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100% cashless treatment at 11,500+ hospitals
Get 100% coverage from day 1!
Zero Waiting Period. Zero GST. Zero Agents
No agent commissions = You save big!
Health Insurance
Health insurance is a financial protection cover that helps you manage medical expenses without disturbing your savings or lifestyle. With costs rising every year, even a short hospital stay can put unexpected financial pressure on you and your family. A health insurance policy helps you pay for both planned and emergency medical expenses. It includes hospitalisation costs, day care treatments, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, and more. It makes sure that quality healthcare remains accessible when you need it most. So, whether you are buying health insurance for yourself, your family, or ageing parents, having the right health insurance or medical insurance cover helps you stay prepared for medical emergencies without worrying about hospital bills.
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What is Health Insurance?Key BenefitsTypes of Health Insurance PlansACKO Health Plans at a GlanceWhat is Covered?What is NOT Covered?ACKO’s Health Plans vs Other Market Health Insurance PlansBenefits of Buying Health Insurance OnlineTop Features of ACKO Health Insurance PlansWhy 8 Crore Indians Choose ACKO for Health InsuranceKey Factors to Consider Before Buying a Health Insurance PlanWhat is the Ideal Health Insurance Coverage for You?Health Insurance Premium Comparison by City TierACKO Health Insurance Riders and Add-onsWhat are the Eligibility Criteria to Buy ACKO Health Insurance?How to Buy Health Insurance Plans Online from ACKOHow to Renew Health Insurance Plans Online from ACKOHow to File a Health Insurance Claim with ACKOGet 100% Cashless Treatment from 11,500+ Hospital of Your ChoiceHow to Calculate Health Insurance PremiumsWays to Reduce Your Health Insurance PremiumDocuments Required to Buy Health InsuranceACKO Platinum vs Standard Health Insurance PlanWhat is a Mediclaim Policy?Difference Between Mediclaim Insurance and Health InsuranceWhy Choose ACKO Health Insurance?Health Insurance for NRIsTax Benefits on Health Insurance Under Section 80DCommon Health Insurance Myths DebunkedCommon Health Insurance Terms You Should UnderstandFrequently Asked QuestionsHealth insurance is a policy that covers your medical and hospital expenses when you need treatment. It helps you and your family get the care you need without worrying about the cost. But not all health insurance plans are the same. Choosing the right insurance company can make things a lot easier, and ACKO keeps it simple.
Compare ACKO health insurance plans, customise your coverage, and get insured instantly through a fully digital process. Plans start at just Rs. 18/day with zero paperwork and fast claims.
Buying a health insurance policy is not just about covering hospital bills. Choosing the best health insurance in India means staying financially prepared for medical emergencies, which can otherwise be costly, distressing, and unpredictable. Having a medical insurance policy makes it easier for you to afford high-quality medical care as healthcare expenses rise and lifestyle-related health problems become more prevalent.
So, let's explore some of the main advantages of health insurance and understand why it is important in your everyday life:
Healthcare costs are increasing every year, and even basic treatments can be expensive. During a medical emergency, these sudden expenses can put a lot of pressure on your finances. A health insurance plan or medical insurance policy helps you manage these costs by covering a large part of your treatment expenses, so you don’t have to pay everything on your own.
A sudden illness or accident can lead to last-minute hospital bills. A medical health insurance plan makes sure that your hard-earned savings for important life goals like your child’s education, a home, or future plans are not affected by medical emergencies.
Health insurance gives you access to cashless treatment at network hospitals. It means eligible medical expenses will be settled directly by the insurer. This helps reduce stress and allows you to concentrate on recovery without worrying about arranging funds for treatment.
Health insurance is not limited to hospitalisation alone. It also helps cover expenses like day care procedures, pre- and post-hospitalisation treatment, ambulance charges, and other medical costs. However, it depends on your policy, so choose the right health insurance plans for family that feel right for you and your loved ones.
