Co-payment

A co-payment is the share of every approved claim you pay yourself, fixed as a percentage in the policy. On a 20% co-pay, a ₹5,00,000 hospital bill leaves ₹1,00,000 with you even though the claim was accepted in full. It is not a penalty and not linked to any fault — it applies to each claim, permanently. Policies carrying a co-pay have visibly lower premiums, which is exactly why they look attractive at purchase and hurt at claim. Senior-citizen plans and some zone-based city pricing apply it by default. Check for it through IRDAI-licensed advisors before buying.