Sbig App
Install our App to get easy Access toBuy, Link, Renew, Claim and More
Get

10 Factors Affecting the Premium of Critical Illness Insurance

blog
May 7, 2025
expertexpertexpert

Critical health insurance plans that act as your security shield at the time of a medical crisis are no longer a mere need; it is a necessity. As the hazard and recurrence of critical illnesses are on the rise, a critical illness cover is a great investment in guaranteeing quality healthcare and peace of mind. An individual’s physical, mental, and monetary health can be antagonistically affected if analysed with a critical illness like cancer. That’s why a critical illness insurance policy pays a part of the sum to offer assistance to the policyholder, guaranteeing the individual has access to adequate reserves to fight the sickness and recuperate quicker with the assistance of high-quality treatment. Before purchasing the policy, you ought to know the benefits of having a basic health insurance policy and how the premium is decided. Let’s learn more about it.

Understanding Critical Illness Insurance

Critical illness insurance is a sort of health insurance plan that covers basic or life-threatening maladies like stroke, cancer, kidney failure, loss of motion, multiple sclerosis, heart attack, etc. You can file a claim if you are diagnosed with any of the covered basic illnesses mentioned on your critical illness medical insurance. The health insurance providers will pay a premium to reimburse up to the full safety net provider, no matter what the treatment costs are.

For instance, you have opted for basic health insurance plans with a whole safety net provider of INR 15 lakhs, and your treatment costs sum to INR 11 lakhs. Protections will pay you the whole sum and will not inquire for any bills or reports; the as it were report required is verification of the diagnosis.

However, you can profit off the stipend as it were if you survive a certain period after the date of conclusion. This period is called the survival period and can extend between 14 and 30 days based on the arrangement and guarantors.

Is there a Waiting Period for Critical Illness Insurance?

Like standard health insurance plans, critical illness insurance also has a waiting period, but it's much lower. The waiting period is generally 90 days from the date of policy purchase. 

Related Blog: What is 'Waiting Period' in Health Insurance?

Factors Affecting the Premium of a Critical Illness Insurance Plan

A few components influence the premium of critical health insurance policies, such as -

1. Age

A person’s age is a critical calculation influencing the premium of basic health insurance policies. If you purchase this approach at a youthful age, the premium will be lower since the chance of catching a critical illness is less. As you age, the hazard increases, and so does the premium.

2. Family History

If you have a family history of illnesses like heart disease or cancer, you are at an increased risk of catching such illnesses. It may be troublesome for you to get a basic health insurance plan, and if any safety net providers offer coverage, the premiums charged will be high.

3. Pre-existing Conditions

Individuals with pre-existing conditions will have to pay a higher premium than those who don’t have any medical health issues.

4. Sum Insured

The higher the comprehensive health insurance, the higher the premium.

Related Blog: What Is Sum Insured in Health Insurance?

5. Body Mass Index (BMI)

A person with a higher BMI is more vulnerable to afflictions, including the heart and muscles. This implies customary medical considerations, such as specialist visits and medicines, and the likelihood of recording claims is high. So, considering all the health dangers, the health insurance premium will be high for an individual with a high BMI.

6. Lifestyle

Destitute way of life propensities, such as eating less, missing fundamental supplements, needing to work out, smoking, and utilising liquor, increase the chance of health issues; thus, the premium charged for a basic health insurance policy will be high. Moreover, if you are an adventure enthusiast and routinely lock in activities like bungee jumping, skiing, scuba diving, etc., the premium will be higher.

7. Work Environment

The working environment influences the premium of a basic health insurance policy. If you work in a high-risk, unpleasant, or perilous environment, the premium even of a basic health insurance policy will be higher.

8. Number of Illnesses Covered

Health insurance policies which cover more basic or life-threatening ailments have higher premiums.

9. Riders

Selecting riders or add-on covers will increase the premium. So, you must select only those add-ons which are highly necessary.

10. Medical Inflation

When inflation leads to a rise in healthcare costs, insurance providers will increase the premiums too.

