The health insurance landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, making it more accessible to individuals with chronic and lifestyle-related diseases. According to a recent note from Policybazaar, insurers have relaxed their underwriting norms, allowing people with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis to obtain coverage more easily. This change is expected to benefit a large segment of the population, particularly those who were previously denied coverage due to borderline or slightly elevated health indicators.
One notable development is the acceptance of higher HbA1c levels for individuals with well-managed Type 2 diabetes. Several insurers, including Niva Bupa, Care Health, ABHI, and Star Health, now offer coverage to individuals with higher HbA1c levels, widening the scope for those who were previously excluded. Additionally, the Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoffs have been revised across many plans, enabling overweight and mildly obese individuals to apply for policies without facing automatic rejection or higher scrutiny.
Insurers have also expanded their acceptance of other chronic illnesses, such as Aplastic Anemia, Psoriatic Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Hepatitis B, and Epilepsy. While these policies may come with extra premiums or permanent exclusions, they offer a glimmer of hope for individuals who were previously considered high-risk. Furthermore, individuals with a history of heart ailments are now seeing more options, with insurers such as ABHI and Star Health offering coverage to applicants with past heart issues, albeit with waiting periods or loading.
The Head of Health Insurance at Policybazaar, Siddharth Singhal, welcomed these changes, stating that health insurance has become more inclusive in recent months. The demand for these revised products is strong, with more customers with medical histories seeking financial protection. As the health insurance sector continues to evolve, it is likely that more individuals with chronic and lifestyle-related diseases will be able to access coverage, providing them with much-needed financial security and peace of mind.