How Long Can a Child Stay on a Parent’s Health Insurance Policy?

Posted on: Jul 16, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How Long Can a Child Stay on a Parent’s Health Insurance Policy?

When planning family healthcare, it is essential to know the age limit for dependent children on your health insurance policy. In India, most insurers allow parents to cover dependent children, including biological, adopted or stepchildren, up to a specific age.

General age limit

• Children are usually covered up to 25 years of age under a family floater plan.

• Beyond this age, they are considered independent adults and must purchase an individual policy.

• The age limit can vary slightly depending on your insurer and the policy terms. Always check your policy documents for precise details.

This age limit ensures young adults have a safety net when they might not have a stable income or their own health insurance plan.

Special Rules for Girl Children on Parents’ Health Insurance

Many insurers in India provide added flexibility for girl children:

• Some policies allow unmarried daughters to remain covered beyond the standard age limit until they get married.

• Once married, they are no longer considered dependent and must have separate coverage.

• This provision supports parents who want to ensure financial protection for their daughters until they are settled independently.

Always review your policy or discuss it with your insurer to understand the specific terms for continued coverage for girls.

What Happens After a Child Turns 25?

When your child crosses the dependent age limit (generally 25), here is what can happen:

• Automatic removal: Insurers will remove them from your family floater plan at renewal.

• They must then buy an individual policy or a new family plan if they have dependants.

• Many insurers offer a portability option. Your child can convert the coverage into an individual plan without losing accumulated benefits like waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Tips for a smooth transition

• Plan early: Start looking for individual plans six months before your child turns 25.

• Check for continuity benefits: Portability helps continue coverage without a break.

• Compare options: Encourage your child to compare policies for the best sum insured and features.

Why Should You Add Your Child to Your Health Insurance?

Adding your child to your health insurance plan can make a huge difference in managing medical expenses and ensuring timely treatment. Here’s why it is important:

• Financial protection:

Insurance covers hospitalisation costs, treatment of illnesses and accidents.

• Cashless treatment:

Most policies offer cashless hospitalisation in network hospitals, easing the financial burden.

• Tax benefits:

Premium paid for health insurance is eligible for tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

• Peace of mind:

Knowing your child’s medical needs are covered allows you to focus on their recovery rather than expenses.

Points to consider

• Declare all pre-existing conditions honestly when adding your child to avoid claim rejection.

• Review sum insured: Ensure it is sufficient to cover all family members, including your child.

• Annual renewals: Keep an eye on renewal dates to avoid lapses in coverage.

Conclusion

Knowing ‘how long can my child stay on my health insurance’ policy helps you plan for your family’s health needs proactively. Typically, dependent children are covered up to 25 years, with extended support for unmarried daughters. After this, they must transition to an individual policy. Adding your child to your plan is not just a financial decision; it is an act of care that ensures they get the best possible medical support when needed.

Stay informed, compare options and secure a comprehensive plan to financially secure your family’s health needs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Things to consider while adding children to health insurance

Mental Health of Children – All You Need to Know

Proven Ways to Raise Happy Kids

Effective Do’s and Don’ts for Helping Your Child with Homework