The best family health insurance policy would be one that is tailor-made to suit your requirements as well as your budget. Considering that its function is to shield against any medical contingency, it would be wise to opt for the best health insurance cover after due comparison with other family health insurance plans with a good financial advisor who would give you an unbiased view of the plans and services of the company. Check out for a good financial advisor with your friends.

Should you need any further information that you, as a consumer, would require on the plans and specified family health insurance covers offered by a particular health care company, ask your freinds who have availed of health insurance plans from that particular company and ensure that the company is quick and prompt in settling claims. Also enquire about good agents who would render prompt services.

12 key points to ascertain before cutting the cheque

• Is the monthly/yearly/semi annual premium affordable?
• Upto what percentage of the medical costs would I be reimbursed?
• Would I be reimbursed if I use the services of a medical professional not included in the insurance firm’s network? If so, how much?
• Will the plan cover any pre-existent medical problem?
• Does the plan cover terminal illness like cancer or AIDS or chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes? If yes, how would they be treated?
• What are the procedures for obtaining medical care and reimbursement, in an emergency?
• Does the plan cover reimbursement of alternative medicine procedures?
• Does the plan cover the costs involved in delivering a baby?
• What are my doctor’s/friend’s opinion about their experience with this Plan?
• What is the percentage of members who “disenrolled” from the Plan?
• How many complaints filed by patients against the Plan were upheld by the Insurance regulatory development authority(IRDA)?
• Most important, what sort of accreditation/rating has the Plan received from independent government and non-government Commissions like CNBC TV- 18, Outlook Magazine and other established financial magazines.