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Health Insurance For Women

The healthcare needs of women are unique and are quite different from the needs of men. They need comprehensive insurance that takes care of these needs and essential services like reproductive health, maternity needs, periodical cervical and breast screenings, etc. ...Read More

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Health Insurance For Women

Best Health Insurance for Women in India 2025

Best Health Insurance for Women
February 07, 2025

Table of Content

 

The Importance of Health Insurance for Women

Women today are multitasking and have no or little time to take care of themselves. Their effort to contribute economically to the family is taking a toll on their health. Stress, pollution, lifestyle, etc., are impacting their health in a great way. Chronic issues occur during childbirth,  menopause, and at various stages of life, which need unique health care. The other reasons why insurance for women is a must are:

  • Cashless Hospitalisation

    Whether women are living independently or have a family, they are bound to have a financial crisis during medical emergencies. With the best insurance for women, they can avail of quality treatment without having to worry about the expenses. No upfront payments are necessary as the hospital coordinates with the insurance provider directly to get the approval for expenses incurred and makes the payment directly to them.

  • Cover Pre and Post-Hospitalisation Expenses

    Pre-hospitalisation expenses like lab tests, screenings, etc, can drill a hole in your pocket. Insurance for women provides hospitalisation expenses coverage. Hospitalisation expenses include doctor’s consultations, room rent, nursing and surgery charges, medical therapies, lab tests, screenings, diagnosis, prescription medicines, ambulance services, etc. It also provides coverage for pregnancy-related disorders as well as accidental miscarriage coverage. You can either avail of the cashless facility or claim for a reimbursement of the expenses. You can focus on the treatment and recovery without having to fund them if you have health insurance for women.

  • Cover for Recurring Costs

    Women after a certain age and generally after 40 experience several issues due to hormonal imbalance in the body. They may also be diagnosed with critical illnesses that require consistent treatments and therapies. Health insurance for women will take care of the expenses incurred for these regular treatments and provide access to quality treatments without them having to worry about arranging for funds.

  • Annual Health Check-Up

    With regular checkups, women can keep track of their health. After 40 it is recommended to go for an annual health checkup to keep fit and to be aware of any health issues in the initial stages and get an intervention early. Coverage for women’s preventive care is available under women’s health insurance for this annual health checkup.

  • Maternity Cover

    Motherhood makes a woman feel complete. This is the most satisfying phase for every woman. However, the expenses incurred for pre and post-natal care can be overwhelming. With maternity insurance, you can relax as coverage is available for pre and post-natal expenses, including normal and cesarean delivery, post-delivery recovery treatments and vaccinations. 

  • Future Security

    During medical emergencies, you go through a financial crisis if you do not have sufficient savings and at times, you may have to depend on others for funding the treatment expenses. With women-specific health insurance, women, whether dependent or not, need not depend on others to fund the treatment. The insurance will take care of all the health-related expenses and give access to the best treatment and they can proactively take care of their health. 

  • Tax Benefit

    The premiums paid for the women’s health insurance are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act 1961. This is extended to the premiums paid towards insurance for self, spouse, dependent parents, and children. Working women can avail of this benefit. A deduction up to Rs. 50000/- is permitted and it depends on the income and age of the assessee. This will reduce the taxable income.
    It must be noted that while Section 80C does not cover health insurance premiums, it provides deductions on various savings and investment instruments. These can be used to save on taxes and create financial flexibility to pay for health insurance premiums under Section 80D.

Factors that Affect Health Insurance for Women

Health insurance for women is crucial due to diverse health challenges like gynaecological conditions (PCOS, fibroids), critical illnesses (cancer), and mental health issues (menopause). Coverage includes cancer cover for women, which takes care of costly cancer treatments and newborn baby cover is for post-natal care for newborns, including vaccinations and pediatric treatments. Early purchase is cost-effective, as premiums are influenced by the following factors:

  • Age

    Age is the primary factor that impacts the premiums of health insurance for women. The premiums for younger women are generally less than the premiums for older women. The reason is younger women are less likely to have health issues or need any expensive treatments. Women face various health issues as they grow old and may need persistent healthcare.  

