Lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to a maze of tubes and machines, with a hefty medical bill staring back – these can be scary. Unfortunately, this is a reality that many of us may face at some point in our lives. In a country where healthcare costs are skyrocketing (rising from just 4% in December 2019 to close to 15% in 2022), it’s important to have a solid health insurance plan in place to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“Enter the 1 crore health cover club” is the latest buzz in the insurance industry. With the rising health inflation rate in India, more and more people are considering upgrading their insurance policies to the 1 crore mark. But is it really worth it? Let’s dive in.
Is it really worth it?
So the question is, should you join the 1 crore health cover club?
At first glance, a 1 crore health cover seems like the ultimate safety net. And it’s hard not to be tempted by the competitive premiums offered by insurance companies. But before you take the plunge, it’s important to understand the different types of policies available.
There are two types of 1 crore health cover policies – Full base policies and combo plans.
- Full base policies operate like your typical health insurance policies, with a sum insured of 1 crore.
- On the other hand, combo plans offer a base cover of a certain sum insured along with a “super top-up.”
Now, what exactly is a super top-up? It’s a type of policy that kicks in once your base cover is exhausted. So, let’s say you have a base cover of 10 lakhs and a super top-up cover of 90 lakhs. If you end up incurring medical expenses of 1 crore, your base cover will pay for the first 10 lakhs, and the super top-up will cover the remaining 90 lakhs.
That sounds like a great deal, right? Well, not so fast. The problem with super top-ups is that they don’t offer comprehensive protection. You don’t want an insurance policy that won’t work when you need it the most.
So what should you do?
- First things first: assess the odds of using such a large cover.
If you have a history of medical issues or a family history of serious illnesses, or are at a higher risk of developing certain medical conditions, a 1 crore health cover may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re relatively healthy with no pre-existing medical conditions and don’t anticipate any major health issues in the near future, a smaller cover may suffice.
These policies can be quite expensive, while the sum insured may seem tempting, you’ll need to shell out a significant amount of money as premium to maintain the policy. And if you’re not careful, you could end up paying more in premiums than you actually receive in benefits.
- If you can afford it, get a single comprehensive policy that checks all the boxes.
If you do decide to go for a 1 crore health cover, opt for a single comprehensive policy that covers all your needs. While combo plans can be economical, they may not offer the same level of protection as a full base policy.
- Now, combo plans can be economical, provided you’re smart about it
You can go for a ₹10L base cover which shall cover most of your treatment costs, and 90L of super top-up cover for worst-case scenarios.
- It’s important to understand the structure of the policy and whether it offers comprehensive protection.
Some policies may have limitations or exclusions that could leave you vulnerable to certain types of medical expenses. It is crucial to read the fine print of your policy carefully. Check for any exclusions, limitations, or waiting periods before you sign up for a policy. It is also essential to understand the claim process and the policy’s renewal terms to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the future.
Conclusion
So, should you buy a 1 crore health cover policy? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
If you’re someone who wants the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered for a significant amount of money, and you can afford the premiums, a 1 crore health cover policy may be a good option for you.
But if you’re someone who wants to save money on premiums and only wants coverage for specific medical expenses, a smaller policy with a lower sum insured may be a better fit.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you’re comfortable with and what you can afford. So do your research, assess your needs, and make an informed decision that works for you.
