A waiting period is the initial time after purchase during which certain claims cannot be made. Most policies have a 30-day initial waiting period (except for accidents), 1–4 years for pre-existing diseases, and specific waiting periods for conditions like maternity or joint replacements. Buying early means these periods pass while you are still healthy.

As a rule of thumb: Rs. 5–7 lakh for a single individual in a smaller city, Rs. 10–15 lakh for metro residents or families. With healthcare inflation at ~ 14% annually, factor in the cover you'll need 10–15 years from now. If affordability is a constraint, combine a base plan with a super top-up for cost-effective higher coverage

Yes. Group policies end when you leave your job and often offer limited sum insured with no customisation. A personal policy is portable, gives you full control, and continues regardless of employment. Think of employer cover as a supplement, not your primary safety net.

A co-payment means you bear a fixed percentage of each claim (e.g., 10–20%), while the insurer pays the rest. It lowers your premium but means out-of-pocket costs at the time of a claim. For younger, healthier policyholders, co-payment plans can be economical — but they are best avoided for senior citizen policies where claims are more frequent.

Cashless treatment is only available at network hospitals. For non-network hospitals, you pay upfront and then file a reimbursement claim with all original bills, prescriptions, and discharge summary. Reimbursements take longer and sometimes face partial settlement — so always prefer a network hospital when possible.

Yes — this is called portability, and is regulated by IRDAI. You can switch at renewal and carry forward your accumulated waiting period credits and no-claim bonus. Apply for portability at least 45 days before your renewal date. You cannot lose benefits you have already earned.

Standard plans typically cover only hospitalisation (24 hours or more). OPD cover — for doctor consultations, diagnostics, and medicines — is available as an add-on or in comprehensive plans. It is worth considering if you have regular check-ups or ongoing consultations.