  • Health profile

    Family history and past medical history are important factors in determining the premiums for the best health insurance for women. Pre-existing conditions like diabetes and existing conditions like obesity can lead to higher premium costs. Insurance providers insist on analysing health profiles to assess the associated risk. Women with pre-existing conditions are classified as higher risk, resulting in elevated premiums.
    When buying women’s health insurance plans, considering these factors is essential. Early planning or buying insurance plans at a younger age can mitigate the cost factor. Understanding these dynamics helps in making an informed decision about comprehensive health coverage that addresses potential medical challenges at different stages of life.

  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption and smoking significantly affect health and are closely scrutinised while purchasing health insurance for women or any individual with these habits. These habits can lead to respiratory, heart, and liver diseases, increasing the risk of needing medical care. The result is elevated premiums. Also, obtaining insurance for women with these habits can be challenging, with potential rejections, higher costs, and restrictions on coverage. Understanding these implications will help in making informed choices to maintain health and secure appropriate insurance coverage.

  • Type of policy

    The cost and coverage for health insurance for women also depend on the type of policy. If the insurance for women is an individual policy, the premium will be different from that charged for a family floater. In a family floater, the sum insured is divided among the members included in the policy and the coverage also may vary.
    You can get women-specific coverage in an individual policy, but the premium will be higher. However, if coverage is required for all the members, the family floater will be more cost-effective than buying individual policies.

Benefits of Buying Women's Health Insurance

The benefits of comprehensive health insurance for women abound. Some of them are:

  • Better coverage than GMC

    The Group Medical Coverage provided by the employer is beneficial, but the coverage is limited. Another disadvantage is it exists as long you are employed with the organisation. A better bet for financial security during medical emergencies is to parallelly have individual health insurance for women which will expand the coverage range. 

  • Tax benefits

    The best health insurance for women not only makes them financially independent and able to manage medical emergencies but also enables a reduction in taxable income. The premiums paid towards the insurance cover for women are eligible for tax deduction up to Rs. 50000/- depending on the age and income of the policyholder. 

  • Financial independence

    A health insurance plan with coverage for women's specific medical expenses can give financial independence to them. They will not have to dig into their savings to manage medical expenses. Health insurance for women covers both pre and post-hospitalisation expenses and also manages preventive care expenses. Women can proactively manage their health with periodical health check-ups. While health insurance takes care of all the medical expenses, they can preserve their savings for other long-term financial goals. 

  • Peace of mind

    With tailored health insurance for women, they can be rest assured that their medical expenses are covered and their savings are safe. With adequate insurance, they have access to top hospitals with state-of-the-art technology and experienced doctors. Timely intervention by professionals impacts the quality of treatment, diagnosis, and recovery.

Things to Think About When Purchasing Health Insurance for Women

To make an informed decision, you should keep the following in mind while buying health insurance for women:

  • Wide-ranging Coverage

    The coverage available plays a vital role in deciding on insurance for women. Basic plans are available at low premiums but will provide coverage for minor ailments. You will then have to buy critical illness cover for women to address illnesses like heart and kidney diseases and cancer, for which the treatment costs are exorbitant. Instead, you can go for a comprehensive insurance plan that covers both basic as well as critical illnesses. Women can also opt for a critical illness rider along with your base term insurance plan for an enhanced financial cover.

  • Dedicated Policy

    Even if you have ample coverage under the Group Medical Coverage provided by your employer, it is recommended that you have a dedicated policy for various reasons:
  • The coverage will cease once you quit the job or retire.
  • An individual policy can be customised for specific needs.
  • If your group insurance has high deductibles and copays, the out-of-pocket expenses can drain your savings. Whereas having an individual plan with zero copays and zero deductibles parallelly will reduce your financial burden.

