Onsurity Editorial
July 10, 2025
24 min read
7396Table of Contents
Health Insurance Companies
Health insurance plays a crucial role in the lives of Indians, with the skyrocketing healthcare costs and the unpredictability of medical emergencies. Whether through employer-provided coverage or individual policies, health insurance ensures that people are financially prepared for medical crises without draining their savings.
India’s health insurance market is undergoing rapid growth, now recognised as the fastest-growing health insurance market in the world. Traditionally, the insurance sector has been known for cumbersome processes, but this is changing with the rise of digital insurance and insurtech companies.
These innovative companies are using technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to transform how insurance works – making risk assessment, policy distribution, and claims processing more efficient and user-friendly.
In addition to these innovations, many health insurance guidelines have been evaluated and reworked to bring easy adoption and accessibility for retail consumers. The insurance regulator in India – IRDAI, has introduced the following updates to the health insurance sector in the year 2024: no more entry age limit means people above the age of 65 can also get covered; pre-existing disease waiting period duration reduced from 4 years to 3 years; no sub-limits on AYUSH treatments; better plan customisation for specialised groups.
Health insurance is a necessary financial tool that should be a part of every household, and these innovations are a bonus that make health insurance a more lucrative investment for you.
In this blog, we help you find the best health insurance company in India for 2025 by showcasing the top 10 providers, complete with key metrics to help you make an informed decision.
List of Top 10 Health Insurance Companies in India
| Health Insurance Company Name | Network Hospitals | Claim Settlement Ratio | Key Plans | USP(s) | Ideal For |
| HDFC Ergo | 16,000+ | 99.16% |
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| Aditya Birla | 11,000+ | 92.97% |
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| Care Insurance | 11,400+ | 92.77% |
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| Niva Bupa | 10,000+ | 92.02% |
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| TATA AIG | 12,000+ | 95.43% |
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| Star Health | 14,000+ | 82.31% |
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| Digit Insurance | 9,000+ | 96.71% |
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| Manipal Cigna | 15,000+ | 88.59% |
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| SBI Health Insurance | 16,000+ | 97.05% |
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| Reliance Health Insurance | 10,000+ | 99.57% |
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Disclaimer: The data shared above reflects the most recent publicly available information from insurer websites, IRDAI reports, and trusted industry sources. It is intended for general awareness only. Figures are subject to periodic updates
10 Best Health Insurance Companies in India
As we highlight the 10 best health insurance companies, it is important to note that the listing is not in any particular order. The reason is that no particular company can rank first across all key parameters.
1. HDFC Ergo Health Insurance
HDFC Ergo is a general insurance company, founded in the year 2002, as a joint venture between HDFC (India’s largest private bank) and ERGO International AG (primary insurance entity of Munich Re Group). In addition to health insurance, they offer a wide range of non-life insurance products like travel insurance, home insurance, personal accident insurance, and a customised range of insurance products in the corporate segment. As of March 2025, their claim settlement ratio is 99.16%, a good indicator of their financial reliability.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from HDFC Ergo and their key features:
- Optima Secure – Instant 2X coverage, coverage increases annually regardless of claims, no room rent limit, coverage for consumables.
- Optima Secure Global – Includes all features of Optima Secure and global coverage up to Rs. 2 crore.
- My: Health Women Suraksha – Comprehensive coverage crafted specially for women; coverage can also extend to other female members of the family.
- Critical Illness Insurance – Pays a lump sum benefit against listed critical illnesses regardless of the actual treatment cost.
What Makes HDFC Ergo A Great Option?
With the legacy and financial stability of HDFC and the global insurance exposure of Ergo, HDFC Ergo Health Insurance is not only a top contender in this list but also an exceptional choice for people for whom cost is no barrier.
2. Aditya Birla Health Insurance
A dedicated subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, Aditya Birla Health Insurance was founded in 2016, as a joint venture between Aditya Birla Group and MMI Holdings (a South African insurer). In a very short period of time, the insurer has built a strong service network with presence across 2,800 cities via branches, 11 bancassurance partners, and 10,000+ cashless hospitals.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from Aditya Birla and their key features:
- Activ One NXT – Coverage from day 1 for 7 chronic diseases, no sub-limits or capping, 100% returns via rewards for keeping a healthy lifestyle are some distinguishable features of this plan.
