Health insurance should help you focus on recovery, not bills.
1 Crore Health Plans starting @₹18/day*.
We pay 100% of your hospital bills
From syringes to surgeries
No limit on hospital room rent
No compromises on recovery
1 Crore Health Plans starting @₹18/day*.
We pay 100% of your hospital bills
From syringes to surgeries
No limit on hospital room rent
No compromises on recovery
As parents grow older, their healthcare needs can increase. A health insurance plan for parents helps cover medical expenses such as hospitalisation, treatments, tests, and emergency care. With ACKO Health Insurance, your parents get access to 11,500+ cashless hospitals across India. Plus, benefits like 100% hospital bill coverage and zero co-pay add extra peace of mind.
Quick Links
MeaningBest Health Insurance PlansWhy Parents Need Health Insurance?Types of Health Plans for ParentsWhat is Covered by Health Insurance for Parents?What is Not Covered?How to Choose the Right Health Insurance?Benefits of Parents Health PlanHow to Save Tax With Health Insurance for Parents?Should You Add Your ParentsHow to Claim Health Insurance for Your Parents?Documents Required to File a Parents Health Insurance ClaimAdding Parents to a Family Health Plan Vs Separate Health Plan for ParentsSteps to buy Parent's health insurance online from ACKOKey Features of Parents Health InsuranceHow to Buy Health Insurance for Your ParentsHow to File a Health Insurance Claim for Your Parents with ACKO?How to File a Health Insurance Claim for Your Parents with ACKO? ConclusionFAQsRecent News Related to Parents Health InsuranceA health insurance plan for parents is a type of health insurance designed specifically for older adults. It helps cover the cost of medical treatment if your parents fall ill, meet with an accident, or need hospital care. You can buy a separate policy for your parents or include them in a family health insurance plan, depending on their age and healthcare needs.
A simple health plan with zero co-pay, 100% hospital bill coverage, and no room rent limits. Available with coverage from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore.
Get everything in Platinum Lite, plus higher coverage, unlimited restoration, and zero waiting period benefits. Choose from ₹1 crore or unlimited coverage for more comprehensive protection.
Need higher coverage at a lower cost? Boost your existing health insurance with a super top-up plan and choose coverage up to ₹1 crore or unlimited.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), common conditions in older age include hearing loss, cataracts, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes. As healthcare needs increase with age, having health insurance can help parents get the medical care they need without worrying about the cost of treatment.
Below are some of the key reasons why health coverage is critical.
As parents advance in years, their bodies become more susceptible to common age-related health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cataracts, and more. Managing these chronic conditions often requires regular treatment and medications, which can become costly. Health insurance provides a safety net to help cover expensive ongoing care.
With advancing medical technology and inflation, healthcare costs have skyrocketed recently. Even a short hospital stay can result in bills of several lakhs of rupees. Health insurance cushions parents from the financial hardship of excessively high medical bills, providing cashless hospitalisation and coverage for treatment costs.
The high price tag of modern healthcare may force you to cut corners on tests, doctor visits, or treatments. With health insurance, cost does not have to be a deterrent in making healthcare decisions. Parents can access the best quality care from top hospitals and specialists without worrying about expenses.
A health crisis can wipe out a lifetime of retirement savings in one stroke. Health insurance safeguards parents' hard-earned money, so it can be used to fulfil retirement dreams rather than pay for medical bills. It provides the financial backup they need in their golden years.
Knowing parents have comprehensive health coverage brings immense peace of mind. Health insurance lifts the financial stress of medical care costs and allows the family to focus on recovery and well-being rather than money matters. This reassurance is invaluable.
Here are different types of health insurance plans for parents in India.
Individual Health Insurance: This type of plan covers one person, which means your parents will have their own health insurance policy. It's great if you want to ensure their specific healthcare needs are taken care of.
Family Floater Health Insurance: If you have both parents and maybe even you and your siblings to cover, a family floater plan can be a good choice. You can also include your spouse and children under a single health insurance. It covers the entire family under one policy, and the sum assured is shared among family members.
