Top 10 health insurance company in India, Know plans and Policies in 2023

India has many health insurance companies that offer a wide range of health insurance policies to individuals and families. in this article I will tell you the top 10 health insurance company in India

These health insurance companies offer different types of health insurance policies such as individual health insurance, family floater health insurance, critical illness insurance, and senior citizen health insurance. It is important to compare the policies offered by different health insurance companies and choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.

Health insurance policies provide coverage for medical expenses resulting from diseases, accidents, or injuries. According to the terms and conditions outlined in the policy contract, the insurer reimburses the policyholder for their medical costs. In case of medical emergencies, the insurer pays benefits directly to the insured.

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Health insurance companies collaborate with a network of hospitals or healthcare providers to offer cashless medical services to policyholders. To cater to growing demands, health insurance plans have broadened their range of services to include:

Health insurance policies offer coverage for various medical expenses, including those incurred prior to and following hospitalisation. After a specified waiting period, policyholders can avail coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, health insurance plans provide coverage for hospitalization-related expenses.

The annual premium for health insurance is eligible for tax exemption under section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961, ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 75,000.

Table of Contents

Top Top 10 health insurance company in India, Picks

Top Top 10 health insurance company in India, Picks

Best Individual Health Policy – HDFC ERGO Health Optima Insurance Plan

This comprehensive health policy allows the insured to choose from a wide range of sum insured amounts as per the medical requirement. It covers pre-existing diseases, long-term hospitalisation and post-discharge recovery, doctor’s consultation costs, pharmacy bills, minor procedures, routine diagnostics, wellness therapies, and much more. Also Read: Top 10 Best Life Insurance Policy in India, Compare the Company!

Best Women Health Insurance Plan – Care Health Care Insurance Plan

This policy best suits women as it provides comprehensive insured coverage, special discounts, new-age benefits, and much more. It covers OPD costs and has optional coverage for maternity and newborn. One annual health check-up is also available a year.

Best Health Plan For Senior Citizens – Star Comprehensive Insurance Plan

This policy is designed for citizens aged 60 years and above. The policy is available on individual and family floater basis for one, two and three years. There is no pre-medical screening required before applying this policy. Coverage is available for up to INR 25 lakh, and all daycare procedures are taken care of, pre-existing illnesses are covered, and much more.

Best Health Insurance Plans In India

This article is related to an affiliate advertising program and The New Indian Express’s journalists were not involved in production of this article.

Best Health Insurance Plans In India 

Name of the planEntry ageIncurred Claim Ratio Network Hospitals
HDFC ERGO Health Optima Insurance Plan91 days to 65 years62%13000+
Care Health Care Insurance Plan91 days onwards55%8250+
Star Comprehensive Insurance Plan3 months to 65 years63%7900+
ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance Plan6 years onwards78%6300+
Aditya Birla Activ Health Insurance Plan91 days onwards59%6000+
Manipal Cigna ProHealth Protect Insurance Plan91 days onwards54%6500+
Universal Sompo Complete Healthcare Insurance1 day to 70 years104%4000+
Royal Sundaram Lifeline91 days onwards61%5000+
Reliance HealthGain Health Insurance Plan91 days to 65 years94%7300+
Future Health Suraksha90 days to 70 years87%5100+

HDFC ERGO Health Optima Restore

The health plan can be purchased either as an individual policy or as a family floater. It comes with a host of features, such as 100% restoration of the sum insured, a 50% increment in the sum insured, and a doubling of the sum insured after two consecutive claim-free years. There are no sub-limits on room rent, and the plan offers additional benefits as well. In our top pics of 10 health insurance company in India HDFC ERGO Insurance stands at the first position.

ProsCons
Wide coverage of the sum insuredPregnancy and new-born complications are not covered
Instant and lump sum payment of the sum insured90-180 days waiting period applicable
Lifetime renewability 
Free look for15 days 

Care Health Care Insurance Plan

This is another of India’s best health insurance policies that offer a sum insured up to INR 6 crores. Some attached salient features include robotic surgeries, free annual health check-ups, sum insured restoration benefits, and a range of optional coverage benefits.