With the best health insurance plan in India, you can choose better hospitals and doctors without worrying about the cost of treatment. This ensures timely and quality medical care when the medical care is needed.
Many health insurance policies or medical insurance plans also support the treatment of serious illnesses that need care over a longer period. This makes it easier for you and your family to continue treatment without constantly worrying about the cost.
When you buy health insurance, the premium you pay qualifies for tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This helps you save on taxes.
Health insurance takes away a lot of worry for you and your family during medical emergencies. This peace of mind is one of the biggest health insurance benefits of having medical health insurance.
“In your 20s and early 30s, healthcare often feels simple. But treatments have advanced and costs have risen. Buying health insurance early isn’t about fear, it’s about being prepared for today’s healthcare reality. ACKO health plans grow with you.”
Dr Nitin Kumar Gupta
SVP – Health Underwriting & Claims at Acko General Insurance
Health insurance plans are designed to meet different needs and life situations. So, depending on who you are, why you are buying the policy, and what kind of coverage you need, you can choose the best health insurance plan in India that fits your needs. Here are some common types of health insurance plans and how they work.
An individual health insurance policy provides coverage for the medical expenses of one person. It covers hospitalisation, treatments, prescribed medicines, and other medical costs based on the sum insured chosen by the buyer.
It is a good option if you are buying health insurance just for yourself and want coverage that is designed around your personal health needs. Individual health insurance is commonly chosen by young professionals or anyone who wants dedicated coverage without sharing the sum insured with anyone else.
A family floater health insurance policy covers multiple family members under a single policy. It covers you, your partner, your children, and sometimes your dependent parents. It is important to understand that all covered family members share the sum insured. This means the coverage can be used by any insured member whenever required.
In case of a serious illness, like cancer, heart attack, or stroke, a critical illness insurance plan offers a lump sum amount. You can use it for treatment costs, everyday expenses, or handle income loss during recovery. Support like this is especially beneficial when both your health and your routine have been affected by a serious illness.
Senior citizen health insurance plans are designed keeping in mind the healthcare needs of people who are usually 60 years and above. These plans focus on the medical concerns that become more common with age. They help cover age-related health issues, regular doctor visits, hospital stays, and longer recovery periods. Additionally, many health insurance for senior citizens offer shorter waiting periods for specific diseases. This is to help elderly people get the care or treatment they require more quickly.
Top-up and super top-up plans offer additional coverage over and above your existing health insurance policy. This could be an individual plan or health insurance provided by your employer. Top-up and super top-up plans are suitable when you want extra cover for bigger medical expenses without buying another full policy.
People who want coverage for a specific illness, like diabetes, cancer, or heart issues, can purchase disease-specific health insurance plans. For example, if you have diabetes, a disease-specific plan can make managing diabetes a little easier by assisting with routine testing, doctor visits, and continuing treatment.
Here’s a quick overview of ACKO Health Insurance plans and what they offer. Important details like coverage, benefits, waiting periods, and claim assistance are highlighted in this table. This provides you with a clear picture of what is included.
| Categories | Specifications of ACKO Health Insurance Plans |
| Premium | Starting at ₹18/day* as per plan type |
| Sum Insured | ₹10 Lakhs to Unlimited |
| Hospital bill coverage | No deductions. Get 100% coverage for hospital bills up to the sum insured |
| Pre & Post-hospitalisation Expenses | Covered |
| ICU Charges | Covered |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered as per T&C |
| Room rent limit | No limit on room rent. Available up to the sum insured. No deductions. |
| Ambulance Cover | Available |
| Day Care Procedures | Covered |
| Co-pay | None |
| Waiting period | Zero waiting period with ACKO Platinum Health Plans |
| Cashless claims at top hospitals | Available across 11,500+ network hospitals. |
| Claim process | Fully digital, simply upload the necessary documents on the app. |
| Tax Benefits | Up to ₹75,000 per financial year |
Medical needs don’t always look the same. Sometimes they’re planned, and sometimes they come up suddenly. ACKO Health Insurance plans are meant to help in both situations by covering common medical expenses, so you don’t have to worry about arranging money every time you need care.
