid discrepancies and rejection in claims, ensure that you disclose all of the information while buying the policy.

Bottom-line

As a result of the pandemic, having health insurance has turned into an absolute requirement, as it protects you from incurring enormous financial obligations in the event of a medical emergency. Therefore, if you are in good health and have not gotten infected with the virus, it makes sense to get insurance coverage before a situation arises so that you can also set off the costs incurred during the recovery period. If you have already had the virus, you might need to wait for the cooling-off period to get insurance coverage. *

* Standard T&C Apply

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.