Health insurance questions
Waiting periods, room-rent limits, co-pay, restoration and how cashless claims are processed.
How much health cover is enough in a metro city?
A base sum insured of Rs 10 lakh for an individual or Rs 15 to 25 lakh for a family floater is the common benchmark in metros, often built as a Rs 5 to 10 lakh base plan plus a super top-up for catastrophic costs.
What waiting periods apply to a new health policy?
Typically 30 days for illness other than accidents, one to two years for listed ailments such as hernia and cataract, two to four years for maternity where covered, and up to three years for declared pre-existing diseases.
Why should I avoid a room-rent capped plan?
Indian hospitals scale surgeon, nursing and consumable charges to room category. If you exceed the capped category, the insurer can apply proportionate deduction to the entire bill, not just the room charge.
Can I port my health policy without losing waiting-period credit?
Yes. IRDAI portability lets you move to another insurer at renewal with continuity credit for waiting periods already served, provided you apply 45 to 60 days before renewal and the sum insured is comparable.
What is restoration of sum insured?
Restoration reinstates the cover after it is exhausted in a policy year. Check whether it triggers only after full exhaustion, whether it applies to unrelated illnesses, and how many times a year it can be used.
Does a corporate group policy make a personal plan unnecessary?
No. Group cover ends when employment ends, often carries co-pay and room caps, and gives you no waiting-period credit later. A personal policy started early keeps waiting periods behind you.