Buying your first health insurance policy at 26? Know the cover, add-ons and benefits to compare

Buying health insurance in your 20s may not seem urgent, particularly when you are starting your career and balancing monthly expenses with savings. However, buying a policy early can help you secure coverage while you are young and complete applicable waiting periods before you need certain treatments.

For a young salaried woman earning ₹40,000 a month, choosing a health insurance policy involves balancing affordability with adequate financial protection. The premium is only one consideration. The sum insured, hospital network, exclusions, co-payments and optional benefits can all influence how much you pay out of pocket when you make a claim.

Reader's question: I am 26, female and have a salary of ₹40,000 per month. How should I choose my first health insurance policy, and which add-ons should I consider to ensure adequate coverage while also saving cost?

Amit Jain, chief distribution officer at Aditya Birla Health Insurance, explains what young buyers should consider when purchasing their first health insurance policy and how they can balance coverage with affordability.

Start with an adequate base cover

The first priority should be choosing an adequate sum insured. Medical expenses can rise significantly when treatment involves hospitalisation, surgery or prolonged care. A policy with insufficient coverage could leave you paying a substantial amount from your savings.

Rather than choosing a plan solely because it has a low premium, compare the coverage it offers and the restrictions that could affect claims. Pay particular attention to room-rent limits, co-payments, disease-specific sub-limits, waiting periods, exclusions and the insurer's cashless hospital network.