When applying for health insurance, having the right documents ready ensures a smooth and hassle-free process. Insurance companies require identity verification, age proof, medical assessment, and financial verification documentation.

This detailed guide will explain each document you need, why it’s required, and how to prepare them before buying health insurance.

1. Why Do Insurance Companies Require Documents?

✔ To verify your identity and age – Ensures accurate policy issuance.

✔ To assess medical history – Helps determine eligibility and premium cost.

✔ To confirm your residence and contact details – Ensures smooth communication.

✔ To comply with legal & regulatory requirements – Mandatory for claim processing.

Having all required documents ready speeds up the approval process!

2. List of Documents Required for Health Insurance

1. Proof of Age (To verify eligibility for insurance)

You need to submit an official document showing your date of birth.

Accepted Documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Voter ID
• PAN Card
• Driving License
• 10th or 12th Class Mark Sheet

Why is this needed? Insurance policies have age limits (e.g., 18-65 years for regular plans, up to 75+ for senior citizens).

2. Proof of Identity (To verify the applicant’s details)

• A valid photo identity proof is mandatory.

Accepted Documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Voter ID
• PAN Card
• Driving License

Why is this needed? To ensure that the policy is issued to the correct person and to prevent fraud.

3. Proof of Address (For communication & policy servicing)

You need to provide your current residential address.

Accepted Documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Driving License
• Utility Bills (Electricity/Water/Telephone) – Not older than 3 months
• Bank Statement with Address

Why is this needed? Insurers send policy documents, premium receipts, and claim settlements to the registered address.

4. Passport-Sized Photographs

• Most insurers require recent passport-sized photographs of all insured members.

Why is this needed? For official records and to create your insurance ID card.

5. Medical Reports (If Required)

• Some insurance companies may require a medical check-up based on:

✔ Age (usually for applicants 45+ years)

✔ Pre-existing diseases (like diabetes, heart conditions, hypertension, etc.)

✔ High sum insured (₹10 lakh or more)

Why is this needed?

✔ Helps insurers assess health risks & premium calculation.

✔ Determines waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Tip: Some policies waive medical tests if you’re below a certain age or opting for a lower coverage amount.

6. Income Proof (For high coverage policies)

Required if you’re opting for a high sum insured policy (₹25 lakh or more).

Accepted Documents:

• Salary slips (last 3 months)
• Income Tax Returns (ITR) – Last 2 years
• Bank statements (last 6 months)

Why is this needed? Insurers ensure that high-coverage policies align with your financial status.

7. Proposal Form (Official application for policy purchase)

• You must fill & sign the proposal form, which includes:

✔ Personal & contact details

✔ Nominee details

✔ Pre-existing disease declaration

✔ Lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.)

Why is this needed? It acts as a legal agreement between you and the insurer.

3. Special Cases – Additional Documents May Be Needed

For Senior Citizens (60+ years)

✔ Medical fitness certificate

✔ Detailed medical reports

For Corporate/Group Health Insurance

✔ Employee ID card

✔ Company authorization letter

For Family Floater Policies

✔ Birth certificates for children

✔ Marriage certificate for spouse

4. What If You Don’t Have a Specific Document?

• If you don’t have an Aadhaar card, use Passport or Voter ID.
• If you don’t have medical reports, insurers may conduct pre-policy health tests.
• If you don’t have a birth certificate, use a school mark sheet as proof of age.

Always check with your insurer for alternative document options.

5. How to Submit the Documents?

✔ Online Submission – Upload scanned copies during application.

✔ Offline Submission – Provide self-attested photocopies at the insurer’s branch.

✔ During Medical Check-Up – If required, the insurer arranges medical tests at a network hospital.

6. Final Checklist – Documents You Need to Apply for Health Insurance

• Proof of Age – Aadhaar Card / Birth Certificate / Passport
• Proof of Identity – PAN Card / Voter ID / Driving License
• Proof of Address – Utility Bill / Passport / Aadhaar Card
• Passport-Size Photos
• Medical Reports (If Required)
• Income Proof (For high sum insured policies)
• Signed Proposal Form

7. Final Verdict – Why Should You Be Ready With These Documents?

✔ Faster processing – Avoids delays in policy approval.

✔ Higher chances of approval – Having a complete file makes it easier for insurers to issue a policy.

✔ No claim hassles later – Proper documentation ensures smoother claim settlement.

Tip: Always keep digital copies of your documents for easy access.

Now that you know what’s required, get your documents ready and secure your health insurance today!