What are Network Hospitals in Health Insurance?

Your mediclaim policy gives you the privilege of availing cashless hospitalization. This is only made possible at any one of the network hospitals affiliated with your insurance company. What are these network hospitals and how do they help with regard to health insurance? Let’s learn all about it in this blog.

If you’ve purchased a health insurance policy, you would have seen and heard the term ‘network hospitals’ mentioned in your policy document. What do network hospitals mean?

Network Hospital Meaning in Health Insurance

With regard to health insurance, the term network hospital refers to a hospital that has a tie-up or affiliation with your particular insurance company for providing cashless hospitalization treatment to the insured (who decides to buy health insurance from the particular insurer). The said insurance company promises to its policyholder that he/she would be able to enjoy quality treatment at one of the network hospitals without the need to pay any cash at the time of admission to the hospital.

What Does a Network Hospital List Contain?

When someone purchases a specific health insurance plan from an insurance company, the latter issues them a list containing the names of all the network hospitals that are in agreement with that insurer. This list can also be found on the insurer’s web portal, which the policyholder can easily access in time of need. Here, one can find all the hospitals where the insured can avail cashless treatment facility in time of emergency. All hospital bills would later be settled by the insurer.

Note that the cashless hospitalization facility is only available at the hospital mentioned in the list of hospital network, as provided by the insurer.

How are Network Hospitals Selected?

Your insurer conducts a thorough background check on each hospital that it selects for empanelment. Each hospital is tested for efficiency as well as expertise in the particular area of services that it provides. Based on these criteria, the insurance company may also change or renew their network hospital list from time to time. In case a particular hospital on the insurer’s network fails to deliver quality service, it would be removed from the list.

How do Network Hospitals Work?

The role of network hospitals arises in two situations – Planned hospital stay by the patient and Unplanned or Emergency Hospitalization need. Let us now understand how network hospitals operate in both these cases:

Planned Hospital Stay: In case you already knew when and for how long you’d need to be hospitalized for a specific treatment, you can easily avail cashless hospitalization at any of the nearest network hospitals. At the time of admission, the hospital would ask you to fill out a pre-authorization form. This form intends to seek approval of the insurance company to commence cashless treatment for the patient.

You can submit this form at the hospital’s insurance desk for approval. In case it is approved, your insurer would notify the hospital to proceed with the treatment without having you to pay any expenses.

Emergency Hospitalization: The same process of seeking approval through the pre-authorization form is followed in this case as well. Note that the insurer would have to either approve or reject a claim within 6 hours so that the patient’s treatment can be started ASAP. In this case, if you feel that there isn’t enough time to wait for approval, you may choose to pay the hospital in cash and then claim for reimbursement from the insurer later.

In both the above cases, all settlement of hospital bills for the patient as well as reimbursement claims later are settled only by the insurer since the insured patient took treatment at a network hospital of the insurance company. This also means that the facility of cashless treatment would not be available at any other hospital other than the ones mentioned in the insurer’s network. So make sure that you choose your hospital carefully or be prepared to spend first from your own pocket and seek reimbursement later.

Benefits of Treatment at Network Hospitals

There are several advantages of opting for treatment at your insurer’s list of network hospitals. Some of the top ones are mentioned below:

• The best advantage of availing treatment at a network hospital is that the insured does not need to spend from their own pocket to bear the hospital expenses. All your hospital bills would be borne by the insurer and settled directly with the network hospital. This also means that you can choose to get the best quality treatment at the hospital without worrying about its cost.
• There is no risk of claim rejection involved in the case of network hospitals because the latter has already agreed to provide cashless treatment to the insured without any condition. On the other hand, if you choose to receive treatment at any other hospital not in the insurer’s network, you would need to pay first and then file a claim for reimbursement. There’s always the risk of rejection involved in this case, if the insurer does not find the claim to be reasonable.
• Network hospitals are spread out all across the country. This means that you can choose the one that is nearest to you in time of medical need and opt for quality service and treatment, all cashless. This keeps the whole process less stressful for the patient.

 How to Choose a Network Hospital Online?

Your insurer would generally provide you with a list of its empaneled or network hospitals at the time of handing over the health insurance policy documents. However, you can also select a network hospital online, in case of an emergency, to find out the service nearest to you for ease of convenience.

Just visit your insurance company’s website and enter your state and city in the space provided on the network hospitals page. You can also choose for a specific type or grade of hospital or a particular specialty that it has expertise in, based on your requirement.

To Conclude

A network hospital is always better than a non-network one for the cashless facility that they offer to the patients. While choosing one, remember to check for quality, service, and cost to receive the best yet affordable treatment for your ailment.

