What Challenges Do People Face Getting Health Insurance After Age 60?

As people age, they need more healthcare. After turning 60, older people often struggle to manage medical expenses, especially since medical costs are rising in India. Thus, seniors should secure health insurance that addresses these specific needs.

Many companies now offer senior citizen health insurance to cover hospitalisation bills, critical illnesses, and more. However, getting health insurance after 60 means facing higher premiums, mandatory medical tests, waiting periods, and limited coverage options. Seniors should carefully consider these points when choosing their health insurance.

Challenges Of Getting Health Insurance After 60

Getting health insurance after 60 can be difficult. The reason is that older people are prone to health issues that require long-term treatment or hospitalisation. Insurance companies generally consider senior citizens to be at a higher risk. Therefore, their premiums are on the higher end compared to those of young people.

Also, the senior population comes with pre-existing diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and conditions like arthritis, heart disease, etc. Most of the insurers apply waiting periods prior to treatments related to these illnesses.

Some policies also include co-payment clauses, where older people need to pay a portion of their medical bills themselves. In some cases, the applicants are also required to undergo medical tests before approval of the policy.

Medical Tests and Documentation Requirements

Insurance companies sometimes ask senior citizens to undergo a few medical tests before approving the health policy. These tests help to take note of the applicant’s current condition and identify pre-existing illnesses. Based on the medical reports, the insurance company decides the premium amount, waiting period, and coverage terms.

Common tests are:

• Blood sugar


• Blood pressure


• ECG


• Urine test


• Liver and kidney function


• Chest X-ray or general health analysis

Not only medical tests, but older people also need to submit documents like identity proof, age proof, address proof, and previous medical records, if possible. Sometimes the companies also ask the applicant if they are undergoing any treatments or medications.

Proper documentation and medical reports help in seamless claims and make the whole process smooth for the senior citizens.

Regular Health Insurance vs. Senior Citizen Health Insurance

Health insurance premiums usually change with age. While regular ones are designed for individuals and families of different age groups. However, senior citizen plans are specially curated for individuals aged 60 and above. Here is the difference: