Opt for critical illness plan with lower survival period clause: Experts

CI plans generally offer global coverage. "Even if the insured is diagnosed with a CI outside India, this plan will make a pay-out," says Vivek Gambhir, a product head at Tata AIG General Insurance

Critical illness (CI) plans are in the spotlight with TATA AIG General Insurance launching a plan called Criti-Medicare, which covers 100 CIs. 

The cost of treating a CI is very high — much higher than the sum insured most people would have in their basic hospitalisation (indemnity) policy. A large number of ancillary expenses also arise during the treatment period, which this policy can help pay for.

Lump-sum pay-out on diagnosis

The insured does not require a hospital bill to receive the payout. “Once the investigation reports support the diagnosis, the pay-out happens,” says S Prakash, managing director, Star Health and