Policy wordings are written for claims handlers, not for you. A short method for reading one so the document works for you at claim time.
Start with the definitions
The definitions clause controls everything else. Words like 'accident', 'hospital' and 'critical illness' are defined here, and those definitions decide what a claim handler will accept. Read this before the benefits.
Find the exclusions before the benefits
The exclusions tell you what the policy will never pay, regardless of the headline. An exclusion must be drawn to your attention in plain language to take effect, so note whether it was.
Map the claim conditions
Each benefit carries conditions: waiting periods, survival periods, diagnosis criteria and documents. Write them next to the benefit, because at claim time only the conditions in the contract matter.
Note every date
Policy start, waiting periods, renewal dates, the free-look window, and any medical re-underwriting anniversary. A missed date is a missed right.
Keep proof the exclusion was explained
Where a limitation was explained to you before you bought, keep the record. It is the evidence that the term binds you — and that the insurer met its duty to draw it to your attention.