How Does a Super Top-up Health Insurance Work for Senior Citizens?
Our parents have been our pillars of strength, nurturing us with unconditional love and care through every step of life. As they grow older, their health and well-being become our responsibility.
This is a chance to give back the care, they selflessly provided. And, with rising medical costs, ensuring they have access to the best healthcare is more important than ever.
Hence, super top-up health insurance for senior citizens, i.e., our parents, is a thoughtful way to safeguard their golden years, offering enhanced coverage and peace of mind without straining their savings. Read this article to understand why super top-up health insurance is important and how it works for senior citizens.
What is Super Top-Up Health Insurance for Senior Citizens?
A senior citizen super top-up is a type of extension the policyholder can claim after they exhaust their basic health insurance plan. It's important to realize that super top-up health insurance has a deductible amount when you buy it.
A deductible is the amount a policyholder must pay before their insurance plan begins to pay for their medical bills. You are responsible for paying hospital bills up to the deductible amount during the claims period, with the remainder being covered by your super top-up health insurance.
Understanding Super Top-Up for Senior Citizens with an Example
Meet Mr. Gupta, who has health insurance for his father (aged 70 years) covering INR 10 Lakh of the sum insured. He bought a super top-up plan (Digit’s Health Care Plus Policy) to be covered entirely in times of emergencies. He opted for a 2 lakh deductible in the super top-up plan.
Let’s see how the super top-up for senior citizens (for Mr. Gupta’s father) and deductibles work together for you compared to other top-up plans:
| Your Policy Details & Claims | Super Top-Up Insurance for Senior Citizens (Digit Health Care Plus) | Other Top-Up Plans |
| Deductible Choose | 2 Lakhs | 2 Lakhs |
| Sum Insured Chosen | 10 Lakhs | 10 Lakhs |
| 1st Claim of the Year | 4 Lakhs | 4 Lakhs |
| You Paid | 2 Lakhs | 2 Lakhs |
| Your Top-up Insurer Pays | 2 Lakhs | 2 Lakhs |
| 2nd Claim of the Year | 6 Lakhs | 6 Lakhs |
| You Paid | Nothing! 😊 | 2 Lakhs (Deductible Opted) |
| Your Top-up Insurer Pays | 6 Lakhs | 4 Lakhs |
| 3rd Claim of the Year | 1 Lakh | 1 Lakh |
| You Paid | Nothing! 😊 | 1 Lakh |
| Your Top-up Insurer Pays | 1 Lakh | Nothing ☹️ |
Why Should Senior Citizens Get a Super Top-Up Health Insurance Plan?
Key Benefits of Super Top-Up Health Insurance for Senior Citizens
As our loved ones age, their healthcare needs often increase, making it essential to ensure that they have adequate financial protection. Hence, super top-up insurance for senior citizens is the smart and affordable option for getting adequate health coverage.
Here are key benefits that make super health insurance a valuable choice for seniors:
One of the primary advantages of super top-up plans for senior citizens is that they offer a higher covered sum than basic health insurance policies. This increased coverage is crucial for older persons who require greater financial stability and are more prone to illness.
Unexpected medical expenses often threaten seniors' retirement resources. Super top-up plans act as a financial safety net, ensuring that medical costs won't drain their hard-earned cash.
In contrast to regular health insurance plans, super top-up plans pay for medical costs exceeding a predetermined deductible amount. After the policyholder has paid this amount, the insurance company will pay the remaining claim amount.
Critical illnesses can be financially taxing, particularly for elderly people. Seniors can choose to add more coverage for critical illnesses to their super top-up plan, which provides comfort in the event of a medical emergency.
Senior citizen super top-up plans frequently cover pre and post-hospitalization expenditures, ICU charges, alternative therapies such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH), and other medical expenses.
How Super Top-Up Insurance Work for Senior Citizens?
Super top-up health insurance is designed to provide additional financial protection once medical expenses exceed a specified deductible limit. Here’s how it works:
Example: If Mr. Sharma, a 68-year-old man, has a base policy with a ₹3 lakh sum insured and a super top-up plan of ₹10 lakhs with a ₹3 lakh deductible: For a ₹6 lakh hospitalization bill, the base policy covers ₹3 lakhs, and the super top-up covers the remaining ₹3 lakhs.
What's Great About Digit’s Super Top-up Health Insurance for Senior Citizens?