- Activ One VYTL – Tailored coverage for chronic illnesses in addition to the comprehensive benefits similar to Activ One NXT.
- Activ One SAVR – Daily cash allowance during hospitalisation for miscellaneous expenses in addition to the base health insurance cover.
- Activ Health Platinum Enhanced – Comprehensive medical coverage, rewards for healthy behavior, Day 1 coverage for chronic illnesses, no room rent capping, and wellness benefits.
- Activ Fit – For fitness freaks, this plan offers exciting cashbacks and rewards for keeping a healthy lifestyle in addition to medical coverage and personalised wellness care.
- Activ One VIP – In addition to the core health insurance benefits, this plan also offers enhanced global coverage.
What Makes Aditya Birla A Great Option?
Not just a pie in the sky, but a health insurance from Aditya Birla offers pretty much everything one can ask for. Furthermore, the insurer has a strong reputation for customer service and reliability. Anyone looking for a truly holistic plan will get the most out of their investment, more so if they lead a healthy lifestyle.
3. Care Insurance
Care Health Insurance is a standalone insurer, focused on delivering excellence in the health insurance segment, with 13 years of industry experience. The insurer is backed by Religare Enterprises Limited (an NSE-listed investment and financial services holdings company). The insurer is known for its extensive hospital network and customer-centric approach.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from Care Insurance and their key features:
- Ultimate Care – Comprehensive health insurance that comes with add-ons like a money-back bonus, a 100% increase in coverage on each renewal, and an annual health check-up.
- Care Supreme – This comprehensive family cover comes with lifelong renewability and multiple sum insured options to suit different needs.
- Care Advantage – This plan comes with a higher sum insured that combines domestic and global medical coverage and goes up to Rs. 6 Cr with no room rent capping.
- Care Supreme – Senior – This plan offers comprehensive coverage, but it is built keeping in mind the specific needs of senior citizens and requires no pre-medical check-up.
What Makes Care Health Insurance A Great Option?
Plans offered by Care are not unique and have some of the most commonly offered health insurance features. But what Care lacks in product innovation, it makes up for by providing great customisation, a robust cashless network, consistently strong claim settlement record, and its focus on customer wellness.
4. Niva Bupa Health Insurance
Niva Bupa is another standalone health insurance in this list that was founded in 2008 as a joint venture between True North (an Indian private equity firm) and Bupa (a UK-based healthcare company). Niva Bupa is a known trailblazer in the health insurance segment with a demonstrated history of solid financial performance and a record-breaking cashless claims processing in under 30 minutes. The insurer has a promising portfolio of health insurance products.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from Niva Bupa and their key features:
- Health Premia – A comprehensive health insurance policy that covers all hospitalisation, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses and comes with a 10% annual increment in the sum insured regardless of claims.
- Rise – In addition to the health insurance cover, the plan offers the option to earn a return on premium, smart cash for treatment in government hospitals, hospicash, inflation-linked sum insured hike, personal accidental cover, and flexi pay.
- ReAssure 2.0 – A comprehensive health insurance that also comes with automatic restoration, lifelong renewability, and inclusion for OPD and daycare treatment.
- Health Companion – A holistic healthcare coverage that gets adjusted in accordance with inflation and offers direct claims processing (no TPA).
- Aspire – A health insurance plan crafted just for young professionals and newly married couples. The plan offers cashback for claim-free years and gives the option to carry forward unused base sum insured up to 10X the base cover.
What Makes Niva Bupa A Great Option?
As a standalone health insurance provider, this insurer has consistently delivered innovation and performance. As of March 2025, their claim settlement ratio (CSR) was 92.02%. The 30-minute claims processing is a great reason to consider this option. Digitally savvy people are likely to benefit the most from their services.
5. TATA AIG
Tata AIG is a leading private general insurance company, founded in 2001, and backed by TATA and AIG, two globally respected names. TATA AIG is known for its clear policy terms and dependable claims service. The insurer offers great plan customisations and a wide range. With an extensive network of hospitals and healthcare providers, their presence is strong all across the country.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from TATA AIG and their key features:
- TATA AIG MediCare – A comprehensive medical cover that also provides global coverage and consumables benefits. The plan also comes with a compassionate travel allowance for an immediate dependent to the insured’s bedside.