Below is a simple explanation of what is usually covered under ACKO Health Insurance plans
If you need to be admitted to a hospital for treatment, health insurance or medical insurance helps cover the major costs involved. This includes room rent, ICU charges, surgery costs, doctor fees, nursing care, and other hospital-related expenses, as per your policy. This makes hospital stays easier to manage, especially during medical emergencies.
Medical expenses don’t start or end at the hospital. ACKO Health Insurance also covers treatment-related expenses incurred before and after hospitalisation, within the defined time period. This can include doctor consultations, medical tests, follow-up visits, and medicines related to the treatment.
Some treatments do not require an overnight stay in the hospital. ACKO Health Insurance covers several such day care procedures (treatments/surgeries requiring less than 24 hours of hospitalisation). This allows you to get treated and return home the same day. This helps reduce hospital-related stress while still ensuring treatment costs are taken care of.
In emergency situations, getting to the hospital quickly is important. Health insurance covers ambulance charges when transportation to a hospital is medically required. This helps avoid additional expenses during urgent moments.
ACKO Health Insurance also supports alternative treatment options under AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, subject to policy conditions. This gives you the flexibility to choose treatment methods you are comfortable with.
If an organ transplant is required, medical expenses related to the organ donor are also covered. This includes hospitalisation and treatment costs for the donor, as specified in the policy. It helps ease the financial stress that often comes with complex medical procedures.
Mental health conditions are treated just like physical illnesses. ACKO Health Insurance covers treatment and hospitalisation for mental health conditions, in line with applicable guidelines. So, you have access to care whenever your mental well-being needs support.
Some treatments can be safely taken at home under medical supervision. ACKO Health Insurance covers eligible home healthcare services when hospitalisation is not necessary, but medical care is still required. This can be helpful for recovery or long-term treatment needs.
Medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered as per policy guidelines. This includes hospitalisation and related treatment costs, subject to applicable terms.
Health insurance helps in many medical situations, but it doesn’t cover everything. There are a few situations where your policy won’t apply, which is fairly common across most health insurance plans. Knowing this upfront can help you make a more informed decision.
Here are some situations that are usually not covered.
Medical expenses related to pre-existing conditions are not covered during the waiting period mentioned in the policy. Once this period is completed, coverage for these conditions begins.
Treatments done only to improve appearance are not covered under medical health insurance. However, if cosmetic treatment is required due to an accident or medical condition, coverage may apply as per policy terms.
Medical expenses arising from self-inflicted injuries or intentional harm are not covered under the policy.
Health insurance does not cover medical expenses resulting from war, invasion, or similar situations.
Injuries caused while participating in high-risk adventure sports are usually not covered, unless the policy specifically includes such activities.
Medical treatment taken outside India is not covered unless international coverage has been added to your health insurance plan.
Health insurance plans may look similar, but they don’t always work the same way. Small differences in coverage, limits, and waiting periods can matter a lot when you need treatment. Here’s a simple comparison to show how ACKO Health Insurance plans differ from other health insurance plans in the market.
| Criteria | ACKO Standard Health Insurance Plan | ACKO Platinum Health Insurance Plan | Other Market Health Plan |
| HOSPITAL BILLS | ACKO pays 100% | ACKO pays 100% | They Pay ~85% |
| ROOM RENT LIMIT | No Room rent limit | No Room rent limit | Pay extra for room upgrades |
| WAITING PERIODS | 30 days initial | None initial | 30 days initial |
| COPAY | No Copay | No Copay | Fixed Copay |
| DISEASE-SPECIFIC WAITING PERIOD | 2 years Specified illnesses | None Specified illnesses | 2 years Specified illnesses |
| PRE-EXISTING DISEASES WAITING PERIOD | 3 years Pre-existing diseases | 0-3 years Pre-existing diseases (based on health evaluation) | 3 years Pre-existing diseases |
These days, buying health insurance doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Going online allows you to explore plans, understand coverage, and much more. This helps you shortlist the best health insurance in India. So, let's look at some of the reasons why many people prefer buying health insurance online.
