A rule of thumb, not a quote
There's no single correct health cover. This calculator gives a sensible starting point based on how Indian planners commonly think about it: a base amount for your city's hospital costs, adjusted for how many people share a family floater, the age of the eldest member, and existing health conditions. Use the result to shortlist policies, then compare actual premiums and features.
City base (metro ₹10L · tier-2 ₹7L · smaller town ₹5L)
× family floater factor × age factor × health factor
→ rounded up to a common sum insuredWorked example
Base policy + super top-up: the smart structure
A super top-up only pays once your total medical bills in a year cross its deductible, usually set equal to your base policy. Because it rarely pays small claims, it's far cheaper per lakh of cover than a bigger base policy. A ₹5 lakh base plus a ₹20 lakh super top-up typically costs much less than a single ₹25 lakh policy, with similar protection for large bills.
Why employer cover isn't enough
- It ends when you leave or lose your job, often exactly when you need it most.
- Buying a personal policy later, at an older age or after a diagnosis, is more expensive and may come with waiting periods or exclusions.
- Group covers of ₹3–5 lakh can be used up by one major hospitalisation.
What to check in a policy
- Room rent limits: a cap on room rent can shrink the whole claim proportionately. Prefer "no room rent limit".
- Waiting periods for pre-existing diseases (typically 1–3 years) and specific illnesses.
- Restoration and no-claim bonus features that increase cover over time.
- Cashless hospital network near you.
- Parents: buy them a separate policy rather than adding seniors to your floater, which raises everyone's premium.
Premiums for health insurance can be deducted under the old tax regime. See the effect on the income tax calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much health insurance is enough for a family of four?
In a metro, many planners suggest ₹15–25 lakh in total, often as a ₹5–10 lakh base policy plus a super top-up. Smaller cities can need less.
Is a super top-up worth it?
Usually yes. It adds large cover at a low premium because it only pays after your yearly bills cross the deductible.
Should parents be on my family floater?
Generally no. Seniors raise the premium for the whole floater. A separate policy for parents is often better.
Official references: IRDAI