zerodha

11 Best Health Insurance Plans in India 2023 (Plan Reviews)

I have categorized different health insurance plans into 4 categories depending on different requirements. You can pick the best health insurance policy based on your requirement.

  • Best Family Floater Health Insurance Plans in India
  • Best Health Insurance in India for Individual
  • Top Up/Super Top Up Health Insurance Policy
  • Best Health Insurance Plan for Parents (Senior Citizen)

Before moving to the list of best health insurance policies in India 2023 let’s look at the important factors that you should know while getting health insurance.

5 Factors You Should Consider Before Buying Health Insurance Plan in India

#1. Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR): It is the ratio of the total number of claims settled by the insurance company to the total number of claims received in the same duration of time.

Expert tip: A high CSR indicates that the company is more likely to settle a claim without any hassles.

#2. Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR): It is the ratio of the total amount of all claims received by a company to the total premiums collected in the same duration of time.

A high ICR indicates that an insurance company is more likely to accept new customers, more likely to have a less waiting period for pre-existing illnesses, and more likely to issue policies to people with pre-existing illnesses.

#3. Network Hospitals: An insurer should have a good number of hospitals in its network in each city, which cater to various classes of people. Network hospitals should include nursing homes, day-care centers, and multi-specialty hospitals.

#4. Waiting Period for Pre-existing Illnesses:  A longer waiting period for pre-existing illnesses can mean that you cannot make a claim for hospitalization, even though you are paying the premium.

Expert Finding: 2 years is the waiting period for pre-existing illness to be covered. However, there are some insurers who specify the waiting period to be 4 years.

#5. Cost of Premiums: The premiums no doubt varies across insurers, but what matters is – the benefits that you are going to get for the premium you pay.

The premium should cover an acceptable room rent in any city, medical & surgical costs and also cover common treatment costs such as cataract, knee surgery and dialysis.

The insurer should have different types of plan available that is suitable for different sections of people such as individual health plans, family floater plans, senior citizen health plans, top-up plans and plans suitable for people with certain health conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

Top 5 Best Health Insurance Companies in India 2023

Let’s see what fits into our requirements from the list of best health insurance companies in India.

#1. Care Health Insurance

Care Health Insurance

Care Health Insurance was earlier known as Religare health insurance.

Care Health Insurance is one of the best health insurance in India which offers coverage for health insurance, critical illness, personal accident, top-up coverage, international travel insurance, and maternity along with group health insurance.

The claim settlement ratio of Care health insurance is 92.3% and has over 4900 hospitals in its network.

Calculate Your Health Insurnace Premium
Thanks, Our expert will contact you soon!

#2. Tata AIG Health Insurance

Tata AIG Insurance is a trusted 20-year-old joint venture between Tata & AIG Group that carries a AAA rating by ICRA for ability to pay claims and policy holder obligations in a timely manner. The individual death claim ratio for 2018-19 was 96.12%.

The company has access to 5800+ network hospitals.

#3. Max Bupa Health Insurance

max bupa health insurance

Max bupa insurance offers coverage for a number of illnesses, access to hospital networks and cashless claims.

Claim settlement ratio of Max Bupa is 91.2% and a high ICR of 51.96%. Max has over 5000+ hospitals in its network.

#4. ICICI Lombard Health Insurance

icici lombard health insurance

ICICI Lombard has a network of 6500+ hospitals to avail cashless facilities.

According to IRDA, it is supposed to have settled 98.32% of the claims received. It has a very high ICR of 80.38% which indicates that people are renewing the policy and also making claims.

#5. Star Health Insurance

star health insurance

Star Health Insurance company provides a wide range of health insurance policies for individuals, families, senior citizens and for those who need specialized care like heart patients and cancer patients.

Star has a high claims settlement percentage of 98.72% and ICR of 60.51% with a whopping 9900+ hospitals are on its network.

Best Family Floater Health Insurance Plans in India 2023

#1. CARE Advantage 1 Crore Health Insurance Plan

Care Health Insurance was earlier known as Religare health insurance.

CARE Advantage health insurance is one of the best family floater plans in India. Care has launched the 1 Crore health plan with a motive to provide a higher health cover of Rs. 1 crore at a premium of regular plans. The floater combinations can be up to 2 Adults + 4 Children.

In the case of a claim-free year, the sum insured is increased by 10% as a No Claim Bonus (NCB). The increase is limited to a maximum of 50% in 5 consecutive years.

Highlights of Religare Care Advantage 1 Cr Plan

  • Higher coverage at a lower premium
  • Pre and post hospitalization expense cover
  • Up to 50% no claim bonus
  • Organ donor cover
  • Daycare treatment cover
  • Emergency ambulance
Calculate Your Care Health Insurnace Premium
Thanks, Our expert will contact you soon!

Features & Benefit

Minimum age for coverIndividual – 5 years and Child – 91 Days (floater policy with 1 person above 18 years)
Maximum age for renewalLifelong renewability
Waiting period to cover pre-existing illnessNamed ailment wait period – 24 months
Pre-Existing disease wait period – 48 months
Pre-hospitalizationMedical expenses incurred up to 30 days before hospitalization is covered.
Post-hospitalizationCovers expenses like doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, medications up to 60 days post-hospitalization.
Restoration benefitRecharge of sum insured at no extra cost. But not for ailment already claimed during the same year.
Room Rent / ICU ChargesNo sub-limits for Room Rent charges or ICU Charges. 
ExclusionsSelf-inflicted injuries (suicide), injuries caused by alcohol or drug use, congenital disease, Infertility and sterility, change of gender treatments and expenses related to any admission primarily for diagnostics and evaluation purposes only.

Advantages

  • 1 Crore cover an affordable price
  • No capping on Ambulance charges
  • No cap on Room rent & ICU charges
  • No maximum entry age

Disadvantages

  • 20% Co-payment if the age of the eldest member insured at the time of the first policy is 61 years or above
  • 4 years of continuous coverage required to cover pre-existing illness

You can check out the different care insurance plans for different requirements like family floater, insurance for parents or insurance for any specific disease.

Calculate Your Care Health Insurnace Premium
Thanks, Our expert will contact you soon!

#2. Tata AIG Insurance

Tata AIG carries an AAA rating by ICRA for its ability to pay claims and policyholder obligations in a timely manner. The individual death claim ratio for 2018-19 was 96.12%.

Tata AIG Medicare is a comprehensive “Health Insurance” plan initially offered for 1,2 or 3 years. One can avail a long-term premium discount of 5% and 10% for the policy with tenure of 2 and 3 years respectively.

The best part is that the policy covers medical expenses incurred outside India. However, the initial diagnosis should have been made in India.

Tata AIG Medicare health plans come in three variants – Medicare, Medicare Protect and Medicare Premier.

  • Medicare Protect – the sum insured under Medicare protect plan covers the basic pre and post hospitalization expenses, i.e can range up to Rs. 5 Lakhs
  • Medicare – The sum insured ranges from Rs. 3 Lakhs to Rs. 20 Lakhs.
  • Medicare Premier– The sum insured ranges from Rs. 5 Lakhs to Rs. 50 Lakhs. 

Features & Benefits

Minimum Age for coverDependent children between 91 days and 5 years, only when both parents are getting insured
Maximum Entry Age65 years
Initial Policy issued for the period1/2/3 years with life long renewal option
Policy CoverageIndividual or on a family floater basis. Maximum 7 members
Waiting Period Specified disease waiting period – 24 months
Pre-existing disease waiting period – 36 months
No-Claim Benefits50% increase in cumulative bonus for every claim-free year
Pre-hospitalizationMedical expenses incurred up to 60 days immediately before hospitalization is covered.
Post-hospitalizationMedical Expenses incurred in the 90 days immediately after the discharge
Restoration BenefitAn additional amount equivalent to the base Sum Insured will be restored once during the policy period
Preventive Health Checkup expensesUp to 1% of the previous sum insured subject to a maximum of Rs. 10,000/- per policy
Day Care Procedures541 daycare procedures are covered
Domiciliary HospitalizationThe plan covers medical expenses incurred during treatment at home 
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHMedical Expenses incurred for In-patient treatment taken under Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha or Homeopathy. 
ExclusionsInjuries caused by alcohol or drug use, mental disorders, weight control, congenital disease, treatment for correction of eyesight, maternity, abortion, self-inflicted injuries (suicide), an act of war, riots, strike and nuclear weapon induces hospitalization, hazardous or adventure sports. 

One can have a family floater discount on premium as under:

  • 2 members – 20%
  • 3 members – 28%
  • >3 members – 32%

The unique coverage under the policy includes:

  • Bariatric Surgery cover,
  • Medical and surgical expenses for organ donor
  • OPD dental treatment
  • Health Check-up (max Rs. 10,000)
  • Vaccination cover

What I Liked

  • Global medical cover
  • 5800+ Network hospital
  • 1,2, and 3-year policy
  • Up to 32% family floater discount on premium

What I didn’t like

  • Cover for individuals aged 5 years onwards
  • Limit on ambulance cover

#3. Max Bupa Heartbeat Family Floater Health Insurance Plan

Heartbeat family is comprehensive health insurance best-suited to a family’s needs with international emergency coverage.

There are 3 variants in this plan – Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Silver variant – It is a basic health insurance plan which covers inpatient care, pre and post hospitalization expenses and day care procedures. It also offers maternity benefits for 2 kids and covers the newborn baby also.

Gold variant – The Gold plan covers up to Rs. 50 Lakhs and has all features of the Silver plan. You have higher room rent coverage up to the sum insured and maternity benefits covered up to Rs. 1 Lakh.

Platinum variant – Offers insurance coverage up to Rs. 1 crore and all features of the Gold plan with additional features as below:

  • Emergency medical evacuation & hospitalization facility.
  • Covers international treatment for specified illnesses like cancer.
  • Charges for OPD treatment and diagnostic services if required.
  • Second medical opinion.
  • Vaccination expenses for children up to the age of 12 years.
  • Higher maternity benefit coverage of up to Rs. 2 Lakh.

Features

Minimum Age for coverEntry age for adults is 18 to 65 years. The entry age for dependent children is from 91 days to 21 years.
Maximum Age for RenewalLifelong renewal is allowed.
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illness2 years for gold and platinum variants and 4 years for the silver variant.
No-Claim BenefitsIrrespective of claim status, you will get a 10% per annum increase in the Sum Insured, up to a maximum of 100% of the Sum Insured for Gold and Platinum plan and 50% in case of the Silver plan.
Pre-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 60 days prior to hospitalization is covered.
Post-hospitalizationExpenses up to 90 days post-discharge is covered.
Refill BenefitIn case the base sum insured is exhausted, you can have 100% of the base sum insured refilled.
Day Care Procedures536 daycare procedures are covered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationProvided only if there is no bed available in the hospital and a minimum of 3 days treatment is taken at home.
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHCovered in all the variants
ExclusionsEyesight, and optical services, suicide, illnesses due to alcohol & drug abuse, IVF treatment, cosmetic & plastic surgery, robotic assisted surgery and AIDS

Advantages

  • 19 different relations including spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law, dependent brothers, dependent sisters are allowed to be covered in the policy.
  • Maternity Benefits for delivery of up to 2 children.
  • A newborn is covered immediately without any additional premium
  • Vaccination expenses are covered in the Platinum plan
  • International treatment is covered in the platinum plan. Also, sub-limit for OPD and diagnostic services expenses are available.
  • AYUSH treatments are covered for all the plans.

Disadvantages

  • Waiting period for pre-existing illness is 2 years for Gold and Platinum plan but 4 years for the basic Silver plan.
  • OPD treatment and diagnostic services are available only under the Platinum plan.
Still Confused? Get Advice from Our Experts!
Thanks, Our expert will contact you soon!

#4. Bajaj Allianz Health Guard Family Floater Plan

Health guard is a comprehensive family floater policy from Bajaj Allianz. The Sum Insured under the floater policy can be used to meet hospitalization or other permitted expenses for any of the insured members under the policy.

The biggest advantage of this policy is that the common surgeries that are carried out for aged-people such as hernia, piles, cataract and sinusitis are covered after a waiting period of 2 years.

Health guard family floater has three variants

  • Silver plan with the option to have a sum insured up to Rs. 2 Lakh
  • Gold plan where you can have a sum insured up to Rs. 50 Lakh
  • Platinum plan with the sum insured up to Rs. 1 crore

Features

Minimum Entry Age Adult – 18 to 65 years
Dependent children/ grandchildren – 3 months to 30 years
Maximum Age for RenewalRenewable for lifetime
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illness3 years
No-Claim BenefitsFor every claim-free year, you will get a 10% per annum increase in the base Sum Insured, up to a maximum of 100% of the base Sum Insured.
Pre-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 60 days immediately before hospitalization are covered.
Post-hospitalizationExpenses incurred during the 90 days immediately after discharge are covered.
Reinstatement Benefit100% of the sum insured specified under inpatient hospitalization treatment cover
Day Care Procedures130 daycare procedures covered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationNot covered.
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHAyurvedic and Homeopathic hospitalization covered under the Gold & Platinum plan only.
ExclusionsAttempted suicide, pregnancy, childbirth, fertility & infertility treatment, dental treatment and any treatment received outside India

Advantages

  • Children/ grand children, up to 30 years of age can be covered.
  • No restriction on room rent under the Gold & Platinum variant.
  • Diseases like hernia, piles, cataract and sinusitis are covered after a waiting period of 2 years.
  • Complimentary health checkup for every 3 continuous policy years for Silver & Gold plan / 2 years for Platinum plan.
  • Known for smooth and quick processing of claims.

Disadvantages

  • 20% co-payment if you avail treatment in Zone A cities but pay Zone C premium.
  • Alternative treatment covered under the Gold & Platinum plans only
  • Domiciliary treatment not allowed.
  • Lower (only 130) daycare procedures covered as compared to other insurers.

You would like to readbest term insurance plan in India

Best Health Insurance in India for Individual

#5. HDFC ERGO My: health Suraksha Plan

You get covers like Air ambulance cover, infertility cover along with other benefits with My:health Suraksha insurance plan that is normally not covered with other insurers.

There are 3 variants of my:health Suraksha plan – Silver Smart, Gold Smart and Platinum Smart Plans.

Silver Smart Plan – with a basic sum insured up to Rs. 5 Lakhs covering basic hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures and domiciliary hospitalization expenses.

Gold Smart Plan – with a basic sum insured up to Rs. 50 Lakhs with air ambulance cover and higher road ambulance limit.

Platinum Smart Plan – with a basic sum insured up to Rs. 75 Lakhs with a cover similar to Gold Smart plan but with a higher limit.

Features

Minimum entry age for cover
Maximum entry age
Adult – 18 years/ Child – 91 days
Adult – Lifetime entry/ Child – 25 years
Maximum Age for RenewalRenewable for life
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illness48 months for pre-existing disease
24 months for the specified disease
No-Claim Benefits (NCB)For every claim-free year, you will get a 10%/ 25% per annum increase in the Sum Insured, up to a maximum of 100% of the Sum Insured.
Pre-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 60 days prior to hospitalization is covered.
Post-hospitalizationMedical expenses incurred up to 180 days immediately after you are discharged from the hospital are covered.
Restoration BenefitAn amount equivalent to claim amount is added, subject to a maximum of the basic sum insured
Day Care ProceduresCovered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationCovered
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHCovered provided that the treatment is carried out on outpatient basis.
ExclusionsTreatment for alcoholism, drug or substance abuse, obesity & weight control, attempted suicide, sterility & infertility treatment like IVF, and dental treatment & surgery.

Advantages

  • 180 days of post-hospitalization cover
  • Air ambulance cover with Gold & Platinum Smart plan
  • Organ Donor expenses covered
  • AYUSH treatments are covered.

Disadvantages

  • 48 months waiting period for pre-existing disease
  • Per-policy checkups for Platinum Smart plan for sum insured over Rs. 25 Lakhs
  • 20% co-payment terms if treatment availed in higher-tier cities

#6. Manipal Cigna ProHealth Plus Insurance Plan

Manipal Cigna ProHealth plan offers the typical benefits of individual health policy and also offers protection up to the full Sum Insured in case of emergency hospitalization worldwide.

The plan also covers the cost of expert opinion on listed critical illnesses.

Features

Minimum Entry Age for coverChild – 91 days
Adult – 18 years
Maximum Age for RenewalLifelong renewable
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illness3 years
No-Claim BenefitsFor every claim-free year, you will get a 10% per annum increase in the Sum Insured, up to a maximum of 200% of the Sum Insured.
Pre-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 60 days prior to hospitalization are covered.
Post-hospitalizationExpenses incurred up to 180 days after hospitalization is covered.
Restoration BenefitUnlimited restoration of 100% of the Sum Insured for a policy year.
Day Care Procedures546 types of daycare procedures covered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationIf you need to be treated at home due to a bed shortage at the hospital or even if your doctor prescribed home care, it will be covered up to the sum insured.
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHInpatient hospitalization under Ayush covered up to the sum insured.
ExclusionsDental treatment, birth control procedures, routine medical checkup & diagnostics, AIDS/HIV, ailments arisiong due to alcohol or drug abuse, non-allopathic treatment, and robotic or remote surgery.

Advantages

  • Ambulance cover of Rs. 3,000 for every time you get hospitalized.
  • Organ transplant costs including donor hospitalization is covered.
  • Reimbursement up to the Sum Insured in case of emergency hospitalization worldwide.
  • Health Maintenance benefit of up to Rs. 2,000
  • Free comprehensive health checkup at every renewal.
  • Add on benefits such as voluntary co-pay benefit, deductible option, and critical illness cover are available.

Disadvantages

  • Maternity expenses coverage normally available after a waiting period of 4 years.
  • 20% co-pay in respect of claims for insured above 65 years and above.

#7. HDFC Ergo Optima Restore Health Plan

Optima Restore health plan was initially launched by Apollo Munich health insurance. Post take over of Apollo Munich health insurance HDFC Ergo renamed the plan.

