New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- Rising medical costs in India can turn even routine hospitalization into a financial shock. While a comprehensive health insurance policy is the best safeguard, choosing the right plan means weighing several factors.

From selecting the sum insured and policy structure to checking hospital networks and pre-existing illness clauses, here's what to evaluate before buying a policy.

Medical insurance shields policyholders from unpredictable and often steep healthcare expenses. With adequate coverage, hospitalization costs no longer pose a financial strain, enabling treatment at top-tier hospitals without worrying about the bill.

Additionally, health insurance policies offer tax-saving advantages, with deductions availa...