Digit’s Super Top-up Plan: A super top-up insurance covers claims when cumulative medical expenses go above the deductible during one policy year, unlike a regular top-up plan that only covers a single claim above the deductible.
Pay your Deductible Only Once: With super top-up insurance, you pay your deductible amount only once and can then claim multiple times in a year. It's a true Digit special! 🙂
Customize your super top-up policy: You can choose from 1, 2, and 3 lakhs deductibles and choose between Rs 10 lakhs and 20 lakhs as your Sum Insured.
No Room Rent Restriction: Everyone has different preferences and we understand that. That’s why, we have no room rent restrictions for seniors! Choose any hospital room!
Get Treated at any Hospital: Choose from 9000+ of our network hospitals in India for cashless claims or you may even opt for a reimbursement.
Easy Online Processes: From the process of buying a super top-up health insurance to making your claim is paperless, easy, quick and hassle-free! No hard copies, even for claims!
What’s Covered in Super Top-up Health Insurance for Senior Citizens by Digit?
Coverages
Gold Super Top-Up
Diamond Super Top-Up
Platinum Super Top-Up
Important Features
Inpatient Hospitalisation
Day Care Procedure
Pre & Post Hospitalization
Road Ambulance Expenses
Bariatric Surgery
No Room Rent Capping
Digit Special
Digit Special
Psychiatric Illness
Organ Donor Expenses
Consumable Cover
AYUSH Hospitalization
Cumulative Bonus
Digit Special
Digit Special
Initial Waiting Period
Pre-Existing/Specific Illness Waiting Period
Co-Payment
Digit Special
Digit Special
Other Features
What’s Not Covered?
You can only claim your top-up health insurance once you’ve already exhausted your existing health insurance policy claim amount or, have already spent up to the deductible from your pocket. However, the bright side is that you only pay your deductible once.
In case of a pre-existing disease, unless the waiting period is over, the claim for that disease or illness cannot be made.
Any condition you get hospitalized for, that doesn’t match with the doctor’s prescription is not covered.
Steps to Buy Super Top-Up Health Insurance for Senior Citizens
To purchase a super top-up for elderly persons, you must thoroughly review all the plans in the market and choose the one that provides better coverage. Here are the steps to buy the best super top-up health insurance:
Step 1
Research: Research the super top-up insurance currently on the market first. When comparing various plans, consider your parents' medical history, current health, and financial situation if you are purchasing coverage for them.
Step 2
Providing Health Details & Personal Information: After you've found a senior citizen super top-up health insurance plan that suits your needs, go to the official website of the insurance company that offers the coverage. Complete the necessary information and application procedure.
Step 3
Check for Accuracy: Make sure all of the information is correct before sending it in. Any mistakes or inconsistencies could cause problems when the claim is made.
Step 4
Health Examination: The insurance company's policy may require older individuals to visit specific diagnostic centres for a medical examination. This step is essential for the insurer to evaluate their health state properly.
Step 5
Issuing of Policies: The insurance provider will issue the super top-up health insurance plan once the relevant procedures have been completed and the requisite paperwork has been submitted. You will then receive the policy with terms and conditions.
Eligibility for a Super Top-Up Health Insurance Plan for Seniors
It is important to know about the eligibility criteria before buying any super top-up health insurance plan. These eligibility criteria might vary from one insurer to another, but in general, the eligibility includes the following:
- Age: The person buying the policy must be 60+ years of age.
- Nationality: The policyholder must be an Indian citizen.
- Medical Examination: Every individual must get certain tests done to get super top-up coverage.
- Previous Medical Health Condition: Disclose your medical health condition before buying any super top-up.
How to File a Claim for Super Top-Up Policy for Senior Citizens?
You can file a claim for your senior parents against a super top-up policy online or in writing to your policyholder to recover your expenses. For example, if you have taken Digit’s Super Top-Up Plan for senior citizens, here are the steps to get a cashless and reimbursement claim:
Cashless Claim Settlement Process
Step 1: Choose any 9000+ Network Hospitals at Digit for a cashless claim.
Step 2: Notify us within 24 hours of being admitted to the hospital in case of an emergency or at least two to three days before any scheduled hospitalization.
Step 3: Present the e-health card to the hospital's help desk or insurance support desk and get the pre-approval paperwork.
Step 4: Complete the form, sign it, and turn it in at the support desk.
Step 5: If everything is verified, your parents can proceed with the treatment using the cashless facility.
