How Much Sum Insured in Health Insurance Is Right for a Real Estate Agent?

Posted on: Jun 5, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How Much Sum Insured in Health Insurance Is Right for a Real Estate Agent?

Every day is extremely hectic for real estate professionals. You are constantly rushing about showing apartments, answering calls, meeting with clients, skipping meals, and getting caught in traffic. With many things going on, it's simple to overlook minor health issues. However, these might sometimes worsen. What begins as mild fatigue or stomach aches can quickly escalate into a hospital stay. Once you are admitted, the bills arrive quickly. Tests, medications, injections, and other procedures are expensive. For this reason, health insurance is more than simply a luxury. It's something you truly require.

What is Sum Insured?

The sum insured is the total amount of money your health insurance can pay in a policy year. If your sum insured is ₹5 lakh, that is the maximum your insurance company will pay if you fall sick or need surgery during that year. Think of it like a limit on your medical wallet; once it is empty, the extra expenses come out of your pocket.

If you pick a low sum insured, you might regret it later if something serious happens. And if you pick a very high sum insured without checking what you actually need, you might be paying more premiums than necessary. That is why choosing the right amount is important.

Why Real Estate Agents Need Health Insurance

The real estate agent's profession is not a 9-5 job. Meeting clients, navigating building sites, climbing stairs, and working late is part of your profession. It may result in both mental and physical exhaustion. Plus, medical care is getting more expensive every year. Even a short stay in a hospital can burn a hole in your pocket. That is exactly where health insurance with the right sum insured helps. It covers your medical costs and ensures peace of mind.

How To Decide The Right Amount

Here are some tips to help you choose your ideal sum insured:

• If you live in a metro city, where hospital costs are higher, go for a sum insured of at least ₹10-15 lakh.

• If you have a family depending on you, consider their medical needs too.

• Think long-term. Pick a plan that can cover future medical expenses.

• If you are above 40 or have health issues, your risk is higher. Choose a better cover.

Remember, it is better to be a little over-covered than under-covered.

Factors That Affect Your Ideal Coverage

There are a few personal factors that can influence how much sum insured you should go for. These include:

• Your age: Younger people usually have fewer health issues, but that does not mean they are risk-free. Accidents or illnesses can occur at any time.

• Your city: Medical expenses are higher in cities like Delhi and Mumbai due to advanced medical facilities. Therefore, you will require more coverage if you live in an urban location.

• Your lifestyle: You are more likely to get sick if you smoke, eat out frequently, or neglect to work out. You therefore require stronger health protection.

• Your family size: If you are buying a family floater plan, make sure the sum insured is enough for everyone in your family, not just you.

Different Types of Health Insurance Plans

You may easily become overwhelmed when you begin researching health insurance. There are many plans and features to choose from. Don't worry, though; everything starts to make sense after you understand the fundamental types of health insurance plans, like these:

1. Individual health insurance

This type covers just one person: you. It is like your personal medical safety shield. If you get hospitalised or fall seriously ill, the insurance pays for your treatment up to the amount you chose. Since no one else is using your plan, the full amount is reserved only for your medical needs. It is great for people who live alone, are single, or want to keep their health cover separate from the family’s.

2. Family floater health insurance

This one is more like a shared cover for the whole family. You pay for one plan, and your entire family (spouse, kids, or even parents) can use it. The full amount is available for anyone who needs it.

3. Critical illness health insurance

This approach is meant for serious, life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart attack, or cancer. When the condition is diagnosed, you receive a lump sum payment. You can use the money for treatment, medicines, travel, or even to cover your income loss while you recover.

4. Top-up health insurance

If you already have a base plan but feel it is not enough. Instead of buying a whole new policy, you can simply buy a top-up plan. It adds extra coverage but only starts working after your base plan’s limit is crossed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right health insurance is not just about ticking a box; it is about protecting your future. As a real estate agent, your work depends on your health, time, and energy. So, ask yourself honestly: are you financially ready if you were in a medical emergency tomorrow? If not, it is time to be smart and pick the right health insurance plan with the right sum insured. Do not wait for a health scare to make that decision. Health insurance might not be exciting to think about, but it is one of the most important tools for staying strong financially when a medical emergency strikes.

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

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