New Delhi, Sept. 20 -- Health insurance is increasingly being sold with a menu of add-ons that promise extra protection, from consumables and hospital cash to OPD and critical illness benefits. But every additional feature comes at a cost, and choosing more riders does not necessarily mean better coverage.

For policyholders, the more important question is whether an add-on covers a cost that their base policy leaves them exposed to. Experts say consumers should first understand their existing coverage and then weigh the extra premium against the benefit, exclusions and conditions attached to each rider.

"There is no universal list of 'must-have' add-ons," said Amitabh Jain, COO, Star Health Insurance. He said the choice should depend on...