Health insurance is a type of contract between you and your health insurance provider; the contract is put in action in case you meet a health emergency like falling ill or undergoing a surgery, and the like. Regrettably, there are major sections of the people who are not yet aware of the benefits of a health care policy; a particular section takes interest in health insurance only after something unusual in health happens, draining out their hard earned money.

Medical costs have risen like never before and the big hospitals that are equipped with all the facilities and employ well-trained and expert doctors quote hospitalization bills amounting to a lakh or several lakhs for a simple treatment.
And you may not get a good treatment in a general hospital that does not have a good track record of performing surgeries with success. If you have a health insurance, getting treated in the best hospitals without spending becomes a reality. So, if you are not yet insured, take the services of a health insurance provider and buy a health care policy that best suits you.

Before you buy a health care policy, it is recommended that you review the various policies offered by different health insurance providers. Not all policies cover all benefits or all diseases and other accouterments like wheelchair, shared accommodation, maternity expenses, daily cash for accompanying an insured child, contact lenses, health check-up, spectacles, out-patient dental treatment, etc.

Do read the terms and conditions, otherwise you may regret later for the basic deductible amount for emergency room treatment, fever that is not too high, repeat hospital visits, annual check-ups, and the like. In case of a surgery, you may have to take a pre-authorization from your health insurance provider prior to getting admitted. Moreover, 100% amount of the medical costs may not be covered.

Hence, as aforementioned, do read the benefits covered as well as the terms and conditions so that you face less hassles and you avail full benefits from your health insurance. A basic health care policy may not cover all facilities; go for a comprehensive one and the difference in premium will amount to only a few hundred rupees.

Almost all health insurance providers do cover emergencies. The premium, sum insured, cash/cashless facility, network hospitals, etc. differ. Choose a health insurance provider that is networked with some of the best hospitals.