In many cases, individual health insurance policies offer 360-degree coverage for all major financial expenses incurred when battling a certain illness:

• Hospitalization expenses
• Medication costs
• Doctor consultation
• Emergency ambulance services
• Maternity expenses (in some cases, this is an add-on)
• Routine medical checkups
• Daycare procedures

While certain terminal illnesses, medical conditions and preventive care expenses are often not covered by basic individual health insurance policies, they are typically available as add-ons and can save the day under specific situations:

• Critical illness cover: With instances of critical illnesses like cancer increasing every year, having a critical illness cover is crucial to ensure optimal financial coverage in case of such diagnoses.
• Personal accident cover: This cover acts as an absolute financial saviour for the policyholder’s immediate family members in case of accidental death, as well as the survivor and his/her loved ones in the event of total disability.
• Air ambulance cover: These days, with medical tourism being on the rise, several insurance plans cover expenses associated with chartering air ambulances for medical treatment in a different city or country.
• Maternity cover: This add-on cover is included in the basic coverage for some policies but not in many. Young couples should certainly opt for maternity coverage, which provides financial compensation for maternity-related expenses, including pre- and postnatal expenses, hospitalization, childbirth, and related ambulance services.