Senior Citizen Health Insurance: These plans are specially designed for elderly parents over the age of 60. They usually have higher coverage for age-related illnesses and with new IRDAI regulations, it is possible to buy senior citizen insurance for parents over 65 years.
Critical Illness Insurance: This plan provides a lump sum amount if your parent is diagnosed with a critical illness like cancer, heart disease, or stroke. It can help cover the costly treatments associated with these conditions.
Super Top-up Health Insurance: Similar to top-up plans, super top-up policies provide coverage once a certain threshold is reached. These are useful if you want to extend the coverage significantly.
Health insurance for parents is helpful if they need medical treatment. Here is a list of things that are commonly covered under a health insurance policy for parents.
| Coverage | Description |
| Hospitalisation Costs | Covers approved hospital expenses such as room rent, ICU charges, surgery costs, doctor fees, medicines, and other treatment-related expenses. |
| Day Care Procedures | Covers treatments that require a hospital setup but do not need 24-hour hospitalisation, such as cataract surgery. |
| Pre-Hospitalisation Expenses | Covers medical costs incurred before hospital admission, including consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans, usually up to 60 days before hospitalisation. |
| Post-Hospitalisation Expenses | Covers follow-up treatment costs after discharge, including doctor visits, medicines, and tests, usually up to 120 days after hospitalisation. |
| Modern Treatments | Covers advanced medical procedures such as robotic surgeries, deep brain stimulation, and oral chemotherapy, subject to policy terms. |
| AYUSH Treatments | Covers inpatient treatment under Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy systems of medicine. |
| Pre-Existing Diseases | Covers illnesses or medical conditions existing before policy purchase, generally after a waiting period of up to three years. Some plans may offer day-one coverage. |
| Organ Donor Expenses | Covers the medical expenses involved in harvesting an organ from a donor during a transplant procedure. |
| Major Surgeries | Covers expensive surgical procedures such as heart surgery, brain surgery, liver surgery, knee replacement, and bariatric surgery. |
| Ambulance Charges | Covers the cost of ambulance services used during medical emergencies for transportation to a hospital. |
| Preventive Health Check-ups | Provides coverage for periodic health screenings and check-ups to monitor and maintain overall health. |
| Domiciliary Hospitalisation | Covers treatment received at home when the patient cannot be moved to a hospital or when hospital beds are unavailable. |
| Home Treatment | Covers doctor-prescribed medical care provided at home, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits. |
| OPD Expenses | Covers outpatient consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests without hospitalisation, subject to the policy's OPD limit. |
| Mental Illness Treatment | Covers the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, including hospitalization and therapy as per policy terms. |
| Consumables Cover | Covers expenses for consumable items used during hospitalisation, such as gloves, masks, syringes, PPE kits, and similar supplies. |
The following things are usually not covered under health insurance for parents.
Here are tips to choose the right health insurance plans for your parents.
Benefits of choosing your parents medical insurance policy online in India can be a smart and convenient way to ensure that they receive the best Parental healthcare when they need it. Let us break down some of the benefits for you in a friendly and simple way.
Hospital stays can be expensive, especially when treatment lasts for several days. Health insurance helps cover these expenses, so you don't have to arrange the entire amount on your own.
As parents get older, doctor visits, tests, and treatments can become more frequent. Health insurance helps you handle these costs more comfortably over time.
With cashless treatment, your parents can receive care at network hospitals without paying the hospital bill upfront. This can make the admission process much smoother during emergencies.
A sudden illness or accident can lead to unexpected medical bills. Health insurance helps cover these expenses, so you can focus on your parents' treatment instead of arranging funds.
Not every treatment requires a long hospital stay today. Many health insurance plans cover eligible day care procedures, allowing your parents to get treated and return home the same day.
The premium paid for your parents' health insurance may qualify for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This can help reduce your overall tax liability.