- TATA AIG MediCare LITE – This affordable plan offers all the essential features of the MediCare plan.
- TATA AIG MediCare Premier – This plan is a level up from the MediCare plan, offering all its features plus many of the high-end benefits like wellness, maternity, dental, diagnostics, and OPD.
- TATA AIG Elder Care – A health insurance plan that is made just for senior citizens aged between 65 and 85 years. This plan doesn’t offer a lot of the essential features, but it is a good fallback option for seniors who are struggling to get approval from other insurance providers.
What Makes TATA AIG A Great Option?
TATA AIG stands out for its premium coverage, offering some notable benefits and features, making it a value-for-money option. The Elder Care plan misses the mark, but the other variants are certainly worthy of your consideration. Furthermore, the insurer has a strong track record with a claim settlement ratio of 95.43% as of March 2025.
6. Star Health & Allied Insurance
Star Health is one of the leading insurance providers in India and the only one to offer inbuilt maternity benefits in its core health insurance plans. Founded in 2006, Star Health prides itself on its specialisation in the health insurance segment and customer-centric approach. It is among the top providers, covering a large user base of 17 crore customers to date.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from Star Health and their key features:
- Family Health Optima Insurance Plan – Comprehensive family floater coverage(covers up to 6 adults and up to 3 children). Additional sum insured for road accident, assisted reproductive treatment, and newborn care is also covered.
- Star Health Premier Insurance – Comprehensive health coverage that also includes bariatric surgery, hospice care, rehab/pain management, and daycare treatment.
- Star Health Assure Insurance – Standard family floater health insurance coverage at an affordable premium and optional add-ons like maternity, OPD, and critical illness cover.
- Super Star Insurance – A newly launched plan that comes with comprehensive coverage and a new policy lock feature that freezes your premium at your policy purchase age till you turn 55. 21 optional add-ons are available to customise the policy as per your needs.
- Star Women Care Insurance – A comprehensive health insurance policy made for women that comes with an inbuilt maternity coverage. Additionally, IVF and neonatal care are also included in the policy.
What Makes Star Health A Great Option?
While Star Health has consistently outdone itself in terms of product offerings and innovation, it falls short in building trust. As of March 2025, Star Health records the lowest claim settlement ratio at 82.31%. It has also recently come under scrutiny for numerous claims-related complaints. Its counterpart, HDFC Ergo, is the less affordable alternative, as both are known for offering holistic medical coverage. But Star Health is the popular choice due to being more affordable and accessible.
7. Digit Insurance
One of the newest entrants in the insurance space, Digit was founded in 2016 with the aim of disrupting retail insurance with a tech-driven and innovative approach. In a very short span of time, Digit has managed to acquire a network of 9,000+ hospitals, a claim settlement ratio of 96.71%, and create a solid customer base of 5 crore users.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from Digit Insurance and their key features:
- Digit Double Wallet – A health insurance plan with automatic one-time restoration benefit, no room rent limit, no co-pay, and no hassle. The plan also comes with an inbuilt personal accident cover.
- Digit Infinity Wallet – A comprehensive health insurance plan with all the key features and unlimited restoration benefits. A 50% no-claim bonus can be availed for a claim-free year. The plan also comes with an inbuilt personal accident cover.
- Digit Worldwide Treatment – This is one of the few plans that extend coverage for planned and emergency hospitalisations abroad. It also offers comprehensive medical coverage in India.
What Makes Digit Insurance A Great Option?
Digit is a relatively new entrant, so it doesn’t have a long track record. However, in a short period of time, the insurer has created a niche space with its diverse product portfolio. As for the health insurance plans, the Infinity Wallet plan is one of its kind, offering comprehensive coverage at a competitive price when compared to other providers like Care Insurance, Star Health, and HDFC Ergo. Digit is a good option for people who are digitally savvy and need good global coverage.
8. ManipalCigna
This standalone health insurance provider was founded in 2012 as a joint venture between Manipal Group (India’s eminent healthcare provider) and Cigna Corporation (a US-based healthcare service company). With a solid experience in healthcare, the insurer is known for its experience-driven product focus. Their wide range of products offers good coverage, customisable features, and innovative benefits like unlimited restoration and high cumulative bonuses.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from ManipalCigna and their key features:
- ManipalCigna Sarvah – This plan comes with an infinite cover for some major illnesses and offers unlimited restoration of the sum insured within the policy year. Additionally, the cumulative benefit can be availed up to 1000% of the sum insured.
