Who Needs a Health Insurance?

"I am young and healthy, why do you think I would ever need a Health Insurance?" sparked a frowning Sunita when approached by an Insurance agent to take a Comprehensive Health Insurance Cover. The agent saw that he had approached the wrong person and tried quickly moved out of the sight after a hurried sorry.

"Obviously Sunita, you don’t need a Health Insurance, I am sure you have some good amount of money deposited in your bank that you are itching to spend. What else can be better than to spend it in a hospital?"

She continued "I am also sure that you always have enough cash with you to pay at hospitals whenever there is an emergency. These hospitals don’t start treatments unless they have their payments in hand. And no one for sure wants to wait to start a treatment in case of an emergency."

"What is it that you are trying to tell me Abha? Are you trying to make fun of me? Please be clear." Sunita had realized that her friend was trying to draw a point.

"Who is trying to make fun? I am just asking are you ready for anything that can happen in future. I know you are young and perfectly healthy, but does that assure that you would never need to see the doctor in near future? The answer is No."

"No one can ever be sure of what’s next in store for him or her. Any illness can strike you anytime. And any sane person would want to be prepared for the same."

"The worst effect on you in case of a sudden illness is not always on your health. It adversely affects your pocket too. Imagine a situation when you suddenly fall ill and it is the end of the month. Will you have enough money with you to bear a huge hospital bill? Leave alone that, are you sure that you will have enough cash in your pocket to meet the expense that the hospital would demand to start any treatment or even a medical investigation." Abha again said calmly "The answer is again NO!"

Sunita gave an expression which clearly said that she had realized that she was wrong in assuming that she didn’t need a Health Insurance, but didn’t have anything to say. She looked at her friend to speak more and tell the right path to choose.

Abha continued "Only a good Health Insurance can help you have a comfort of being equipped to face any untoward incident."

"A good health insurance policy from a reputed company, acts as a financial backup and pay for all your expenses when needed. What’s more? The cashless facilities provided by such companies even let you get your treatment done without paying a single rupee to the hospital when you get the treatment in one of the many hospitals in agreement with your Insurance company."

Sunita nodded in agreement, "I just thought that people advanced in age had health issues and needed an insurance." Sunita smiled back and continued, "But isn’t it better to be prepared ahead of time when the Insurance companies offer you a policy at lesser rates."

Sunita was inquisitive by now and wanted to know more. "What in case I have some health issues at the time of buying the policy? Will they cover that?"
"Yes Sunita, most good Insurance companies cover pre-existing diseases provided you have been with them for 4 consecutive years. There are certain diseases that are not covered in the first and second years and are covered after the third year. So you have to chose a policy wisely that offers you the best of coverage."

"Thanks Abha for making me realize something so important that had become oblivious to me."

"So, now you know what should be your next step?" chuckled Abha who was soon joined by Sunita herself as they walked away.