One hospital stay can wipe out years of savings. A good health policy pays for hospitalisation, day-care procedures and the tests before and after, usually cashless at network hospitals. The cheapest plan is rarely the best: we compare waiting periods, room-rent limits, co-pay and claim record so there are no surprises at the hospital desk.
Who needs it
- Families who want one floater policy for everyone
- Salaried people whose employer cover ends when they change jobs
- Parents and senior citizens (plans exist for older ages, with co-pay options)
What's covered
Hospitalisation
Room, nursing, ICU, surgeon and doctor fees, medicines and tests during an admission of 24 hours or more.
Pre- and post-hospitalisation
Tests, consultations and medicines for a set number of days before and after the stay.
Day-care procedures
Treatments that need less than 24 hours, such as cataract surgery or chemotherapy.
Ambulance and AYUSH
Road ambulance charges, and Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy treatment in recognised hospitals.
Cumulative bonus and restoration
Many plans increase your cover for claim-free years and restore the sum insured if it runs out.
What's not covered
We show you the catch before you buy. Common exclusions (exact terms vary by insurer and plan):
- Illness in the first 30 days of a new policy (accidents are covered from day one)
- Pre-existing diseases until their waiting period ends (up to 3 years, depending on the plan)
- Specific conditions such as cataract or hernia during their waiting period
- Cosmetic surgery, and self-inflicted injuries
- Maternity and outpatient (OPD) costs, unless the plan includes them
Popular add-ons
Super top-up
Extra cover above a deductible, at a much lower premium than raising the base cover.
Room-rent waiver
Removes room-rent caps so your whole bill is not reduced proportionately.
Critical illness
A lump sum on diagnosis of listed serious illnesses.
OPD and wellness
Doctor visits, pharmacy and annual health check-ups.
Documents checklist
To get a quote or buy
- Age proof and a photo of each member
- PAN card and Aadhaar (or another officially valid ID) for KYC
- Details of any existing illness and medicines
- Previous policy copy (if porting)
To make a claim
- Health card / policy copy and photo ID
- Cashless: pre-authorisation form filled at the hospital TPA desk
- Discharge summary
- Final hospital bill with itemised breakup and payment receipts
- Investigation reports and prescriptions
- Cancelled cheque (for reimbursement)
Frequently asked questions
Cashless or reimbursement: what is the difference?
At a network hospital the insurer settles the bill directly after approving your admission (cashless). At other hospitals you pay first and claim the money back with the bills (reimbursement).
What is a pre-existing disease waiting period?
Conditions you already have, like diabetes or BP, are covered only after a waiting period. Under current IRDAI rules it cannot exceed 3 years, and some plans offer shorter periods.
Can I move my policy to another insurer?
Yes. Portability lets you switch insurer at renewal and keep credit for the waiting periods you have already served.
Is the premium tax-deductible?
Health insurance premiums qualify for a deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, subject to its limits and your tax regime.
How much cover do I need?
Enough for a serious illness at the hospitals you would actually use. For most families in metro and tier-2 cities we suggest a base plan plus a super top-up.
Related cover
Personal Accident Insurance
A lump sum or weekly income after accidental death or disability, worldwide, for a small premium.
ExploreMotor Insurance
Third-party and comprehensive cover for cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Keep your No Claim Bonus and get help when you need to claim.
ExploreTerm Life Insurance
Pure protection: a large lump sum to your family if something happens to you. We help you pick the right cover, term and riders.
ExploreNot sure what you need?
Tell us about your family or business and we will suggest the right cover, in plain language.
Mon–Sat, 9 am – 7 pm