- ProHealth Prime Plan – A comprehensive health cover with the inclusion of consumables, women’s health, and infertility treatment. The plan offers unlimited restoration and no room rent capping.
- Prime Senior Plan – The entry age for this plan starts at 55 years and focuses primarily on senior citizen care. The plan comes with a significantly low waiting period of 90 days for pre-existing diseases and a cashless health checkup/treatment facility.
- Lifetime Health Plan – This comprehensive plan also comes with a global coverage option. The plan includes coverage up to Rs. 3 crore and offers a loyalty discount on premium from the 4th year onwards.
- Pro Health Plan – This comprehensive plan offers all the key features and the option to remove sub-limits.
What Makes ManipalCigna A Great Option?
Manipal Cigna combines its global healthcare experience with product innovation well. It also fares well alongside the industry average mark in terms of performance, as the 3-year average (2020-2023) CSR of ManipalCigna was 90.08%. The insurance provider also offers great customisations and plan flexibility to policyholders. Anyone looking for exclusive policy features like: cumulative benefit, unlimited restoration, and switch-off option will benefit most from their health insurance plans.
9. SBI General Insurance
SBI is a general insurance company, backed by India’s largest bank, and has decades of experience behind it. Its reach is magnanimous, with 24 crore customers served till date through a vast distribution network of 22,500+ SBI branches, agents, and partners. Even in the health insurance segment, their track record has been consistently good.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from SBI and their key features:
- Health Edge Insurance – This comprehensive plan also offers planned global coverage. In addition to providing all the key features, the plan also offers a Stay Fit Health Checkup allowance every year, coverage for domestic staff/help, and unlimited restoration.
- Arogya Sanjeevani Insurance – This affordable lifetime plan doesn’t require a pre-medical test for people up to 45 years. The plan offers all essential features, including hospitalisation, AYUSH treatment, pre-hospitalisation, and post-hospitalisation cover.
- Arogya Supreme Insurance – The plan is slightly more comprehensive than its counterpart Arogya Sanjeevani, offering coverage up to Rs. 1 crore. In addition to all essential features, this plan also includes mental healthcare, domiciliary care, and alternative treatment. Treatment against any genetic disorder or internal congenital anomaly is also covered under this plan.
- Super Health Insurance – This plan offers the ultimate protection with unlimited restoration, health multiplier benefit against the treatment of critical illnesses, and consumables coverage. This plan is by far the most inclusive and affordable among the other insurers mentioned in this list and category.
What Makes SBI General Insurance A Great Option?
SBI’s presence is nationwide, and the name carries a strong legacy of trust among retail banking and finance customers. Furthermore, their health insurance product range is well-positioned to compete with other providers. SBI has an extensive network of 16,000+ hospitals. Their latest claim settlement ratio was 97.05%. It is a really good option for anyone who is looking for a comprehensive plan at an affordable premium.
10. Reliance General Insurance
Reliance is a leading private general insurer in India, known for offering a wide range of health insurance products with flexible features and strong digital capabilities. Their robust offline and online presence and high-value offerings are what set them apart. The insurer has several comprehensive and specialised plans that cater to a wide range of individuals.
Here are some popular health insurance plans from Reliance and their key features:
- Health Infinity – This comprehensive plan also includes unlimited restoration, global coverage, no room rent cap, air ambulance, and maternity benefits. The maximum sum insured that can be availed is Rs. 5 crore.
- Health Gain – This plan comes with a loyalty cover and a generous cumulative bonus. The plan also offer a claim service guarantee, which offers compensation against any unforeseen delay in claim settlement within the stipulated time.
- Health Global – The plan offers coverage against both planned and emergency global treatment. It also offers healthcare coverage in India.
- Critical Illness Plan – The plan offers a lump sum payout against 10 listed critical illnesses.
What Makes Reliance General Insurance A Great Option?
Reliance stands out for its comprehensive plan options, high sum insured, strong claim settlement record (highest CSR as of March 2025 – 99.57%), extensive hospital network, flexible add-ons, wellness benefits, and digital convenience. Anyone who is looking for a reliable and affordable option with all the essential features can go with any of the Reliance health insurance plans.
