Raksha Bandhan: Why Health Insurance Is the Smartest Gift For Your Sister

Raksha Bandhan Gift: A few years ago, Amit’s sister Riya fainted during a late-night study session at her hostel. He rushed her to the hospital. It was a case of acute dehydration. The bill came to Rs 68,000. They managed. But it made him wonder: why hadn’t he thought of this earlier?

His sister did not have any insurance cover. She was no longer covered under the family floater plan of her parents. 

This Raksha Bandhan, instead of buying her perfume or jewellery, Amit decided to do something different—gift her a health insurance plan.

Insurance is not discussed as an emotional gift, but maybe it should be. When your sister lives away from home, is starting her first job, or is between college semesters, she’s more vulnerable than you think. One emergency can set her back financially—or worse, delay treatment.

Why This Makes Sense Now

Medical expenses are rising faster than salaries. A simple hospitalisation can cost over Rs 50,000, even for common issues like infections, viral fevers, or minor surgeries. If your sister is not covered under your parents’ family floater or if she’s between jobs, she may have no protection at all. Think of this as a head start on her financial independence.

What To Keep In Mind

You don’t need to go overboard. A health policy with Rs 5–10 lakh cover is a good start. Look for one that offers cashless treatment at a decent hospital network and coverage for day-care procedures and common illnesses. Also, look for a policy with minimal waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Some plans now even include wellness perks like doctor teleconsultations or mental health sessions, which younger policyholders often appreciate.

What It’ll Cost You

For someone in her 20s, premiums start from just Rs 6,000–Rs 9,000 a year. That’s probably what you'd spend on a nice handbag or a couple of dinners out. But what impact does this have during a health emergency? Priceless.

A Gift That Grows With Her

You can even take care of the first-year premium and hand her the documents with a handwritten note. Later, she can renew it on her own or continue with a better cover when she’s ready. We spend a lot of money on things we do not need, but health insurance is priceless. 

Some gifts sparkle. Some last. This one does both.