Base Sum Insured
What it means, and what it does to a claim.
The core annual limit on your policy, before any bonus, restoration or top-up is added on.
Why it matters
Comparing plans on the headline cover figure is misleading, because part of it is often bonus or restoration that only exists under conditions. The base sum insured is the like-for-like number, and it is what a fresh claim in a bad year actually draws on first.
The legal definition
Base Sum Insured means the pre-defined Policy limit applicable for claims made during each Policy Year, as specified against an Insured Person or all Insured Persons in the Policy Schedule and Annexure III - Product Benefit Table.
Quoted verbatim from an IRDAI-filed policy wording. Definitions are standardised across insurers, but the limits attached to them are not — always read your own policy schedule.
Plans where base sum insured matters
- HDFC ERGO Optima Secure+ — No limit — any room category
- SBI General Super Health Platinum Infinite — No limit — any room category
- Care Health Care Supreme — No limit on ₹10 L and above
Related terms
- Co-Payment — A share of every approved claim that you pay yourself, as a fixed percentage.
- Deductible — An amount you cover yourself before the policy starts paying at all.
- Sum Insured — The maximum the insurer will pay in a policy year.
Disclaimer: Figures shown here are compiled from IRDAI annual reports and public grievance disclosures, and from insurer public disclosures and policy wordings. Claim settlement ratios and complaint volumes are three-year averages for FY 2024–26. Premiums are indicative illustrations for the stated profile, not quotes — your actual premium depends on your age, health, city, habits and underwriting. Scores are Myinsurancebro's own assessment. Always read the official policy document and speak to an advisor before buying. Myinsurancebro is an IRDAI-licensed insurance advisor — we do not manufacture or underwrite any insurance product.