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Like everyone else, health insurance is significant for government employees as well. While there are several options when it comes to health insurance for government employees, the need for high-quality medical treatment and the ever-rising expense of healthcare cannot be understated.
All these factors make having a health insurance plan essential for every individual. Let's take a look at health insurance policies that are ideal for government employees.
Government Initiatives towards Healthcare
The Indian Government has launched various initiatives towards healthcare to promote well-being. Health insurance is, after all, a choice that must be tailored to your particular needs.
The main objective of government health schemes is to offer financial security to those in need of medical attention. The Indian government has launched several initiatives regarding healthcare schemes catering especially for government employees. One such initiative is the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
Under these health insurance policies, the government offers financial aid to those who are less fortunate or financially backward. Programs like the CGHS cover hospital expenses, cashless medical services, and accidental benefits. However, each of these programs and initiatives comes with a set of eligibility criteria. If the criterion is met, citizens who qualify for the scheme can avail the benefits of the govt. employees medical insurance plans.
Central Government Health Insurance Scheme
The Central Government Health Scheme has been offering full medical care to enrolled Central Government employees and pensioners for the past 60 years. Its broad beneficiary base and generous approach to healthcare delivery make CGHS the premier provider of healthcare facilities for Central Government employees and pensioners.
Currently, CGHS covers over 42 lakh people in 80 locations across India by providing a diverse approach to treatments, including Ayurveda, Homoeopathic, Allopathic, Indian system of medicine, Siddha, Unani, and Yoga. The scheme covers cashless facilities for pensioners/other beneficiaries, OPD treatments, reimbursement of expenses, child healthcare, maternity care, family welfare, medical consultation, and many more.
However, it has eligibility criteria. A central government employee is eligible to receive medical care under the Central Government Health Scheme only based on their ‘residence’ and not their address at Headquarters. Therefore, the scheme will only cover Central Government employees and their dependents, who live in any of the designated cities as per the documents.
Importance of a Health Insurance Plan
As a government employee, you may wonder if you need to invest in a health insurance plan. The answer is both yes and no. If you are a government employee who is not covered under CGHS, or are looking for better coverage or want coverage for an uncovered family member you can opt for a health plan. Also, if you are looking at specific treatments, or want to get better treatment you may consider buying health insurance.
Due to an all-time high rate of inflation, and rising costs of healthcare expenses, health insurance plans become more essential for people who need maximum coverage for a variety of benefits. However, make sure you choose the sum insured wisely. If you are buying health insurance for govt. employees choosing a lower sum insured may land you on lesser coverage.
That’s why a comprehensive health plan is always a great idea. This is because it guarantees sufficient coverage for all the necessary medical costs, protects your savings during a medical emergency and guarantees immediate treatment without compromising on the quality of care.
Things to Keep in Mind when Buying Health Insurance
If you or any of your family member is covered with Central Govt. Health Scheme but still want to buy a separate health insurance plan then mentioned-below are a few things you need to keep in mind while purchasing health insurance:
Wide Coverage
Make sure the health insurance policy you buy covers a variety of medical costs, including prescription drugs, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and pre-existing medical problems. Your ideal choice should be a policy that offers sufficient coverage at a price you can afford without compromising on the plan benefits. Comprehensive coverage ensures that you have adequate financial protection during medical emergencies.
Affordable Premium
No doubt a government employee health plan may offer you coverage at an affordable premium. But considering the soring medical inflation and growing cases of diseases, this coverage may seem insufficient. Hence, consider buying a comprehensive plan that comes with affordable premiums. To boost your plan benefits you can also choose add-on benefits rather buying separate plans for those needs. This helps in premium savings and increase of coverage.
Choosing the Right Kind of Plan
Several health insurance plans are tailored to your specific needs. However, there are two major types of basis on health insurance coverage: family and individual plans. However, types of plan differ from insurer to insurer. For example with Care Health Insurance you have multiple plan options to choose from such as senior citizen plan, critical illness plan, heart insurance, health insurance covering PED, 6 cr health insurance plan, personal accident plan, Care mediclaim etc. Before choosing any one of these, make sure you consider a list of factors, including the policy coverage criteria, individual health needs, family size, premiums, etc.
Read the Policy Document to Understand Inclusions/ Exclusions
You cannot miss this! Make sure you read the policy documents thoroughly to understand the type of plan you are going to purchase. Go through the coverage, exclusions, inclusions, and claim procedures from the scratch. Look for any additional clauses of sub-limits, deductibles, and co-payments. You would not want any hidden charges during the claim procedure.
Understand the Waiting Period
Pay close attention to the policy's waiting periods, particularly those relating to maternity benefits, pre-existing conditions, and specific treatments. It is easier to manage your expectations about when certain benefits under the policy will be available when you understand the waiting periods thoroughly.
Easy Claim Procedure
Claim records of an insurance company play a major role in deciding the right policy. An insurance company with higher and faster claim process in always a YES. Care Health Insurance offers simple claim settlement procedures, including easy online claim submission, quick approval, and less paperwork, thus guaranteeing easy access to policy benefits when needed.
Summing Up
Even for government employees in India, financial planning must include health insurance. By investing in health insurance for state government employees, you guarantee that you are taking responsibility for your health and financial well-being by making educated decisions.
However, if you are a government employee but do not fall under the CGHS eligibility criteria, Care Health Insurance can be an ideal choice for you. Whether you are a young parent or an individual looking for a insuring his/her old age parents, Care Health Insurance has tailor-maid options for all. All you need to connect with our experts to get detailed information on various plans and avail the best option that suits you.
>> Also Read: 4 Ways Government Schemes Can Benefit Senior Citizens
Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