Importance of Health Insurance Companies
Here are some key reasons highlighting the significance of health insurance companies:
1. Financial Security
Health insurance companies offer financial protection against medical emergencies and rising healthcare costs. By providing coverage for hospitalisation, treatments, and medical expenses, they help individuals and families avoid significant financial burdens during times of illness or injury.
2. Access to Quality Healthcare
Health insurance companies enable policyholders to access the best healthcare services, including consultations, treatments, surgeries, and hospitalisation, without worrying about the high costs involved. This ensures that individuals can receive timely and quality medical care when needed.
3. Range of Options
Health insurance companies offer a variety of insurance plans tailored to specific needs, such as individual health insurance, family health insurance, critical illness insurance, personal accident insurance, and more. This range of options allows individuals to choose coverage that suits their requirements.
4. Risk Mitigation
Health insurance companies help individuals mitigate the financial risks associated with unexpected medical emergencies, accidents, or critical illnesses. By providing coverage for a wide range of healthcare needs, they offer peace of mind and security to policyholders.
5. Tax Benefits
Health insurance companies offer tax benefits to policyholders under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This incentivises individuals to invest in health insurance, promoting financial planning and security for healthcare needs.
Quick Read: Group Term Life Insurance for Employees
Benefits of Buying Health Insurance from the Insurers
There are several benefits to buying health insurance from insurers. Some of them are as follows:
1. Financial Protection
Health insurance provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses. It helps cover the costs of hospitalisation, surgeries, medications, and other healthcare services, reducing the financial burden on individuals and families.
2. Coverage for Chronic Conditions
Health insurance plans often provide coverage for the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. This coverage includes medications, regular doctor visits, and other necessary treatments, helping individuals effectively manage their health conditions and improve their quality of life.
3. Additional Benefits and Services
Many health insurance plans offer additional benefits and services, such as telemedicine, mental health support, maternity care, and prescription drug coverage.
4. Peace of Mind
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of health insurance is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that you have coverage in place in case of illness or injury provides reassurance and allows individuals to focus on their health and well-being without the stress of financial uncertainty.
Quick Read: 10 Best Health and Wellness Companies in India
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Companies in India?
1. Understanding Key Metrics
When choosing the right health insurance company, it’s important to consider several key metrics. Here are some critical metrics to evaluate:
1.1 Incurred Claim Ratio
This is the total claim amount paid by the insurance company in ratio to the total premium amount collected in a financial year.
1.2 Solvency Ratio
This ratio measures an insurer’s ability to meet its long-term obligations. A higher ratio suggests greater financial stability.
1.3 Claim Settlement Ratio
This ratio indicates the percentage of claims settled by the insurer. A higher ratio means the insurer settles more claims. A higher claims ratio is always better for a policyholder.
1.4 Average Time to Settle a Claim
Evaluating the average time taken to settle claims can help assess the insurer’s efficiency. The higher the average time, the worse it is for policyholders.
Suggested Read: Employer Employee Insurance
2. Compare Different Health Insurance Plans
If you are looking to buy a new policy or port your existing one, you should compare different health insurance plans to make an informed decision and choose the policy that best meets your healthcare needs and financial requirements.
You can start by visiting the official websites of health insurance providers to explore their plans and features. Individuals can use online premium calculators and comparison tools available on insurer websites or insurance aggregators.
Assess the coverage offered by each plan, including inclusions and exclusions, sum insured, waiting periods, room rent limits, co-pay amounts, and network hospitals. Look for additional benefits like free annual health check-ups, coverage for pre and post hospitalisation expenses, and riders such as maternity benefits, critical illness cover, and no-claim bonus protector.
3. Evaluate the Network of Hospitals and Healthcare Providers
Evaluating the network of hospitals and healthcare providers is crucial when selecting a health insurance plan. A strong network ensures access to quality care, cashless treatment, convenience in admissions, cost-effective services, emergency care, streamlined claim settlement, and the ability to choose from a range of hospitals based on individual needs and preferences.
Studying the network of hospitals also allows individuals to choose healthcare providers that align with their preferences, such as proximity to their residence, reputation, quality of services, cashless treatment and specialised treatments available.
4. Seek Professional Advise
Seeking professional advice when buying health insurance is crucial to making an informed decision and selecting a plan that meets your specific healthcare needs and financial requirements. Professionals can guide you through the process, help you understand the coverage options, and ensure that you have the right protection in place.