Found this post informational? Browse PayBima Blogs to read interesting posts related to Health Insurance, Car Insurance, Bike Insurance, Term Life Insurance and Investment section. You can visit PayBima to Buy Insurance Online.

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Best LIC Policies for Women in India 2022

There was a time when financial planning was majorly catered to men only. But not anymore! In this post we are talking about the best LIC policies crafted for women in India. Let’s take a look.

Investment planning is no more limited to a particular gender or any particular category of people. Finally the stereotypes in Indian society about investment and financial planning are fading slowly. With this, a number of good and cost-effective policies have been introduced by different insurers which cater to the needs of women.

Well, who would mind if given an opportunity to earn more and save more for the future. No one, right? Moreover, with life being unpredictable and women being vulnerable to numerous ups and downs, must have some kind of security in the form of a good LIC policy for women to secure their future. Thus, Life Insurance Company (LIC) of India, the most trusted and oldest name in the Indian investment sector, has come up with some of the best LIC policies meant especially for women in India. These policies are planned to cater to Indian women and their particular needs.

Best LIC Policies for Women in India 2022

Let’s take a look at some such policies one by one to know about their details and benefits:

1. LIC’s Aadhaar  Shila

Aadhaar Shila is the new offering from LIC of India that caters especially to the women in the country. It is regarded as one of the best savings plans available for women that allow them to save for a long duration and protect their family in the event of unforeseen situations. The plan is available with numerous benefits, such as:

• Loan and Tax benefits
• Death Benefits
• Maturity Benefits
• Loyalty Additions
• Surrender benefits

So, under the Aadhaar Shila LIC policy, the women can secure the nominee or the entire family with an assured sum as death benefit in case of her sudden demise. The nominee is also entitled to a loyalty addition in case the insured dies 5 years after the completion of the plan.

Further, in case the insured woman survives the policy term and reaches maturity, she is entitled to receive the entire sum assured at maturity. Also, loyalty bonus is given to those customers who pay their premium regularly. Tax benefits are also available with this plan.

 Eligibility:

Entry age –  18 to 55 years

Maturity age – 70 years

Policy Span – 10 – 20 years

Sum assured – ranges between INR 75,000 – INR 3,00,000

2. LIC Jeevan Lakshya Plan

This is another women specific plan from LIC of India that secures the family of the insured woman and gives special focus on the children. This is an endowment plan which pays the minor children a hefty sum in case of demise of the insured. Here are the benefits:

• Death Benefits
• Maturity Benefits
• Participation benefits
• Premium Payment

Here the nominee, especially the children are paid death benefit along with bonuses in case of demise of the policyholder. However, an assured amount of maturity benefit is given under this plan to the insured (if she survives the term) or to her family members (if she is no more) including sum assured and bonuses. If the insured agrees to participate in different LIC profit schemes, they can earn participation benefits at maturity. Another plus point of this plan is that the insured has to pay premiums for three less years than the term of the policy.

Eligibility:

Entry age –  18 to 50 years

Maturity age – 65 years

Policy Span – 13 – 25 years

Sum assured – ranges between INR 100000 to No upper limit

3. LIC New Jeevan Anand Plan

Jeevan Anand is an endowment plan and a new LIC policy for women. This is a special plan because it allows the insured to enjoy continued coverage even after the plan matures till the death of the insured. Thus, the insured receives life-long protection under this plan together with assured maturity payment. Benefits received include:

• Death Benefit
• Maturity benefit
• Bonuses

So, like in other plans here too the nominee of the insured receives death benefit if the insured dies before the policy gets matured. Conversely, if the insured survives the policy period she is entitled to receive the sum assured at maturity along with bonuses. Under this plan, the acquired bonuses are collected and paid either at maturity to the insured or to the nominee after the death of the insured.

Eligibility:

Entry age –  15 to 50 years

Maturity age – 75 years

Policy Span – 15 – 35 years

Sum assured – No limit to sum assured

4. LIC Jeevan Pragati Plan

Another new endowment plan from LIC, Jeevan Pragati is one of the best LIC policy plans for women who are  looking for monetary security and savings for their retirement. Benefits include:

• Death Benefit
• Maturity Benefit
• Sum Assured increases after 5 years

So, under this plan the nominee gets death benefit if the insured dies before the maturity of the plan along with the bonus amount. However, if the policyholder survives until maturity and all her premiums were paid, she is entitled to the entire sum assured and the bonuses.

Another outstanding feature of this plan is that if the insured pays all the premiums on time, the sum assured of the plan gets increased by a certain percentage after every 5 years.

