There is no doubt that keeping your family healthy is your top responsibility. But with hospital costs rising year by year, a single illness or accident can be pricey. That's where health insurance comes in, it pays for medical expenses and protects your savings.
However, selecting the correct insurance can be a daunting task. There are just so many plans, rates, and add-ons and people tend to spend more than they should. If you don't mind shelling out less money while keeping your family safe, the following are some easy and intelligent tips to guide you in selecting the proper plan.
Consider Your Family's Health Requirements First
Before you purchase any plan, consider the health of your family. Does anyone in your family get sick a lot or take regular medication? Are your parents elderly? Do you have young children?
If everyone in your family is basically healthy, you can opt for a simple plan. However, if a person is not healthy, you may need additional coverage. Understanding what your family requires makes it easier to select the appropriate plan and not pay for something you don't really need.
Know the Difference Between Individual and Family Plans
There are two main types of health insurance: individual health insurance and family health insurance.
An individual plan covers just one person. Each person gets their own coverage amount. A family plan covers everyone under one amount, which all members share.
Family plans are usually cheaper if everyone is healthy and young. But if one person is much older or has health problems, it can be better to get them their own individual plan. That way, the entire family's coverage isn’t used up by one person’s medical bills.
Pick the Right Coverage Amount (Not Too Low, Not Too High)
The “coverage amount” or “sum insured” is how much money your insurance will pay for medical bills in one year.
If you pick too low a coverage, it might not be enough for big hospital expenses. But if you choose too high, you might end up paying a higher premium for no reason.
For most small families, ₹10–15 lakh of coverage is enough. If you live in a smaller town where hospital costs are lower, you might be okay with less.
Check Which Hospitals Are Included
A good insurance ensures it is convenient to receive treatment without spending money from your pocket. That is referred to as cashless treatment. The insurance company and hospital settle the bills directly.
While purchasing a plan, review which hospitals are covered by your insurer's "network." Ensure your local hospitals are in the list. It is much easier to receive assistance in case of an emergency if your hospital is already on that list.
Know What's Covered and What's Not
All insurance policies have a list of items they pay for and a shortlist of items they don't. These are inclusions and exclusions.
For instance, some policies may not pay for certain treatments during the first couple of years. Some may have a "pre-existing disease waiting period." Always carefully read all these details.
You don't need to read each tiny word, but do ensure you get the key rules before you purchase.
Search for Bonus Features (Such as Rewards for Remaining Healthy)
Certain insurers offer a No-Claim Bonus (NCB). This implies that if you do not make a claim in a year, your coverage amount increases the following year at no additional expense.
For example, if your plan starts at ₹10 lakh and you don’t use it, next year it might increase to ₹11 or ₹12 lakh automatically. This is a great way to get more protection for free.
Don’t Pay for Duplicate Coverage
If your job gives you health insurance, that’s great! But many company plans have small coverage amounts or only cover you, not your family.
You can buy your own plan to fill in the gaps, maybe for higher coverage or to include your spouse and kids. This way, you’re not paying for extra coverage you already have, but you’re still protecting everyone properly.
Choose an Insurance Company That Is Simple
When you or a loved one falls ill, the last thing you want to do is struggle with complicated forms. Choose an insurance company that makes buying, renewing, and claiming easy, especially if they provide online services.
Some of the modern insurers, including ACKO Family health insurance, are fully online. You can buy the cover, claim your benefits, and have your claim settled without having to carry papers around.
Check How Quickly They Pay Claims
A healthcare plan is only great if it works for you when you actually need it. Before taking the leap, check how timely and hassle-free the company pays claims.
You can verify their claim settlement ratio or verify customer reviews online. This will determine if they're reliable and responsive during times of need.
Verify Your Policy Every Year
Your family's needs may change year by year. You may have given birth, your parents have come to stay with you, or the hospitalisation expenses have gone up.
So, it is a good habit to review your plan every year. For that, you must check if the coverage is still adequate or if it has to be increased. Some people even transfer to a better plan (porting) when they need a more suitable one.
Final Thoughts
Buying health insurance does not need to be confusing or expensive. The purpose is simple, to safeguard your loved ones against high medical costs without paying additional money. You can start by understanding your family's needs, looking around for plans and comparing them. Make sure that you don't rush to the lowest cost. A little homework up front will save you a lot of heartache down the road. With a proper family health insurance policy, you can rest assured knowing that your loved ones are protected and your savings are protected.