Understanding Health Insurance: A Complete Guide

Why health insurance matters

Medical inflation in India is ~10–15% annually. A single hospitalization can wipe out years of savings. A good family floater protects both health and wealth.

Plan types

• Family Floater: One sum insured shared by family members
• Individual: Separate cover for each insured person
• Top-up/Super Top-up: Extra coverage beyond a deductible—cost-efficient for high cover

What to look for

• Room Rent limit: Prefer no sub-limits
• Pre and Post Hospitalization: 60/90 days or better
• Day-care procedures covered
• Restoration Benefit: Useful for multiple claims in a year
• Cashless Network: Hospitals in your city within insurer network

Useful Riders

• No-Claim Bonus Booster
• OPD/Dental (if needed)
• Room upgrade or no-room-rent-cap rider

Claim tips

• Use cashless wherever possible; inform TPA within timelines
• Disclose medical history truthfully at proposal time
• Keep all bills, prescriptions, and discharge summaries

How much cover?

For metro families, start with ₹10–20 lakh floater. Add a super top-up to reach ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore for peace of mind.