Senior citizen health insurance - 75 years old parent coverage

I want to buy health insurance for my father who is 75 years old. He has arthritis and asthma. Most insurance companies are either rejecting the application or asking for very high premiums of 40000 per year for just 5 lakhs coverage. Is this normal for senior citizens? Are there any specialized senior citizen health insurance plans that are more affordable? I have checked Star Health, Max Bupa, and Religare. Star Health is asking for medical tests before approval. Will the pre-existing diseases be covered? What is the waiting period? Please suggest the best options for insuring elderly parents.