₹10 LAKH COVER BUT HOW MUCH IS ACTUALLY COVERED ?

Your health insurance policy says ₹10 lakh. But how much of your hospital bill will it actually cover? A policy may look affordable today. But when a medical emergency occurs, the fine print can make a significant difference. Before choosing a health insurance plan, here are 5 things you should check. 1. Don't choose based on price alone. A lower premium doesn't automatically mean better value. Consider your family's needs, age, medical requirements, and the cost of treatment in your city. 2. Check the network hospitals. Are your preferred hospitals part of the insurer's network? Cashless treatment, subject to approval and policy terms, can reduce the need to arrange the entire eligible hospital bill upfront. 3. Understand the waiting periods. Some pre-existing conditions and specified illnesses may not be covered immediately. Know what is covered from day one and what requires a waiting period. 4. Look beyond the sum insured. Room rent limits, co-payment clauses, deductibles, and disease specific sub limits can affect how much you ultimately pay from your own pocket. A ₹10 lakh policy doesn't necessarily mean every eligible medical expense will be covered in full. 5. Check the benefits and their conditions. Look at restoration benefits, day care procedures, and pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses. Don't just check whether a benefit exists. Understand its limits and conditions. The value of health insurance isn't just the amount printed on your policy. It's how the coverage works when you need it most. Take time to read the policy wording, understand the exclusions, and compare plans based on your actual needs rather than the premium alone. P.S. When choosing health insurance, what matters most to you ? Affordability, access to hospitals, or comprehensive coverage?