New Delhi [India], June 3: Health insurance is one of those things many of us don’t appreciate until we actually need to use it. At a time of dire medical need, having the right plan can make all the difference. Still, however, it will not occur to most until late in the day that a health insurance policy is a good thing to possess.

It’s not just that people without insurance don’t get care at all. This often comes down to making small, avoidable mistakes when selecting or using a policy. And these slip-ups can be costly ­— not just in terms of money, but in terms of your emotions as well. Here, we take a closer look at the five most common health insurance mistakes people regret and how you can avoid them.

1. Delaying the Purchase of Health Insurance

Many young and healthy individuals assume they don’t need health insurance because they rarely fall ill. This sense of invincibility often leads to delayed decision-making. But here’s the problem: the sooner you buy health insurance, the better the coverage and the lower the premiums.

More importantly, buying a policy when you're still healthy helps you bypass issues like waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Waiting until you’re older or fall sick means higher premiums, more exclusions, and sometimes even denial of coverage altogether.

2. Opting for the Cheapest Plan Without Reading the Fine Print

It’s tempting to choose the most affordable option when comparing insurance plans. After all, why pay more for something you might not even use this year? But going cheap often comes at a cost. Low-cost plans may have restrictive sub-limits on hospital room rent, doctor’s fees, or specific illnesses.

They might also exclude key benefits like maternity cover, day-care procedures, or post-hospitalisation care. Worse, many budget plans don’t offer full claim settlement, meaning you’ll still end up paying a significant portion of the bill yourself.

3. Ignoring the Waiting Periods

Every health insurance policy comes with waiting periods—these are time frames during which specific claims are not admissible. Common examples include waiting periods for pre-existing illnesses, maternity care, and specific surgeries. Many people skim over this section of the policy document, assuming it won’t matter.

But then comes a situation where they need surgery or treatment, only to be told their condition is still under the waiting period. That’s a devastating realisation to have during a medical emergency.

4. Underinsuring Yourself and Your Family

It’s easy to assume a ₹2 lakh or ₹3 lakh cover will be enough—until a major illness proves otherwise. With the cost of hospitalisation on the rise, a single hospital stay can easily exhaust a small cover. This becomes an even bigger issue when you're covering a family under a floater plan.

If one family member uses up the majority of the cover, the others are left with little or nothing for the rest of the year. A little foresight and an honest evaluation of your lifestyle, family history, and city of residence can help you determine the correct sum insured. It’s always better to have more cover than you think you’ll need.

5. Not Reviewing or Updating the Policy Regularly

A plan that was suitable five years ago may not offer adequate coverage today. Yet, many policyholders simply keep renewing the same plan without reviewing the benefits or updating it based on life changes, like getting married, having a child, or developing a chronic condition.

Not updating the policy means you might miss out on newer benefits, broader coverage, or better claim settlements. Reviewing your health insurance once a year ensures it continues to serve you well.

One Last Thing People Often Overlook

Another mistake is not comparing providers based on their service track record. Some insurers are known for slow claim settlements, confusing processes, or limited hospital networks. It pays to check how each company handles claims and whether their offerings match your expectations.

For example, a provider like ACKO Insurance has emerged as a reliable option in recent years. Known for offering 100% bill payments and zero waiting periods on many treatments, ACKO also helps policyholders save taxes under Section 80D. It’s one of those insurers people often wish they’d discovered earlier.

Conclusion

Health insurance isn’t just another checkbox on your financial to-do list. It’s a vital safety net that protects your future and your loved ones. Unfortunately, many of the mistakes we’ve discussed come from haste, misinformation, or simply not paying attention. But with a bit of research and some proactive thinking, they’re all avoidable. Choose wisely, review regularly, and always read the fine print. Your health and your finances deserve that level of care.

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