Chandigarh: Health insurance is becoming more accessible for individuals with chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, according to a Policybazaar note. Insurers have eased underwriting norms, allowing people with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis to secure coverage more easily.
Several insurers, including Niva Bupa, Care Health, ABHI, and Star Health, now accept higher HbA1c levels for individuals with well-managed Type 2 diabetes.
This change widens the scope for people who were previously denied coverage due to borderline or slightly elevated sugar levels.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoffs have also been revised across many plans. Overweight and mildly obese individuals can now apply for policies without facing automatic rejection or higher scrutiny, the note said.
Insurers have expanded acceptance of other chronic illnesses as well. Conditions like Aplastic Anemia, Psoriatic Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Hepatitis B, and Epilepsy, which were often considered red flags, are now covered in select plans. These policies may come with loading (extra premium) or permanent exclusions, depending on the case.
Individuals with a history of heart ailments are also seeing more options. Insurers such as ABHI and Star Health have started offering coverage to applicants with past heart issues.
These policies may include a waiting period or loading, but they no longer trigger blanket exclusions.
According to Siddharth Singhal, Head of Health Insurance at Policybazaar, “Health insurance has become a lot more inclusive in the last few months, and that’s great news for customers. These are practical, progressive changes that will benefit a large segment of the population.”
Policybazaar reports a strong demand for these revised products, as more customers with medical histories look to secure financial protection.
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