Tips to Select the Premium of a Critical Illness Insurance Policy

If you are looking for reasonable premiums while getting a critical illness insurance policy, here are a few tips to offer assistance to you:–

1. Choose an Adequate Sum Insured

Select a satisfactory whole safety net provider that can cover your restorative and non-medical costs. A higher entirety guarantor will lead to higher premiums, so you must select a sum that offers adequate coverage and is affordable.

2. Assess the Risk Factors

Evaluate the chance variables of creating basic sicknesses and see for suitable coverage.

3. Opt for a Critical Illness Insurance Rider

Selecting a critical illness insurance rider will be less costly compared to a standalone approach. If you don’t have a family history of such sicknesses but need to amplify the scope of your standard healthcare arrangement, an add-on cover may give satisfactory coverage.

4. Broad or Basic Policy Covering

A health insurance plan covering a wide range of basic illnesses will be costly. You must choose whether to select for broader scope or an essential one.

5. Check for Discounts

Check for rebates by keeping up a sound way of life, using the no-claim reward, or bundling with other insurance products.

6. Comparing Quotes Offered by Different Insurers

Comparing quotations advertised by distinctive insurance providers will offer assistance to you in discovering the best health insurance policy that meets your requirements.

Conclusion

Critical illness insurance offers essential financial support during severe health crises, enabling individuals to access quality healthcare without overwhelming financial strain. This policy provides peace of mind, knowing that one is covered against life-threatening illnesses, allowing for quicker recovery and a focus on health rather than monetary worries.

This blog is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. The content may include outdated information regarding the topic discussed. Readers are encouraged to confirm the accuracy and relevance of the data before making any significant decisions. SBI General Insurance disclaims responsibility for any errors or consequences arising from the use of outdated information provided herein.

Recent Blogs

icon

Health Insurance

Beat the Heat with These 10 Healthy Indian Summer Coolers

With each passing year, the temperatures in summers seem to be setting new records. The scorching heat through the summer months leaves you parched for some refreshing drinks. This summer choose some refreshing traditional Indian chillers to cool you down instead of guzzling carbonated drinks.
icon

Health Insurance

12 Winter Skin Care Routine

Skin's natural barrier can be weakened due to cold winds and low humidity, making it dry, irritated, and sensitive. But understanding these effects helps you feel more prepared to protect your skin this winter. Keeping up with the skincare routine in winter is key to protecting the skin barrier, keeping the skin moisturised, and preventing damage from the season's stressors.
icon

Health Insurance

6 foods to avoid winter illness and stay healthy

Winter pollution and cold can disrupt your routine, raise stress and lead to overeating and weakened immunity. We recommend a balanced diet with enough protein to curb hunger pangs, and extra sleep to reduce stress. Oats & Honey Oats are a filling budget food to boost energy. They are high in immunity-boosting zinc and fibre to stabilize blood sugar. Honey’s antioxidants also boost immunity, and its anti-microbial properties kill bacteria & soothe sore throats. Pomegranates Pomegranate juice is rich in vitamin B and antioxidants, which curbs harmful cholesterol that leads to plaque build-up in the arteries. Its seeds can reduce chances of cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits contain vitamin C which boosts immunity (one orange contains a day’s worth). Their potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance. They are also high in fibre, which controls blood sugar and cholesterol. Sweet Potatoes A popular winter food, sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A and C. They contain antioxidants that reduce cell damage in the body, while their high fibre content helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Dark Greens Dark leafy vegetables are low in calories and rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C – both powerful antioxidants that help fight infections & build immunity. Cold weather even reduces their bitterness, making them tastier. Carrots Carrots are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. They also contain beta-carotene, which turns to vitamin A in the body, boosting immunity and enabling healthier eyes, skin & mucus membranes. Which Spices? Mustard and ajwain are a great flu remedy, stimulating digestion and increasing blood circulation. Methi soothes bone and joint problems that crop up in winter, while fresh turmeric is a great anti-microbial immunity booster.
icon

Health Insurance

6 Natural Ingredients for Soft Skin in Winter

As winter approaches, it’s essential to provide extra care for your skin to keep it soft and nourished. With dry humidity, cold winds, and indoor heating, it's easy for the skin to feel dry and uncomfortable. Practicing natural winter skincare by incorporating the right ingredients into your routine can allow the skin to feel truly cared for and protected during the winter. Let’s learn more in this regard.