Everything you need in a health plan, designed to keep hospitalisation simple and stress-free.
Your cover restores once it gets used up.
Pick any room you’re comfortable with. Single to deluxe, there are no room rent limits.
The sum insured goes up by 10% every year, regardless of past claims. The maximum increase is up to 100% of the original cover.
Get treated at thousands of hospitals without paying at the hospital.
Claims are approved quickly to avoid treatment delays.
Short treatments are covered, even without a hospital stay.
Health insurance starts at around 18 rupees a day.
Many treatments are covered from day one.
From surgeries to syringes, hospital bills are covered as per your policy.
No GST is charged on your premium.
Buy directly online, so there is no hidden commission.
Choosing a health insurance or medical insurance policy is not just about looking at the premium. A few small details can make a big difference later, especially when you actually need to use the health policy. Here’s a simple checklist to help you make a more informed decision before buying the best health insurance in India for your needs.
Make sure the sum insured is enough to cover major medical expenses. Your age, city, lifestyle, and family health history can all affect how much coverage you may need.
Choosing a very low sum insured might save money now, but it can leave you underprepared during a medical emergency.
Most health insurance plans have waiting periods for certain conditions, especially pre-existing illnesses. Shorter waiting periods mean earlier access to coverage.
For example, some plans may offer coverage from day one if all health conditions are disclosed upfront.
Some plans have limits on specific expenses like room rent or certain treatments. These limits can reduce how much you finally receive during a claim. It’s important to understand these details before buying a medical insurance policy, so there are no surprises later.
A lower premium can sometimes come with conditions like copays or deductibles. This means you may need to pay a part of the bill yourself during a claim. Always look at the overall cost, not just the medical insurance premium amount.
Make sure hospitals you trust or visit often are part of the insurer’s network. This makes cashless treatment easier during emergencies.
Some health insurance plans restore the sum insured if it gets fully or partially used during the policy year. This means that after a claim, the insurer refills the coverage amount for future medical expenses in the same year. However, this is subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.
Health needs often increase with age. A plan that offers lifetime renewability ensures you can continue your coverage without disruption later in life.
Good claim support matters when you’re already dealing with stress. Check how easy it is to raise and track claims, and whether customer support is easily available.
Some plans offer optional add-ons or wellness benefits. Choose only those that are useful for you and your family, instead of adding features you may never use.
Everyone’s health insurance needs look a little different. What works for one person may not be enough for someone else. Thus, factors like your age, family size, and where you live all play a role in deciding how much coverage is actually right for you when choosing the best health insurance in India or a suitable medical insurance policy for your needs.
Here’s a simple way to think about the right level of health insurance coverage based on your situation.
| Age Group | Typical Monthly Premium Range* | What This Usually Means |
| 18–30 years | 300–700+ | Most people are healthy at this age, so health insurance usually costs less. |
| 30–50 years | 900–2,000+ | Health needs start increasing, which is why premiums are higher than before. |
| 50+ years | 2,500–5,000+ | Medical care becomes more frequent, so premiums are higher, and some waiting periods may apply. |
| Family Size | Recommended Sum Insured |
| Couple | 10 lakh to 25 lakh |
| Couple + 1 Child | 25 lakh to 50 lakh |
| Couple + 2 Children | 50 lakh to 1 crore |
| Family with Senior Parents | 1 crore or more, or consider separate plans for senior parents |
Health insurance plans usually cover the most common medical needs. But everyone’s situation is a little different. That’s where riders and add-ons come in.
Riders are optional features you can add to your health insurance plan if you want extra coverage in specific situations. You don’t have to choose all of them, but only the ones that actually make sense for your situation.
Health insurance riders are add-ons that let you customise your base health insurance plan. They help cover certain costs or situations that may not be fully covered by the standard policy. Some riders help with room rent limits, some offer extra financial support during hospital stays, and others step in when your coverage runs out.
