Medical inflation in India is 15% — your ₹5L health cover will be inadequate in 5 years. Here's how to buy right.
How Much Cover?
Metro cities: Minimum ₹10L base + ₹25-50L super top-up. Tier 2: ₹5L base + ₹15-25L super top-up. Key: Heart surgery costs ₹3-8L, cancer treatment ₹10-25L. See [Health Insurance vs Mediclaim comparison](/compare/health-insurance-vs-mediclaim).
Comprehensive vs Basic
Always choose comprehensive health insurance over basic mediclaim. The premium difference is 20-30% but coverage is 3-5x better. Pre/post hospitalization, daycare, restoration benefit, no-claim bonus — all included.
Key Features to Check
Claim settlement ratio (>90%), network hospitals (500+), co-payment clause (avoid), room rent limits (avoid or ≥₹5K), sub-limits on specific diseases, waiting periods.
Super Top-Up Strategy
₹5L base policy + ₹50L super top-up = comprehensive coverage at fraction of the cost. Super top-up activates when base policy exhausts. Annual cost: ₹8,000-₹12,000 for ₹5L base + ₹3,000-₹5,000 for ₹50L top-up.
Don't Rely on Employer Insurance
It ends when you leave. Pre-existing conditions may not be covered when you buy personal insurance later. Always maintain a personal health policy alongside employer coverage.