Which Mediclaim Policy is Better: New India or United India?

India is a vast and diverse country with a wide range of insurance providers catering to the diverse needs of its citizens. Two prominent companies in the public sector, New India Assurance Co. Ltd. and United India Insurance, stand out as reliable sources for healthcare insurance. In this article, we will dive deep into the New India Mediclaim policy and the United India Mediclaim policy, comparing their features, benefits, and limitations to help you make an informed decision.

New India Assurance: A Leading Player in Health Insurance

New India Assurance Co. Ltd. is one of the leading general insurers in India, operating in 28 countries. Known for its comprehensive range of insurance products, the company offers robust health insurance plans through its niva bupa health insurance offerings. These plans are designed to provide widespread coverage with added benefits like cashless hospitalization, specialized customer service, and lifelong renewability.

Coverage Under the New India Mediclaim Policy

The New India Mediclaim policy is a comprehensive health insurance plan that provides extensive coverage, including:

Healthcare Expenses: This includes hospitalization fees such as room rents, doctors' expenses, surgeon fees, nurses' fees, etc. Pre-hospitalization Expenses: Benefits cover costs before hospital admission, ensuring that policyholders do not have to bear excessive medical expenses. Post-hospitalization Costs: This head covers recuperation and monitoring costs after hospital discharge. Day-care Treatments: Advanced technology treatments that do not require a 24-hour hospital stay. Donor Expenses: The plan covers organ harvesting fees for organ transplants. EMT Costs: Ambulance charges to transport policyholders to the hospital are covered. Free Checkups: Regular checkups to monitor health, ensuring early detection of any issues.

Exclusions in the New India Mediclaim Policy

Like all health insurance policies, the New India Mediclaim policy comes with various exclusions. Common exclusions include:

Uncovered Fees and Procedures: This includes cosmetic and dental procedures, as well as any undocumented treatments or procedures. Self-Inflicted Injuries, Suicide, and Certain Behavioral Issues: Any injuries caused by the policyholder's deliberate actions, substance abuse, or illegal activities are excluded. Specific Medical Conditions and Treatments: Some medical conditions and treatments require a specified wait period, such as two to four years for specific illnesses/treatments. Other Exclusions: War, invasion, dangerous sports, childbirth, pregnancies, and related illnesses.

United India Insurance: A Reliable Partner for Your Health

United India Insurance Company Limited is another reliable public sector company, wholly owned by the Government of India. Established in Chennai, this company has over three decades of experience in non-life insurance. Its financial strength, evident from its net worth ($5361 crores in 2013-14), underpins its capability to offer robust health and accident insurance policies.

Advantages of the United India Mediclaim Policy

The United India Mediclaim policy offers a range of advantages, including:

Room Board and Nursing Costs: Up to 1% of the Sum Insured or actual costs. Surgical Expenses: Costs for surgeons, anesthetists, doctors, specialists, and related procedures. Donor Expenses for Organ Transplants: Covered within the policy. Pre- and Post-hospitalization Expenses: Up to 10% of the Sum Insured.

Exclusions in the United India Mediclaim Policy

The United India Mediclaim policy also has some exclusions, which include:

Conditions Within 30 Days of Policy Inception: These are covered under certain conditions. Specific Illnesses/Treatment: A two to four-year wait period for specific illnesses/treatments. HIV/AIDS and Mental Health Issues: Covered with specific conditions. Excessive Consumption of Alcohol or Drugs: Negative effects are excluded. Unproven or Experimental Treatments: Not covered. Childbirth, Pregnancies, and Related Illnesses: Excluded.

Which Policy is Better?

Selecting the best Mediclaim policy depends on your specific needs, the extent of coverage you require, and the exclusions you are willing to accept. Both the New India and United India policies offer comprehensive coverage with unique features. Here are some key points to consider:

New India Mediclaim:

Comprehensive Coverage: Wide range of expenses covered, including pre- and post-hospitalization, daycare treatments, and organ transplant costs. Add-On Benefits: Lifetime renewability, free checkups, and specialized customer service teams. Exclusions: Certain cosmetic and dental procedures, self-inflicted injuries, and specific medical conditions.

United India Mediclaim:

Robust Surgical Coverage: Extensive coverage for surgical procedures, including ICU, post-surgical care, and organ transplant costs. Pre and Post-hospitalization: Significant coverage for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses. Exclusions: Specific illnesses/treatments and certain behavioral issues.

Conclusion

Both New India and United India Mediclaim policies serve as robust health insurance options in India. While the New India policy offers wide-ranging coverage and additional benefits, the United India policy shines with its extensive surgical coverage. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific requirements, the types of treatments you need to cover, and the exclusions you are comfortable with.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a Mediclaim policy, it's important to thoroughly review the coverage, exclusions, and terms provided by each insurer. Ensure that the policy meets your needs and covers the necessary medical treatments. It's always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or a professional insurance consultant to make the best decision based on your specific situation.