You benefit by having a 100% cover restored instantly after the first claim. The benefit will restore the amount equal to your base sum insured on both partial & complete utilization. The restoration can be used once in every policy year for a lifetime

HDFC Ergo Optima Restore is an individual plan with cover up to Rs. 50 Lakh with affordable premium rates as compared to the other plans on this list with over 10,000+ network hospitals for cashless treatment.

Features

Minimum Age for coverAdult – 18 years
Child- 91 days
Maximum Age for RenewalLifelong renewable
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illness3 years
No-Claim BenefitsFor every claim-free year, you will get a bonus of 50% of the Basic Sum Insured, up to a maximum of 100%. However, the Cumulative Bonus will be reduced by 50% of the Basic Sum Insured at the time of renewal.
Pre-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 60 days prior to hospitalization are covered.
Post-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, investigations, and medicines incurred up to 180 days after to hospitalization are covered.
Restoration Benefit100% Basic Sum Insured will be reinstated only once in a policy year.
Day Care ProceduresAll daycare treatments covered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationIf you need to be treated at home due to a bed shortage at the hospital or the condition of the patient is such that he/she cannot be removed to a hospital, it will be covered up to the sum insured.
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHCovered
ExclusionsAttempted suicide, war, self inflicted injuries, adventure sports, IVF treatment, treatment of obesity & cosmetic surgery and AIDS/ HIV.

Advantages

  • Organ transplant costs including hospitalization is covered.
  • 180 days of post-discharge expenses
  • No sub-limit on room rent
  • 50% bonus as no-claim benefits
  • Complete cover for AYUSH treatments
  • 10,000+ network hospitals to avail cashless facility.

Disadvantages

  • 50% reduction in bonus in case of claim.
  • 3 year waiting period for pre-existing disease

Top Up/Super Top Up Health Insurance Policy

#8. ICICI Health Booster Super Top Up Policy

ICICI Health Booster is a super top-up policy that is similar to other health insurance policies except that it comes with a deductible amount. The greatest advantage of such policies is getting high health cover at a low premium.

With this policy, you have to bear the hospitalization expenses which is equal to the deductible amount. All hospitalization expenses over and above the deductible amount will be covered by this policy.

For example, you have bought this policy with a Sum Insured of Rs.10 Lakh and a deductible amount of Rs. 3 Lakh.

Assume you get hospitalized and the total expenses are Rs. 5 Lakh. Since the deductible amount is Rs. 3 Lakh, you have to bear the expense of Rs. 3 Lakh and the policy will give you Rs. 2 Lakh.

It is important to note that you need not have to bear the deductible amount from your pocket. If you have an individual or family floater policy, then it can be used to pay the deductible amount.

So, a super top-up policy is good in case you already have a health insurance policy and you want to increase the sum assured at a lesser cost.

Features

Minimum Age for coverUnder Individual policy – 6 years
Under floater plan – 91 days onwards
Maximum Age for RenewalLifelong renewability
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illness2 years
No-Claim BenefitsFor every claim-free year, you will get a 10% per annum increase in the Sum Insured, up to a maximum of 50% of the Sum Insured. However, the Cumulative Bonus is reduced by 10% of the Sum Insured once a claim is made.
Pre-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 60 days prior to hospitalization are covered.
Post-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 90 days after hospitalization is covered.
Restoration BenefitFor plans with deductible of Rs. 3 Lakh and above – reset up to 100%of the sum insured once in a policy year
Day Care Procedures150 types of daycare procedures covered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationIf you need to be treated at home due to a bed shortage at the hospital or even if your doctor prescribed home care, it will be covered up to the sum insured.
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHCovered without any sub-limit
ExclusionsAttempted suicide, routine medical, alcohol & drug abuse, dental treatment, AIDS, birth defect treatment, adventure sports, and treatment received outside the country.

Advantages

  • Deductible applicable on aggregate basis per policy year.
  • Complimentary health check coupons are issued every year.
  • Tax benefits can be claimed under Section 80D just like other health insurance plans.
  • Organ transplant costs including donor hospitalization is covered.
  • AYUSH treatment is covered without any sub-limit.
  • Can be bought as an individual or family floater policy.

Disadvantages

  • Once the insured crosses 60 years of age, 20% of the amount above deductible is applicable for every claim as co-payment.

Best Health Insurance Plan for Parents (Senior Citizen)

#9. Star Senior Citizen Red Carpet Health Insurance Plan

Star Senior Citizen Red Carpet plan is exclusively for senior citizens aged between 60 years to 75 years. The policy covers pre-existing diseases from the second year onwards and carries lifelong renewals.

Star Senior Citizen Red Carpet plan is available both as an individual and floater policy.

Features

Minimum Age for cover60 years up to a maximum of 75 years
Maximum Age for RenewalLifelong renewable
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illnessAfter 12 months of continuous coverage
No-Claim BenefitsAt the discretion of the company
Pre-hospitalizationMedical expenses incurred up to 30 days prior to the date of hospitalization is covered.
Post-hospitalizationA sum equivalent to 7% of the hospitalization expenses incurred comprising of Nursing Charges, Surgeon / Consultant fees, Diagnostic charges, Medicines and drugs only subject to a maximum amount per occurrence as under
Sum Insured up to Rs. 7.5 Lakh – Rs. 5,000.
Sum Insured of Rs. 10 Lakh and 15 Lakh – Rs. 7,000.
Sum Insured of Rs. 20 Lakh and 25 Lakh – Rs. 10,000.
Co-payment termsSum Insured – 1 Lakh to 10 Lakh – Co-pay 30% for Non-PED (pre-existing disease) claims and 50% co-pay for PED claims
Sum Insured – 15 Lakhs to 25 Lakhs – Co-pay 30% for both PED and Non-PED claims
Day Care ProceduresAll daycare procedures covered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationNot applicable.
Medical ScreeningNo pre-aceptance medical screening
ExclusionsAttempted suicide, dental treatments, Laser surgeries for the eye, adventure sports and for treatment of disease by system of medicine other than allopathy

Advantages

  • Outpatient consultations in networked hospitals.
  • Pre-insurance medical test is not required
  • Covers pre-existing disease from second year onwards

Disadvantages

  • Non-Allopathic system treatments not covered.
  • Sub-limits applicable for specific diseases.
  • Room rent limits
  • ICU charges up to 2% of the Sum Insured per day.
  • Surgeon, Anaesthetist, Medical Practitioner, Consultants, Specialist Fees subject to a maximum of 25% of the sum insured per hospitalization.