Seeking professional advice can prevent common mistakes when buying health insurance, such as underestimating your healthcare needs, overlooking important coverage details, or choosing a plan that does not fit your budget.
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5. Review Policy Terms and Conditions
By carefully reviewing the policy terms and conditions before buying health insurance, you can ensure that you have a clear understanding of the coverage, exclusions, procedures, and requirements of the policy, enabling you to make a good decision and maximise the benefits of your health insurance plan.
Familiarise yourself with the claim procedures outlined in the policy and know the documents required to file a claim, the time limits for claim submission, and the process for cashless hospitalisation at network hospitals.
6. Insurer Reviews and Customer Ratings
When buying health insurance, it is crucial to review insurer reviews and customer ratings to gain insights into the reputation, service quality, and customer satisfaction levels of insurance companies.
7. Consider Additional Features
When purchasing health insurance, it is essential to consider additional features beyond basics. Here are some key additional features to consider:
7.1 No Room Rent Restrictions
Opt for a policy that does not impose room rent restrictions, allowing you to choose a hospital room without financial constraints.
7.2 No Co-payment Clause
Look for a policy that does not include a co-payment clause, where you are required to pay a percentage of medical expenses out of pocket. A policy without co-payment offers full coverage without additional costs.
7.3 No-claim Bonus
Choose a policy that offers a significant no-claim bonus, rewarding you with a bonus on the sum insured for every claim-free year.
7.4 Restoration Benefit
Consider a policy with a restoration benefit that reinstates the entire sum insured if it gets exhausted within a policy year.
7.5 Short Waiting Periods
Opt for a policy with short waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, ensuring quick coverage for existing health issues after the waiting period is over.
7.6 Daycare Treatments
Choose a policy that covers daycare treatments, which do not require 24-hour hospitalisation.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Health Insurance Company in India
1. Claim Settlement Ratio and Its Importance
Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) is a critical metric in the insurance industry that indicates the percentage of claims settled by an insurer compared to the total claims received in a financial year. A high CSR signifies that the insurance company has a strong track record of settling claims, instilling confidence in policyholders regarding the insurer’s credibility and trustworthiness.
CSR also reflects the insurer’s financial strength and ability to fulfill its claim obligations. A consistently high CSR indicates that the insurer has the financial capacity to pay out claims promptly and in full, ensuring policyholders receive the benefits they are entitled to. Look for the Claim Settlement Ratio alongside other parameters before finalising the service provider.
2. Solvency Ratio and Financial Stability of the Company
When selecting health insurance, it is crucial to consider the solvency ratio of the insurance company as it directly reflects the financial stability and reliability of the insurer. The solvency ratio indicates the excess of assets over liabilities and other obligations of the insurer.
A high solvency ratio signifies the stability, reliability, and long-term financial security of the company. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandates a minimum solvency ratio of 150% for insurance companies to lower risks and ensure financial stability.
Also, Read: Top 10 HealthTech Startups in India
3. Network Hospitals (In-Patient and Out-Patient Facilities)
When choosing health insurance, considering network hospitals (both in-patient and out-patient facilities) is crucial as it directly impacts the convenience, cost, and quality of healthcare services available to policyholders.
Having access to a wide network of hospitals ensures convenience and accessibility to healthcare services. Policyholders can choose from a range of network hospitals, including reputed medical facilities, for their treatment needs.
4. Coverage Options (Hospitalisation, Cashless Treatment, Critical Illness)
When short-listing a provider of health insurance, it is important to consider the various coverage options available, including hospitalisation, cashless treatment, and critical illness coverage. Look for plans with comprehensive hospitalisation coverage and minimal exclusions to ensure you are adequately protected.
Also, make sure that critical illness insurance provides coverage for specific life-threatening illnesses like cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and more.
5. Policy Exclusions and Limitations
When taking a health insurance policy, it is crucial to understand the policy exclusions and limitations to ensure you are aware of what is not covered by the insurance plan. Most health insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing diseases or medical conditions that policyholders already have at the time of purchasing the policy.
These conditions are typically covered after a waiting period of 2-4 years, depending on the insurer. Also, study if pregnancy and maternity, dental, hearing and vision are covered. Health insurance policies may exclude coverage for congenital diseases or conditions present at birth, as well as self-inflicted injuries.
