Simply buying a basic health insurance policy isn’t enough. Riders provide extra protection and help cover the significant costs of medical treatment.
However, it’s important to select the right riders based on your needs. With careful planning, you can maximize the benefits of health insurance and be prepared for any medical emergency.
If you’re purchasing health insurance for the first time, here are some key riders that can be extremely helpful for you.
What Are Riders?
Riders are additional features or coverage options not included in the basic health insurance policy.
By adding them, you can increase your policy’s coverage and customize it to suit your needs.
In simpler terms, riders are extra security features that enhance your insurance policy and can prove highly beneficial during tough times.
1. Maternity Cover – Essential for Parenthood Preparation
If you’re married and planning to have a child, this rider is especially useful.
Maternity cover includes expenses for delivery, pre-natal (care during pregnancy), post-natal (care after delivery), and in some cases, newborn baby care.
The waiting period for this rider can range from 9 months to 6 years, depending on the insurer. However, if you plan ahead, this can be a valuable addition to your policy.
2. Critical Illness Cover – Safeguard Against Major Health Issues
For individuals with a family history of serious illnesses like heart disease, cancer, or kidney failure, the critical illness cover is a smart choice.
This rider offers a lump sum payout if you are diagnosed with a critical illness, easing the financial burden of treatment.
There’s usually a waiting period of 90 days, and once you claim, the rider ends. It’s especially useful for people in high-stress or risky jobs.
3. Hospital Cash Cover – Ease Daily Expense Worries
This rider is highly beneficial for people who might require extended hospitalization. It provides a fixed daily cash amount to cover expenses like food, travel, and other small costs during your hospital stay.
To qualify, you must be hospitalized for at least 24 hours. It helps reduce the stress of everyday expenses while focusing on recovery.
4. Room Rent Waiver – Access Better Treatment Without Extra Cost
Many health insurance policies have limits on room rent, meaning you can only access a room within a certain budget.
However, with a room rent waiver rider, you can opt for any room of your choice without additional charges.
This ensures that you can receive better care and comfort without worrying about extra costs outside your policy.
5. OPD Rider – Covering Doctor Visits and Tests
If you need to visit the doctor frequently, the OPD (Outpatient Department) rider can be a lifesaver.
It covers the costs of doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, blood tests, X-rays, and medicines.
This rider is particularly beneficial for families with young children who require frequent doctor visits.
Other Mandatory Riders
Accidental Disability Rider – Provides financial assistance if an accident leads to permanent disability.
Mental Wellbeing Rider – Covers the cost of mental health treatment and therapy, which has become increasingly important in today’s world.
By selecting the right riders for your health insurance plan, you can customize your coverage to fit your specific needs, ensuring better protection for you and your family.