Eligibility:

Entry age –  up to 45 years

Maturity age – 65 years

Policy Span – 12 – 20 years

Sum assured – INR 1, 50, 000 – No upper limit

Also Read: Top 5-Year Duration LIC Plans in 2022

To Conclude

The above plans are some of the best LIC new policies for women that suit them perfectly. These plans are best in terms of offering women the required financial security. These are policies that a woman can easily afford and easily buy from a LIC branch office. All you need is your ID and address proof along with your proof of income. The premiums of such policies can be paid as per your convenience on monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual basis.

Found this post informational? Browse PayBima Blogs to read interesting posts related to Health Insurance, Car Insurance, Bike Insurance, Term Life Insurance and Investment section. You can visit PayBima to Buy Insurance Online.

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List of 10 Most Common Diseases Caused by Air Pollution

Most Common Diseases in India Caused by Air Pollution

Air pollution is a serious matter that needs immediate attention.  Thousands of people are suffering due to the diseases caused by air pollution. Let us read more about them in this post.

Air pollution has become a major cause of concern for people across the globe. India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh are among some of the topmost polluted countries globally. In such a scenario, it is obvious to get sick by the polluted air. In fact, among the top 5 causes of worsening health conditions in humans, air pollution stands at the fourth position. Air pollution has contributed to a large extent in deteriorating the condition of lungs, heart and other body parts of people in different polluted cities globally.

In this post we are discussing the major causes of air pollution and the different diseases caused by air pollution.

What causes Air Pollution?

There are many elements that contribute to polluting the environment. Of course, the smoke emitted by vehicles is the top reason that contributes towards contaminating the air. Other causes include:

• Burning of dry leaves and garbage
• Burning of fossil fuels in different modes of transportation
• Microbial decaying procedures
• Wildfires during different seasons
• Construction and demolition work
• Bursting of crackers during festivals
• Indoor air pollution etc.

10 Common Diseases Caused by Air Pollution

Do you know of any disease caused by air pollution? You must have heard of several such diseases because they are very common these days. Some such diseases include, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, Pneumonia, Lung Cancer, Lower Respiratory Tract Infections etc. Let us discuss them one by one.

1. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most deadly diseases that begins in the lungs. Smokers are more prone to lung cancer. Even the people who are exposed to second-hand smoking can have lung cancer due to the exposure to toxins. Extreme cough, pain in the chest, voice hoarseness and wheezing sound in your voice along with loss of weight are some symptoms of lung cancer.

2. Asthma

This is one disease that is commonly caused by pollution. People suffering from Asthma find it difficult to breathe. This happens because in Asthma the interior wall of the airways  in the lungs becomes swollen and inflamed and they produce extra mucus. This is a chronic condition that stays for a long time causing breathlessness in the patients. Asthma make it challenging for people to carry on their daily activities.

3. Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is another disease that is similar to Asthma. This disease is caused due to extended exposure to dangerous gases such as nitrogen oxide as well as due to the greater PM level in the air. Chronic bronchitis occurs if there is a long-term swelling of the bronchi. Bronchi are the large tubes that are connected to your windpipe. The air you breathe is directed towards your left or right side of your lungs by the bronchi. Chronic bronchitis can easily affect other lung infections.

4. Pneumonia

The next common disease caused by air pollution is pneumonia. In this illness air sacs in your lungs (one or both) get infected and swollen. These sacs get pus like fluid which make it critical for the people suffering from the disease, especially for children and elderly. It also makes breathing difficult along with causing fevers and chills. Pneumonia is caused by viruses and the bacteria in the polluted air.

5. Leukemia

Leukemia is one of the most dangerous diseases of the blood and bone marrow. The symptoms include fevers,  joint pain, bleeding, bruising, weight loss etc. Leukemia is caused commonly if one is exposed to radiation or chemicals like benzene. Also, it can cause if the person is a chain smoker or has a family history of the disease.

6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 

COPD is a chronic lung disease that blocks the airways to the lung making it difficult for people to breath. Chronic cough and wheezing, which are other symptoms of COPD also makes it hard for the patient to breath easily. Air pollution has a major role to play in COPD, which harms the lungs beyond repair.

7. Immune system disorders

Too much exposure to air pollution in case of prenatal and neonatal can lead to lowering of the immune system in babies making them vulnerable to several health conditions. These diseases caused to infants because of air pollution may lead to many critical issues later in life.

8. Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

This is again a lung infection caused by viruses in the air. Small children and infants who have low immunity get affected by these infections majorly.

9. Cardiovascular issues

If you are continually exposed to particulate matter  along with hazardous gases, you can have issues with the functioning of your blood vessels. As per the kind of pollutant you are exposed to and for how long, the severity of the disease depends.

10. Emphysema

Emphysema, a lung condition, causes breath shortness among people. If not given the timely and right treatment, it can be deadly.

