4 reasons why you should avoid Health Insurance policies from Banks with cheap premiums !

POSTED BY Jagoinvestor ON July 4, 2013 COMMENTS (122)

Do you come across health insurance policies from Bank with surprisingly low premiums and with amazing features and benefits, which makes you feel you should not miss this offer? Today I will give you good enough ideas about those health insurance policies and will help you understand the limitations of those health insurance policies from the bank and why you should avoid them in most of the cases. Let’s start.

Health Insurance from Banks

Background about Health Insurance policies offered by Banks?

All the health insurance policies offered by banks is mainly a group of health insurance provided to all their banking customers in association with some external general insurance company. What happens, in this case, is that a health insurance company approaches a bank and tells them that they can offer a specialized health cover to all their bank customers with lots of benefits with a small premium. The best part of these policies is that there are no medicals involved, there are fixed premiums for all age group customers, very low premium, etc. On the first look, you will not even believe that something of that kind can exist.

But there is always another side of the situation and now these policies despite looking amazing to have lots of problems and limitations which you should know and then take the decision. Let’s check them one by one

1. Depends on negotiations every year

Health insurance policies provided by banks are actually an outsourced thing. So if you buy it from bank A, then actually its a policy from Insurance company B, the bank is merely an intermediary. As this policy is a group cover, the policy premiums and all the featured are going to be negotiated on a regular interval like each year or twice a year. Now the problem is that if the health insurance company feels that the premiums should be revised (for whatever reason), then banks can’t do anything and the only customer will suffer here because he did his long term health insurance planning with this policy.

The premiums of the policy can rise like anything in the future because the pricing of the product is very flawed in most cases because banks do not have much experience in the health insurance domain.

In absence of the right expertize with most Banks, the pricing could be majorly flawed. Though there are no published figures available, our sources at some Insurance companies say that it is an incessantly “bleeding portfolio”. We believe, any contract, in any field, which is not win-win,does not work in the long term.

2. Chances of association breaking in future

What will a customer do if the association breaks between the bank and insurance company in the future? Health care costs are increasing and its always a good thing to get your self insurance as soon as possible, now if after 5 yrs of running a policy suppose the association breaks, a customer will be left into a situation where he has to again find a suitable policy and who knows if he has developed some illness in between these 4-5 yrs, who will cover that. Here is a real-life experience from Ketan shah on the forum, see how he suffered when something similar happened with him

Dena bank 5 Years back came out with Scheme in tie up with Oriental Insurance for providing mediclaim at highly attractive premium i.e. Rs. 7000 for 5 Lac cover.

We hold various accounts with dena bank and as per their tie up we got ourselves covered (5 Policies) after paying 2 years premium, when the 3 rd year renewal came we were informed that the tie up with Oriental is no more there and the same policy will be transferred to United India Insurance for same Premium..

Now we have paid 2 years premium with United India and the 3rd year Premium we are informed that Dena Bank has increased the Premium 2 -3 fold for policies…

Now trusting Dena bank and paying 5 years of Premium which comes to almost 2 Lacs we are stranded and forced to pay high Premium for my parents and now we are in a fix If we don’t pay and we cant even change the company since parents are 65 +

we were assured that the scheme shall continue since it is bank tie up and therefore we got our previous pvt policy cancelled which had a very High Premium for my Parents (20000 for 5 Lac)
Please advice if we can approach IRDA for the same…

3. Limits on renewable age

Health insurance is a long term financial product and should always be bought with very long term benefits in mind. Having a lifetime renewal option is not just a wish, but kind of must-have feature in your health insurance policy and that’s where these policies from banks fail. They all have a limitation on the renewal age in most of the cases.

Even if the premiums are lower, what will you do sometime in the future when you really need that policy and it shuts the door for you.

4. Pathetic “service” issues

The service provided at the time of claim settlement is really a big parameter. Now if you have bought it from the bank (here bank is the agent), there is no “person” or “company” to help or assist you at the time of claim settlement? Whom do you mail? Who do you talk to? Who will you catch? Who will you blame? The bank due to its size and nature will not entertain you in a proper manner.

