How much health insurance do you need?

In your 20s, a health cover of Rs 5 lakh is ideal if you are living in a metro, Tier I or Tier II city.

In your 30s and 40s, the cover should be at least Rs 7 lakh if you live in a metro or Tier I city. A cover of Rs 6 lakh should suffice in Tier II cities.

If you are in your 50s and live in a metro or Tier I city, seek policies with Rs 9 lakh cover. In Tier II cities, a cover of Rs 8 lakh should be sufficient.

Indians above the age of 60 years should have health insurance coverage of at least Rs 10 lakh.

An Apollo Munich Health Insurance survey has found that 51% of health insurance policyholders in India are underinsured. The sum insured of such policies would not suffice in a medical emergency

38% of people in the 18-35 years age group are underinsured.

62% policyholders above 45 years of age are underinsured

75% Underinsurance among people in the age group 61-65 years is the highest.

Source: Apollo Munich Health Insurance. The study covered 7 lakh policyholders in 82 cities.