So, as discussed above, now you know which diseases are caused by air pollution. Since many Indian cities are high in terms of pollution in the air, it is important to take measures accordingly to stay away from its harmful effects to avoid diseases.  Also, equally important is to get a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers most of the diseases caused by polluted air. With a good health cover, you can financially secure yourself against the risky diseases caused by pollution, including air, water and other sources of pollution.

Though it might seem hard to give air pollution a tough fight, it is important to take whatever small action you can to limit the effect of air pollution in your own way to contribute to a better and healthier world.

Found this post informational? Browse PayBima Blogs to read interesting posts related to Health Insurance, Car Insurance, Bike Insurance, Term Life Insurance and Investment section. You can visit PayBima to Buy Insurance Online.

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Endowment Plan Claim Process – A Step by Step Guide

Are you looking to invest in an endowment policy? Do you know the claim process of an endowment plan? If not, read on the post to find the perfect guide to an endowment plan claim process.

Before getting into the claim process of an endowment plan, you should first know what is an endowment plan.

An endowment plan is a popular tool of investment that offers life coverage along with offering long-term security of your funds. It is a policy that allows guaranteed returns and serves the purpose of your financial goals.

With a new endowment plan in hand, you can achieve monetary goals like the education of your children, marriage of your children, financial security of the family, wealth accumulation over a long period of time and so on. On top of that it also allows tax  benefits and exempt your capital from tax at maturity. So, you can save tax with an endowment plan as well as you don’t have to pay tax for the money that you receive once the policy matures.

Further, since it is a long term investment, it allows the investor to preserve the money for long and pass it on to your children without any tax liability.

Let’s discuss the claim process of endowment plan:

Endowment plan Claim Process

If the insured dies during the tenure of the endowment plan, his/her family needs to file a claim so that the death benefit can be received. Here is the process to claim the death benefit.

Fill the Claim Form – The first step, of course, is to fill the form of claim that you need to submit to the insurer in a proper way with proper details. Along with the form you also need to submit some other documents to start the claim process. The claim form should be duly signed by the nominee of the policy.

Below are the other documents that are required:

• Death Certificate should be submitted in its original and attested form
• Original policy papers provided to the insured at the time of buying the policy should be submitted to the insurer
• Also, documents to prove identity of the nominee are required like Aadhar card, PAN card, Passport etc. as well as passport sized photos of the nominee
• Medical papers of the policyholder (in case the person was admitted in a hospital) like test reports, treatment papers, death or discharge summary, etc.
• Statement of death or doctor’s certificate from the doctor treating the patient last is also required
• Also, the nominee may required to submit some additional documents in case the insured dies because of an accident or is killed. In that case,  a copy of FIR, panchnama and autopsy reports are also needed
• Further, the insurer might seek statements of witnesses present during the funeral or cremation .

Also Read: How To Save On The Premium Of Endowment Plans

Verification Process

Once the nominee submits the form and the other required papers, they get verified by the insurer. Once the verification is  successfully done, the claim amount is provided to the nominee.

So, now you know that it is very easy to claim an endowment policy and if you submit the right papers, you can get the claim amount in no time.

Let’s check the process of buying an endowment plan, especially to help the beginners who are unaware of the process.

Process to buy Endowment plans

An endowment plan can be bought either online or offline. If you are interested in buying an endowment plan, you must first fill the application as well as the proposal papers. Along with filling these papers, you also need to submit some documents. So, you must ensure to keep the required papers handy as they are necessarily required to purchase an endowment plan.

Documents required

Below are the various documents needed to submit to the insurer to buy an endowment plan. These documents can be submitted offline at a branch office of your insurer or online through the company portal.

• Passport Size Photograph
• Age proof (birth certificate)
• Identity proof (AADHAR card, PAN card, etc)
• Address proof (AADHAR card, Voter ID, copy of bills, etc)

Also, don’t forget to provide all the original documents to the insurer. This is because if any inconsistency is found the insurer might cancel your application.

To Conclude

Investing in a best endowment plan is definitely the perfect way to secure your future and that of your family members. However, it is equally important to check the claim settlement ratio of the insurer you are planning to buy the insurance from. This way you will get to know your insurance company and how easy or difficult it is to get a claim released. You can choose a single premium endowment plan as per your requirement and use the LIC single premium endowment plan calculator  to help you estimate the premium of your plan.

Further, make sure to read the terms and conditions of your policy papers before signing on the same to ensure 100% safety.

Found this post informational? Browse PayBima Blogs to read interesting posts related to Health Insurance, Car Insurance, Bike Insurance, Term Life Insurance and Investment section. You can visit PayBima to Buy Insurance Online.

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