#10. Bajaj Silver Health

This policy can be bought by anyone who is between the age of 46 – 70 years of age and can be renewed lifelong.

This is available as an individual policy only.

Features

Minimum Age for cover46 years up to a maximum of 70 years
Maximum Age for RenewalLifelong renewable
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illness12 months
No-Claim BenefitsFor every claim-free year, you will get a cumulative bonus of 10% of the Sum Insured, up to a maximum of 50% of the Sum Insured. However, the Cumulative Bonus is reduced by 10% of Sum Insured once a claim is made.
Pre-hospitalization3% of admissible hospitalization expenses.
Post-hospitalization3% of admissible hospitalization expenses.
Restoration BenefitNot available.
Day Care Procedures130 types of daycare procedures covered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationNot applicable.
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHNot covered.
ExclusionsAttempted suicide, dental treatments, obesity & weight control, refractive error for the eye less than 7.5 diopters, and treatment received out of India

Advantages

  • Free health checkup at designated centers after 4 consecutive claim-free years.
  • No sub-limit on the room rent and surgery costs.
  • Enhancement of sum insured allowed at the time of renewal

Disadvantages

  • 20% co-payment clause would be applicable if you get treated at a non-network hospital.
  • In case of hospitalization for any of the pre-existing illnesses, the cover would be restricted to 50% of the Sum Insured in a policy year from the second year of the policy.
  • Pre-medical test are mandatory

#11. Star Health Cardiac Care insurance

Star Health Cardiac Care is for those who are existing heart patients. People who have undergone stenting (angioplasty) or Bypass surgery within 7 years prior to the policy purchase.

All the other features of this policy are similar to other health insurance plans.

Features

Minimum Age for cover10 years up to a maximum of 65 years
Maximum Age for RenewalLifelong renewable
Waiting Period to cover pre-existing illness48 months
No-Claim BenefitsNot available.
Pre-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 30 days prior to hospitalization is covered.
Post-hospitalizationExpenses for consultation, medical tests, and medicines incurred up to 60 days prior to hospitalization is covered.
Restoration BenefitNot available.
Day Care ProceduresAll daycare procedures are covered.
Domiciliary HospitalizationNot applicable.
Alternative Treatments – AYUSHNot covered.
ExclusionsAttempted suicide, dental treatments, Laser surgeries for the eye, adventure sports and for treatment of disease by system of medicine other than allopathy

Advantages

  • Flexible cover for accident and non cardiac treatments also covered.
  • 90 days waiting period for cardiac ailments

Disadvantages

  • Co-pay of 10% of each claim of the insured beyond 60 years of age.
  • Post hospitalization expenses capped at 7% of the hospitalization expenses, subject to a maximum of Rs.5,000/- per hospitalization.
  • AYUSH treatments not covered.
  • Organ transplant costs are not covered.
Still Confused? Get Advice from Our Experts!
Thanks, Our expert will contact you soon!

5 Type of Health Insurance Policies in India

#1. Individual Health Plans

If you have an individual health insurance policy, you alone will be eligible to claim the benefit of the entire sum assured. All the benefits covered in the plan are available to you and cannot be transferred to anyone else.

The greatest advantages of individual health plans are

  • Offers higher protection for each person rather than as a family.
  • The policy can be renewed without any age restrictions.
  • Suitable for people with health risks.
  • No risk for other family members even if the cover gets exhausted in a single year.

#2. Family Floater Health Insurance Policies

Family floater health policies are umbrella health cover tailored for the entire family. A single premium is paid to obtain a cumulative health cover for the entire family and the amount of health coverage can be utilized for hospitalization expenses of any member of the family.

The advantage of a family floater insurance policy is that

  • You can get your entire family covered by single health insurance at a lesser cost.
  • You can cover 4 children for each policy along with 2 adults.

The biggest disadvantage of the family floater health policy is that

  • There is a high possibility of the entire cover getting exhausted due to the hospitalization of one family member.

If your family members have frequent illness then opt for individual plans.

#3. Senior Citizen Health Insurance Policies

Buying health insurance at an old age is difficult or unaffordable. I suggest you buy a health insurance policy for your parents before they get too old.

The Senior citizen policies are similar to individual health policies but come with stringent medical checkups, high premiums, a higher waiting period for pre-existing illnesses and a greater number of exclusion clauses.

These policies are usually bought by people who have already crossed 60 years of age but do not have any health insurance with them.

#4. Top-up and Super Top-up Insurance Policies

Top-up and super top-up policies are health policies that come with a ‘deductible’ clause. These policies come into effect after the amount specified as the deductible is incurred as hospitalization expenses.

For example, assume that you have bought a top-up/super top-up policy of Rs.20 lakhs with a deductible of Rs.5 lakhs. If you get hospitalized, you are eligible to claim from the top-up/super top-up policy for all your hospitalization expenses over Rs. 5 lakhs.

The biggest advantage of these policies is that you can get a large cover for a low premium. Even though there is a deductible clause applicable, you can take a basic health policy whose sum assured will be equal to the deductible.

#5. Policies Covering Specific Illnesses Such as Cancer or Heart Disease

The biggest advantage is that these policies cover illnesses like heart disease or cancer, which are usually avoided by many insurers. The premiums for such policies are high as the risk is high for the insurer.

These policies are designed for people who are already diagnosed with certain diseases or are at high risk of getting certain diseases.

Don’t Rely on Employer-Provided Health Insurance

One of the main reasons why people avoid taking health covers is because they get employer-provided group health coverage. But no matter how much health cover your employer provides, it has its own drawbacks.

Let’s understand why having your own health coverage is important.

