Maintaining an active insurance plan with appropriate coverage has become paramount. While health insurance policy undoubtedly serves as a fundamental shield, certain circumstances may reveal gaps in its protective scope.

Insurance ad-ons as supplementary provisions allow policyholders to augment their coverage, unlocking added advantages. By extending coverage and tailoring benefits to individual needs, these add-ons fortify the safety network, instilling a sense of reassurance amid the uncertainties that life may unexpectedly present.

This article will cover seven add-ons to improve one's healthcare insurance coverage, the significance of these essential add-ons, and the things one should consider while buying an add-on cover. 

What are Medical Insurance Add-on Covers?

Healthcare insurance add-ons or riders are supplementary benefits or coverage options not inherent in standard healthcare insurance plans. They must be obtained separately by paying an additional premium. These add-ons are designed to enhance the existing benefits or increase the sum insured for specific predetermined events.

Top 7 Add-on Covers to Add To Your Healthcare Insurance

It is essential to understand the uses of the add-ons to select the most suitable add-on cover. The following are some of the most popular add-on covers that you can add to your existing best health insurance plan:

1. Critical Illness Cover

This add-on provides the policyholder with a lump sum upon diagnosis as critical illness insurance like cancer, stroke, or kidney failure, irrespective of the cumulative treatment cost.

Benefits

• It offers substantial coverage at a lower cost than comprehensive medical insurance plans. 
• Critical illness payouts are tax-exempt under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
• Coverage extension to medical treatments sought in foreign countries.

2. Personal Accident Cover

With this add-on, the insured is protected against accidental damages, providing compensation in case of permanent, partial, or temporary disability or death resulting from an accident.

Benefits

• Benefit from extensive coverage at highly affordable rates.
• Enjoy worldwide coverage, providing security even when you travel abroad.
• The claim process is effortless and streamlined for your convenience.

3. AYUSH Treatment Cover

This add-on covers expenses on alternative treatment methods like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

Benefits

• It fills the gaps in allopathy treatments by covering medical expenses for AYUSH treatments.
• Policyholders have access to specialised AYUSH daycare centres or hospitals for in-patient care.
• Due to the lower cost of AYUSH treatments compared to allopathy, the sum insured amount of the policy is sufficient to get the desired treatment.

4. Hospital Cash Cover

Such an add-on help the insurer receives a daily cash allowance during hospitalisation provided the hospital stay exceeds 24 hours or one day.

Benefits

• Claim for negligible amounts and enjoy a no-claim bonus on the main insurance policy.
• Health insurance plans under Section 80D offer tax benefits with deductions up to ₹ 25,000 for general citizens and ₹ 50,000 for senior citizens.
• The claim process does not require submitting supporting bills for hospitalisation exceeding 24 hours.

5. Maternity Cover

Expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth are covered under this add-on, offering comprehensive support for maternity-related medical needs.

Benefits

• It covers expenses for delivery and extends to your newborn's medical needs for the first 90 days.
• Some covers offer increased benefits for subsequent pregnancies.
• The policy includes coverage for medically necessary terminations.

What are the Things to Consider When Buying an Add-on Cover?

When considering the purchase of add-on covers for a best health insurance policy, individuals should consider certain crucial factors, like.

1. Terms and Conditions

It is imperative to thoroughly peruse the policy documents, comprehending the various terms and conditions of the add-on mediclaim policy. This careful examination ensures that claims are not rejected due to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

2. Premium

Before finalising an add-on cover, individuals should carefully assess the extra amount they must pay in addition to their base healthcare insurance premium. This precautionary step prevents them from exceeding their budget and helps them choose an add-on cover that fits within their financial means.

3. Coverage 

The most critical aspect to consider while buying healthcare insurance add-ons is the coverage they provide. Individuals must clearly understand the coverage features before purchasing, ensuring that the add-on aligns with their needs.

Conclusion

Healthcare insurance add-ons provide benefits to enhance the existing healthcare insurance coverage. They provide financial security in critical times, improved patient care through access to expert opinions, and coverage for specialised treatments. 

When buying add-on covers, it is essential to consider the mentioned terms and conditions and premiums. So, if you are looking for extensive add-on options, then consider Niva Bupa Health Insurance. They can help you to safeguard yourself and your loved ones.