Health insurance premiums are rising: Here is how to stay covered

Combine base policy with super top-up; buying a multi-year policy will also help

Health insurance customers will face higher premiums as insurers implement hikes. HDFC Ergo General Insurance has recently raised premiums for its flagship product, Optima Secure. New India Assurance has also announced upcoming hikes across all its products. The premium increases range from 4 to 15 per cent, with senior citizens likely to experience larger hikes.

Factors driving premiums up 

Several factors have contributed to the rise in health insurance premiums. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has recently revised the terms and conditions of health insurance policies. Previously, the maximum waiting period for pre-existing diseases (PEDs)