THIRUVANANTHAPURAK: Although the age limit for taking health insurance policy has been scrapped from April 1, the unaffordable premium is still bothering the common man. The Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDAI) has removed the age limit so that it benefits the senior citizens as well. But the power to fix the premium amount rests with the insurance companies.

Till now the age limit for taking the policy was 65 years. A 60-year-old is charged more than double the premium of a 49-year-old. Henceforth the premium amount for these age groups will be higher than this. Even the middle class cannot afford it. The policy is issued after assessing the risk of disease by conducting a medical examination.

It is estimated that less than 20 percent of individuals in the state take public sector and private insurance policies. Most people take a policy but don't follow through. If it is not used in the early years, the new generation is not interested in continuing the policy. Most of the private institutions offer health insurance for employees and their families.

No age limit in the free plan

There is no age limit for the free health insurance scheme of central and state governments.

More than 40 percent of the families in the state are beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat - Karunya health and safety schemes of the central and state governments.

Four years should be reduced to three

The current requirement for those above the age of 60 at the time of taking a policy will have to wait four years to get insurace cover for the diseases detected during the medical check-up. The regulatory authority has directed that it be reduced to three years. The authority has also instructed the insurance companies not to refuse the policy to those suffering from cancer, heart disease, kidney disease and AIDS.