New Delhi, July 27 -- Many Indian families unknowingly have gaps in their health insurance that only become apparent during hospitalization. This guide explains the most expensive policy pitfalls and the simple checks you can do to avoid them. Join Ditto's Free Insurance Masterclass To Get Your All Doubts Cleared.

Medical inflation in India is running at 14% annually. That means a hospitalization that cost your family Rs.2 lakh five years ago costs closer to Rs.3.8 lakh today. Despite this, most urban Indians either carry policies with critical gaps they are unaware of, or hold plans that were sold to them rather than chosen by them.

The problem is not lack of awareness. It is that the moment someone decides to fix their insurance, they...