Also being a group policy, it some times gets very complex to understand their limitation and many things will be a complete nightmare for you as a customer. So it’s really a big disadvantage here. I want you to go through the following conversation on service issues which was done by Mahavir Chopra of medimanage and Ritesh sometime back. It will give you some idea about this aspect.

Bad Service in health insurance by banks

Overall I would say any health insurance from banks which are pure group cover should be just an extra health cover in your life. It should NOT be the primary long term solution for your health insurance needs. Its very important to have a large health cover from a very strong company with great benefits and strong service levels.

What do you feel ?

122 replies on this article “4 reasons why you should avoid Health Insurance policies from Banks with cheap premiums !”

  1. Raj says:

    It seems to be a paid article to defame mediclaim insurance offered by nationalized banks.

    1. Sorry, All I can say is that you are wrong 🙂

  2. gdp says:

    i have canara mediclam policy (united india) pl tell me how much amount is eligible for eye operation? (motia bindu) my policy for 1 lac.

    1. First check if its covered under your policy or not !

  3. SYAM says:

    MY PARENTS GOT HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH SYNDICATE BANK WITH UNITED INDIA INSURANCE. WHEN WE APPLIED FOR REEMBURSMENT WE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM . ALL WENT VERY SMOOTH CLAIMED FOUR TIMES IN SAME YEAR AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM

    1. shruti says:

      Hi! I am also looking for a bank health insurance policy for my parents who will be 60 yrs old this year but the problem is that they have diabetes and cholesterol. I know that none of these policies cover pre-existing illnesses till 3 yrs, so is the policy is still good and can be taken? Were your parents also diseased when you took the policy?

      1. I dont think there will be any policy which will accept these medical issues and give policy !

    2. Thanks for your comment SYAM

  4. Anil says:

    I have taken mediclaim policy (2Lacs) from Canara Bank(United India Insurance) for my family which covers my parents also. I had 3 claims so far and all of them were smooth (I found them to be better than the one provided to me by my employer when it comes claim settlement). Third time, my father had to undergo angioplasty, and it was cashless. The bill was 2.3L, I had to pay 30k only. I have been observing insurance industry since 10+ years, I would definitely go for Canara Bank + United India Insurance anytime.

    1. Thanks for sharing that ! …

    2. kapil says:

      very useful comment,

  5. ashokkumarjain says:

    all comments are useful.

  6. Veejhay says:

    Bank Medclaim policies through United India Insurance Co. Ltd., through Syndicate Bank, Canara Bank, Indian Bank, Dena Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Andhra Bank , Vijaya Bank offers only 70% of claim amount for Major claims, this clause was introduced subsequently as claim ratio has gone adverse from bad and on top of it there i s no communication from insurance and bank to their policyholders/account holders and it’s open cheating, fraud and loss of trust

    1. Thanks for sharing that Veejhay

  7. sekhar says:

    Very good.

  8. Kiran says:

    Sir,
    which company is better for health insurance ?

  9. AbhishekSharma says:

    I am an insurance company employee (PSU). Like to point out that these tie up policies come under corporate negotiated policies. Under these mediclaim policies, there is often no waiting period. So, the movement money is deducted from your account, the cover starts.

    1. Thanks for sharing that AbhishekSharma

    2. Shivank says:

      To Abhishek & others.

      My wife was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in March 2015 and has been under treatment since then. She has responded well to the medication.

      Wanted to know if the insurance thru Banks would cover Lung cancer under pre-existing condition with a waiting period of 3 yrs – 4 yrs.

      Is there any other private insurance company that offers above as pre-existing.

      1. I dont think it will ever be covered. Only things which are predictible are covered, And with the history you mentioned, it will not be covered !

  10. Nischal says:

    I have a PNB-Oriental Mediclaim Policy and am very happy with it. The only thing not to expect is Premium reminders as in case u buy it from an agent. Also you will have to do all the Claim procedure all by yourself. Else the plan and benefits are fantastic .
    I would advise everyone to go for it as there is huge lack of awareness about these policies as banks also dont promote as they dont earn ny commissions on these policies.
    I had filed a complaint against the canara bank Branch anager and got him suspended for misguiding me on this Bank policy as canara bank had a tie up with some private insurer too and these guys were forcing me to buy that policy.