You can choose riders depending on your health concerns, family needs, or comfort level with medical expenses. Adding the right riders can make your health insurance feel more complete, without changing the core plan.
At ACKO, we believe that buying health insurance should feel simple, not confusing at all. That’s why ACKO Health Insurance has straightforward eligibility requirements, so you know before getting started.
ACKO Health Insurance plans are available for adults aged 18 years and above. You can buy a medical policy for yourself and include eligible family members under the same plan, depending on the coverage you choose.
Note: Currently, ACKO only covers Indian nationals. So, if you reside in India, ACKO’s health plans are available for you and your loved ones.
When buying health insurance, you’ll be asked to share details about your medical history. This includes any existing health conditions, past illnesses, or ongoing treatments. This makes sure that you get the right coverage.
The documentation process is 100% digital. This means basic details such as identity proof, age proof, and address information are required while buying a health policy from ACKO. Plus, all documents are to be submitted online for a quick process.
It is mandatory for members over 18 years to undergo medical screenings when they buy health insurance. These medical tests, also known as Per-Policy Medical Checkup (PPMC), are arranged by ACKO and are completely free of cost.
You can buy health insurance from Acko through the website or the mobile app. Below are the steps to buy health insurance plans online.
Enter a few details such as your age, dependents’ details, and some other personal information to get a health insurance quote.
Choose your plan, as ACKO Health Insurance provides the ACKO Standard Health Insurance Plan and the ACKO Platinum Health Insurance Plan.
You can customise your coverage based on your needs.
Review and pay. Once you buy the plan, we will take a few days to process the request.
When it comes to health policy issuance, it is issued as soon as the processing is completed. Note that your coverage begins from the date of purchase, so you don’t need to worry about the processing time.
The best medical insurance in India works well when it continues without a break. Renewing your plan on time helps make sure you stay covered when you need it, without having to start all over again.
Renewing your medical insurance online is simple and takes only a few minutes. As your health policy expiry date gets closer, you’ll receive a reminder from us so you don’t miss it.
The reminder email includes a payment link. You can open the link, review your health policy details, and complete the payment online.
Once the payment goes through, your policy is renewed and shared with you shortly. There’s no paperwork and no extra steps to follow.
Like most health plans, ACKO health insurance also comes with a grace period after the expiry date. During this time, you can still renew your health policy.
Renewing your health policy on time keeps your coverage active without any gaps. It also gives you a chance to pause and check whether your current coverage still fits your needs or if it needs to be increased based on changes in your life, health, or family situation.
This is something many people are not aware of, but it’s important to understand. Even if you have the best medical insurance policy, the coverage may stop if the policy is not renewed after the grace period.
When coverage stops, it means the health policy is no longer active. Medical expenses during this time will not be covered, and any health insurance benefits you had built up may no longer apply. In such cases, you may need to buy a new health plan to get covered again.
With ACKO Health Insurance, the claim process is kept simple so you can focus on treatment and recovery.
There are two ways to file a health insurance claim with ACKO: cashless claims and reimbursement claims. Which one you use depends on where you get treated and how the hospitalisation happens.
A cashless claim means you don’t have to pay the hospital bills yourself. ACKO settles the eligible expenses directly with the hospital. This option is available when you get treated at a network hospital. ACKO has a network of over 11,500+ cashless hospitals across India.
In an emergency, we at ACKO focus on you getting medical help quickly, and it is the most important thing. To do that, you can go to the nearest hospital and get admitted right away. Once things are stable, you or a family member should inform ACKO as soon as possible. After this, the eligible hospital bills are settled directly, so you don’t have to worry about finances.
Unlike emergency hospitalisation, you usually have some time to prepare for planned treatments. You can choose a network hospital and inform ACKO in advance before admission. Once the hospital submits the required documents for approval, the treatment costs are settled directly with the hospital, based on your policy coverage.
