Five years ago I had a cardiac surgery where dissolving stents were inserted. I now plan to go for a health insurance policy. Should I mention this to the insurer at the time of taking the policy?
Raman Sarna, Delhi
With the rising healthcare costs, you need a health insurance policy at every stage in life. In your case, as is with anyone else, you should disclose any past healthcare issue with the insurer at the time of taking the policy in the proposal form itself. There is space where you can mention details about any past medical conditions and treatments that you may have had depending on your age and the cover that you are seeking. Based on such information the insurer may offer you a policy or decline it. Insurers may also offer you a policy by charging a higher premium due to adverse health condition. They may also introduce limitation on the kind of claims that you can make or state additional exclusions to claims based on your current health condition. Do not hide your health condition, as it will emerge in case of any future surgery or medical emergency and lead to the insurer using it as reason enough to refuse paying the claim or rendering your policy void.
