Some years ago, it was unheard of for medical insurance to cover pre-existing diseases. Today, it’s a fact. What does tomorrow have in store?
Long-term health insurance
Health insurance should ideally be a long-term contract instead of an annual one as it is now. In time, it is expected that the insurance regulator will allow companies to introduce long-term policies that don’t require annual renewals.
Special lifestyle covers
With more and more illnesses directly linked to changing lifestyles, insurance companies are likely to create policies that cover such disorders. So you might soon be insured against stress-related illnesses such as eye-strain, insomnia, etc.
Critical illness cover for infants
Today, babies less than 90 days old are not covered in most insurance policies. But with the rise in the number of cases of new-borns developing health complications, policies that specially cover them could become popular.
Dental care
Changing lifestyle and nutrition can affect the teeth, which can lead to further health complications. Policies that cover oral and dental ailments could soon be a reality, especially for children and young adults.
Medical opinion
When it comes to medical diagnosis, everyone wants a second opinion. However, given the high consultation charges, many patients cannot afford it. If insurance covers this, policyholders can get a second opinion from a network of specialists.
Off-the shelf product
With rapid changes made in the distribution channel, there will be limited-cover, low-value insurance readily available. So you may even be able to get a policy valid for three months that covers out-patient treatment from a specified hospital.
Cover for specific alternate medicine cover
No longer will insurance cover only allopathic medicine and treatment. With more and more people opting for traditional and alternative medicine, insurance might soon stretch to cover Ayurvedic and Unani treatment, among others.