  • Employer-provided insurance benefits will end the moment you leave or change the job.
  • You can not carry forward the benefits of employer health insurance.
  • Having your own health cover early in life will always help in the case, you are diagnosed with any illness. This is because the waiting period clause will not apply and any illnesses you catch at a later stage get covered.
  • Employer-provided insurance clauses can change at any time.
  • Employer-provided health coverage can exhaust in a single hospitalization. You must have a backup policy.
  • Would you buy an expensive health cover post-retirement?

13 Practical Tips to Choose the Best Health Insurance Policy

Tip #1.

Always buy an individual policy at a young age. Otherwise, insurance becomes as expensive as you grow old.

Tip #2.

Choose the right amount of sum insured as per your family size. Smokers, obese individuals and people with inactive lifestyles have higher health risks and need higher cover.

Tip #3.

If you are buying health coverage for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids), you can either

  • Buy individual covers for each family member and buy an additional family floater to increase the cover.
  • The second option is to buy a family floater and then buy a top-up/super top-up policy whose deductible is equal to the sum insured of the family floater policy.

Tip #4.

Choose a policy with minimal exclusions. Buy a plan which covers 100% of the costs of hospitalization, common daycare procedures and a part of pre and post-hospitalization costs. Do not opt for plans which have a co-pay option.

Tip #5.

Choose a policy that offers lifetime renewability.

Tip #6.

Do not buy a policy that has sub-limits on per day expenses or room rent

Tip #7.

Your health plan should cover hospitalization expenses for critical illnesses also. There should be no “claim loading” in case you or your family are diagnosed with a critical illness. Claim loading is a feature in which the insurance company can keep increasing your premiums year on year if you are diagnosed with a critical illness.

Tip #8.

Check the waiting period for pre-existing illnesses. Most insurance policies have 2 years as the waiting period but some have up to 4 years.

Tip #9.

Check the clauses for getting treated at network and non-network hospitals. Many insurers reimburse only 70-80% of the costs if you get treated at a non-network hospital.

Tip #10.

If you are buying health cover for aged parents, check the list of illnesses and medical procedures that are not covered. Your policy should provide cover for common surgeries required by aged people such as cataract and knee surgery.

Tip #11.

Buy the policy before you get any critical disease (health, lungs, cancer). Many policies have clear-cut clauses that the policies are to be bought before the onset of any such illness.

Tip #12.

Buy a top-up/super top-up policy at a very less premium to get a large cover if you want to increase your health cover.

Tip #13.

Buy separate individual policies for yourself and your spouse as you grow old. This is an important step because family floater policies are issued against the name of the oldest person listed in the group. If the oldest person passes away, the policy ceases and the remaining family members have to buy a new policy at higher premium rates.

Before we look at the best health insurance policies, let us understand some of the common terms used to describe the features, benefits and advantages of health policies.

Glossary

AYUSH: stands for Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. If a health insurance policy provides coverage for AYUSH treatments, it means that the insured can undergo treatments suggested by the AYUSH doctors and make a claim for it.

Restoration Benefit: It is a benefit that allows an insured to reinstate (refill) the entire sum insured in the policy year when it gets exhausted due to incurred claims. You can reinstate up to 100% of the sum insured in a year. But it costs slightly more than standard health insurance.

Daycare Procedures: A daycare procedure is a surgery or medical procedure that can be completed in less than 24 hours.

Domiciliary Hospitalization: It means medical treatment for a period exceeding three days for such illness/disease/injury which in the normal course would require care and treatment at a hospital but actually taken while confined at home under any of the following circumstances, namely:

i) The condition of the patient is such that he/she cannot be removed to the Hospital/Nursing Home or

ii) The patient cannot be removed to Hospital/Nursing Home for lack of accommodation therein.

Things You Should Know About Health Insurance

  • It is always better to buy from a reputed insurance broker. Verify the credentials of the insurance agent before you buy a health policy. If any claims get rejected, your agent may not be able to help you.
  • You can also buy health policies online at a lesser price than offline. You have to make sure that you declare all the requested data correctly and honestly.
  • You can actually bargain for less premium rates if you have healthy living habits such as maintaining a good BMI, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking.
  • No insurer will provide cover for a person aged above 90 years. Any existing policies also cease to be effective once the insured crosses 90 years of age. This applies to employer-provided health insurance for retirees also.
  • The family floater policies are issued with the eldest member as the policyholder. If the eldest in the family deceases, a fresh policy has to be taken by the surviving family members at prevailing premium rates.
  • Always declare every detail of your illness, if any, even if it seems insignificant. Insurers have experts to determine if you have not declared any pre-existing illness and may deny your claims.
  • If you are not satisfied with your existing health insurance policy, you can always ‘port-out’ to another policy. However, you have to pay the applicable premium of the new policy. But the greatest advantage is that the waiting period for the pre-existing illness will not apply.

Final Words

By now you have gauged that you and your family’s health insurance needs will be unique. You have to choose a policy based on various factors such as sum insured, co-pay, sub-limit clauses and network hospitals, and not just about quoting low premiums.

Always buy a health policy early in life as it works out cheaper and you will be covered if you fall ill later in life.

About Pardeep Goyal

I talk about saving & investing money. You would love my articles related to Credit Cards, Travel, Shopping, Tax Saving. I share transparently how I am making passive income from multiple sources online.

111 thoughts on “11 Best Health Insurance Plans in India 2023 (Plan Reviews)”

  1. Hello sir i have appolo 3 lakh policy family floater i have to renew the policy which is the best policy for 2 adults and 2 children

    Reply
  2. Is it true if the eldest member dies, the family floater policy stops? Some sources upon renewal any other member can be made as primary. Can you clarify?

    Reply
  3. Hi Pardeep,
    Thanks for the comprehensive information. Great research and guidance you have brought in with this article.
    I am looping for a health insurance policy for my parents. both my parents have different health concerns.

    My father has diabetes, heart issues (undergone bypass 4 years back), currently on dialysis for thrice a week (his both kidneys are failed)
    My Mother is healthy doesn’t have any medical issue except for bronchitis asthma.

