Health Insurance On EMI: Advantages & Disadvantages

By Okbima 21 Jun 2024 319
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Health insurance on EMI is a payment option that allows individuals to pay their insurance premiums in smaller, monthly installments rather than a lump sum. This can make health insurance more affordable and accessible to those who may struggle with upfront costs. However, there are also disadvantages of health insurance on EMI.

 

What Is EMI?

EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) is a fixed amount of money that a borrower needs to pay to a lender at a specified date each month for a specific time until the loan is fully repaid. EMI is commonly used for loans, such as home loans, car loans, personal loans, etc. It includes both the principal amount borrowed and the interest on that amount.

 

Can I Buy Health Insurance On EMI?

Yes, you can buy health insurance on EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) in India. This means you can divide the cost of your health insurance premium over a fixed number of months which is around 12 months, instead of paying a lump sum upfront.

 

How Does Health Insurance In EMI Work In India?

Health insurance in EMI works similarly to other types of insurance policies in India. Instead of paying the entire premium in one lump sum, policyholders have the option to pay the premium in monthly installments over a specific time.

To get health insurance in EMI, individuals can select the best health insurance plans in India with an insurance company that offers this payment option. They can then choose the premium payment frequency (e.g. monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually) that is most convenient for them. The insurance company will calculate the total premium amount based on the selected payment frequency & duration of the policy.

When the policyholder chooses to pay the premium in EMI, they will need to set up an automatic payment with their bank account, credit card, or any other payment mode specified by the insurance company. The premium amount will be automatically deducted from the selected payment mode on the specified due date each month.

 

Advantages Of Buying Health Insurance On EMI

The advantages of buying insurance on EMI are financial flexibility, immediate coverage, avoiding lapses in coverage, avoiding high interest rates, etc.     

  • Financial flexibility: By opting to pay for insurance on EMI, you can divide the cost over a longer time, making it more affordable and manageable for your budget.

  • Immediate coverage: Buying health insurance on EMI allows you to get coverage right away, even if you cannot afford to pay the full premium upfront.

  • Avoiding lapses in coverage: By opting for EMI payments, you can ensure that your health insurance policy stays active without the risk of lapses due to missed payments, providing continuous coverage for you and your family.

  • Avoiding high interest rates: Many health insurance providers offer EMI payment options with low or zero interest rates, making it a cost-effective way to purchase insurance compared to other financing options.

  • Ability to upgrade coverage: Buying health insurance on EMI gives you the flexibility to upgrade your policy in the future as your needs change, without having to pay a large sum of money upfront.

  • Peace of mind: Knowing that you have a comprehensive health insurance policy in place can provide peace of mind, as it ensures that you and your family are protected financially in the event of a medical emergency.

 

Disadvantages Of Buying Health Insurance On EMI

Disadvantages of buying health insurance on EMI are higher overall cost, limited coverage, risk of default, dependence on credit, etc.

  • Higher overall cost: When you buy health insurance on EMI, you end up paying more in a long time due to interest charges and processing fees.

  • Limited coverage: EMI plans may have restrictions on coverage or higher deductibles which can cause out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a medical emergency.

  • Risk of default: If you miss an EMI payment, you could lose your health insurance coverage, leaving you unprotected in case of a sudden illness or injury.

  • Dependence on credit: Buying health insurance on EMI means you are relying on credit to pay for your coverage, which can cause debt accumulation and financial strain.

  • Contract: EMI plans may have strict terms and conditions that limit your ability to make changes to your coverage or cancel the policy without penalties.

 

Read More:

Can Health Insurance Be Ported? Benefits & Factors To Consider

Can Health Insurance Company Reject Claim? Top 20 Reasons

Can I Buy Health Insurance For My Brother?

Can I Buy Health Insurance And Use It Immediately?

Why Health Insurance Premium Increase? Know The Actual Reason

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, health insurance on EMI offers convenience and affordability, with flexible payment options and immediate coverage. However, drawbacks include higher costs, limited coverage, default risk, and reliance on credit. It's important to carefully consider these factors before choosing this option to ensure it fits your financial goals and needs.

 

FAQs

Some insurance companies may charge a small processing fee or interest for opting to pay the health insurance premium on EMI.

Yes, you can cancel your health insurance policy at any time, but you may need to pay a penalty or lose out on any benefits if you cancel before the completion of the EMI tenure.

The maximum EMI tenure for health insurance varies depending on the insurance company and the policy you choose but it is around from 6 months to a year.

Yes, you can switch to a different payment method for your health insurance premiums, but you may need to inform your insurance provider in advance and adhere to their guidelines for making the switch.

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