Nominee in Health Insurance

Saptarshi Ghosh Posted on May 26, 2025

Why is it Important to Have Nominee(s) for your Health Insurance Plan

Having a nominee can help safeguard your loved ones, avoid legal complications, and offer financial support for your loved ones. Let’s now take a closer look at why it’s important to appoint a nominee for your health insurance plan:

Financial Support for Your Family

In case of death, it is the family that suffers the most. If the demise leaves behind large medical bills, they may have to deal with the added financial burden. But by choosing a loved one as the nominee, you ensure that your family is not compelled to tackle financial difficulties.

Equally Shared Benefits

If you have multiple dependents or loved ones, instead of nominating just one person, you can have multiple nominees. During such cases, the claim benefit shall be equally distributed among them.

Avoid Legal Complications

In case you die without assigning a nominee, your health insurer will be compelled to identify the legal heir to transfer the claim benefit. As this could include multiple individuals, your family might have to go through court arbitration and other complications.

Who to Select as Nominees for Your Health Insurance Plan?

The concept of picking a nominee for your health insurance comes with a lot of restrictions. Here’s who you can select:

Spouse
Parents
Children
Friends
Distant relatives

You can also nominate a minor (someone below the age of 18). However, since a minor cannot manage the claim amount, you might also have to mention the details of their guardian. In case the nominee passes away before you, the claim amount shall be transferred to your legal heir (s).

How to Add a Nominee in a Health Insurance Policy?

Adding a nominee in a health insurance plan is very easy. In fact, you can do it at the time of purchase itself. All that you have to do is fill in the necessary details of the nominee in the relevant section of the health insurance application form and submit the same to the service provider.

However, since the assignment of a nominee is not mandatory, many individuals skip assigning one at the time of purchase. In that case, you don’t have to worry; you can still assign a health insurance nominee. To do so, you would have to obtain a nomination form from your insurance service provider, fill it up, and submit the same.

What is the Claim Process for Nominees?

Here’s the process for nominee health insurance claims:

Step 1: The nominee must inform the insurance company about your demise with a valid succession and death certificate. In case of accidental death, a copy of the FIR and postmortem report must also be furnished.
Step 2: The nominee then has to send any required documents like health records, relationship proof, and medical bills to the insurer within 30 days. They shall reach out to the nominee in case of any additional requirements.
Step 3: Once the documents are verified, your insurer will transfer the claim amount to the nominee’s bank account.

FAQs on Selecting the Right Nominee for Your Health Insurance Plan

Right Nominee for Your Health Insurance Plan

Is it mandatory to add a nominee for health insurance plans at the time of purchase itself?

It is possible to add a nominee for your health insurance plan when you’re making the purchase. However, it is possible for you to appoint a nominee for your health insurance plan after making the purchase as well. All you need to do is get a nomination form from your insurance provider, fill it up, and submit the same.

Is it possible for me to change my health insurance plan’s nominee at a later date?

Yes, you can change your nominee at any point during the insurance’s tenor. To change your nominee, just get in touch with your insurance provider, get a nomination form, duly fill it and submit the same. Many insurers also give you the option to change your nominee or nominee details online.

Is it mandatory to add a nominee for my health insurance plan?

No, it’s not mandatory that you add a nominee for your health insurance. However, it’s advisable that you do as it can help safeguard your loved ones in your absence.

Can I add someone that’s not a family member as my health insurance plan’s nominee?

Yes, most insurers allow you to add friends as your health insurance plan’s nominee. However, many insurers would recommend that you choose an immediate family member as your nominee to avoid legal complications.

How many times can I change my nominee selection?

You can change your nominee any number of times. However, depending on your insurer’s policy, you may have to pay a small change of nomination charge.

What would happen if I don’t add a nominee in my health insurance policy?

If you don’t assign a nominee for your health insurance plan, claiming the benefits of the plan would take longer and can be done only by your legal heirs after submitting all the necessary documents.

Can I add multiple nominees for my health insurance plan?

Yes, you can add multiple nominees for your health insurance plan and specify the percentage of benefits that each nominee is entitled to.