Why You Need Health Insurance Beyond Your Job Cover

“But my office already gives me health insurance... so why should I buy another one?”
I hear this question a lot. And on the surface, it makes total sense. Why pay extra when you’re already covered? But here’s the thing—not all coverage is equal, and not all coverage lasts. Let’s talk about it.

🎯 Let’s Talk Reality

A couple of months ago, I got a call from someone—mid-40s, referred by another client, worked in a private IT firm for over a decade. The voice on the other end sounded nervous.

“Sir, my job’s gone. They said cost-cutting. And now my wife’s surgery is next month... my office policy isn’t valid anymore. What do I do?”

It wasn’t the first time I’d had that kind of call.
And sadly, it won’t be the last.

Corporate health insurance is not bad.
But it’s not permanent. It’s not customizable. And most importantly—it’s not yours. It’s your employer’s.

🛡️ Something I Wish More People Knew

Relying only on your company’s health insurance is like renting a house and never planning to buy one. It works fine—until one day, it doesn’t.

1. 🚪 Jobs Change, Policies Go With Them

Resign. Retire. Get laid off. Take a sabbatical.
The moment you leave the job, your corporate cover vanishes.

And illnesses? They don’t wait for your next joining letter.

2. 👵 You May Not Be Insurable Later

When you're younger and healthier, premiums are lower, and getting approval is easier.

But if you wait till retirement or after a diagnosis to buy personal health insurance?
Expect rejections. Or exclusions. Or sudden sky-high premiums.

3. 🎛️ Employer Plans Are Not Tailored to You

Most group plans have standard limits. No room to choose benefits and add critical addon covers.

No maternity benefits unless you’re lucky.
No OPD or top-up flexibility.

In short—it’s a “fits-all” jacket. Not a custom one.

4. 🧾 Tax Benefit Still Applies

Even if you’re salaried, the premium you pay for your personal health policy (for self, spouse, kids, parents) is eligible for tax benefit under Section 80D.

🧠 Seen This Happen?

• A friend got laid off at 50, tried buying a fresh health policy—was asked to undergo tests, declared diabetic, offered a policy with a long waiting period and a loading on premium.
• A senior couple had their policy linked only to the husband’s job. He retired. Wife needed a knee replacement. They had to pay ₹3.5 lakhs out of pocket.

These aren’t rare cases. They’re every month realities.

💬 A Quote to Remember

“Your employer’s health insurance is a benefit. Your own policy is a backup plan with your name on it.”

❓ Mini FAQ

Q: Should I buy health insurance even if I’m young and healthy?
Absolutely. That’s the best time to get it. You get low premiums and zero hassles during claim time.

Q: Can I continue my company’s health plan after I leave?
Some insurers offer “porting” options, but they aren’t always smooth. It’s better to have your own plan from the start.

Q: Is one policy enough for the whole family?
Depends. Many go for a family floater initially, and later take separate individual covers for elderly parents or top-up plans.

🤝 Final Takeout

Look, it’s great that your company provides health insurance. That’s a benefit you should use and be thankful for.

But don’t confuse it with ownership.

If your health is your responsibility, then your insurance should be too.

If this post made you think twice, maybe it’s time we spoke—face to face, offline.
No forms. No pressure. Just a real conversation about staying protected.

After all… health isn’t predictable. But your coverage can be.