How much health insurance cover do you actually need?

The “right” health cover isn’t a fixed number — it depends on where you live, your family’s health, and the kind of hospitals you’d want to use. But a few simple rules make the decision much easier.

Start with the cost of a major treatment

A single serious hospitalisation in a private hospital in a metro city can run into several lakhs. Your sum insured should comfortably cover that worst-case event, not just routine visits.

Add a buffer with a top-up

Instead of buying a very high base cover, many families pair a moderate base plan with a top-up that kicks in above a threshold. It’s a cost-effective way to reach a high total cover.

Don’t forget the details

Cover amount matters, but so do these:

• Room-rent limits — these can quietly reduce your effective cover.
• Waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
• Network hospitals near you for cashless treatment.

The simple takeaway

Aim for cover that handles a major hospitalisation without dipping into savings, use a top-up to stretch it efficiently, and read the fine print on room rent and waiting periods. A relationship manager can run the numbers for your situation.