How to Avail of Free Medical Check-ups under your Health Cover?

Most of the ideal health insurance plans entitle policyholders to avail free medical check-ups once in every 2 or 4 years depending on the policy that is purchased. Even if policyholders are aware of the free medical check-up facilities; experts say that only 25-35% of them go for it.

While a lot of people don’t know how to avail free medical check-ups, there are some of them who fear a rise in the premium if the test results come out to be positive. On the other hand, medical checkups are vital as it can help in the early detection of any medical condition or ailment.

Frequency of Medical Check Ups

The number of free medical check-ups that you can avail varies for both individual and family floater health insurance plans, and from one insurance provider to another. There are a lot of health insurers who provide free annual medical check-up facilities even if you have filed a claim during the policy term.

For instance, the policyholders of Niva Bupa health insurance (Formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance) can go for free medical check-ups every year or every alternate year, depending on the type of health insurance plan that you have opted for.

And in case any illness is diagnosed during the check-up, the insurer will not charge you an extra premium.

List of Medical Tests

There are a number of tests that you can take up and the list is generally mentioned in the policy wordings. Some health insurance plans would usually compensate for the expenses incurred on routine tests like Fasting blood sugar, Lipid profile, Chest X-ray, Complete blood count (CBC), Urine Routine, among others. However, the tests that are covered would vary from one health insurance Company to another.

Another important point to consider is that the coverage limit for free-medical check-ups would depend on the policy sum insured. The higher the mediclaim policy sum assured, the greater will be the free medical check-up limit.

For instance, free medical check-up limit for a sum insured of Rs. 20 lakhs will be higher in comparison to a health plan with sum insured of Rs. 5 lakhs.

How to Apply for Free Medical Check-ups?

A lot of people refrain from availing the benefits as they find the process tedious. However, the process to avail free medical check-ups is quite simple.

Firstly, you need to inform the insurance on their toll-free number or you can visit the nearest branch office to inform them about free medical check-up facility. The process usually varies from one insurer to another.
You can also write or call the insurer to schedule your health checkup. The insurer will revert with confirmed time and date as per your preference.
You will get an authorization letter that you need to carry to the diagnostic center along with your health card.
Once you send a request on the toll-free number or at the nearest branch, their concerned team will contact you and will arrange for a medical check-up at the preferred diagnostic center.
If you get the tests done at an empanelled hospital or the diagnostic centre then the charges are less and you don’t need to pay anything from your own pocket. The insurer settles the amount directly up to the coverage limit. However, you can get the tests done in a lab of his choice and file a reimbursement claim with the insurer.

So, why pay for something that is covered by your health insurer. Now that you know that your medical check-ups have no impact on your policy premium, there is probably no reason for you to give up on your free medical check-up pass. So, do not wait, simply get in touch with your health insurance provider and get a free health check-up done of yourself and your family.

Final Word

So, now that you know how to take the benefit of free health check-up facility and the process, you can easily book one now. Not only the insurer bears the medical costs, but it also helps you to stay updated about your health. Early detection means early cure. It gives you the time to quick remedial measures before it goes out of your hand.

Disclaimer : *Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by an insurer.

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Disclaimer: The list mentioned is according to the alphabetical order of the insurance companies. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in