ProsCons
Covers Covid-19 hospitalisation expensesNo pre-policy health screening 
Maternity and newborn coverage only with premium30 days of the initial waiting period
The claim settlement ratio >95% 

Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy

One of India’s top health insurance policies, this plan offers comprehensive coverage benefits. It includes various features, such as no sub-limits on room rent, coverage for air ambulance charges, maternity and newborn baby coverage, coverage for OPD expenses once in three years, and coverage for bariatric surgery.

ProsCons
No Pre-medical screening Pre-existing diseases are covered after one-year
Various discounts on premium membershipDiseases diagnosed before the first 30 days are not covered
Lifetime renewability 

This article is related to an affiliate advertising program and The New Indian Express’s journalists were not involved in production of this article.

Introduction

Health insurance policies reimburse the policyholder for medical costs incurred due to disease, accidents, or even injuries. In line with the contract’s terms and conditions, the insurer pays the benefits to the insured in cases of medical emergencies. Health insurance companies partner with a network or a chain of hospitals to enable the insured to receive cashless care. Health insurance plans have expanded their range of services to meet demands such as:

  • Coverage for medical costs, including those incurred before and after hospitalisation.
  • After a predetermined waiting period, you are given coverage for any pre-existing conditions.
  • Coverage for costs associated with being hospitalised due to a medical condition.
  • The annual premium for health insurance is exempt from taxation under section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961 between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 75,000.

Our Top Picks for 10 health insurance company in India

Best Individual Health Policy – HDFC ERGO Health Optima Insurance Plan Click here to talk to an expert

This comprehensive health policy allows the insured to choose from a wide range of sum insured amounts as per the medical requirement. It covers pre-existing diseases, long-term hospitalisation and post-discharge recovery, doctor’s consultation costs, pharmacy bills, minor procedures, routine diagnostics, wellness therapies, and much more.

Best Women Health Insurance PlanCare Health Care Insurance Plan – Click here to talk to an expert

This policy best suits women as it provides comprehensive insured coverage, special discounts, new-age benefits, and much more. It covers OPD costs and has optional coverage for maternity and newborn. One annual health check-up is also available a year.

Best Health Plan For Senior CitizensStar Comprehensive Insurance Plan – Click here to talk to an expert

This policy is designed for citizens aged 60 years and above. The policy is available on individual and family floater basis for one, two and three years. There is no pre-medical screening required before applying this policy. Coverage is available for up to INR 25 lakh, and all daycare procedures are taken care of, pre-existing illnesses are covered, and much more. 

If you are unsure which Health Insurance is best for you, please talk to the experts at Ditto to find the perfect Health Insurance for you and your family  

Best Health Insurance Plans In India 

Name of the planEntry ageIncurred Claim Ratio Network Hospitals
HDFC ERGO Health Optima Insurance Plan91 days to 65 years62%13000+
Care Health Care Insurance Plan91 days onwards55%8250+
Star Comprehensive Insurance Plan3 months to 65 years63%7900+
ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance Plan6 years onwards78%6300+
Aditya Birla Activ Health Insurance Plan91 days onwards59%6000+
Manipal Cigna ProHealth Protect Insurance Plan91 days onwards54%6500+
Universal Sompo Complete Healthcare Insurance1 day to 70 years104%4000+
Royal Sundaram Lifeline91 days onwards61%5000+
Reliance HealthGain Health Insurance Plan91 days to 65 years94%7300+
Future Health Suraksha90 days to 70 years87%5100+

HDFC ERGO Health Optima RestoreClick here to talk to an expert

This health plan is available as a family floater or individually. It has features like 100% restoration of the sum insured, increment of the sum insured by 50% and double after two consecutive claim-free years, no sub-limits on room rent, and much more.

ProsCons
Wide coverage of the sum insuredPregnancy and new-born complications are not covered
Instant and lump sum payment of the sum insured90-180 days waiting period applicable
Lifetime renewability 
Free look for15 days 

Care Health Care Insurance PlanClick here to talk to an expert 

This is another of India’s best health insurance policies that offer a sum insured up to INR 6 crores. Some attached salient features include robotic surgeries, free annual health check-ups, sum insured restoration benefits, and a range of optional coverage benefits.