Reimbursement Claim Settlement Process
Step 1: Download the Digit Insurance App or use the website's "File a Health Insurance Claim" option.
Step 2: Login and click on the "Health Claim Filing" option on the home page.
Step 3: On the next page, select the type of claim you want to file from your active policies.
Step 4: Fill out the Policy Details such as name, relationship with the policyholder, mobile number, etc.
Step 5: Enter a few details about the illness, such as the starting date of the symptoms, the first consultation date, the consultation hospital, etc.
Step 6: Upload all the documents, such as the bill, discharge summary, test reports, valid ID proof, etc.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Super Top-Up Plan for Senior Citizens
Choosing the right super top-up plan for your parents is crucial especially when you are purchasing it to safeguard the health of your parents. Here are some of the factors you must evaluate before buying a super top-up plan to make an informed decision.
Understand what is included, such as pre-existing diseases, critical illness, daycare treatments, and domiciliary care, and any associated waiting periods.
Choose a deductible that aligns with your existing health insurance coverage. Ensure it’s affordable and practical based on anticipated medical expenses.
Ensure the insurer has a wide network of hospitals, especially in your preferred location, for cashless treatment options.
Look for extra features like free health check-ups, ambulance cover, or OPD benefits. These can be valuable for senior citizens.
Check the waiting period for pre-existing conditions and specific diseases. Shorter waiting periods are more favourable for senior citizens.
Difference Between Super Top-up for Senior Citizen and Top-up Health Plan
Many of you might be confused about whether a super top-up plan for senior citizens and a normal top-up plan are the same thing? No, They are widely different in terms of coverage, premiums and deductibles. Here is a chart to help you understand the difference better.
In the journey of life, health and peace of mind are priceless, especially during the golden years. Super top-up health insurance for senior citizens offers them with the financial security they deserve, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: spending time with their loved ones and living worry-free.
So, now is the time! Take a step toward safeguarding health, happiness, and dignity for your loved ones in the years ahead and buy a super top-up plan today.
FAQs about Super Top up Health Insurance for Senior Citizens
What is a Super Top-up Health Insurance plan?
A Super Top-up Health Insurance plan provides additional coverage over and above a deductible amount. It covers cumulative medical expenses that exceed the deductible during a policy year.
Why should senior citizens consider a Super Top-up plan?
Senior citizens often face higher healthcare costs due to age-related health issues. A Super Top-up plan offers higher coverage at a more affordable premium than standard health insurance plans, providing financial protection against large medical bills.
What are the benefits of a Super Top-up plan for senior citizens?
The benefits of a super top-up health insurance plan for senior citizens include:
- Higher sum insured,
- Coverage for multiple claims in a year
- Affordable premiums
- No room rent restrictions
- Additional tax savings under Section 80D
Can an existing health insurance policy cover the deductible?
Yes, the deductible can be covered by an existing health insurance policy, such as a corporate health plan or a regular health insurance policy if the amount of expense comes under the sum insured.
Are there any age restrictions for senior citizens who purchase a Super Top-up plan?
Not all insurance companies set the age limit for a senior citizen super top-up plan. However, the policyholder must be over 60 to receive this benefit.
What types of medical expenses are covered under a Super Top-up plan?
Covered expenses typically include hospitalization costs, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, and critical illness treatments. The coverage can vary from policy to policy.
How do I make a claim under a Super Top-up plan?
Claims can be made through cashless treatment at network hospitals or through reimbursement. The process involves submitting necessary documents and bills to the insurer.
Can I avail of tax benefits on the premium paid for a Super Top-up plan?
Yes, premiums paid for a Super Top-up plan are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act up to a specified limit. The limit can be up to 1 lakh rupees depending on certain factors.
What happens if I don't reach the deductible amount in a policy year?
If the total medical expenses do not exceed the deductible amount in a policy year, the Super Top-up plan will not be activated, and no claims can be made. You have to pay the expenses out of your pocket.
Is there a limit on the number of claims I can make in a year?
There is no limit on the number of claims as long as the cumulative expenses exceed the deductible amount and are within the sum insured limit. Hence, you can claim multiple times in a year.
Can I still get Super Top-Up if my base coverage has run out for the year?
Yes, even after your current base policy has run out, you can still buy a Super Top-Up plan. Before the super top-up begins to pay for your medical bills, you must pay the deductible out of pocket.