Importance of Pre-Medical Tests in Health Insurance

A pre-medical test is a battery of tests that are done before the issuance of health policy. These tests form an essential part of the process of buying a policy. Most of the insurance company has the prerequisite of undergoing a medical check-up before the policy is accepted or the coverage is provided. These tests are conducted on two parameters - age and the amount of coverage. Higher the coverage amount or the age, the higher the number of the tests required. Most people loathe the idea of undergoing pre-policy medical checkup when buying health insurance. They generally try to avoid medical checkups out of lack of awareness. But is it really worth? Here’s a list of benefits of pre-medical tests:

1. Fewer chances of claim denial

There have been many instances where people fall for those policies, which do not ask for a medical test. Sure, it looks much favourable, as the policy approval time is rather quick and seems to be much cheaper. But, skipping a medical test in health insurance might end up paying heavily later. Buying an insurance policy without medical tests mean that the disclosure of the health condition lies on the policyholder. Even if the insurance companies do not pose the prerequisite of medical test, it does not mean that you can withhold a fact related to your pre-existing condition. Withholding a fact is generally considered as a fraud. If in the future non-disclosure of a pre-existing condition is found, then the claim can be denied.

2. Eligible for discounts

Another reason to opt for a pre-policy medical checkup is that some insurance companies offer a discount on premiums. If you are a healthy individual and you pass the medical test, then you are eligible to get rewarded by the insurer with a certain discount on the premium.

3. Coverage for pre-existing condition

Even if there is a pre-existing condition, the health insurance company will provide you with specific exclusions or waiting period related to your condition. There is a possibility that the insurance company will ask you to pay a higher premium for your condition. But, it’s better to shell out a few more bucks today rather than getting the coverage denied at the time of need when your pre-existing condition is disclosed.

4. Awareness of health condition

There are many times when the proposer himself isn't aware of his health condition. In such a case, the declaration of good health without undergoing medical test stands no meaning. But, if he chooses to undergo a medical test in health insurance, then the responsibility of being aware of an existing condition is automatically transferred to the insurer.

5. No chances of underinsured

Getting a pre-entrance medical test also fend off any chances of being underinsured. If the policyholder undergoes a medical test and duly submits medical test reports, then he stands the chances of receiving a higher cover as per his medical condition. Medical test stands as a snapshot of your health condition. It allows for lesser chances of claim rejection and getting a reasonable risk cover as per the requisite.

Thus, it is always advisable to choose a health insurance policy that wants you to undergo pre-entrance medical tests, rather than a policy without this clause. As per the IRDAI rule, the insurance company is required to bear at least 50% of the pre-medical check-up cost. However, to lower the financial burden on the customer, many health insurance companies tend to bear the cost of such pre-entrance medical tests. These tests tend to differ from plan-to-plan and insurer-to-insurer.

List of Pre-Policy Medical Checkup:

●Fasting blood sugar
●CBC
●Blood pressure
●ECG
●Urinalysis
●Lipid profile
●Blood serum test, etc.

These tests are not much of a hassle and are generally performed in the tie-up hospitals of the insurer. So, wade off the fear of pre-policy medical checkups, choose the insurance plan as per your needs and enjoy full coverage.