ProsCons
Covers Covid-19 hospitalisation expensesNo pre-policy health screening 
Maternity and newborn coverage only with premium30 days of the initial waiting period
The claim settlement ratio >95% 

Star Comprehensive Insurance PolicyClick here to talk to an expert 

This is one of India’s best health Insurance policies, with extensive coverage benefits. The policy features include no sub-limits on room rent, air ambulance charges coverage, maternity, and newborn baby coverage, OPD expenses coverage once in 3 years, and coverage for bariatric surgery.

ProsCons
No Pre-medical screening Pre-existing diseases are covered after one-year
Various discounts on premium membershipDiseases diagnosed before the first 30 days are not covered
Lifetime renewability 

ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance 

The health insurance plan is available in four different variants and offers comprehensive coverage. If the insured sum is exhausted due to a previous claim within the same policy year, 100% of it is restored. Additionally, policyholders can avail a free annual health check-up, and there are several optional coverage benefits such as hospital cash allowance, convalescence benefit, maternity and newborn cover, critical illness cover, and more.

ProsCons
Covers Covid 19 hospitalisation expensesDonor benefits, pre-existing disease coverage, pre-policy check-up, etc. are available on premium
15 days free-look period 
No co-payment 

Aditya Birla Activ Health Insurance Plan

Aditya Birla’s premium health insurance policy provides significant coverage and we have added in our top pics list of 10 health insurance company in India, with high sum insured levels. Key features of the plan include coverage for ambulance expenses without sub-limits at a networked hospital, reinstatement of the sum insured upon exhaustion due to previous claims, a recovery benefit of INR 10,000, no room rent capping, and additional benefits.

ProsCons
Free health check-up Only up to 20% co-payment available as per conditions.
A Low-cost policy with wide coverageBenefits such as e-consultation, hospital cash, etc. available at an additional premium
Strong cashless network of hospitals 

Manipal Cigna ProHealth Protect Insurance Plan

The health insurance policy provides cost-effective coverage with a high sum insured and comprehensive benefits. It covers over 500 daycare treatments, emergency medical coverage worldwide, health maintenance benefits of up to INR 500, a 200% increase in the sum insured, and a variety of optional add-on covers.

ProsCons
Lifelong renewabilityInitial waiting period ranges between 120-180 days
Additional discounts and benefitsThe claim is paid only after 0/7/15 days

Universal Sompo Complete Health Care Plan

The scheme offers three distinct variants for individuals and their families. Noteworthy aspects of the plan comprise dental treatments, expenses related to animal bite vaccinations, outpatient medical expenditures, and optional add-on benefits.

ProsCons
Offers worldwide coverageThe initial waiting period ranges between 120-180 days
High claim settlement ratio of 99.71%The claim is paid only after 0/7/15 days
Lifelong renewability 
No medical test required 

Royal Sundaram Lifeline

This policy offers various built-in coverage benefits, value-added features, and optional coverage benefits. The main features include 100% restoration of the sum insured, worldwide emergency coverage, coverage against 11 critical illnesses and the cost of OPD.

ProsCons
Any room can be opted by the insuredLesser flexibility while choosing the sum insured & scheme
Lifelong renewal36 months waiting period if there are any pre-existing conditions
Wide maternity coverage  

Reliance Health Gain

The top health insurance plan available in India offers extensive coverage, alluring premium discounts, complete restoration of the sum insured, and various other benefits. Additionally, if a policyholder goes claim-free for a year, the sum insured increases by 33.33%. Moreover, the policy offers free renewal for certain critical illnesses as specified in the terms and conditions.

ProsCons
No room rent limitations36 months waiting period if there are any pre-existing conditions
Wide network hospitals 
No entry age restriction 
Lifelong renewability 

Future Generali Future Health Suraksha

The scheme provides a variety of coverage benefits and features, including but not limited to: supplementary daily allowances for hospitalization of senior citizens, a 25% increase in the sum insured in case of accidental hospitalization, and recharge benefits offered in certain plan variants.

ProsCons
High claim settlement ratio of 94.21%36 months waiting period if there are any pre-existing conditions
No pre-policy health checkup 
Wide-reaching network of hospitals 

Types of Health Insurance Plans In India

Individual Health Insurance Plan

The policyholder is an individual who receives all the benefits of the coverage provided by their policy. Typically, individual health insurance plans pay for the insured’s medical expenses up to the specified sum insured and the premium amount. These plans offer various advantages, such as coverage for inpatient hospitalization costs, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare costs, and domestic hospitalization expenses.