  • Adequate Sum Insured

    The rising cost of technology, lifestyle, the increasing probability of chronic illness, etc, can affect medical costs. Going with the prediction it is recommended to have ample coverage to manage the medical expenses now and in the future. As a woman, you are more prone to critical ailments like breast, ovarian, or cervical cancer that demand adequate critical illness insurance to cover the expensive treatment costs. 

  • Buy Early

    You can reap the benefits of health insurance with a lower premium if you purchase the policy early. The reason is, at a younger age, women are healthier, and there is less need for medical care. Women encounter major health issues like arthritis, osteoporosis, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, etc, as they age, for which the treatment costs are expensive. By buying the health insurance plan at an early age you can get cover for all these illnesses at a low premium.

  • Smooth Claim Settlement

    IRDA publishes periodical claim settlement reports that reflect the efficacy and promptness of insurance providers in settling claims. Look for an insurance provider with a 95% claim settlement ratio for smooth claim settlements. Also, buying the policy from insurance companies with an online claim process and a 24/7 customer support team is recommended for seamless claim settlement.

Why Women Need Health Insurance Plans

Health insurance for women is necessary for the following reasons:

  • Women's Health Concerns

Women’s health is a concern as they develop fibroids, cysts, and other gynaecological issues as they age. Extensive women-specific health insurance helps manage the treatment costs incurred for the conditions, including diagnostic tests, consultation, surgery, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, medicines, etc. You can focus on your health as you are rest assured that the gynaecological issues will be taken care of they occur. 

  • Critical illnesses

Women are more prone to various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. The treatment cost depends on the stage of cancer. It involves surgery, various therapies, pre and post-hospitalisation care, etc. Knowing that you are covered under one of the best health insurance for women gives you peace of mind that you are financially protected. 

  • Diabetes

Pregnant women are susceptible to gestational diabetes, wherein the sugar levels spike up during pregnancy, usually diagnosed between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Generally, the sugar levels normalise after delivery. Sometimes, it may culminate into type 2 diabetes and may also give rise to other health issues as well. Having health insurance for women provides financial security and enables treatment. 

  • Yearly Health Check-Up

Yearly health check-ups are imperative for women to identify health issues at an early stage for timely treatment. The common check-ups include blood pressure screening, mammography, issues caused by abnormal cholesterol levels, etc. The preventive health check-up cost is covered up to a defined limit. Anything over and above the limit should be borne by you.

  • Support for Mental Health

Women experience hormonal changes during various stages of their lives, like post-childbirth, menopause, etc. With several roles to play, they are consistently under stress. All this can take a toll on their mental well-being. Mental health needs the same focus as physical health. Women’s health insurance covers counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment, etc., if necessary. Whatever mental health issues women face, one of the best health insurance for women will extend support. 

  • Coverage for Genetic Conditions

If breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, etc., is genetic, women are prone to develop them. Annual check-ups to undergo timely treatment are essential to avoid complications. However, most women ignore this as the treatment costs are exorbitant. Critical illness cover under health insurance for women provides coverage for such genetic conditions and preventive surgeries. 

  • Care to Prevent Health Issues

Preventive healthcare includes pap-smear tests, blood sugar screenings, mammography, vaccines, etc. Women’s health insurance plans cover these preventive check-ups that detect the issues at an early stage for timely treatment.

  • Additional Concerns

 Health concerns are not always inherent; they can also arise unexpectedly due to accidents, which may require extensive treatment and recovery. Health insurance for women provides peace of mind by covering such unforeseen medical expenses. Additionally, incorporating life insurance policy like, a term plan, into your financial plan ensures that your loved ones are financially protected in the event of an untimely demise, offering a comprehensive safety net for both health and life-related uncertainties.

What Does a Women's Health Insurance Policy Cover?

Here are some aspects commonly covered under women’s health insurance policy:

  • Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses: This includes room rent, doctor’s fees, consultations, lab tests, prescription medicines, etc.

