Health Insurance for Parents & Senior Citizens
Healthcare needs increase with age. Get comprehensive coverage for your parents with plans designed for senior citizens. Understand waiting periods, co-payment, and find the best policy.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
As parents age, getting insurance becomes harder and more expensive. After 70, options are very limited. After 80, almost no insurer offers new policies. Buy coverage NOW before age or health conditions make it impossible or unaffordable.
Challenges in Getting Insurance for Seniors
Pre-existing Conditions
Parents often have diabetes, hypertension, or heart conditions. These may have 2-4 year waiting periods or permanent exclusions in some plans.
High Premiums
Senior citizen policies cost 2-3 times more than regular policies. A ₹10 lakh policy for 60-year-old costs ₹15,000-25,000 annually.
Age Restrictions
Many regular policies don't accept new entrants above 65. Even senior plans have maximum entry ages, making early purchase important.
Limited Coverage
Sum insured options are limited for seniors. Co-payment clauses mean sharing claim costs. Some treatments may be excluded.
Key Features of Senior Citizen Health Insurance
Entry Age
Most plans accept entry up to 65-80 years. Some have no maximum entry age. Renewal is lifelong in most policies.
Co-payment
Almost all senior plans have 10-30% co-pay. This means you bear part of claim amount. Lower co-pay plans have higher premium.
Waiting Period
Pre-existing diseases covered after 1-4 years. Some plans offer shorter waiting periods for select conditions.
Medical Tests
Pre-policy medical check-up usually required. Tests at insurer's cost in most cases. Results affect premium and coverage.
Sum Insured
Usually limited to ₹5-25 lakhs. Some plans offer higher coverage. Consider super top-up for additional coverage.
Premium
Higher than regular policies due to increased risk. Premium increases with age. Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Popular Senior Citizen Health Plans
| Insurer | Plan | Entry Age | Sum Insured | Co-pay | Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Health | Red Carpet | 60-75 years | ₹1-25 L | 20% | ₹15,000-35,000 |
| Care Health | Care Senior | 61+ years | ₹3-25 L | 20% | ₹12,000-30,000 |
| Niva Bupa | Senior First | 60-80 years | ₹5-25 L | 20% | ₹14,000-32,000 |
| ManipalCigna | Senior Citizen | 56-80 years | ₹5-25 L | 15% | ₹13,000-28,000 |
Premiums are indicative for 65-year-old individual. Actual premium may vary based on health condition.
Tips for Buying Insurance for Parents
- Buy before age 60-65 when options are better and premiums lower
- Declare all existing health conditions honestly to avoid claim rejection
- Consider super top-up for additional coverage at low cost
- Check network hospitals for preferred doctors and hospitals
- Keep separate policy for parents - don't add to family floater
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About Health Insurance
Protect Your Parents' Health Today
Don't wait for a medical emergency. Get comprehensive health insurance for your parents now while options are still available.