How To Stay Covered: Health Insurance For Women In Their 20s

Women in their 20s would have started their careers, and some would even be planning to start a family. People in their 20s are less likely to fall ill, but health insurance is a must.

Starting early is key as you can get a higher sum assured at a lower cost. Also, even if your employer is providing you with health insurance, it is recommended to have health insurance cover of your own, so that you are not left uncovered in the middle of a job change.

Women in their 20s should go for a plan with an adequate sum insured, given that medical inflation is at an all-time high. They should consider at least 10 lakh cover amount if they live in the metros. This ensures financial security in case of medical emergencies. Also, with every year of no claims, the coverage will go up.

Add Relevant Riders

Some add-ons/riders in the market can significantly enhance your coverage. An OPD cover should be a must-add to their health insurance plans, which can cover regular doctor consultations, diagnostics, etc. Preventative care at a young age can go a long way in protecting against lifestyle diseases.

“They can also consider consumables add-on that can cover the cost of medical supplies during hospitalisation, which often make up 11-18 per cent of the total medical bill,” says Siddharth Singhal, head of health insurance, Policybazaar.

Also, even if they don’t need maternity coverage immediately, they should consider going for a plan that covers maternity-related expenses.

Evaluate Healthcare Needs Every Few Years

One should regularly evaluate their healthcare needs every two to three years and adjust the sum insured as per their requirement.

“One way to do this is by opting for a super top-up, which is extremely cost-efficient. This will amp up your coverage at a minimal cost. Additionally, if there’s a new feature/add-on introduced by your insurer which is relevant to your requirement, you can get it added to your policy at the time of renewal for enhanced coverage,” says Singhal.

Remember, a health insurance policy is an essential part of your financial planning, and it ensures that you are not just protecting yourself today, but also ensuring that you are covering yourself for the future.