New Delhi, Sept. 30 -- Cardiac treatment can quickly turn into a significant financial burden, particularly when a patient requires an advanced procedure or emergency surgery. Yet, having health insurance does not necessarily mean that the entire hospital bill will be covered.

Policyholders need to look beyond the overall sum insured and understand whether their policy specifically covers advanced cardiac procedures, medical devices and related treatment costs. Waiting periods, sub-limits and room-rent restrictions can also significantly increase out-of-pocket expenses at the time of a claim.

"Policyholders must look past basic hospitalisation benefits. Standard policies cover basic open-heart surgeries, but advanced or minimally invasi...