Short answer: Yes, you do. Here's why relying only on employer-provided health insurance is a significant risk.
What employer group health insurance gives you
- Free or subsidised coverage (employer pays premium)
- Usually no waiting period for pre-existing diseases
- Often covers family members at a nominal additional cost
- Typically ₹2–5 lakh sum insured (sometimes more at larger companies)
The 5 critical problems with relying only on group cover
| Risk | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Job loss / change | Cover disappears the day you leave. No company = no insurance |
| Low sum insured | ₹3–5 lakh is insufficient for a serious illness in a metro hospital |
| No accumulated NCB | Group cover doesn't build No Claim Bonus |
| No portability credit | Group cover years don't count toward personal policy waiting periods |
| Employer can change terms | Your employer can reduce coverage or change insurers anytime |
The right strategy: Layer your coverage
- Keep your employer cover as the first layer — it's free money you should use
- Buy a personal policy with a higher deductible (super top-up) to cover claims above a threshold at lower premium cost
- Or buy a standalone personal policy from day one to start accruing NCB and serving waiting periods
The smart approach
Use your employer cover + personal policy together. Claims are serviced from group cover first; your personal policy handles the overflow and continues even if you change jobs.
Still confused? Talk to a licensed advisor — free.
Licensed advisor · 100% free.