World Senior Citizen Day: Wellness Benefits in Health Insurance Matter More Than Ever

Health insurance for senior citizens has long been seen through the lens of hospitalisation cover or coverage for critical and pre-existing diseases. But in recent years, the conversation has shifted towards preventive care and wellness benefits for a healthy lifestyle.

On World Senior Citizen Day, insurers point to a significant change that the elderly should be aware of: wellness benefits designed to keep seniors healthier for longer, not just protect them when things go wrong.

Says Dr Vinay Golankondoju, AVP – Health Underwriting at Digit Insurance, “The wellness add-ons are highly relevant for the elderly, due to the distinct and complex healthcare needs that come with ageing. While younger individuals might benefit from wellness programs focused on general fitness and prevention, seniors face a higher risk of chronic conditions, mobility issues, and mental health challenges. For them, these add-ons shift the focus from reactive hospitalisation to proactive care.”

Golankondoju says that for an older person managing hypertension or recovering from surgery, unlimited consultations or home nursing can be far more useful than waiting until hospitalisation is required.

So, what do insurers typically offer as wellness benefits under health insurance plans?

These services are not flashy extras. Seniors often fill everyday gaps in healthcare that hospitals alone cannot solve.

Doctor-on-call services, for instance, provide round-the-clock medical advice without the need to leave home.

Wellness coaches guide on diet, weight, and disease management.

There are reminders for medicines, physiotherapy support at home, ambulance coordination, even pick-and-drop facilities for medical visits.

In some cases, discounts on yoga, gym memberships, or pharmacy bills are also included.

“The services offered may vary from plan to plan and insurer to insurer. So, make sure you check with your insurer to understand the type of wellness benefits they offer,” Golankondoju states.

Do insurers provide preventive health check-ups, screenings, or diagnostic tests as part of senior citizen policies?

Yes, says Golankondoju, preventive care is becoming more and more common in healthcare for seniors. “The services provided vary from insurer to insurer. Many insurers now offer discounted or bundled diagnostics, monitoring for long-term conditions, and regular health screenings.”

Preventive care in health plans typically includes:

• Regular health check-ups

• Diabetes and thyroid screenings

• Mental health assessments

• Even vaccinations like flu or pneumonia shots are also offered

Some insurers, including Digit, also extend discounts up to 25 per cent in certain cases on diagnostics and chronic condition programs covering diabetes, thyroid, or cancer care. The idea is to catch problems early and reduce the chance of major hospital stays.

Another development is the use of technology to help with wellness-related healthcare. Golankondoju explains that activity monitoring through wearables, digital medical wallets to store reports, and app-based access to services are now commonly available. These features make it easier to track ongoing conditions and give caregivers peace of mind, especially for families who don’t live in the same city as their parents.

Are there age-related restrictions to wellness benefits?

Golankondoju says that most insurers don’t restrict these services by age, and many keep consultations unlimited. For instance, diagnostics and physiotherapy sessions can be used multiple times, usually at discounted rates.

While some benefits are bundled into the premium, others are available as optional add-ons at an extra cost. “Seniors and caregivers are advised to check how simple the access process is and whether service partners are reliable, since these practical details often determine how useful the benefit really is,” he advises.

For India’s ageing population, wellness features in health insurance are slowly becoming less of an optional extra and more of a core expectation. Financial protection remains vital, but for day-to-day living, it is the softer, wellness-focused benefits that will become the real safety net.