Thrissur: The uncertainties surrounding health insurances of senior citizens are slowly clearing up. The Insurance Regulatory And Development Authority of India (IARDAI) has removed the age cap for purchasing health insurances. The same was stated in a latest order issued regarding insurance products. The declaration will serve as a major relief for several senior citizens who are denied proper health care at the moment.

As per the existing rules, people aged above 65 years were restricted from buying new health care policies. As per the latest order, people in all age groups can purchase the health care policies. The companies have been advised to release policies suiting the interests of elders, students, children and also pregnant women. All those who need special consideration should also be included in the scheme. 

The order has made clear its stance on the people suffering from various diseases. Measures should be taken for their insurance as well, it stated. 

As per the latest notification, the health insurance waiting period was reduced from 48 months to 36 months. As a result, insurers will not be able to reject claims based on pre-existing conditions after 36 months.

Instructions were also given to include the treatments done under the Ayush Department in the ambit of health insurance. A special division will be constituted for exclusively dealing with policy related matters, including claims, of senior citizens. Besides, the details pertaining to all these shall be published in the respective company websites. The latest notification is in accordance with the recommendations of the Health Insurance Conservative Committee which was appointed last year.