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What is health insurance?

Health insurance pays your hospital bills so a medical emergency doesn't become a financial one. Here's what to know.

Key takeaways

  • Health insurance = hospital bills covered up to your sum insured, often cashless.
  • The fine print (room rent, co-pay, waiting periods) decides your real payout.
  • Buy early, disclose honestly, and don't rely only on employer cover.

How it works

You pay a yearly premium; in return, the insurer covers hospitalisation costs up to your 'sum insured'. With cashless hospitals, the insurer settles directly so you don't pay upfront.

Not sure how this applies to you? A free call with Vijay Singh Rana sorts it out in minutes — book here.

Key terms, decoded

What makes a good plan

Adequate sum insured for your city's costs, no restrictive room-rent cap, low or no co-pay, a wide hospital network, and quick claim settlement. The cheapest plan is rarely the best one.

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Vijay Singh Rana — HDFC Financial Advisor · IRDAI & AMFI Registered

Frequently asked questions

How much health cover do I need?
In metro cities, ₹10 lakh or more per person is often suggested given rising costs. An advisor can tailor this to your family and city.
Does my employer's cover count?
It helps but often isn't enough and ends when you leave the job. A personal policy gives you continuity and control.

Disclaimer: Lightpost provides general information and connects you with a licensed advisor; it does not itself provide financial, insurance or investment advice. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks; read all scheme-related documents carefully. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Calculators and examples are illustrative only.