  • Cashless hospitalisation: Insurer directly settles approved bills with the hospital.

  • Zero co-pays: No out-of-pocket expenses for covered treatments.

  • Maternity expenses: Including antenatal and postnatal care.

  • Newborn baby cover: Birth defects and essential care included.

  • Critical illness cover: Coverage for severe conditions like cancer.

  • Emergency road ambulance charges: Transportation costs for medical emergencies.

  • Preventive healthcare: Annual health check-ups, screenings, and assessments.

  • OPD treatments: Covers outpatient department expenses.

  • Additional benefits: Loss of job cover, bariatric surgery, voluntary sterilisation, and e-medical second opinions.

What's Excluded From a Women's Health Insurance Policy?

Here are some of the most common exclusions from women’s health insurance policies:

  • STDs or Sexually transmitted or venereal diseases

  • Self-inflicted injuries

  • Home-based hospitalisation

  • Health conditions arising out of substance or alcohol abuse

  • Injuries caused by risky or adventure sports

  • Medical treatments taken outside of India

  • Fertility treatments or pregnancy-related issues, such as abortions, under standard covers

There are certain maternity-specific insurance plans that may offer coverage for infertility/pregnancy-related costs. However, you must read the policy details carefully to choose the coverage that suits your requirements best.

Women's Health Insurance: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for women’s health insurance and the premiums collected depend on the following:

  • Age of the subscriber.
  • Pre-existing health issues while purchasing the plan.
  • Lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption and smoking.

Health Insurance for Women: Documents Required

The documents required for health insurance for women are:

  • KYC documents like Aadhar.
  • Reports of the medical tests conducted as a part of the application process.
  • Any other documents required by the insurance provider for premium evaluation.

Summary

Unique health risks like critical illness, mental health challenges, and gynaecological issues that women face at different life stages highlight the need for health insurance for women. It helps them access timely and quality treatments without financial burden. Factors like pre-existing illness, age, and lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption and smoking impact the premium costs. These factors have to be considered for an informed decision while buying an insurance plan.

FAQs on Health Insurance For Women

Q. What is women's health insurance, and how does it work?

Women’s health insurance provides coverage for women-specific health issues. They get coverage for diagnosis, hospitalisation, treatment, prescription medicines, and pregnancy-related issues under the plan.

Q. Can I buy health insurance for women online?

Yes. You can buy health insurance for women online by accessing the official website of the insurance provider. You will have the advantage of comparing plans from different providers and choosing the one that suits your budget and requirements.

Q. What is the waiting period for women's health insurance?

The waiting period for women’s health insurance is the period when coverage for pre-existing illness is not provided. Most maternity insurance plans come with an initial waiting period of 30 days when no claims are entertained except for medical expenses due to accidental injuries.

Q. Is delivery covered in health insurance?

Yes. Maternity insurance covers pre and post-natal expenses and hospitalisation expenses. This plan also offers newborn baby cover.

Q. What is the right time to buy health insurance for women?

There is no right time to buy health insurance for women. However, if they buy the insurance early, the premiums are lower, and they get coverage for critical illnesses that may occur in the future at a low premium.

Q. Can a housewife take health insurance? 

Yes. A housewife can take health insurance. A dedicated health insurance plan that covers the specific health needs of women provides access to timely and quality treatment. Women’s health insurance plans cover maternity costs and specific medical expenses. A homemaker can get medical care without any financial burden if she has women-specific health insurance.

Q. Can husband and wife both claim health insurance?

Yes. Both husband and wife can claim health insurance. If they have separate policies, they can claim up to the individual coverage available. In the case of a family floater policy, both will be covered under the total sum assured. 

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Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

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Vishal Subharwal heads the Strategy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Digital Business & Sustainability initiatives at HDFC Life. He is responsible for crafting and ensuring successful implementation of the overall organisation strategy.

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