    1. Hey Nischal

      Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us. It was a great learning.

      Manish

    2. DrSachinKC says:

      Dear Nischal
      Have you ever had a claim on this policy ?
      And which policy you feel better.
      Canara bank’s or PNB’s?
      Thanks

      1. Nischal says:

        Yes I have and the process is smooth and easy if we follow the procedure and submit the necessary documents on time.

        1. DrSachinKC says:

          Ok. Thank u Nischal

  11. sanjeeb says:

    Do not go by the article. It is a biased one. google the advantage/disadvantage of health insurance through banks. then make the judgement on ur own. Also never buy from private insurers, ven they are tied up with ur bank. Remember, while profitability is one of the objective of PSU insurers, It is the ONLY objective of private insurers.

    1. Thanks for your comment sanjeeb

    2. Rohit says:

      Remember, while profitability is one of the objective of PSU insurers, It is the ONLY objective of private insurers.

      Thank you Sanjeeb, I will remember this.

  12. aNOWARUL says:

    My father is 66 and mother is 53 taking a health insurance from company will cost me almost 50000 for 3 lack SA dont you think its better to go with bank at 10000 for 5 lacks SA i know there will be some issue with claims but its not that they will not pay claim settelment of PSu is highest.

    I dont wana waste 50000 PA .

    1. You can go for bank policy if the premiums are a big hit for you. Just compare all features with company direct policy !

  13. sunil says:

    canara bank appolo munich easy health plan please advise me should i buy or not and why

    1. Hi sunil

      Thanks for sharing your health insurance requirement. I think the best think you can do is leave your details at https://www.coverfox.com/jagoinvestor . And you will get a expert assistance on selecting and buying the right policy for you.

      You can then take the decision.

      Manish

    2. Jagadish says:

      Hi sir , iam jagadish can u tell me which pollicy its best. How abt this policy canara apoollo munich pls tel me

  14. Vikas says:

    Dear Manish,

    Need your expert advice on taking an Medical Insurance from Bank for My father as he will be now entering 70 years of age. I have gone across many PSU banks providing low premiums.
    Kindly suggest further.

    1. Hi Vikas

      Thanks for sharing your health insurance requirement. I think the best think you can do is leave your details at https://www.coverfox.com/jagoinvestor . And you will get a expert assistance on selecting and buying the right policy for you.

      You can then take the decision.

      Manish

  15. Amit says:

    Dear Manish,
    Pls advice on SBI group ins policy tie up of SBI general ins and SBI … I want for my mother she is 58 yrs old. They are offering it at Approx 10k for 4 lacs

    Although no medical req but I will declare her diabities and BP which she has.
    pls suggest what are the shortcomings for this policy.

    1. Hi Amit

      I am yet to review that policy . At this moment, I think the best thing you can do is leave your details at https://www.coverfox.com/jagoinvestor . And you will get a expert assistance on selecting and buying the right policy for you.

      You can then take the decision.

      Manish

  16. kumarnatarajan says:

    hello sir i want to health insurance policy”religare health insurance”please advice me which insurance company i will go for give me best one thanks.

    1. Hi kumarnatarajan

      Thanks for sharing your health insurance requirement. I think the best think you can do is leave your details at https://www.coverfox.com/jagoinvestor . And you will get a expert assistance on selecting and buying the right policy for you.

      You can then take the decision.

      Manish

  17. Dr ANURAG JAIN says:

    please subscribe me your e.mail newsletters if free of cost.

  18. D Das says:

    hello Jagoinvestor

    I am 38 yrs and I wish to buy one for my wife and kid. Is there any insurance policy which gives payments even for outdoor check-ups?
    can you suggest which one will be best for my family?
    best regards!

    1. Hi D Das

      Thanks for sharing your health insurance requirement. I think the best think you can do is leave your details at https://www.coverfox.com/jagoinvestor . And you will get a expert assistance on selecting and buying the right policy for you.

      You can then take the decision.