Family Floater Health Insurance Plan

A family floater health insurance plan offers coverage for every family member based on a shared sum insured. Such plans simplify the management of health insurance for individuals and their loved ones. Furthermore, when it comes to including parents in the policy, a family floater health insurance policy is more cost-effective than a separate senior citizen health insurance policy.

Senior Citizens Health Insurance Plan

Health insurance plans for senior citizens are tailored to cater to their coverage requirements between the ages of 60 and 75. These plans offer a range of coverage benefits, such as daycare costs, cashless hospitalization, domiciliary hospitalization charges, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and coverage for specific illnesses.

Critical Illness Insurance Plan

Critical illness insurance plans provide coverage for a range of life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, paralysis, cancer, renal failure, among others. These plans offer a lump sum payment to the insured person upon the initial diagnosis of a critical illness, which may be used for medical expenses both within and outside of India. Due to the expensive nature of critical illness treatments, it is highly recommended to be protected by such insurance.

Women-Specific Health Insurance Plan

Insurance plans designed for women cater specifically to the varying needs of women in different age groups. These plans provide coverage for medical expenses associated with pregnancy, retirement, newborn care, child education, and other related costs. Additionally, after a certain age, these plans also offer coverage for specific diseases to which women may be predisposed.

Top-Up Health Insurance Plan And Super Top-up Health Insurance Plan

Consumers have the option to increase the coverage amount of their base policy through a top-up health insurance plan to cover any shortfall in case medical expenses surpass the base plan’s coverage. If an individual is hospitalized once during the base health insurance policy term and the amount claimed exceeds the deductible and the total insured, the top-up health insurance policy comes into effect.

Super top-up plans cover medical expenses exceeding the deductible and maximum sum insured of the base health insurance plan during the policy term. Moreover, they also cover expenses that neither the standard coverage nor the top-up policy covers.

Key Factors To Consider Before Buying Health Insurance Plans

Benefits of the Coverage – Complete coverage pays for all medical costs and even lowers out-of-pocket costs. So, choosing an all-inclusive package is always the preferable option.

Sum Insured – The ideal policies to search for include both minimum and maximum levels of coverage because this allows you to select the optimal sum insured to cover anticipated medical costs.

Network of Hospitals – The best health insurance programme offers a sizable hospital network and guarantees cashless services. Finding a network hospital in your neighbourhood and making use of the cashless claims can thus be made easier.

Premium – The policy’s premium must be reasonable compared to other insurance packages. To determine the premium rate, consider the coverage advantages and the cost of the premium.

Pre-Existing Period – If you or a member of your family has a preexisting condition, it is advisable to select a plan with a shorter waiting period so that you can start receiving coverage for these conditions as soon as possible.

Add-On – Many health insurance policies allow you to enhance coverage by adding extra riders at your discretion. To tailor your coverage to your needs, seek policies that allow you to add additional riders.

Why Buy The Best Health Insurance Policy?

In today’s age, healthcare costs are increasing at an alarming rate, making it imperative to purchase a health insurance policy that can cover medical expenses. Health insurance policies provide protection from high hospital charges, ensuring a happy and secure life for you and your loved ones. However, selecting the right health insurance plan can be confusing.

To help you make an informed decision, TNIE is here to assist you in choosing a health insurance plan that meets your insurance requirements. Choose a health insurance plan for yourself and your family that covers your medical expenses, such as daycare charges, critical illness treatment, coronavirus treatment, and more, according to your needs to obtain the best health coverage.

Factors Affecting Your Health Insurance Plans Premium

  • Age: The premium is affected by age because older individuals have a higher risk of illness.
  • Past Medical History: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, your insurance premium may increase.
  • Policy Duration: The length of the policy is another factor that affects the premium. A longer-term policy will have a lower premium.
  • Injurious Substances: Insurers may increase premium rates if the insured smokes, chews, or snuffs, as these substances can lead to cancer.
  • Nature of Profession: High-risk occupations, such as construction or working in hazardous environments with radiation and chemicals, may require higher premiums as accidents and cardiovascular diseases are more likely to occur.

The Process To Buy An Online Health Insurance Plan

Buying a health insurance policy is easy and quick in 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Enter all the personal details that are asked to correctly see the best health insurance plans as per your requirements.

