What is Health Insurance?
Health insurance is a contract between you and an insurance provider that covers the cost of medical treatments, hospitalization, and other healthcare-related expenses. In return for a premium, the insurer pays for your treatment
either directly to the hospital (cashless) or reimburses you after treatment.
Health insurance helps protect your savings and gives you access to quality medical care — whether it's a routine procedure or a medical emergency.
Types of Health Insurance in India
There are different types of health insurance policies to suit various needs:
1. Individual
Health Insurance
- Covers only one person
- Best for young individuals or people without dependents
2. Family
Floater Health
Insurance
- Covers your entire family under a single sum insured
- Ideal for families with spouse, children, or parents
3. Senior
Citizen Health
Insurance
- Specifically for people aged 60 and above
- Includes benefits like higher cover, annual health checkups, and special care
4. Critical
Illness
Insurance
- Offers a lump sum amount if diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, etc.
- Useful as a supplement to your main health plan
5. Top-Up
and Super Top-Up
Plans
- Provide additional coverage at a lower cost once a deductible is crossed
- Great for enhancing an existing plan without high premiums
Why Health Insurance is Essential
✅
Rising Medical
Costs
- A single hospitalization can cost ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakhs or more, depending on the treatment. Health insurance ensures you don’t pay everything from your pocket.
✅
Lifestyle
Diseases are on
the Rise
- Diseases like diabetes, heart issues, and obesity-related problems are more common than ever, even among young people.
✅
Covers Pre and
Post-Hospitalization
Expenses
- From doctor consultations and diagnostics to post-discharge care, health insurance takes care of more than just hospital bills.
✅ Tax
Benefits
- Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, you can claim deductions for premiums paid on health insurance — up to ₹25,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens).
✅
Mental Peace
- Knowing you're financially protected in case of a medical emergency gives you peace of mind to focus on recovery — not expenses.
What Does a Health Insurance Policy Cover?
-
In-patient hospitalization (room rent, ICU charges, etc.)
Pre and post-hospitalization (30 to 90 days depending on the policy)
Daycare procedures (like cataract surgery, dialysis)
Ambulance charges
AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy)
COVID-19 treatment (as per IRDAI guidelines)
What’s Not Covered? (Common Exclusions)
-
Cosmetic procedures (unless injury-related)
Pre-existing conditions (until the waiting period is over)
OPD consultations (unless specified)
Injuries from substance abuse or self-harm
Maternity and newborn cover (unless specifically included)
-
Understanding
Pre-Existing
Conditions & Waiting
Periods
Pre-Existing Diseases (PED): These are health issues you had before buying insurance. Most insurers cover PEDs after a waiting period of 2 to 4 years.
Waiting Period: Some treatments have a waiting period (e.g., hernia, gallstones, etc.), and cannot be claimed immediately after buying the policy.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan
Here’s what to look for while selecting a plan:
-
1. Sum Insured
Choose a sum insured based on your city, family size, and medical inflation. For metros, ₹10–15 lakhs is advisable.
2. Cashless Network Hospitals
Check if your preferred hospitals are in the insurer’s network for cashless treatment.
3. Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR)
A higher CSR indicates the company settles most claims — ideally above 90%
4. Renewability
Opt for policies that offer lifetime renewability to stay covered even in old age.
5. Add-Ons and Features
Some useful add-ons are:
Room rent waiver
OPD coverage
Maternity benefits
Annual health check-ups
What is Cashless Hospitalization?
Cashless treatment means you don’t need to pay upfront. The insurer directly settles the bill with the hospital — you just show your health card, and the paperwork is handled by the TPA (Third Party Administrator).
How to File a Health Insurance Claim
-
For Cashless Claims:
1. Get admitted to a network hospital
2. Show your insurance card and ID
3. Fill pre-authorization form
4. Treatment begins after approval
5. Insurer settles bills directly
For Reimbursement Claims:
1. Pay all bills at the hospital
2. Collect original documents and bills
3. Submit to the insurer with a claim form
4. Get reimbursement within 7–15 working days
Digital Health Insurance with Policyfy
-
With Policyfy, you can:
Compare top health insurance plans instantly
Get expert consultation
Buy or renew policies online
Track claims and documents digitally
Avail discounts and personalized recommendations
We make insurance simple, fast, and transparent.
-
Common Myths About Health Insurance
❌ “I’m young and healthy, I don’t need insurance.”
👉 Medical emergencies don’t knock — buying young gives you low premiums and better benefits.
❌ “Company health cover is enough.”
👉 Most corporate plans have limited sum insured and no continuity after you leave the job.
❌ “I’ll get covered for everything from day one.”
👉 Many policies have waiting periods for specific illnesses or treatments.
Tips to Save on Health Insurance
-
Buy early — premiums are lower
Compare plans annually before renewing
Use top-up plans for extra cover at lower cost
Stay healthy — some insurers reward wellness
Conclusion
In today’s world, where medical costs are unpredictable and healthcare is becoming increasingly expensive, health insurance isn’t optional — it’s essential. It’s an investment in your physical, mental, and financial well-being.
At Policyfy, we help you make smart, confident decisions. Our team ensures you find the right health insurance plan tailored to your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
🔗 Secure your health, secure your future — explore plans at
👉 Policyfy.com