      Manish

  19. Subrata Kumar Biswas says:

    Manish

    I am government salaried employee. My age is 59 and my wife is 41 and my son is 19 years. I want cashless policies for my family. Whose policies will be better as per your opinion? I can pay approx Rs. 5000 per year. Can I include in cashless policies for my widow step mother whose age is 64. Which bank give best service?

    Subrata Kumar Biswas

    1. I think Rs 5000 is extremely less for so many people .. Considering the age you have mentioned I think you will have to spend more money like around 20-30k

    2. Raj says:

      Dear Mr Biswas
      you can buy Bank of India Swasthya Bima Policy for some reasons, as premium is one of the lowest, Fix premium up to 60yers of age, More coverage then provided the other bank & above all you can give standing instruction to the bank to deduct the premium from your account when ever due so you will not laps your policy .Please check link for the forms & detail
      http://www.bankofindia.co.in/english/swasthya3.aspx
      thanks

  20. Harish Sharma says:

    Very valid point raised by Vishal Goyal above.

    1) If it cannot be guaranteed that the alliance between Bank and Insurance company may stay for long term, then it cannot be guranteed that the Insurance company “will have to” Renew Policy next year.

    2) when you say // the problem is that if the health insurance company feels that the premiums should be revised (for whatever reason) , then banks cant do anything and only customer will suffer here because he did his long term health insurance planning with this policy.//
    do you mean that in Individual policies we have a say?

    1. Hi Harish Sharma

      My only point was that the relationship should be direct with insurer and not on the mercy of a deal. When you take a plan from company directly, its a individual plan and works differently. Whereas banks policy come under “group policy” which has different rules and structure.

      Manish

    2. YogeshShah says:

      I think if the tieup does not get renewed wit the existing insurer & some new insurer comes they will accept policy as porting.. which will count all previous years & you dont have to wait again for 3-4 years to cover your existing disease.. (my views)

  21. Vishal Goyal says:

    Dear Manish,
    You pointed out that – we would be left uncovered IF alliance between Bank and Insurance company breaks!!
    But presently there is no mechanism [IRDA or govt. rules] which binds Insurance company to grant [renew] policy next year. Also not guaranteed that they keep the same policy features and/or premium!!
    Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation* Afterall.
    Your comments please.

    1. Vishal

      Now as per new regulations, its binding on the health insurance company to renew your policy till lifetime, unless you want it . So its not correct, that there are not in binding for that.

      Premium part is never fixed in health insurance, like life insurance , and it can never be .

  22. Jaya Dhameja says:

    Canara Bank Apollo Munich health ins policy for 5lacs
    Person to be insured 63 years old
    Premium Rs. 4500/- app.
    Underwent heart bypass surgery in July 2008
    Declaration in appln. Form is for any surgery/major operation in last five years only
    No provision/column to declare this 7 years old treatment/surgery
    Can this be answered in Negative?
    Can any heart treatment/operation be covered by the policy hence?
    Or it will be precluded
    Can you guide?

    Jaya

    1. I think its tough to get the policy with these conditions !

      1. Avinash says:

        I know your article covers all such policies in general, but do you have any specific feedback on the Canara Bank Apollo Munich health insurance policy in particular?

        Mt father, aged 62 has taken this policy. He has had no surgeries in the past and doesnt presently suffer from any ailments.

        1. It has all the issues which are mentioned in the article. Its through bank partership !

  23. raju says:

    Hi ,
    I am getting a call of many Insurance company regarding the special scheme.
    Its one time premium granted plan.
    I this plan i have to pay once 20000 and i will get insurance clam of 5 lack for 15 yrs
    and get cash back of 400000 after 5 year.

    I want to know is there any kind of plan like this in HDFC and Agone .

    please suggest me

    1. I think you should stay away from that plan !

  24. Dipesh Mehta says:

    Canara Bank has now tied up with Apollo Munich to offer insurance policies. Has anyone taken this policy. It looks good and I plan to take the same. Need some review comments on this to decide…

    1. Read their terms and conditions , when banks tie up with health insurance companies , the issue is with service part ,not the product features .