Step 2: Compare the policy quotes online to find the best fit as per budget and need.

Step 3: Make an online payment and get the policy documents.

Health Insurance Plan Eligibility Criteria

You should be an Indian resident aged between 18 and 65. It can go up to 70 years of age in some situations. There is also child coverage available between 91 days to 18 years.

If you buy a health insurance plan after 45 years of age, you may have to undergo a few medical tests or submit a pre-existing condition declaration.

Documents Required To Buy Health Insurance Plan In India

  1. Age Proof – Pan Card, Passport, Voter ID Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Birth certificate, ten or 12th Marksheet
  2. Identity Proof – Passport, Voter ID Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License
  3. Address Proof – Passport, Aadhaar Card, Ration card, Driving licence, Rent agreement, Utility bills
  4. Proposal form duly filled in and signed
  5. Medical reports
  6. Passport-size photographs

FAQs: Top 10 health insurance company in India

Which type of health insurance is better: LIC or health insurance?

While health insurance covers the costs of medical care, life insurance can lessen the financial strain on your family in the event of your untimely passing.

What are the six main types of insurance?

Individual Health Insurance Plans
Family Floater Health Insurance Plans
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Plans
Critical Illness Insurance Plans
Women-Specific Health Insurance Plans
Top-Up Health Insurance Plan And Super Top-up Health Insurance Plans

What is the minimum and maximum entry age for purchasing a health insurance policy in India?

The minimum and maximum entry age for purchasing a health insurance policy in India varies from one insurer to another. Generally, the minimum entry age is 18 years, and the maximum entry age is 65-70 years. However, some insurers offer health insurance policies with no age limit or higher age limits for senior citizens. It is advisable to check with the insurer for their specific entry age requirements.

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under health insurance policies in India?

Pre-existing medical conditions may or may not be covered under health insurance policies in India, depending on the insurer and the policy terms and conditions. Some health insurance policies may have a waiting period of a few months or years before covering pre-existing conditions, while others may not cover them at all. However, some insurers offer policies that cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period. It is advisable to check the policy terms and conditions and the coverage offered for pre-existing conditions before purchasing a health insurance policy.

Can a policyholder avail of tax benefits on the premium paid towards health insurance policies in India?

Yes, policyholders can avail of tax benefits on the premium paid towards health insurance policies in India under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The tax benefit amount varies depending on the age of the policyholder, the type of health insurance policy, and the premium paid.
For individuals below the age of 60 years, a maximum deduction of up to Rs. 25,000 can be claimed for the premium paid towards health insurance policies. For senior citizens (above 60 years of age), the maximum deduction limit is Rs. 50,000. In addition, if a policyholder buys a health insurance policy for their parents, they can claim an additional deduction of up to Rs. 25,000 (Rs. 50,000 for senior citizens).
It is important to note that the tax benefit is subject to change as per the prevailing tax laws and regulations in India. It is recommended to consult with a tax advisor or a financial planner for a better understanding of the tax benefits available on health insurance policies in India.

Is it necessary to undergo a medical check-up before purchasing a health insurance policy in India?

It depends on the age and the sum insured opted by the policyholder. Insurance companies may require a medical check-up for individuals above a certain age or those opting for a high sum insured. However, some policies may not require a medical check-up for individuals below a certain age or those opting for a lower sum insured. It’s always recommended to check with the insurance company or the agent to know the exact requirements for a medical check-up.

Can a policyholder avail of cashless hospitalization facility in any hospital under a health insurance policy in India?

A policyholder can avail of cashless hospitalization facility in hospitals that are empaneled with the insurance company’s network. These hospitals are usually listed in the policy documents or can be obtained from the insurance company’s website. If a policyholder seeks treatment in a non-network hospital, then the reimbursement process applies where the policyholder needs to pay for the treatment upfront and later claim the expenses from the insurance company.

Conclusion:

Health insurance is a reliable insurance aggregator that provides millions of people with reimbursements for their medical and surgical expenses. Several people, families, and employers find it easier to manage their medical bills with the help of India’s diverse health insurance policies. Our aim in writing this post is to reduce your burden and help you conduct thorough research to choose the best health insurance plan. If you have any queries about the 10 health insurance company in India then comment down below.

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