Hello Vaidik,

The long-standing general rule:

If you had enough money, what is the room category you would choose if any of your loved ones need hospitalization? Would it be a Private AC room or higher or lower? You should have a room category available to use based on your own personal preference. For most of us, a Private AC room would be good enough - it offers enough privacy and comfort to the patient and the attendant.

The catch:

Say you buy health insurance with room category capped to Private AC room. Now say if hospitalization is required and such a room is not available - in case you select a higher room, you will have to pay the difference and proportionate deductions (explained in this article: 10 little-known reasons for rejections in health insurance claims. (beshak.org)). In case you don't want such a deduction you will have to opt for a shared room.

The exception we saw in 2020: During the pandemic, there have been cases of people diagnosed with COVID-19, and the hospitals have charged higher than the charge of a Private AC Room to the patient - in such cases people have seen major deductions in their claim.

What you should do?:

Compare the premiums of policies that have room category capping "Private AC" etc. with premiums of policies that don't have any category or financial cap whatsoever, and take a conscious call based on what we have explained above - what you get and what you pay?

Hope this helps. If you have any further questions you can always ask on the Forum. Cheers!