  25. Sachindra Pratap says:

    Hi ,
    Guys i want to avail the benefit of medical policy ,
    Please suggest the individual policy would be good or to
    go with some bank example canara bank where premium is quite low.
    but it is also saying there are no caps and no limits .should is rely on them
    As they are saying every thing would be in written also.

    Regards,
    Sachindra

    1. As I said in the article, its better to avoid bank policies if you can get proper policies from health insurance companies.

  26. Raj says:

    Very useful article. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  27. Praveen says:

    Dear Manish

    I have taken a health policy (Jeevan Arogya) from LIC. My mother was also covered under this plan. After 12 months from the plan my mother has to go for Angioplasty in Fortis Escorts, Delhi. When I met HI Manager he told me that only 40 % of SI for angioplasty will be paid which was not cleared at the time of taking policy. Request you to show the path shall I go for grievance redressal to IRDA or any other option is feasible. Still the claim is not settled it may take 10 to 15 days extra. Please guide me

    1. What is written in the policy Brochure ?

    2. Rohit says:

      40% is mentioned in Jeevan Arogya brochure

  28. punit says:

    dear sir
    i have to invest some amount for my child,s education who is 2 years old on monthly basis.(approx 1000 per month). kindly suggest..i am confused about child education plans.

  29. feroz says:

    I NEED BEST PLAN HEALTH INSURANCE 100% CLAIM FAMILY FLOATER 10 LAKHS WHO BEST PLAN

  30. feroz says:

    one claim direct hospital and other claim cheque amt

    for example Royal sundarm hospital plan Day 1 = Rs 1,000 per day

    i have 10 days hospital 2 lakhs clam max bumpa
    royal sundarm 10 days = 1000*10=10,000+ICU 2000*5=10,000

    1. Whats your question ?

  31. feroz ahmed says:

    Hi
    Sir, I am a regular reader of jagoinvestor and as after reading this article I want to buy a health insurance policy. I am 34 years old. already family floater health insurance for 3 lakhs i want to buy family or me for 5 lakhs or more i need multiple health insurance to dupilcate copy claims insurance. i have max bumpa 3 lakhs i am over weight for me i try to one more health insurance Please suggest help me

    1. Hi Feroz

      What do you mean by you want to duplicate claims ?

  32. Manoj Negi says:

    Hi
    Sir, I am a regular reader of jagoinvestor and as after reading this article I want to buy a health insurance policy. I am 38 years old. I want to a buy a family floater health insurance for my wife (35 years) and 1 daughter (6 years). Please suggest me a family floater health insurance for 3 lacs.

    Thanks & Regards
    Manoj Negi

    1. Oriental or Religare is a good choice !

  33. Rahaman says:

    Manish,

    While doing some analysis on the same topic, I came across this http://www.gettingyourich.com/1/post/2012/11/why-health-insurance-offered-by-nationalized-banks-is-an-attractive-option.html
    [Please note that I am not sure if it is good etiquette to refer other blogs in your blog, so excuse me if it looks bad:( ]

    Now, I have a health insurance policy from National Insurance Company through Bank of India (BOI National Swasthay Bima Policy) & the policy is issues in my name. My questions are

    – You are mentioning such insurance policies through banks are group insurance, but in my case the policy is issues on my name. It is then an individual policy or a group policy?

    – For the payment, I submitted the filled form to BOI & then BOI paid the premium by deducting the amount from my own account. But for further follow-up, I need to talk to insurance company directly, there is no person/agent from BOI

    So, could you please help me with some thoughts like is it an individual policy or group policy? Does it depend on BOI’s association with the insurance company?

    1. Its a group policy. But you are the customer . It will be in your name . Its just that the nature of policy is different. You are part of a big contract which is for all the customers .

      ALl the risk points which I have put applies to you , the good thing is that none of them have happened and might not happen. But just imagine if the association breaks and then you are left without any cover. What do you do then ?

  34. Edward says:

    Manish,

    Professionally written post on Medical Insurance schemes offered by Banks,

    However i will have to differ in its totality for its biased approach favouring agents and private banks.

