The fine print, decoded.

A clause where you pay part of the hospital bill. Even a small co-pay can increase your final cost.

A cap on your hospital room charges. Choosing a higher room can reduce payouts for the whole hospital bill.

The time you must wait before certain illnesses are covered by your policy.

Certain illnesses have payout caps — even when your policy cover is large.

Your sum insured refills after a claim — but the refill usually comes with conditions.

Cashless treatment works only in network hospitals — others require reimbursement.

The total amount your insurer will pay in a policy year — the number every other benefit is measured against.

Your cover grows for free every year you stay claim-free.

Bills just before admission and for a while after discharge can also be covered.

Modern treatments that take under 24 hours are still covered, despite the usual 24-hour rule.

Illnesses you already have before buying — covered only after a waiting period.

A cheap way to add extra cover on top of your base plan once bills cross a set amount.

Small items like gloves and syringes that many policies do not pay for — unless the plan covers them.

Newer procedures like robotic surgery that policies must now cover, often up to a limit.

Treatment taken at home, when hospital admission is not possible, counted like a hospital stay.

A preventive medical check-up your insurer pays for each year, whether or not you make a claim.