New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- Buying health insurance in your 20s may not seem urgent, particularly when you are starting your career and balancing monthly expenses with savings. However, buying a policy early can help you secure coverage while you are young and complete applicable waiting periods before you need certain treatments.

For a young salaried woman earning Rs.40,000 a month, choosing a health insurance policy involves balancing affordability with adequate financial protection. The premium is only one consideration. The sum insured, hospital network, exclusions, co-payments and optional benefits can all influence how much you pay out of pocket when you make a claim.

Reader's question: I am 26, female and have a salary of Rs.40,000 per...