Answer Book question

What does 20% co-pay mean?

On every admissible claim, you pay 20 percent and the insurer pays 80 percent. On a ₹10 lakh eligible bill, that is ₹2 lakh from you before any other deduction. Co-pay is common on senior plans and on some policies for people who join after 60.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

On every admissible claim, you pay 20 percent and the insurer pays 80 percent. On a ₹10 lakh eligible bill, that is ₹2 lakh from you before any other deduction. Co-pay is common on senior plans and on some policies for people who join after 60.

Real life

A ₹10 lakh bill for a 72-year-old, policy sum insured ₹10 lakh, 20 percent co-pay. Even if every rupee is admissible, the insurer pays ₹8 lakh and the family pays ₹2 lakh. Add non-payables and a room deduction and the family's share is nearer ₹3 lakh.

What this means

Co-pay is a risk-sharing clause. It reduces premium and discourages small claims. It is usually mandatory on senior-entry plans and optional (for a premium discount) on others. Some policies apply it only to specific hospitals or zones.

What to check

Co-pay percentage and whether it applies to all claims Whether it is waivable at renewal or by paying more Whether it applies on top of sub-limits Whether a super top-up would also carry co-pay

What people often miss

Co-pay is applied to the admissible amount, after non-payables and room deductions. so it compounds with them. People add up the numbers and are shocked the insurer paid 60 percent.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Senior plans sold widely in Kerala typically carry 10–30 percent co-pay. Families should budget the co-pay share in a medical reserve.

An example

Admissible ₹9 lakh after deductions; 20% co-pay = ₹1.8 lakh from family; insurer ₹7.2 lakh.

When this may not be the right answer

Accepting a voluntary co-pay for a premium discount can be sensible if you have savings and want a lower premium. For people without a reserve, avoid it.

What to do next

Read the co-pay clause Calculate your share on a realistic ₹10 lakh bill Hold that amount in an accessible reserve

Related questions

Is ₹5 lakh health insurance enough for my parents? Why did insurance pay only part of my hospital bill?

Related Kerala Rising help

Senior-citizen services

Sources and what to verify

IRDAI health insurance regulations and consumer guidance · Your policy wording and schedule · Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) / PM-JAY guidelines for whether you may qualify Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Send us the policy schedule and the ages of everyone covered. We will tell you what the policy actually pays, what it does not, and whether a large bill would be survivable. WhatsApp +1 443 595 9000 · keralarising.com Kerala Rising › Money › Health insurance · Health 9

Before you act

This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.