The 60-second version
Group health insurance covers employees and dependents under one GMC master policy — mandatory for competitive hiring after return. I compare insurers, set sum insured ₹3–5 lakh, and claim Section 80D where eligible.
GMC is master policy — not individual retail policies per employee
Group mediclaim covers all enrolled employees under one master policy — premium based on headcount, age band, and sum insured.
Minimum 7–10 lives often required — micro groups may use retail floater until headcount grows.
Section 80D deduction for employer premium on staff — separate from employee's own 80D on personal policy.
Retail lane: personal health insurance guide.
GMC vs ESIC vs retail floater
| Cover | Who | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| GMC group | Employees + deps | Best practice |
| ESIC | Wage ceiling staff | If applicable |
| Retail floater | Founder family | Personal 80D |
| Super top-up | High SI gap | Optional add-on |
| PA rider | Accident | Often bundled |
GMC setup sequence
Headcount audit
Count employees + dependents to cover.
Sum insured
₹3–5 lakh base; super top-up for seniors.
Broker quote
Compare 3 insurers — network hospitals in your city.
Master policy
Employee enrollment form + nominee.
80D + payroll
Premium in books; ESIC check if overlap.
Cover flow
GMC employer kit
- Employee list.
- Age band.
- SI selection.
- Network hospital list.
- Policy cert.
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Founder cover
Include yourself as employee on GMC — not just staff.
Quick visual
Animated decision map
Community signal
What to watch in real discussions
Search community threads for the exact phrase, then treat repeated complaints as risk signals rather than official advice.
Open nofollow community search ->Interactive checkpoint
Turn this guide into a decision file
0 of 4 checked
Only 3 employees?
Some insurers accept micro-GMC — or use retail until 7 lives.
ESIC mandatory?
If wage ceiling met — ESIC + GMC can coexist.
80D limit?
Employer premium may qualify — consult CA on books treatment.
Pre-existing?
Disclose at enrollment — waiting period applies.
Remote WFH staff?
GMC covers India hospitalization — not abroad treatment.
Port from abroad Bupa?
See health insurance portability guide — separate from GMC.
The plan is only as good as the sequence.
Tax, banking, schools, shipping — they all have dependencies. A wrong order costs months and lakhs. Get it right.