Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 25: Buying health insurance for the first time can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Policies look similar on the surface, but a closer look reveals differences that can decide whether the plan truly works for you. Rushing the process or skipping over details is where most people go wrong. If you want to make a choice you won’t regret later, avoid these common missteps.

1. Choosing Less Coverage to Save on Premiums

A low premium may look appealing, but it often means a smaller sum insured. That might work if you’re lucky enough not to need major hospital care, but one surgery or extended treatment can wipe out the coverage. For individuals, picking a sum insured that can handle serious medical costs makes sense. Families using a shared cover, known as a floater plan, often need a higher limit because several members might need treatment in the same year.

2. Ignoring the Real Cost of “Cheap” Plans

It’s tempting to pick the lowest price on the comparison chart. The catch? Many budget-friendly options shift a big part of the bill back to you through co-payment clauses. This means you pay a set percentage of every hospital bill, even if you’ve been paying premiums for years. Sometimes, paying a slightly higher premium for fairer co-payment terms is a more brilliant move in the long run.

3. Overlooking the Hospital Network

The idea of cashless treatment sounds good, but it only works if the hospital is in the insurer’s network. A plan might boast broad coverage nationally, but if the hospitals near you aren’t included, you’ll be paying first and claiming later. Always scan the list to check whether reputable hospitals in your area are part of the network before you buy health insurance..

4. Forgetting to Check for Sub-Limits

There are other policies that silently place restrictions on what their policy will cover, like when renting a room or when performing a certain surgery. These sub-limits may become a bitter surprise that you will have to make the choice between spending more and getting the choice of less comfortable reliefs.

A plan with no such caps, in particular with respect to charges on hospital room and board, is preferable, in case one is available. In this way, you can make your choices with respect to comfort and recovery instead of being constrained by budget considerations.

5. Skipping the Waiting Period Details

Every policy has a waiting period for certain benefits, particularly for pre-existing conditions or maternity cover. If you assume all benefits apply from day one, you might find claims rejected during the initial months or years. Check how long you’ll need to wait for the benefits that matter most to you and compare this across plans before you buy medical insurance.

6. Not Researching the Insurer’s Track Record

Coverage and pricing matter, but so does the company behind the policy. Look into how efficiently claims are processed and settled before you buy health insurance. Delays and disputes can be stressful, especially during a medical emergency. Reliable service and a good claim settlement record are just as important as the features listed in the brochure.

Practical Pointers for First-Time Buyers

Here are the key things you must know before you buy health insurance:

• Read the policy wordings instead of relying only on summaries.

• Make sure the coverage is something you can keep paying for over the years.

• Consider add-ons only if they meet your actual needs.

Use tools like a health insurance premium calculator to estimate how much coverage will cost based on your details.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right health insurance plan for the first time requires more than scanning premiums and benefits. It means looking beyond the obvious to ensure coverage, hospital access, and policy terms match your needs. Avoiding mistakes like underinsuring, ignoring sub-limits, or overlooking waiting periods can save you from costly surprises later. Take time to read the details, use tools like a health insurance premium calculator, and compare wisely so your decision provides both protection and long-term peace of mind.

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