subject: The Best Lifeguard: Mediclaim [print this page] It was on 14th Oct12 that life took a complete turn for Rajesh Yadav, a 36 year old who had shifted to Mumbai from his hometown, Allahabad at the age of 24. Rajesh was employed with a courier company. On that evening, while returning home on his bike, he met with a fatal accident and had to be immediately rushed to a hospital. On diagnosis, it was found that he had to be operated and had to go through an expensive surgery which would cost him nothing less than 10 lakh rupees! Rajesh and his family were under severe financial pressure now, as he was not medically insured. Dont we know of several such cases of individuals who suddenly have a situation, where they have to bear huge medical expenses and are not prepared for it?
The answer to this lies in the form of having a mediclaim at any given point of time. It is undoubtedly the best solution to future medical uncertainties, for you and your family. The benefits of a mediclaim policy can be availed by an individual as well as the entire family. In case of the latter, one needs to opt for a family floater policy.There are many young people who feel that health insurance is a subject that does not concern them. However, fact remains that a medical emergency can come to anybody, anytime. In fact, the earlier a person gets a mediclaim policy, the lesser he/she has to pay the premium amount.
In India, various public sector as well as private sector companies offer mediclaim services. The biggest benefit that mediclaim offers is, during hospitalization, a person does not have to necessarily pay the entire amount upfront, to the hospital authorities. There is a facility of cashless transaction which can be availed. Hence, many individuals like Rajesh who may not have the funds need not worry. Additionally, the premium amount that one needs to pay for medical insurance, is a fraction of what you may have to spend in case of future hospitalization. Also, traditional mediclaim policies covered only hospitalization benefits. Now, there are a lot of policies available in the market who cover your medical expenses without getting hospitalized. So, if medical expenses take away a major part of your monthly income, then you know where the solution lies.Another major advantage lies in the form of claiming tax exemption for the amount paid against health insurance premium under Sec.80 D of Income Tax Act, 1961.
Therefore, to not be in a situation similar to the one Rajesh was in, it is highly recommended that you invest in medical insurance at the earliest. Investing in a mediclaim will relieve you from unnecessary stress. So dont delay this decision and live life stress free!