    My requirement is that there should be ‘0’% copay. complete hospitalization amount to be borne by the health insurance company, Should provide lifetime renewable, 1 year or less than that pre-existing disease coverage, should provide complete health checkout in once a year free of cost, there should not be any limit on daycare, surgical, ambulance charges, ICU charges, room charges, There should be daycare available, maximum hospital network, aboard treatment cashless coverage, organ transplant included from abroad.

    Can you please confirm if which will be the best mediclaim policy to meet my requirement. my both parents are 60 years.

    Reply
  4. PLEASE COMPARE MAX BUPA HEALTH COMPANION WITH OTHERS

    SECONDLY WHAT WILL YOU SUGGEST TAKE A 5 LAKHS BASE POLICY WITH TOP UP OR 20 LAKHS BASE POLICY

    Reply
  5. Hi Pradeep.
    Your article was quite informative. Thanks a lot.
    Please help me to finalise a policy for me and my wife,
    1) I will be of 65 years age on 12th March 2020.
    2) I take medicine for High BP and cloistral.
    3) I am having a Mediclaim policy with National Insurance worth Rs,3 lacs,
    My wife
    1) She will be of 60 years age on 15th Dec 2020.
    2) She has no medical problem except upset stomach problems.
    3) She is having a Mediclaim policy with National Insurance worth Rs,2 lacs,
    I also want to transfer my policy to some better company.
    Kindly advice. Thanks a lot.

    Reply
  6. Why is the Royal Sundaram Lifeline Supreme not figuring in top health insurance plans? It looks to br ticking all boxes vide uncapped room rent, long pre/post hospitalization, cashless, decent hospital coverage, no claim bonus without reversal on claim, restoration benefits, etc. So what am I missing in the larger picture? Please help identify for any disadvantages in this plan.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Hi Pardeep, I’m 32 Male live in Delhi, looking for a insurance plan to cover the family and myself. My priorities are hassle free and quick claim process along with good reputation of the insurance company.
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
  8. Hi Pardeep,
    Excellent information many thanks.
    I have a Religare Health Insurance for 5 lacks, would like to know if critical illness is covered in this policy (CAREV2 SILVER).
    What would you suggest should I go for a separate policy for Heart & Cancer, or is it covered in my above policy.
    Also I would like to buy an Accident policy, what would you suggest for cover of 25L

    Regards

    Reply
  9. Hi pradeep, thank you for such an informative article. I would like to buy an individual health plan for myself. I maintain almost good life with good food and regular exercises , though i smoke also but i try my best to keep myself fit.
    What plan would you suggest for a person of 37 years old like me.

    Reply
  10. hello Mr.Pradeep,
    1.Can you kindly please suggest me which plan suitable for family floater? since recently i got married. I want to cover for myself and a spouse and future kids.
    in terms of good claim settlement, and less exclusions.

    2. Please suggest me to cover for my parents. My father aging 54 and mother 46.

    Thanks regards

    Reply
  11. Dear Pardeep,

    Let me begin by congratulating you on this brilliant article. Thank you so much.

    I need some advice on choosing my health insurance plan.

    I am 46 and my mother is 71.

    I want individual plans for each of us which will offer:
    quick & hassle free , 100% cashless claim settlement,
    OPD benefits including diagnostic charges ,
    zero co-pay & rider to waive pre-existing disease waiting period (if at all possible).

    My primary worry is about not getting the claim settlement on time/ not getting 100% cashless facility when I need it. Low premium is also very important.

    Most importantly, OPD benefits with diagnostic charges would be a HUGE help.

    Kindly suggest the best provider and plan/s for me and my mother.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  12. Sir,
    I have in corporate plan 3 lakhs star health. I would like to top up 5 lakhs in Royal Sundram.
    If i switch over my base plan to royal Sundram after two years .
    Can i eligible for taking treatment for pre existing diseases in royal Sundram or that i will waiting for another 2 or 3 years.

    Reply
  13. Hello Sir,

    Thank you for the valuable info. I want to do Health Insurance for our family ( Husband (37 Yrs) + Wife (27 years) + Daughter ( 15 months running ) + Mother (50-55 years).

    Please suggest which will be the best for us. My Mother have some normal arthritis problem and my wife has normal migraine problem. Nothing else.

    Reply
  14. Hi thanks so much for the article. Its a great effort from you. I already had a bajaj allianz health insurance. Shall i continue with it or is it better to go for a new one. Please suggest.

    Reply
  15. Hi Pradeep,

    This is NL from Hyderabad.

    Would like to know, which is best Health insurance plan with a family of Husband, Wife and 2 kids with age less than 10 years.
    Husband – 40, Wife-32, Kid 1 – 7, Kid 2- 4 Years.

    I have been looking for a family floater plan, with higher in claim settlement.

    Thanks,
    NL
    Hyderabad
    19.Feb.2020

    Reply
  16. Hi Pradeep,

    I would like to take a health Insurance for my family (02 Adults & 1 Child). Which is the Health Insurance Policy plan that you would suggest ?

    As an individual I have Apollo Munich Health Insurance? Is there any advantage of adding my family members to the policy or should I take a new policy overall.

    Reply
  17. Hi,
    I have opted for a policy from ‘Star Health’ called Star health comprehensive policy and now I am a bit skeptical about opting for the same as I read a lot of negative comments for the company over the internet about unsettled claims. I have the premium but I still have 15 days to decide if I would want to go with them. I am 26 years old.
    I would really appreciate your input.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  18. Hi Pardeep,
    I am 31 now. (Spouse – 29, Kid – 3, F- 72, M – 62(Diabetic+BP), FIL- 75, MIL – 65(BP+Cholestral).
    I and my spouse both have Mediclaim benefit from our companies which cover 5lakhs each (Paying an extra premium for including parents).

    Please help me with these questions.

    1. Do I need to take a personal insurance plan?
    2. If so do you suggest to include my parents & inlaws?
    3. What amount can I take 5L or 10L?
    4. MaxBupa health companion Family Floater Vs Star health Comprehensive? which do you suggest?
    5. Any other suggestions

    Reply
  19. Hello,
    I am Abhimanyu,
    I wanted to buy a policy for my parents aged 55 and 48. My mother has ungergone through angiography once 7 years back. We had a policy with reliance buy they did not initiate the claim saying – it was an old disease.
    Now after so many years I’m planning to insure then with a policy which could be best for them. My questions are-
    Do I buy individual policies or a same one?
    Suggest me with some good policies which I should see.