A reimbursement claim is useful when you receive treatment at a hospital that is not part of the network. In this case, you pay the hospital bills first. After the treatment, you can submit a claim to get the eligible amount reimbursed, as per your policy terms.
You’ll need basic documents such as hospital bills, discharge summary, prescriptions and test reports. The exact list may vary based on the treatment.
Once all documents are submitted and verified, claims are processed within the timelines mentioned in the policy. You can easily track the status of your claim on the ACKO app, so you always know what’s happening without repeated follow-ups.
Max healthcare
Manipal hospitals
Fortis hospital
Apollo hospitals
Narayana hospital
Aster Hospitals
Buying health insurance doesn’t require a long list of documents. In most cases, you only need to share a few basic details to get started when applying for the best health insurance policy in India.
You’ll need to share a valid identity proof to confirm who you are. This can include documents such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, Passport, Driving Licence, or Voter ID.
Age proof helps confirm your eligibility for the plan and decide the premium. Documents like a Passport, Aadhaar card, Birth Certificate, Driving Licence, or Voter ID are commonly accepted.
Address proof is required to verify your current place of residence. This can include Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, utility bills, bank statements, or other valid address documents.
Income proof is not always required. In certain cases, it may be asked for specific plans or higher coverage amounts, depending on the policy terms.
Based on age or health details shared, a medical check-up may be needed. If required, the medical reports help assess health conditions accurately before issuing the policy.
ACKO offers two health insurance plans, the ACKO Standard Health Insurance Plan and the ACKO Platinum Health Insurance Plan. Each plan is unique in its own way, and once you understand the difference, it becomes easier to choose what works best for you.
| SPECIFICATIONS OF ACKO Health Plans | What do ACKO Health Plans offer? |
| Sum Insured | 1 Crore and Unlimited |
| Waiting Period | Zero Waiting Period. Coverage begins from Day 01 |
| Cashless Hospitalisation | 11,500+ Pan India Network Hospitals |
| Add-ons | ✓Non-medical expenses ✓Room rent waiver ✓Doctor on call |
| Deductions on claims | Absolutely ZERO Deductions |
| Middleman commission | None, we cater directly to you |
| Pre-hospitalization Expenses | 60 days |
| Post-hospitalization Expenses | 120 days |
| Restore of sum insured | Allowed unlimited times |
| Covid-19 Treatment | Hospitalisation costs covered after 30 days |
| AYUSH Treatment | Requires minimum 24 hrs of hospitalisation |
| Tax benefits (80D) | Yes |
| Quick claim settlements | Yes |
| No Room Rent Cappings | Yes |
| Health Insurance Portability | Yes |
| SPECIFICATIONS OF ACKO Health Plans | What do ACKO Health Plans offer? |
| Sum Insured | ₹ 10 Lakhs, ₹ 25 Lakhs, ₹ 50 Lakhs, ₹1 Crore |
| Cashless Hospitalisation | 11,500+ Pan India Network Hospitals |
| Add-ons | ✓Non-medical expenses ✓Room rent waiver ✓Doctor on call |
| Deductions on claims | Absolutely ZERO Deductions |
| Middleman commission | None, we cater directly to you |
| Pre-hospitalisation Expenses | 60 days |
| Post-hospitalisation Expenses | 120 days |
| Restore of sum insured | Allowed unlimited times |
| Covid-19 Treatment | Hospitalisation costs covered after 30 days |
| AYUSH Treatment | Requires minimum 24 hrs of hospitalisation |
| Tax benefits (80D) | Yes |
| Quick claim settlements | Yes |
| No Room Rent Cappings | Yes |
| Health Insurance Portability | Yes |
A mediclaim policy is a type of health coverage that steps in when you need hospital treatment. This kind of cover is mainly centred around hospitalisation. It looks after costs related to your stay, such as room charges, doctor consultations, medicines, and treatment received during admission.
While a mediclaim policy does not offer the wider coverage of a comprehensive health insurance plan, they still play an important role in providing basic financial support during serious medical situations.
