If You Possess Multiple Medical Insurance Policies, Here’s How To Apply Them For A Single Claim  

Rising medical costs for treatments, checkups, medication, and hospitalisation can really eat away at your savings during medical emergencies. This is where a health insurance policy can help you out.

The financial assistance and coverage you can get from medical insurance can ensure you get the right treatments without worrying about paying the expense. However, in some cases, even a good health policy won’t be enough to cover your medical expenses. This is where having more than one health insurance plan can be beneficial when filing a claim.

Do I Need Multiple Health Insurance Plans?

Sometimes, a single health insurance plan, even a good one, won’t be enough to cover your medical expenses. This is especially true if you suffer from chronic illness or multiple health conditions that require regular treatment.

Having access to more than one health insurance policy can increase your coverage, the flexibility in the number of claims, and save a lot of money since it gives you access to the multiple benefits of health insurance plans. You should also note that you can not claim more than one sum assured.

However, in cases where the sum assured of your first health policy doesn’t fully cover the medical cost, you can use your second health insurance plan to cover the remaining expense.

Health Insurance Claim Process

When you have more than one health policy, the medical insurance claim procedure can be different compared to a single policy. Two cases can occur if you have more than one health policy:

1. The claim amount is higher than the sum assured of your first health policy

Sometimes hospitalisation costs can far exceed the sum assured amount of your first health insurance plan. In this, you’ll need to raise a claim in both policies. In such cases, it is best to have a primary plan and a secondary one.

When your plans are from different insurance companies, you will first need to raise a claim with your primary health insurance policy for a higher amount. Then raise a claim with your secondary plan for the remaining amount.

For example, suppose the total claim amount is ₹5 Lakhs. In that case, you must file a claim for ₹3 Lakhs with your first policy and the remaining ₹2 Lakhs from your secondary policy.

You can file a claim using two methods:

• Cashless Claims

Cashless health insurance claims can be used when you undergo treatment or hospitalisation at a network hospital. In this case, you file a claim with one insurance company and get the claim settlement summary.

Then, the remaining amount can be claimed by submitting the claim settlement summary and hospital bills to the second insurance provider to settle the amount as reimbursement.

• Reimbursement Claims

In cases where you need to get treated at a non-network hospital, you can settle a claim through the reimbursement method. This is where you foot the hospital bill and then file for reimbursement from your insurance company.

You must submit the necessary documents, like discharge summaries, lab reports, medicine bills, etc., to get reimbursed. The same must be done when filing for reimbursement from your secondary insurance provider.

2. The Claim Amount Is Lower

When your claim amount is lower than the sum assured, you are free to file a claim from either of your health insurance plans. There would be no need to split the amount and file a claim under both policies.

Now, many people ask if they can file claims multiple times. The answer to that question is yes. Whether you have more than one insurance coverage or not, you should be allowed to file multiple claim until the sum insured is depleted. However, it is best to communicate with your insurance provider to understand the clause.

Health Insurance Plans From The Same Company

Sometimes, having medical plans from the same provider can be more convenient. There would be less paperwork involved, and the process would be faster. However, it’s vital that you carefully read the different terms under each type of plan before moving forward with your purchase.

You must also be transparent with your insurer about your other health policies to ensure a smooth claims process. Having multiple plans from the same company can also centralise your insurance requirements. The key point here is to carefully assess the features and exclusions under each plan before buying them.

Conclusion

The main takeaway is that having multiple health insurance plans can benefit people with more severe illnesses. It can save them money in the long run and ease many of their financial burdens.

If you’re considering buying a secondary insurance plan, consider medical plans from Tata AIG. They have some of the best health insurance plans, and buying multiple plans can also make you eligible for discounts on their site.