Quick read: Common Exclusions in Group Health Insurance
6. Customer Service Reputation and Claim Process Ease
By considering the customer service reputation and the ease of the claim process when buying health insurance, you can choose a provider that offers reliable support, transparent processes, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
This ensures that you have a positive experience with your health insurance provider and can focus on your health and well-being without worrying about the hassles of claims and customer service.
7. Premium Affordability
Premium affordability when buying health insurance is determined by the percentage of the premium in relation to the individual or household income.
Understanding the affordability criteria set by the insurer or employer is essential to ensure that the health insurance premium remains manageable and fits within the budget constraints of the policyholder. The balance between affordability and needs, without compromising on health coverage.
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Conclusion
Medical emergencies don’t strike on a schedule, and when they do a health insurance comes in handy. Not only does it prevent you from entering a cycle of debt, but it also helps you get the best-in-class treatment. It is a non-negotiable financial tool and almost a rite of passage into adulthood.
However, merely having a personal health insurance policy is not enough. Having an employer-sponsored health insurance policy to fall back on when your personal insurance falls short is lifesaving.
FAQs
1. Which are the top 10 health insurance companies in India?
There are a total of 28 health insurance providers in India, out of which we have identified the top 10 here in this list based on their services, key product offerings, and claim settlement ratio. In no particular order, they are – HDFC Ergo, Aditya Birla, Care Insurance, Niva Bupa, TATA AIG, Star Health & Allied Insurance, Digit Insurance, Manipal Cigna, SBI General Insurance, Reliance General Insurance.
2. Which health insurance provider has the best claim settlement ratio?
Out of all the health insurance providers mentioned in this list, Reliance General Insurance has the highest claim settlement ratio of 99.57% as of March 2025.
3. What are the different types of health insurance policies offered by insurance companies in India?
The different types of health insurance plans include individual health plans, family floater plans, critical illness plans, disease-specific insurance plans and senior citizen plans.
4. Are there any government-regulated guidelines for health insurance companies operating in India?
Yes, the IRDAI is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the insurance industry in India, including health insurance.
5. Can I switch my health insurance policy from one company to another in India?
Yes, you can switch your health insurance policy from one company to another in India. This process is called porting.
6. Are there any tax benefits associated with purchasing health insurance from companies in India?
Individuals can claim tax deductions on health insurance premiums paid for themselves, their spouse, and dependent children under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
7. Does any health insurance company cover diabetes and dental treatment?
Yes, some health insurance companies in India offer coverage for both diabetes and dental treatment under their comprehensive health insurance plans.
8. Do health insurance policies cover maternity expenses?
Maternity coverage is not a standard inclusion in health insurance, but some insurance providers offer it by default. However, it can be availed as an add-on benefit to your existing policy. If you are looking for a plan that comes with the maternity benefit, then Star Health is one of the few providers to offer it.
9. Do health insurance policies cover OPD expenses?
Some health insurance plans offer OPD expenses as an in-built feature, while others offer it as an add-on benefit. Among the providers that do offer it, Star Health, Care Insurance, HDFC Ergo, and TATA AIG have plans that have the best OPD coverage.
10. How can I compare different health insurance plans?
To compare health insurance plans, you need to look out for the following parameters: plan coverage, benefits, policy terms, premium cost, sum insured, sub-limits, network hospitals, claim settlement ratio, and customer reviews. The best way to go about it is by finding the top-performing plans and comparing their respective policy terms to find the one that matches your needs the best.
11. What exclusions should I look for in a health insurance policy?
To find a plan that suits you best, it is crucial to find out what’s not included and what feature you can’t afford to miss. Here are some of the common exclusions of a health insurance plan: pre-existing diseases, waiting periods, maternity expenses, alternative treatments, dental, vision, and hearing treatments, cosmetic surgery, self-inflicted injuries, substance abuse, mental illness, consumables, and diagnostics expenses.
12. What should I do if my claim is rejected?
It can be pretty disheartening to get a claim rejection, but you should not lose hope and instead do the following things: find out the reason for rejection, review your policy document, gather supporting documents, and reapply. If your claim keeps getting rejected despite all these steps, then you can file a formal appeal, escalate to the insurance ombudsman, or approach the consumer court.
