Me , my wife and my daughter are having a 5 lakh family floater health insurance plan from HDFC ergo. Rs 5 lakh no claim bonus has been accumulated
Now my daughter has turned 18 and going out of City for proff courses. I want to buy a super top up health insurance plan for her. Please suggest
Ans: – Your daughter is now 18 and will be staying away from home.
– This is the right time to review her health insurance needs.
– Medical costs are rising fast, especially in larger cities.
– Having extra protection through a Super Top-Up plan is a sensible step.
» First Check the Existing Floater Rules
– Many family floater policies allow children only up to a certain age.
– Since your daughter has turned 18, check whether she can continue under the family floater and for how long.
– Also confirm whether she is financially dependent and eligible to remain covered.
– This should be verified with the insurer.
» Is A Super Top-Up Alone Enough?
– In most cases, a Super Top-Up works after a deductible amount is crossed.
– If your daughter gets separated from the family floater in future, the Super Top-Up alone may not provide complete protection.
– Therefore, please look at both:
A separate individual health insurance policy for her.
A Super Top-Up policy over and above that cover.
– This creates a stronger protection structure.
» What Kind Of Super Top-Up To Consider?
– Look for a plan with:
High sum insured.
Reasonable deductible.
Nationwide hospital network.
Cashless treatment facility.
Coverage for modern treatments.
Day-care procedures.
Ambulance cover.
Good claim settlement service history.
– Since she will be living in another city, network hospitals become very important.
» How Much Cover May Be Suitable?
– At 18 years of age, premiums are generally lower.
– Buying adequate cover early helps.
– A combination of base cover plus Super Top-Up can provide meaningful protection against major medical expenses.
– Focus on adequacy rather than only low premium.
» Important Points Before Buying
– Check waiting periods carefully.
– Read exclusions.
– Verify room rent conditions.
– Ensure there are no restrictive sub-limits.
– Understand claim procedures before purchase.
» Emergency Fund Still Matters
– Health insurance and emergency savings should go together.
– Even with cashless claims, some expenses may need to be paid upfront.
– Keep a dedicated emergency fund for your daughter's education period.
» Final Insights
– A Super Top-Up for your daughter is a good idea.
– However, do not depend only on the Super Top-Up.
– Review whether she will continue under the family floater.
– If there is any chance of moving out of the floater later, consider an individual health policy along with a Super Top-Up.
– This can provide better long-term protection and continuity of coverage.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
AMFI-Registered MFD – ARN 4188
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/