Elderly parents who buy health insurance in India can claim income tax exemptions on health insurance under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Deductions can be claimed by them if they pay for their own policy or if their children pay the premium for their parent's health insurance.
| Category | Deduction Limit (Below 60 Years) | Deduction Limit (60 Years & Above) |
| Self, Spouse & Dependent Children | ₹25,000 | ₹50,000 |
| Parents | ₹25,000 | ₹50,000 |
| Maximum Deduction | ₹50,000 | ₹1,00,000 |
Here is a table to help you understand if you should add your parents to the family floater plan or buy a separate policy for them.
| Category | Adding Parents to a Family Health Plan | Buying a Separate Health Plan for Parents |
| Sum Insured | The total sum insured is shared among all family members, which may not be enough for your parents during a serious medical situation. | The entire sum insured is reserved just for your parents, giving them full coverage for emergencies or planned treatments. |
| Coverage | Family plans may not fully address the health needs of ageing parents. | Parent-specific plans are designed to cover age-related medical conditions, ensuring more complete protection. |
| Premiums | Adding parents can significantly increase your family plan premium due to their age. | Premiums are based on your parents’ health and chosen coverage, keeping costs fair and manageable. |
You can raise a claim in two ways, cashless and reimbursement. Here are the steps for each.
Here are the steps to claim Parent's health insurance online
The Insurance company will review the claim and get back to you in case they need any more documents to process the claim.
The following documents are usually required to file a parents’ health insurance claim.
Here is a table to help you understand if you should add your parents to the family floater plan or buy a separate policy for them.
| Category | Adding Parents to a Family Health Plan | Buying a Separate Health Plan for Parents |
| Sum Insured | The total sum insured is shared among all family members, which may not be enough for your parents during a serious medical situation. | The entire sum insured is reserved just for your parents, giving them full coverage for emergencies or planned treatments. |
| Coverage | Family plans may not fully address the health needs of ageing parents. | Parent-specific plans are designed to cover age-related medical conditions, ensuring more complete protection. |
| Premiums | Adding parents can significantly increase your family plan premium due to their age. | Premiums are based on your parents’ health and chosen coverage, keeping costs fair and manageable. |
Here are the steps to buy Parent's health insurance online from ACKO.
First, you need to get the ACKO app on your phone. You can also scroll up and use the widget to get a quote.
Once you're on the app or the website, find the section about health insurance. Then, type in your PIN code and click on "Get a quote."
Now, you'll have to answer a few questions about yourself, your family, and the kind of health insurance you want. After that, take a look at the quote to see how much it will cost.
After you do this, we'll contact you for the medical check-up of your parents before finalising your insurance. Once everything's okay, we'll issue the insurance policy. It's that simple!
When you purchase parental health insurance plans, you must look for the following key features:
Many insurance policies offer cashless treatment, which means your parents can get medical care at network hospitals without paying upfront. The insurance company settles the bills directly with the hospital.
If your parents don't make any claims during a policy year, they can earn a no-claim bonus. This can increase the sum insured or lower the premium for the next year.
Most health insurance plans for parents offer lifelong renewability. This means you can continue the coverage even as your parents get older.
There's usually a waiting period when you first get the insurance, during which some conditions may not be covered. This period can vary between policies.
Some plans may require your parents to pay a percentage of the medical bills, known as co-payment. It's important to understand this aspect before choosing a policy.
Some policies have limits on room rent, so it's essential to choose a plan with room rent coverage that matches your preferred hospital category.
| Step | What You Do |
| Step 1: Get a Quote | Share a few basic details, such as your age, dependents, and personal information, to receive an instant premium estimate. |
| Step 2: Select a Plan | Explore ACKO Platinum Health Plan and ACKO Platinum Lite Health Plan, and choose the option that suits your requirements. |
| Step 3: Personalise Your Cover | Modify your plan details and benefits to match your healthcare needs and budget. |
| Step 4: Review and Complete Payment | Check the plan information carefully and make the payment online through a secure process. |
| Step 5: Policy Issuance | Once the process is completed, your policy is issued and becomes active as per the policy start date. |
You can raise a claim in two ways, cashless and reimbursement. Here are the steps for each.
Step 1: Raise a Claim
Start the claim process through the ACKO app in just a few minutes.
Step 2: Approval Review
The cashless request is reviewed and processed, often within as little as 1 hour.