A Mediclaim policy and health insurance plan can seem similar because both help with medical expenses. The difference shows up when you actually need to use the policy. One focuses mainly on hospital bills, while the other covers a wider range of healthcare needs.
| Feature | Mediclaim Insurance Policy | Health Insurance Plan |
| What it mainly covers | Hospital expenses during admission | Hospitalisation plus many other medical expenses |
| Scope of coverage | Limited to inpatient treatment | Broader coverage, including day care and other treatments |
| Pre & post-hospital expenses | Usually limited to a small number of days or does not cover many tests | Covers treatment-related costs before admission and during recovery after discharge |
| Day care procedures | Not always covered | Commonly covered |
| Flexibility | Basic coverage | More options and add-ons |
| Who does it suit best | People looking for basic hospital cover | People looking for wider, long-term health coverage |
Living outside India doesn’t mean you can’t plan for medical expenses back home. That’s why many NRIs get health insurance for themselves or their family in India. This helps avoid stress over hospital bills when medical emergencies come up.
Renewals can also be done online. Renewing on time helps keep your coverage active and avoids loss of benefits.
Health insurance or medical insurance doesn’t just help with medical expenses. It also helps you save tax. The amount you pay towards your health insurance premium can be claimed as a deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
If you pay health insurance premiums for yourself, your spouse, or your children, you can claim a tax deduction of up to ₹25,000 in a financial year. This applies to premiums paid for regular health insurance plans, as long as the payment is made through accepted modes.
If you pay health insurance premiums for your parents who are senior citizens, you can claim a higher deduction of up to ₹50,000. This benefit is available even if you are already claiming deductions for yourself and your family.
You can also claim up to ₹5,000 in a financial year for preventive health check-ups under Section 80D. This sum is not an additional benefit; rather, it is a component of the total Section 80D limit. In simple terms, it falls under the ₹50,000 cap for older persons or the ₹25,000 cap for those under 60.
“When you buy from ACKO, you get support that’s ready for real-life medical needs. With 8+ crore customers and over 400 crore in claims settled across 11,500+ cashless hospitals, ACKO has handled many real cases that shape how it works in practice today.”
Kunal Kapur
Senior VP, ACKO Health Insurance
Many consumers delay purchasing health insurance due to assumptions or things they have heard over time. At first glance, several of these concepts may make sense, but they do not necessarily align with the practicalities of how the best health insurance policy in India actually works in real-life situations.
Let’s learn some of the common myths and see what usually happens outside theory.
The problem is, health issues don’t always give you notice. Accidents, infections, or sudden treatments can happen even when you’re young.
Many consumers assume that insurance will cover all of their expenses. It does not always operate that way. Every strategy has its own boundaries. Every plan has its own limits.
Some people are reluctant to discuss past health problems. Leaving things unsaid feels safer. But later on, that frequently leads to problems. When you genuinely need assistance, being honest from the beginning frequently reduces tension.
Getting health insurance from your employer feels like a big relief. And it does help. At the same time, that cover is tied to your job. It may change when your role changes, or stop altogether. A personal plan stays with you through all of that.
Stories about complicated claims have been around for a long time. Today, the majority of claims, particularly cashless ones, are processed online and are considerably easier than most consumers realise.
The health insurance cost can seem expensive just by looking at the premium. However, medical expenses have the power of changing that perspective very quickly. At that point, insurance begins to feel like a help rather than an additional cost.