    Reply
  20. Thank you for this article. My parents aged 63 (history of hypertension) and 61 (history of hypothyroidism and knee arthroscopy) are looking to get insurance. No other pre existing conditions. What would you recommend as the best insurance for them? Thank you.

    Reply
  21. In which policy dental treatments are covered either cashless or by reimbursement both in case of individual and family also

    Reply
  22. Hello Pardeep

    Which one health insurance policy is best in delhi. (5 lach) I am confused between Religare and max bhupa.

    Reply
      • Hello Pardeep,

        At present, My age is 37, my wife age 35, 1 child age 10 years, 2nd child age 1 year. Suppose Today I take a health policy of religare (care) of Rs. 5 lac (Premium 13,888 with 20% off on premium) and I will continue it to next 20 years.

        So I want to know that what will be the annual premium of my policy after 15 years [age bracket 55-60]. Because at present I see the premium for age bracket 55-60 is approx 30-35 thousand.

        Are u getting my point or not?

        Reply
  23. Dear Pradeep,
    First and foremost thanks for informative article. I would like to take insurance for my parents of age 63 and 61. My mom has arthritis and hypothyroidism. I have short listed HDFC Ergo and Max Bupa. Request your suggestion which one would be better.
    Your revert will be appreciated.
    Regards
    Nikhil

    Reply
  24. Thanks For such existing post . I appreciate that your post is really informative. Its something really amazing and helpful article.

    Reply
  25. Hey, Pardeep thanks for this research. I wanted to know more about
    a) Insurances related to Type 2 Diabetes conditions
    b) Critical Illness. Do these cover Diabetes related neuropathies also?

    Reply
  26. Hi I am think to renew the policy with max bupa, but when I read the comments and reviews about the maxbupa…I am started getting worried now..which is the best insurance policy with good claim settlement and reviews..

    Reply
  27. Every thing is ok but
    Policy details of Apollo Munich is wrongly mentioned.
    Like pre and post hospitalisation.60 days and 180 days.
    There is no co pay in Apollo optima restore.
    Best part is it restore SI at first claim and same person same disease claim can be availed which non of health insurance having
    Many more.
    Indeed it’s best in industry.

    Reply
  28. Hi Pradeep,

    Firstly thank you very much for very helpful article.
    I am looking for suitable mediclaim policy for my father age 61. He doesn’t have pre existing disease but he consumes tobacco.
    Will insurance company cover any illness caused due to tobacco consumption ? Shall I consider taking add on for Cancer if yes which one is best?
    Kindly help on this.

    Reply
  29. Hi My name is Samir based at pune Maharashtra i m looking for suitable mediclaim policy for my father age 71 Diabetic .no other illness pre existing disease other than diabetic
    Request you to guide on this.

    Reply
  30. Hi Pradeep,
    Great article.My research regarding the best health insurance started by reading this article. Later I came to a conclusion that Max bupa health companion and Apollo Munich optima restore are the best two family floater policies(both do not have maternity cover).

    Why didn’t you shortlist Max Bupa health companion ?
    Some its features are given below(which optima restore do not have)
    -You can opt for hospital cash without room sharing for a premium equivalent to that of optima restore.
    -AYUSH treatment covered
    -Health checkup in every year from second year onwards
    -Non deductible no claim bonus of 20% (NCB will not loose if you make a claim in the following years)

    The biggest advantage of optima restore is you can use the restoration amount for the same/related illness. No other company permits that. So a 5Lack policy is actually giving protection for 10Lacks without any terms and conditions.

    Reply
  31. Hi Pradeep,
    I have gone through various sources, videos etc but this article is one of the best. Since it is very clear & non bias opinion which really helps to take important decision.

    Reply
  32. Hi Pardeep, Your article is extremely helpful to everyone struggling to understand the advantages and disadvantages of various policies. Specifically for me it has really helped to take an informed decision in buying a policy for my family. Greatly appreciate your valuable insights.

    Reply
  33. Hi Pradeep, Firstly thank you for putting together such a clear-cut article on health insurance. For a non-finance person this article has been very helpful to say the least. Secondly, have a few qs…perhaps if you care to answer them.
    1. Is it necessary to go through an agent for a health insurance? what if it is purchase directly through online? can that be done?
    2. Incase I don’t go through an agent, what is the position or method for me to go about getting a claim?
    Hoping for an early response.

    Reply
  34. Hi Pardeep,
    Thanks for the article.
    One query came to my mind while reading this, though CSR(98.32%) and ICR(80.38%) of ICICI Lombard is very high still you ranked as 3.

    It will be great help if you provide a details for ICICI Lombard family health plan.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  35. hi pradeep,
    this is amirtharaj from Bahrain. i was thinking for health insurance taken in india for me & my family longtime. i was so confused which one to choose. here in bahrain i have only myself medical insurance provided by my employer. here medical insurance concept entirely different, this means when you have medical insurance card you can directly go network hospital and just to pay initial amount of BD 3/5/7 based on your card mentioned (1 BD=INR 190/approx) that is it. after that all the test/medicine/consultation everything is free of cost with unlimited time up to covered sum insured. where as in india not like that. after i read your article i understood it is entirely different from bahrain health insurance policy. i really appreciate that your effort and good work.
    thanks for your such a wonderful and most important article.

    Reply
  36. Hey Pardeep,

    There are policies like Max Bupa Go Active, which includes further additions and benefits for maintaining healthy lifestyles but also charges higher charges.
    I want to understand if they can be benficial or like term insurance the pure health claim only is better.?

    TIA.

    Reply
  37. Thank you pardeep for such this Wonderful article. I was so confused searching internet for health insurance and I couldn’t make my mind whom to select or not. You have compiled all the major points that should be considered. This made me easy to understand the concept of health insurance even when I had no knowledge of this. Thanks again

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Save Upto 90% on brokerageOpen Demat Account Now