    My Justification Supporting such schemes

    1. Only Nationalized Banks are offering such schemes
    2. Only Public sector Insurance companies are offering such schemes
    3. United India,New India, Oriental Insurance,National Insurance have very High claim settlement 95%,93%88%&74% respectively
    4. The Contract is between the person Insured and the Insurance Company, the bank is just a mediator
    5.Agents receive 15% commission on open market medical schemes at the inception as well as on every renewal
    6.My family, relatives and friends own atleast 30 policies from Canara Bank/United Insurance and Syndicate Bank/United Insurance and do not regret a single moment for going for it.
    7. The Media-Private Banks-Agents Mafia have made sure that public are unaware of such life saving low cost schemes.
    8. My entire family and extended group of relatives and friends numbering 50 highly recommend bank provided schemes

    Just Go For It !!!

    1. I have just outlined the possible potential risk points . It might be true and false in many cases. At the end customer has to take his decision

  35. The discussions and sharing are very nice and crisp. Lots of experience are shared which is valuable for many viewers of this topic.

    I am a financial consultant i believe in providing best possible service and being supportive at the time of issues and claims. And that builds my business automatically through word of mouth.

    Its very true when some of the policies are bought online or through banks and not serviced properly. The employees are made responsible for sales but not proactive in the services part.

    That’s were it leads to discomfort to the investors or policy holders.

    I always suggest to people to buy your policies with people who are in serious full time business and supports their clients at times of claims.

  36. Munish says:

    Hi Manish,

    Before I was getting health insurance from my company for all family members but now I start my own business so I want to take one of the best health insurance for us so please guide me which will be the best for us.

    1. There are many companies now like Religare Care , Appolo Munich !

      1. Salm says:

        Manish,

        I found many drawbacks to individual policies as it come with many conditions for the first few years such as pre exising is not covered, few of the diseases are not covered first 3 years and so on….

        In that case, being a part of a group insurance coverage, preferably from your
        company ( employer) would be much beneficial. Here company can negotiate the terms and conditions and most cases, insurance companies remove all the conditions and offered coverage right from the day one instead of no coverage for first 30 days or no coverage up to 3 years for selected diseseases etc like in the case of standalond individual policies.

        More over, some companies even cover maternity benfits in case of group health coverage where as in individual policies, you will not get that benefit.

        In my opinion, you get far batter quality claim settlement service in case of group coverage because it is a matter of premium that amount to few lakhs or crores which any insurance company cannot afford to loose if they don’t service better where as in case of individual policies losses are very less if a policy holder switch over to another company. In case of individual policy, we need to take initiative along the process with the agent or insurance service personnel to get things done while in case of group coverage the process is very simple, you just need to interact via your HR personnel and you get far better and prompt service without much hassle! That is the fact.

        Salm

        1. Group cover are surely going to give many benefits compared to individual or family floater policies, If you are able to make sure that you have them for life time, then go for it .

  37. Sundaram says:

    How about seeing it from the point of view of Insurance Companies especially Four PSUs.
    They are actually loosing money or making only small profit. However Govt. will not allow them to go out of this business. So for their own survival, they are offering such discounted product hoping on majority no claims. If you try for a senior citizen health insurance with these PSUs they will discourage you (my own experience).

    So these discounted policies may still offer some value to say 50+ category at the cost of younger folks.

    This is probably best Medicare safety net available in India for lesser previleged. One should use it.

    1. But I am not sure why you are looking at it from this point. Its a group cover and thats what it costs most of the time. The pricing reflects the value. True that if one can not afford another policy at high cost, one can go for these

  38. raj says:

    Actually my age is 54 and I’m saving maximum. I pay Rs. 6990/- for Rs. 5 lakh SA for 5 persons. And in a family floater plan I need to pay Rs. 63234/- per annum for the same SA without any loading!

  39. raj says:

    Dear Manish,

    We have been reading your articles for a long time. But Sorry to say – for the first time it seems You have been misguided or you have not thoroughly researched about the contents of this article.

