New Delhi, April 16 -- My employer provides a group health cover of Rs.3 lakh for my family. My wife is covered separately under her employer's group policy. We feel the combined cover is inadequate given rising medical costs. Should we buy an individual policy, a family floater, or a top-up plan? Which is the most cost-effective option? We are both in our mid-30s with two children.

- Name withheld on request

Supplementing employer-provided cover with a personal policy is a prudent move. Group insurance comes with a structural risk: it lapses if you change jobs, are laid off, or if the employer withdraws the benefit. A personal policy serves as a long-term safety net independent of employment. As a rule of thumb, aim for total health co...