As medical costs keep climbing, just one hospital stay in a metro city can easily cost lakhs of rupees. This really highlights how crucial it is to have the right health insurance coverage.
A recent study by Policybazaar on medical cost trends from 2013 to 2025 shows a worrying trend: Surgery costs have skyrocketed by over 250–300% across the board. Do you think your health insurance is enough? Consider the cost of major surgeries across Tier 1 cities.
| Surgery | 2022 (YOY Cost in ₹ Lakhs) | 2023 (YOY Cost in ₹ Lakhs) | 2024 (YOY Cost in ₹ Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer | 39.4 | 44.6 | 50.8 |
| Heart Transplant | 26.4 | 29.9 | 34.0 |
| Liver Cirrhosis | 18.9 | 21.3 | 24.3 |
| Kidney Transplant | 14.1 | 15.9 | 18.2 |
Source: Policybazaar
The cost of treatment can differ based on the room category. A twin-sharing room typically costs more than a general ward, and related charges such as doctor visits and nursing fees might also be higher.
So, how do you figure out how much health insurance is enough for your needs? The answer hinges on factors such as your income, city of residence, family size, age and medical history.
What is the ideal health insurance cover in India?
There is no universal coverage amount that fits every individual or family, as healthcare needs vary based on age, location, lifestyle, and medical history.
“However, given the sharp rise in healthcare costs and medical inflation, an individual should ideally have a minimum health cover of Rs 10–15 lakh, while families should consider coverage of at least Rs 15–25 lakh,” says Kulin Shah, Co-founder & COO, Onsurity.
But don’t stop there; factor in your city, age, and whether your employer already gives you some coverage.
“Medical inflation consistently outpaces regular inflation, which means the cover that feels adequate today may fall short five years from now,” says Sarita Joshi, Head of Health and Life Insurance, Probus.
Apart from medical inflation, factors such as family medical history and existing health risks should also influence the coverage amount. For instance, if a family has a history of hereditary medical conditions such as diabetes, they should consider opting for a higher coverage amount compared to others.
“A smart approach is pairing a base policy with a super top-up rather than chasing a single large cover,” she adds.