Step 3: Receive Treatment
Get the required treatment without paperwork or making an upfront payment.
Step 4: Hospital Settlement
The bill is settled directly with the hospital, typically within 3 hours of discharge.
Step 5: Track Progress
Check claim updates and status in real time through the ACKO app.
Step 1: Raise a Claim
Start the reimbursement claim process through the ACKO app in just a few minutes.
Step 2: Upload Documents
Share the required documents, such as hospital bills, discharge summary, and medical reports.
Step 3: Document Review
The submitted documents are reviewed and processed through ACKO's digital claims platform.
Step 4: Claim Settlement
Once approved, the claim amount is processed, often in as little as 1 day.
Step 5: Track Progress
Monitor your claim status and receive updates in real time through the ACKO app.
You can raise a claim in two ways, cashless and reimbursement. Here are the steps for each.
Steps to follow for Cashless Claim:
| Step | What Happens |
| Step 1: Raise a Claim | Start the claim process through the ACKO app in just a few minutes. |
| Step 2: Approval Review | The cashless request is reviewed and processed, often within as little as 1 hour. |
| Step 3: Receive Treatment | Get the required treatment without paperwork or making an upfront payment. |
| Step 4: Hospital Settlement | The bill is settled directly with the hospital, typically within 3 hours of discharge. |
| Step 5: Track Progress | Check claim updates and status in real time through the ACKO app. |
Steps to follow for Reimbursement Claim:
| Step | What Happens |
| Step 1: Raise a Claim | Start the reimbursement claim process through the ACKO app in just a few minutes. |
| Step 2: Upload Documents | Share the required documents, such as hospital bills, discharge summary, and medical reports. |
| Step 3: Document Review | The submitted documents are reviewed and processed through ACKO's digital claims platform. |
| Step 4: Claim Settlement | Once approved, the claim amount is processed, often in as little as 1 day. |
| Step 5: Track Progress | Monitor your claim status and receive updates in real time through the ACKO app. |
Health insurance for parents is a vital investment to ensure their well-being and financial security, particularly as they age. With rising healthcare costs, having the right coverage can provide peace of mind, protect against medical expenses, and ensure access to quality care. It’s important to choose a policy that meets your parents' specific needs, including coverage for pre-existing conditions and critical illnesses. Prioritising health insurance for your parents not only safeguards their health but also offers financial relief in times of need.
Take a look at some of the common questions people have while understanding Health Insurance Plans for Parents.
Disclaimer: The plans, services, features, processes, and other details mentioned on this page are subject to availability and changes. Please check the applicable policy wordings before making any insurance-related decisions. Feel free to reach out to us at 1800 266 2256 or [email protected] for any queries.
Disclaimer: The plans, services, features, processes, and other details mentioned on this page are subject to availability and changes. Please check the applicable policy wordings before making any insurance-related decisions. Please visit our support centre at https://www.acko.com/contact-us/ for any assistance.
Written by
Roocha Kanade
Content Architect
Health Insurance content enthusiast who turns complex topics into easy, binge-worthy reads—fueled by SEO, creativity, and way too much chai! Loves juggling multiple projects, cracking impossible deadlines, and sprinkling humor into the mix. When not geeking out over digital trends, you'll find her lurking on Quora and Reddit, planning the next getaway, or passionately decoding all things health and insurance!
Reviewed by
Dr Nitin Kumar Gupta
SVP – Health Underwriting & Claims at Acko General Insurance
SVP – Health Underwriting & Claims at Acko General Insurance — With 20+ years of experience driving digital transformation and profitable growth, I am a seasoned Senior Insurance Executive specialising in Health, Life, Accident, and Disability insurance. Backed by an MBBS degree and advanced insurance designations (FLMI, FALU, FLHC, ACS, ARA), I bring a unique blend of medical expertise and deep insurance-domain leadership. My core strength lies in optimising underwriting and claims operations, enabling automation-led scalability for both large insurers and digital-first startups.
#36/5, Hustlehub One East, Somasandrapalya 27th Main Rd, Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
