Your biggest money risk wears a hospital gown

Summary: We track fund returns obsessively, yet one hospital bill can undo years of saving. Many families feel insured but aren’t. This piece explains why old health-cover norms no longer work and how to think about protection before a medical shock tests your finances. We fuss over returns from funds and deposits, but ignore a far bigger threat to our money: a medical emergency. One visit to the hospital can wipe out years of careful investing if the only backup is your savings. Yet many people rely completely on their employer’s health policy or buy the cheapest, smallest health cover they can find. They feel safe, but discover the gap only when a serious illness strikes. Why low covers no longer work The familiar Rs 3 to 5 lakh cover comes from an older, cheaper world. It still appears in many company policies and personal plans, but it is often

This article was originally published on January 20, 2026.