Health Insurance Need
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How we size your health cover
Indian medical inflation runs 12-15% a year — double general inflation. A single serious hospitalization can cost ₹5-15 lakh in a metro today, and double that in 5 years. Our model factors:
- City tier — metro hospital costs are 2-3× tier-3.
- Family size & oldest member — older members cost more.
- Pre-existing conditions — add buffer for known risks.
- 5-year inflation projection — cover that's enough today won't be in 2028.
- Existing employer cover — useful but disappears if you switch jobs.
Affordability: how much premium can you sustain?
A useful ceiling: keep total health premiums within 3–5% of annual income. On a ₹12 lakh income, that's ₹36,000–60,000/year — enough for a ₹15–25L family floater plus a ₹50L super top-up at today's rates. If the premium for your "ideal" cover breaches that band, buy the largest base policy you can afford now and layer a super top-up (a ₹50L top-up with ₹10L deductible can cost under ₹6,000/year for a 30-something family). The calculator above recommends a cover target; this rule keeps it affordable.
Lifetime loading and waiting periods, explained
Indian health insurers price by entry age — premiums roughly double between age 30 and 55, and products often cap entry at 65. Buying early locks in a lower base premium for life. Two more time walls matter: initial waiting periods (30 days general; 2–4 years for pre-existing diseases and maternity) and co-pay clauses on senior policies (20–30% of claims). A policy bought at 28 with PED waiting periods completed by 32 is dramatically cheaper and broader than a first policy bought at 45 — the strongest argument for buying before you "need" it.
How this calculator works
We size your cover from city-tier hospitalization costs, family size and ages, existing conditions and employer cover, then add a medical-inflation buffer (health inflation in India runs 10–14% a year — far above CPI). All maths runs in your browser; nothing is stored. Content reviewed and updated for 2026. Related: How much health insurance cover do you need in India?
Frequently asked questions
How much health insurance do I really need?
For a family of 4 in a metro, ₹15-25 lakh is a sensible base. Add a super top-up of ₹50L-1Cr for catastrophic protection. The exact number depends on city tier and family profile.
How much should health insurance premium be as a share of income?
Keep total premiums within about 3–5% of annual income. Above that, use a super top-up to reach large cover cheaply rather than over-paying for a giant base policy.
What is lifetime loading in health insurance?
Premiums step up with entry age — roughly doubling between 30 and 55 — and many plans cap entry around 65. Buying young locks a lower premium base for life, which is why planners say "buy before you need it".
Is employer health insurance enough?
Usually no. Employer cover (typically ₹3-5L) is too low for serious illness and vanishes when you switch or retire. Always have your own personal policy.
What is a super top-up?
A super top-up kicks in once your total claims in a year cross a "deductible" (usually equal to your base policy). It offers huge cover (₹50L-1Cr) very cheaply because you self-insure small amounts.
Should I buy individual or family floater?
Family floater is cheaper and flexible for younger families. If members vary widely in age (e.g., 65-year-old parents + young kids), separate policies for seniors may be wiser.
When should I buy health insurance?
Now. Premiums rise with age and pre-existing conditions develop over time. Buying in your 20s-30s locks in lower premiums and completes waiting periods while you're healthy.