Medical inflation is rising by leaps and bounds and the only possible way to cope with it is by investing in a comprehensive health insurance that will provide you with adequate coverage. Also, the market is flooded with insurance policies that promise to be the best.

However, you must choose one that will be a perfect fit for your family. Thus, you must compare insurance policies to check the features each one offers and it if contains the factors you are looking for. If you are about to invest in a health insurance policy, here are a few pointers that you must consider before zeroing in a policy.

Keep your requirements in mind

The most important step to choosing an insurance plan for your family is to evaluate your requirements. If you do not have children, you can opt for a basic cover initially and change it accordingly. Also, if you have senior citizens in the family, you will need a more comprehensive policy. If you have elderly parents, you can also choose to buy a separate health insurance cover specially designed for senior citizens.

Understand what kind of coverage you will need

Your general health and lifestyle has a significant role to play in determining the coverage you need. There are several insurance policies that provide critical illness coverage along with the basic coverage. If you lead a stressful life, you are more prone to lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension etc.

Study your family history to understand the diseases you are prone to and opt for an insurance that will cover these ailments and other serious health issues. Similarly, you can opt for a smaller coverage if you start investing at a younger age.

Study and invest in a good policy 

It is always wiser to opt for a policy that offers good coverage, than investing in an expensive insurance coverage or opting for a cheaper one without studying it. An elaborate health insurance plan may give you several perks like vaccination benefits, wellness covers among others, which you may not end up using at all.  Instead choose one that will provide coverage for a wide range of illnesses.

Check if the insurance provider offers cashless treatment

Cashless health insurance is fast catching up in the health insurance industry. For cashless health insurance, the insurance companiesdirectly settle bills with the hospitals in their network for the treatment availed.

Presently, it is advisable to invest in an insurance policy which will give you the ease of availing cashless treatment at the network of hospitals specified. This facility is especially useful when you do not have cash in hand during emergencies.

Read the insurance policy carefully and learn more about the insurance provider

Before investing, run a check on the goodwill of the insurance provider and their history of making claim settlements. The insurer’s reputation and service record are crucial factors. Also, read the offer carefully before blindly investing in it.

Read up on the premiums and plans, claim settlement procedure, facilities offered, exceptions, the company’s take on pre-existing illnesses and special features, all of which are of significance.

For your reference you can take a look at this table which gives you a basic insight into a few attractive insurance plans

Insurance Plan	Coverage Amount	Premium	Features
Max BupaHealth Companion Family Floater	Rs 5 Lakhs	Rs 10,823	Unlimited room rent eligibility Three years waiting period for pre-existing diseases Nil copay
Apollo MunichEasy Health Floater Standard	Rs 5 Lakhs	Rs10,569	Unlimited room rent eligibility Three years waiting period for pre-existing diseases Nil copay
IffcoTokioSwasthyaKavach – Wider	Rs 5 Lakhs	Rs  8,245	Room rent eligibility – Rs 7,500 Four years waiting period for pre-existing diseases Nil copay