This is a very common idea that many people have. When a problem arises, many think they will get health insurance, but insurance functions best when it is already in place. Purchasing it in advance provides protection when you need it and gives you enough time to choose the best health insurance policy in India based on your needs.
| Term | Meaning in simple words |
| Premium | The amount you pay regularly to keep your health insurance active. |
| Sum Insured | The maximum amount your insurance can pay in a policy year. |
| Claim | A request you make to the insurance company to pay for medical expenses after treatment or hospitalisation. |
| Coverage | What your health insurance policy actually pays for, including treatments, procedures, and benefits. |
| Deductible | The amount you agree to pay yourself before insurance starts paying. |
| Co-pay | A fixed part or percentage of the medical bill that you pay during a claim. |
| Waiting Period | The time you need to wait before certain treatments or conditions are covered. |
| Pre-existing Disease | Any illness or condition you had before buying the health insurance policy. |
| Network Hospital | Hospitals where you can get cashless treatment under your policy. |
| Cashless Claim | The insurer pays the hospital directly, so you don’t have to pay the bill upfront. |
| Reimbursement Claim | You pay the hospital first and later get the money back from the insurer. |
| Room Rent Limit | The maximum room cost your policy will cover per day during hospitalisation. |
| No Claim Bonus (NCB) | An extra benefit you get for not making a claim in a policy year. |
| Cumulative Bonus | An increase in your sum insured for every claim-free year, without extra premium. |
| Day Care Procedure | Treatments or surgeries that don’t require an overnight hospital stay. |
| Pre & Post Hospitalisation | Medical expenses before hospital admission and after discharge. |
| Grace Period | Extra time given to renew your policy after the due date without losing benefits. |
| Add-ons / Riders | Optional features you can add to your policy for extra coverage. |
| Policy Term | The duration for which your health insurance policy stays active. |
| Claim Settlement | The process through which your medical claim is approved and paid. |
| Dependent | Family members like spouse, children, or parents covered under your policy. |
| Domiciliary Treatment | Medical treatment taken at home when hospital admission is not possible or advised. |
| Entry Age | The age at which you are allowed to buy a health insurance policy. |
| Exclusions | Treatments or situations that are not covered under the policy. |
| Family Floater | A policy where one sum insured is shared by all covered family members. |
| Free Look Period | A short period after buying the policy when you can review and cancel it if needed. |
| Indemnity Plan | A health insurance plan that pays based on actual medical expenses incurred. |
| Insured | The person whose medical expenses are covered under the policy. |
| Insurer | The insurance company that provides and manages the policy. |
| Portability | The option to switch insurers without losing benefits like waiting periods. |
| Preventive Health Check-up | Health tests covered to help detect illnesses early, even when you’re not sick. |
| Restoration Benefit | A feature that refills your sum insured if it gets used up during the policy year. |
| Sub-limits | Limits set on specific expenses like room rent or certain treatments. |
| Top-up Plan | An additional policy that increases coverage after a set amount is crossed. |
| AYUSH Treatment | Treatment under Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, or Homeopathy systems. |
Before buying health insurance, it’s completely normal to have questions. It’s an important decision, and most people take time to understand what they’re choosing and why. To make things easier, here are answers to some common questions people usually have while considering the best health insurance in India.
Disclaimer: The plans, services, features, processes, and other details mentioned on this page are subject to availability and changes. Please check the applicable policy wordings before making any insurance-related decisions. Feel free to reach out to us at 1800 266 2256 or [email protected] for any queries.
Written by
Roocha Kanade
Content Architect
Health Insurance content enthusiast who turns complex topics into easy, binge-worthy reads—fueled by SEO, creativity, and way too much chai! Loves juggling multiple projects, cracking impossible deadlines, and sprinkling humor into the mix. When not geeking out over digital trends, you'll find her lurking on Quora and Reddit, planning the next getaway, or passionately decoding all things health and insurance!
Reviewed by
Dr Nitin Kumar Gupta
SVP – Health Underwriting & Claims at Acko General Insurance
SVP – Health Underwriting & Claims at Acko General Insurance — With 20+ years of experience driving digital transformation and profitable growth, I am a seasoned Senior Insurance Executive specialising in Health, Life, Accident, and Disability insurance. Backed by an MBBS degree and advanced insurance designations (FLMI, FALU, FLHC, ACS, ARA), I bring a unique blend of medical expertise and deep insurance-domain leadership. My core strength lies in optimising underwriting and claims operations, enabling automation-led scalability for both large insurers and digital-first startups.
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