    Will reply point wise as in your article:-
    1. Depends on negotiations every year- Wrong
    My whole family and group of friends have in total 23 SUCH Policies!
    NEVER-EVER premium have been arbitrarily hiked. It is much less than Individual Health Policies. You can always check.
    2. Chances of association breaking in future- True
    And in reality has happened only with 3 of our policies. But every time some other Insurance company ties with the Bank and the Customer is saved. Do agree it could be a problem. Even then Insurance companies allow switch over from group insurance to individual health policies. You can check this. As for insurance company this is a very large cohort and a money too.
    3. Limits on renewable age- Partially true. As now few companies cover upto 85 years of age. This is quiet good considering the cost.

    4. Pathetic “service” issues- Partially agree. We occasionally had problem/s but these may be similar to other individual health policies.

    I discussed about this article amongst most – In my Family and Friends and We feel the benefits including the monetary far outweigh the drawbacks.

    These policies are beneficial for all except Agents as they don’t get anything.

    Will like to add the savings that we will make from individual policies along with regular hike in premiums will be sufficient to take care of ourselfs in case live beyond that age after 30 years.

    1. Raj

      You have a good case, but its like the Black Swan thing . JUst because your case has been amazing, it does not mean its a general case. Its your case . There are tons of other cases where people have suffered because of bank policies. And some of the issues which you have accepted in your case , like “renewal age limit” , Its going to be really a big disadvantage, which weighs down other factors by a big margin.

      Manish

      1. Not an issue Imran

        Everyone is free to take their own decisions, based on their understanding . We just give our views on a topic. Btw, which point above do you think is not correct ?

        1. Imran khan says:

          Manish,
          I was not saying you put any wrong information in the above article.
          I am just saying as per the comments posted by the user and my personal experience with the bank health insurance , my perception about health insurance provided by the Bank is not bad in term of premium and some time in term of service too.
          One more thing M also oppose the bank health insurance so don,t take this negatively.

          1. Bank Health INsurance is a good thing provided one has not been able to get a proper health insurance. This is what I have got the conclusion

  40. Rakesh says:

    I do not subscribe fully to your views on buying health insurance through PSU banks.
    I am an account holder in Canara Bank and have an mediclaim policy of United india insurance through my bank since 2007.In all these years there were four occasions when my wife needed hospitalisation.On all these occasions i got hasselefree cashless
    services from my TPA
    In all these years i never had to renegotiate premiums,and this continues to be same
    except minor enhancements because of changes in service tax by govt.
    I am a 64 years senior citizen and i can renew my policy upto 80 years.
    Yes i agree that problem may arise if this tie up breaks in future

    1. Yea .. that what we are talking about . If it has gone well , great . but you always have these risks.

  41. Sachin Shah says:

    Manish,

    again a good article. i m regular visit your blog and learn all the thing about insurance and investment. for your information i m agent of LIC and APOLLO as well.
    i share your article with my clients and its very much helpfull for me. i hope you don’t mind if i copy your article and share with my clients.

    1. vrknair says:

      I have two mediclaim policy of BOI and Star Health (3330 and 13000 respectively) I want to stop that BOI policy and shift this star health policy to the Apollo. Two yearly premium paid so far. Pl guide me.
      When started it was only 9000 this year they charged 13000. I do not know why the premium increased?

      1. You can never know that, companies are free to do that .

    2. As far as you are sharing it in email and telling them about the source (jagoinvestor.com) . I am fine with it !

  42. dr teny says:

    dear manish
    i had a syndicate bank plus united india mediclaim. i am using it for the past 9 years . had 3 to 4 small claims so far .so far had no problem.if some problem is there we can contact united india or tpa
    .premium is much lesser than other banks too.
    as u have told if bank stops the policy we will be in a grave trouble as my parents crossed 70!!
    thanks for your post and insights
    dr teny

    1. Yea , that risk is always there !

  43. bemoneyaware says:

    Great article
    We need to remember that there are no free lunches in life. If anything is costing less than elsewhere we need to be extra careful and try to find why is it so cheap!

  44. manojkumar pandey says:

    very useful artical for all.

