Having health insurance is essential, as you receive proper medical care. After you’ve purchased a health insurance plan, you must know about policy renewal and the terms as well as conditions of the claiming process. If you ignore the basic facts regarding the health insurance renewal process, you can be deprived of the continuation benefits and will be forced to start a new policy. The new policy can be started with either the same company or a new insurer.
The health insurance plan is typically offered for one year. You must renew it every year. You will receive a renewal reminder by the insurance companies. But, it is your responsibility to renew your policy on time.
Doing so will save you from losing the continuation benefits of the policy, such as waiting periods for pre-existing diseases or no-claim bonus accumulation. If insurance renewal is not undertaken before the policy expires, your health insurance policy will lapse.
Consider the following five essential facts to be checked before renewing health insurance:
1. Give Health Updates
If there is any change in your health condition occurred during the previous year, then you must inform this to the insurance provider. If you wish to close your policy, then you must make a formal request 30 days in advance before your policy expires.
2. Premiums must be paid timely
Pay the premium that is payable to the insurance company, as this helps to keep the health insurance policy in effect.
3. Grace Period allowed
If you fail to renew the policy in time, you are entitled to a grace period of fifteen days by the insurance company so you can pay up the policy’s renewal premium. If the plan is renewed within the stipulated period, the program will still be valid, and you can continue receiving the benefits.
4. Policy Portability available
During the time of renewal, you can always opt for an upgrade in your policy and receive better benefits. You are also allowed to switch over to another service provider and still enjoy the policy continuation benefits. You must communicate the same to the existing insurance company, 45 days ahead of the scheduled policy expiration.
5. A few other things to check during Health Insurance renewal
The insurance companies do not entertain any claims for the period between policy expiry and renewal. The policy lapses if you do not pay the
health insurance renewal premium within the grace period.
If the insurance provider has denied renewal, you are eligible to seek an explanation from the insurer for such an action.
If you opt for portability, you are eligible for continuation benefits from the policy that is already existing.
Conclusion
Before purchasing a health insurance plan, make sure to compare various policies across the top insurance providers and choose the best according to your needs. Health Insurance plans can be compared online and you can also get an instant quote on your desired policy.