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Skipped disclosing your medical history? It could cost you later
Skipping medical history disclosure made me regret it at claim time.
Key insights
Skipping medical history disclosure can lead to claim rejection, policy cancellation, or even legal issues.
Always report chronic illnesses, surgeries, and regular medications when applying for insurance.
Full disclosure builds long-term trust with your insurer and gives you reliable coverage when you need it most.
When I bought my first Health Insurance plan at 26, I felt responsible. I had finally started adulting. I had picked a solid plan with a big hospital network and decent coverage.
But then came the proposal form. It asked about my medical history disclosure: any past illnesses, diagnoses, or ongoing treatments.
I paused. I had mild asthma in school, but I hadn’t used an inhaler in years. Would that count? Would saying yes make my premium shoot up? I shrugged and skipped it.
Six months later, I was hospitalised for a respiratory infection. The doctors noted "history of asthma" in my medical file. When I submitted the claim, the insurer denied it completely.
The reason? “Non-disclosure of material medical history.”
That one skipped line cost me ₹38,000 out of pocket. A real and painful example of the risks of hiding medical history.
Why medical history disclosure is so important
No one told me that when you buy Health Insurance, you're required to disclose your medical background accurately.
The importance of disclosing medical history lies in how policies are structured. I never knew that it affects the premium, waiting periods, exclusions, and even claim acceptance.
If the insurer doesn’t have the full picture, they are not bound to honour your claim later.
And yes, they will find out. Insurers access your hospital records, diagnostic reports, prescriptions, and even pharmacy data at the time of a claim.
Any mismatch between those and your form? Claim denied.
But will full disclosure hike my premium?
Common conditions like thyroid issues, mild asthma, or even controlled diabetes are usually manageable in insurance terms.
Insurers may add a waiting period or slightly increase your premium, but they will still cover you and process your claims without extra hassle.
So yes, being honest about your medical history might cost a little more upfront. But it’s still way cheaper than paying for a full hospitalisation yourself when your claim gets denied.
How to disclose medical history correctly
Here’s how you, too, can get your medical history disclosure right:
- Be honest: Declare all diagnosed conditions, even if they seem resolved.
- Include past surgeries or hospitalisations: Even if they were five years ago.
- Mention regular medications: Whether it’s for acidity, blood pressure, or seasonal allergies.
- Err on the side of over-disclosure: It’s better to share more than too little.
- Keep a record: Save emails or chats with your advisor where you discussed disclosures.
Transparency protects you. Even if your insurer needs clarification, it’s better than having your claim questioned later.
What if you’ve already bought a policy without full disclosure?
Good news: You can still fix it if you haven’t filed a claim yet.
Generally, you have a 15-day period in the initial phase to make changes and lock your policy. After that, updates can be made at renewal, but the insurer may adjust premiums, add exclusions, or deny coverage based on the new information.
Some insurers may let you update your medical history mid-policy, but it is not common and usually comes with conditions. Reach out, disclose your past health issues, and be prepared for a minor adjustment, such as a medical test or a new waiting period.
If you’re switching insurers, this is your clean slate. Disclose everything properly now. That way, you can carry forward waiting period credits and still get better coverage.
My takeaway: It’s not worth the risk
When I think back, skipping that box on the form felt like no big deal. But that ₹38,000 bill reminded me that honesty really is the best policy.
Medical history disclosure is not just a checkbox; it’s a safety net. The importance of disclosing medical history is something I learned the hard way. And I now understand that the real cost of hiding medical history is not the premium. It’s the risk of being financially unprotected when you need it most.
So, if you're about to buy insurance or renew your policy, share the full story. Because that story could be the reason your claim gets accepted at your word.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes. The views expressed in this article are personal. Axis Bank and/or the author shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader arising from reliance on the content herein. Readers are advised to consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Axis Bank does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any third-party content or links included in this article.
By Axis Bank Learning Hub Team