  45. Chander says:

    Dear Manish:
    The salient issues and problems have been brought out crisply — “seducing customers in the beginning”, banks’ ignorance, premium increase with impunity, long term customer-commitment.
    Would like to share some + and some – of my experience.
    I have a SBI Card – Royal Sundaram tie-up Health Policy for more than a decade. The experience has been excellent. Prompt services; no hassles; not cheap as one example above — but not costly too. Premium can be checked online and compared. Very good customer service too — chat, email etc; but for some not so well trained people sometimes. Takes away a lot of time in getting your query answered properly/ correctly. Many a time I have got good advice and suggestions too. Depends upon the luck to whom you get connected at Toll Free!
    Problems: Although Govt. has tom-tomed the increase in age to 70 of Senior Citizen Mediclaim cover; you cannot change the Insurance company. That is you can’t start a new policy with a company if you have crossed 60!
    —————————
    1) Grievance redressal by the Insurance Companies is a pain; as there is no clear mechanism spelt out. And all of them hide behind BPOs.
    2) It is time IRDA makes it mandatory to disclose the terms and premium on the web-sites.
    3) May be there should be a responsive “health-insurance” ombudsman.
    ————————————————
    Overseas Travel Health Insurance is another magical world by itself. Worth researching! Can share experience sometime.
    ————————————————-
    You should also write a future article on Banks as intermediaries for ULIPs and MF too.
    I had/ am having miserable experience with a Dhanalxmi Bank-Metlife (now renamed as pnb-metlife in India)!!

    1. You might have got good service , but then you are rare . What I said in article is true for most of the policies, now if your bank association with the insurance company has been great . You are lucky 🙂 . But all the risks points I mentioned still hold true . Thanks for sharing your experience on this

    2. vrknair says:

      SBI and you got good service!
      I cannot believe my ears.
      You might have some friends there who knows you.
      I have salary account with the SBI still I did not get any benefit from them even to get a housing loan ( I took it from Syndicate Bank) State bank is 100% customer un friendly I repeat 100% customer UNFRIENDLY. I say this from personal experience/
      Go to any SBI manager he will not even offer you a seat what to talk about helping.
      May be I am educationally more qualified than him or drawing more pay than him but once in the chamber his behaviour is 100% against the customer.
      They know they have union to support. Whatever they do union is like a devil, will support them so Govt also can’t do anything.
      Actually my opinion is that govt should close all these in efficient PSBs. They make loss always still Govt capitalise them with the tax payers’ money. For what? To save their job at the cost of the customer and the poor rural Indians
      What a pity indeed>

      1. Thanks for sharing your story and experience. But we are sure various people will have their own story and their own version !

  46. Ram says:

    What about 4L coverage for 100 INR by SBI? Does it falls under same category?

    1. gaurang says:

      are its personal accident calim .. when u died it will give benefit and if u lost bil lower limb or upper limb u will get banifit of full your summassured

      1. Vanga Rajendra Prasad says:

        SBI General Insurance of Rs 4 lakhs for RS 100 premium per year covers Accidental death only, but not disability now.

        1. Yea accidental cover is anywyas very cheaper !

    2. YASHDEEP says:

      Its accident policy and not health insurance.

  47. K.A. Umamaheswaran says:

    Thanks for the important message. i am also an agent for LIC and New India. I always take care of my customers very well . I am spending maximum time to get my customer’s claim passed.

    1. Nice . Thats a great thing to hear !

  48. Muthu Krishnan V says:

    My parents have taken New india assurance individual policies ten years back through citibank credit card. We have made 3 – 4 claims and they were processed. for one of the claims, I made it through my company group policy which was rejected but on submitting the claim to NIA, they cleared it after asking for more documents and doctor testimonials.

    1. Thanks for sharing . The post does not mean to say that you do not get your claims, it only wants to highlight the risks involved !

  49. Dr M.Chandrashekhar says:

    I tend to agree with you. Since the last 03 years, Iam having Max Bupa Gold ( Iam 60 yrs old) Though the premium is steep, the Services are very good & claims are passed promptly.

    1. Yea , thats what you get in high premium

  50. Amit Shah says:

    I am not Agree with your Opinion…As per the Terms and Conditions of PSU’s is very clear. NIC Policy is Work with BOI Last more then 5 years without Issue, Maximum Client is take benefit of this policy.

    1. But is it true for all the banks ?

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