09-07-2025
How can I split a large medical claim across different health insurers?
Getty Images A retail health insurance policy guarantees lifelong renewability. I have multiple health insurance policies from different insurers. In case of a large claim, how do I split it across insurers, and what documents are required for each?
Sarbvir Singh Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech: If you have multiple health insurance policies, start with the one offering the highest cashless coverage to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. For any uncovered amount, you can file for reimbursement with the second insurer by submitting the claim form, bills, discharge summary, prescriptions, and the settlement summary from the first insurer. If there is still some balance left, the third insurer can be approached similarly. That said, having multiple policies is usually not necessary. A single, comprehensive policy with a high sum insured is sufficient to cover most medical needs. The good news is that upgrading your sum insured from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore can cost just 10-15% more in premium. Given the minimal additional cost, it's a smarter and simpler way to ensure you are well-protected.
Also read | I am 52. How can I build a retirement corpus of Rs 5 crore in 10 years?
I have two health policies—an individual base plan of Rs 10 lakh and a group top-up plan of Rs 15 lakh, with a Rs 2 lakh deductible, for which I pay a Rs 4,500 premium. The top-up is due for renewal in two months. My bank now offers a top-up plan with a Rs 30 lakh cover and a Rs 3 lakh deductible at a lower premium of Rs 2,500. However, it's a new policy with a 24-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Should I switch to the new plan?
Sarbvir Singh Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech: A retail health insurance policy guarantees lifelong renewability. It ensures you have adequate coverage well into old age, when health issues pose the most risk. While you can continue the former Rs 15 lakh group cover, it will be good to get an individual health policy with a high-value top-up for comprehensive protection. For instance, a Rs 1 crore top-up with a Rs 10 lakh deductible is a cost-effective way to secure significant coverage, typically available in the Rs 1,000–3,000 premium range, depending on factors like age and family size. If you are considering the new plan, you could look at its super top-up plan. Evaluate your options and ensure that long-term benefits outweigh the short-term savings.
Ask our experts
Have a question for the experts? etwealth@
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of
N.R. Narayana Murthy
Founder, Infosys Watch Now
Harsh Mariwala
Chairman & Founder, Marico Watch Now
Adar Poonawalla
CEO, Serum Institute of India Watch Now
Ronnie Screwvala
Chairperson & Co-founder, upGrad Watch Now
Puneet Dalmia
Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat group Watch Now
Martin Schwenk
Former President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz, Thailand Watch Now
Nadir Godrej
Managing Director, of Godrej Industries Watch Now
Manu Jain
Former- Global Vice President, Xiaomi Watch Now
Nithin Kamath
Founder, CEO, Zerodha Watch Now
Anil Agarwal
Executive Chairman, Vedanta Resources Watch Now
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy
Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Watch Now
Vikram Kirloskar
Former Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Watch Now
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited Watch Now
Shashi Kiran Shetty
Chairman of Allcargo Logistics, ECU Worldwide and Gati Ltd Watch Now
Samir K Modi
Managing Director, Modi Enterprises Watch Now
R Gopalakrishnan
Former Director Tata Sons, Former Vice Chairman, HUL Watch Now
Sanjiv Mehta
Former Chairman / CEO, Hindustan Unilever Watch Now
Dr Ajai Chowdhry
Co-Founder, HCL, Chairman EPIC Foundation, Author, Just Aspire Watch Now
Shiv Khera
Author, Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker Watch Now
Nakul Anand
Executive Director, ITC Limited Watch Now
RS Sodhi
Former MD, Amul & President, Indian Dairy Association Watch Now
Anil Rai Gupta
Managing Director & Chairman, Havells Watch Now
Zia Mody
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, AZB & Partners Watch Now
Arundhati Bhattacharya
Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India Watch Now