Q: I am interested in mediclaim insurance policy for my wife and myself. I will be 61 years old next month and my wife is 49 years old. Are we eligible for any policy? How should we proceed to take the policy?

A:Typically, insurers shy from giving health insurance cover for people above a certain age group because of increased possibility of getting a claim. To address this issue, recently a committee was also formed by the insurance regulator (IRDA). But to specifically answer your question, there are certain insurers who have specific policies designed to cater to the elderly people viz. the Silver Plan by Baja Allianz and the Varishtha Bima Yojna from National Insurance Company. The insurers would ask you to undergo some tests based on the results of which, they will offer the policy. You can contact their local office for the procedure to obtain the cover, which includes filling up a form, under going a tests and finally getting the insurance cover.