With growing awareness, many working professionals recognize the big benefits of having health insurance. But, picking the right health plan for your family can be tricky. No worries, here are some smart tips to help you find the ideal health coverage.
Healthcare costs are soaring, and with many people living sedentary lifestyles and having poor eating habits, health insurance has become essential for everyone. Starting a health plan while you’re young and healthy can save you money on future medical bills.
There are tons of health insurance providers and even more plans out there, making it hard to find the perfect fit. Here are five easy rules to help you make smarter choices when selecting health insurance:
### 1. Don’t Just Look at the Premium – Consider the Benefits
We all like to save money, but when it comes to health insurance, it’s wise to spend a bit more on the premium to make sure you get the necessary benefits.
### 2. Assess Your Family’s Medical Needs
Start by figuring out what your family needs in terms of medical care. Decide who in your family will be included in the plan. Will you add your parents, or will they need a separate policy? Are there any hereditary health concerns to consider? Knowing these details will help you determine the right amount of coverage.
### 3. Choose the Right Sum Assured
The sum assured is the maximum amount your insurance will cover for medical expenses. For example, if a plan offers a sum assured of Rs. 5 lakhs and a family member needs surgery costing Rs. 7 lakhs, the insurance will cover Rs. 5 lakhs, and you’ll need to pay the remaining Rs. 2 lakhs. Think about your family’s medical needs to pick a sum assured that covers likely expenses.
### 4. Find the Balance Between Over-Insurance and Under-Insurance
Remember, a higher sum assured means a higher premium. For instance, a young couple in their late 20s might not need a Rs. 10 lakhs cover since they’re less likely to have significant medical costs and may not have dependents. Opt for a sensible cover initially, and you can always increase it as your income and family size grow. Family health plans can offer good coverage for all members under a single premium.
### 5. Review Inclusions and Exclusions
Most health insurance plans have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and may exclude certain treatments for the first few years. Each policy will list what’s included (covered) and excluded (not covered). Make sure you review these details to know exactly what you’re getting.
### Health Insurance Can Be Simple
Though it might seem confusing at first, once you start digging into health insurance policies, you’ll see it’s quite straightforward. Avoid picking a random plan just to save on taxes. Instead, use these five rules to compare different plans and find the one that best fits your family’s needs.