The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many healthcare and health insurance sectors. Many people have realized how important proper insurance coverage is, as evidenced by the growth in the sale of health insurance policies in the past few months. This demand made health insurance companies develop more attractive and relevant schemes. One such improvement is the offering of wellness programs in health insurance policies.
What is health insurance?
Now, let’s understand what health insurance is. It is an insurance policy that will cover your medical and hospitalization expenses in case of illness or an accident. A proper health insurance plan will help you and your family financially while navigating difficult times in your life.
What are wellness programs under health insurance?
Health insurance with wellness programs is a bonus to your regular health insurance policy. Offerings like free medical check-ups, gym memberships, etc., motivate and nudge you to stay fit, thereby preventing some illnesses.
Some insurance companies are driving these changes and are actively being promoted by the sector regulator. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) guidelines, dated 4 September 2020, promote wellness programs and provide a clear policy on what insurance companies can offer. You can visit the official website of IRDAI for further details.
Let’s look at some of the wellness programs insurance companies can offer according to IRDAI –
- Outpatient consultations or treatments – In most cases, your regular insurance covers only inpatient treatments. However, many insurers now offer outpatient consultations as part of wellness programs.
- Health check-ups—Some wellness programs offer diagnosis help and health check-ups, which can help you find irregularities before they turn serious.
- Vouchers for health supplements can be for vitamin pills or even protein powder—many wellness programs now come with coupons for health supplements.
- Memberships – Many wellness programs offer membership to programs that help you stay fit. These could be membership to a gymnasium, a yoga center, a sports club, or a fitness center.
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Why are wellness programs important?
A July 2021 report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), a non-governmental trade association, showed that 116 people in every 1,000 surveyed in India have non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes. Many believe that our lifestyle changes, including lack of physical activity and increased consumption of junk food, have caused this health crisis. This makes keeping your health in check very important in today’s times, and wellness programs could help here.
How can you benefit?
The wellness programs’ vouchers, credits, and subscription benefits encourage you to keep your health in check. There are wellness programs that reward you for exercises like running or swimming, which can be redeemed per the insurer’s terms and conditions. Health check-ups associated with the wellness programs could help you find out NCDs at their root and prevent something serious from happening. * Standard T&C Apply
These all make choosing health insurance with wellness programs a wise choice, especially if you are looking for health insurance plans for your family. If utilized properly, these wellness programs could make a big difference in your overall health.
Please note that insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
