Q: My parents are both above 60 and live in a different city. What should I consider while choosing a senior citizen health insurance plan for them? – Karan
Karan, I completely understand your concern for your elderly parents living in another city. As someone who speaks to many people in similar situations, let me first assure you, you’re not alone in feeling this way. In today’s world, where families are often spread across cities, ensuring the right health insurance coverage for aging parents has become even more essential. You will also be pleased to know that IRDAI has made changes to the ruling, and there is now no entry age limit. So, you are allowed to buy a policy for your 60-year-old parents with lifelong renewability. By removing age caps, reducing the moratorium period from 8 years to 5 years, reducing waiting periods for pre-existing diseases, and encouraging cashless everywhere, the regulator has played a crucial role in making health insurance more accessible and beneficial for the elderly.
Let’s talk about the coverages or benefits that you should look for while choosing a policy. First and foremost, don’t just look at the basic coverage. Think of it from a practical, everyday perspective, if you’re not in the same city, the policy should cover not only hospitalisation but also support systems that act as an extended hand for you.
When choosing a health insurance policy for your parents, it’s important to look for features that ensure comprehensive care and convenience, especially when you may not be physically present to assist them. You will be amazed to know that some insurers offer policies that include emergency and planned ambulance services, which can be crucial, allowing for prompt hospital transportation in critical situations. Additionally, home healthcare benefits such as in-home nursing, physiotherapy, and post-hospitalisation support offer comfort and continuity of care right at their doorstep. Teleconsultation services, which provide unlimited access to doctors via call or video, including mental health support are especially valuable when mobility becomes a challenge. Furthermore, wearable-integrated safety tools, such as smartwatches with fall detection capabilities, can be lifesaving, automatically triggering alerts and initiating help, which is particularly beneficial for seniors living alone. These features collectively enhance the safety, accessibility, and quality of healthcare for aging parents.
Another important aspect to consider in a health insurance policy for the elderly is Outpatient Department (OPD) coverage. As people age, they often face health issues that may not require hospitalisation but do demand regular check-ups and diagnostic tests, which can be quite expensive. OPD coverage, along with a sufficient sum insured, helps in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis over the long term. These conditions require continuous monitoring and care, making a comprehensive health insurance policy essential — one that is renewed on time to ensure uninterrupted protection. Additionally, diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s lead to various mental health concerns, especially among the elderly, often causing behavioural and psychological changes that are becoming increasingly common. If not included in the base policy, these should be covered through add-ons or riders, as mental health support is a critical component of holistic elder care.
It’s wise to consider plans that allow automatic sum insured increases to stay ahead of medical inflation. Some plans offer this feature by default, while others provide it as an add-on. Either way, it helps you plan long-term and avoid underinsurance in later years. Another concern is the waiting periods for pre-existing conditions for senior citizens. However, following IRDAI’s recent decision, the waiting period for health insurance has now been capped at maximum of 36 months for all. Some senior citizen insurance plans offer shorter waiting periods, as short as 12 months, for specific diseases and pre-existing conditions. Yes, some senior citizen plans may come at a slightly higher premium, especially those with reduced waiting periods. However, when you weigh that against the value they offer, faster coverage, better services, and peace of mind, it is definitely a sound investment.
To sum up, Karan, choose a plan not just based on numbers, but on practical value and real-life support. When chosen wisely, health insurance becomes more than a financial tool; it becomes an assurance of care, dignity, and independence for your parents. By availing themselves of comprehensive and advanced insurance policies, add-ons, or rider options, senior citizens can significantly enhance their ability to manage their health and safety independently, knowing that dedicated care and support are readily available whenever needed.
Tapan Singhel is MD&CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
Published on October 4, 2025
