Best Health Insurance Plans In India For 2024

Editorial Note: This content has been independently collected by the Forbes Advisor team and is offered on a non-advised basis. This content is not part of the comparison service provided by RunPath Regulatory Services. Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Health insurance is crucial to keep your medical expenses on check. A health insurance policy covers expenses related hospital bills, diagnostic tests and scans, pre and post hospitalization expenses but also provides extra protection to you and your entire family in the most unfortunate times. That’s the reason, buying a health plan is regarded as one of the smartest financial decisions an earning individual can take.

However, with so many options in the market today, selecting the right health insurance plan can be a challenge. To help, Forbes Advisor India analyzed 45 health policies to select the ones that are most suitable and beneficial. Here are some of the best health insurance policies in India that have made it to the list.

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List of Top Health Insurance Plans

Best Health Insurance Plan for Individuals

Aditya Birla Activ Fit Health Insurance

Aditya Birla Activ Fit Health Insurance
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 2 lakh to INR 2 crore

Network Hospitals

9,000+

Minimum and Maximum age

5 years and no limit

Aditya Birla Activ Fit Health Insurance
Apply Now

On Aditya Birla's secure website

Sum Insured

INR 2 lakh to INR 2 crore

Network Hospitals

9,000+

Minimum and Maximum age

5 years and no limit

Why We Picked It

The Aditya Birla Activ Health + Multiply Fit Combo tops our list of best health insurance policies in India for its feature-rich plans. This comprehensive plan offers four-in-one benefits of financial protection, health and wellness, fitness benefits, and rewards in the form of cashback and discounts. It comes with an option to apply for family floater, or take an individual policy. There’s no cap on maximum age entry. However, there’s a waiting period for 36 months for pre-existing diseases. This is quite a new-age plan, which offers a wide sum insured value up to INR 2 crore. This plan takes care of your insurance needs and also offers cashback discounts and wellness points. Its digitally-enabled wellness ecosystem rewards users to implement healthy habits.

Key Features:

  • Variations: Active Health Platinum Enhanced, and Active Health Platinum Premiere.
  • Covered: hospitalization costs, home treatment, modern treatment, chronic cover, pre and post hospitalization, to name a few.
  • Covers medical expenses for 60 days of pre and 180 of post-hospitalization costs.
  • Get access to a health coach for fitness counselling.
  • Benefit of double sum insured amount in two years, if there is no claim bonus.
  • Medical illness, obesity treatment, home treatments are covered up to the sum insured.
  • Earn 100% health returns rewards for staying fit and healthy, which is helpful when renewing the policy.
  • Annual health-checkups, on-call counseling and dietician advice from the inception of the policy.
  • Earn more reward points by accessing live workouts and gym sessions on their app.
  • Cashback and discount  offers up to 25% on various lifestyles, travel and entertainment.
Pros & Cons
  • Offers wide sum insured options.
  • Receive reward points on achieving fitness goals
  • Rewards points can be redeemed for paying next premium or for paying off medicines and tests expenses.
  • Personalized coaching for diet and nutrition.
  • No age limit on entering into the policy.

Long waiting periods:

  • Initial waiting period: 30 days.
  • For pre-existing diseases: 36 months.
  • For specified procedures: 24 months.

Best Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

STAR Health’s Senior Citizens Red Carpet Health Policy

STAR Health’s Senior Citizens Red Carpet Health Policy
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 1 lakh to INR 25 lakh

Network Hospitals

12,000+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

60 years to 75 Years

STAR Health’s Senior Citizens Red Carpet Health Policy

Sum Insured

INR 1 lakh to INR 25 lakh

Network Hospitals

12,000+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

60 years to 75 Years

Why We Picked It

STAR Health’s Senior Citizens Red Carpet Health Policy provides cover to anyone from the age of 60 years and beyond. The policy is available for one, two, or three years, with guaranteed lifetime renewal. While the sum insured for individual policy covers expenses from INR 1 lakh to INR 7.5 lakh, floater basis policy offers INR 10 lakh to INR 25 lakh. There is no requirement of any pre-medical screening before purchasing this policy. Also, the waiting period for pre-existing disease is only 12 months.

Key Features:

  • Sum insured on individual policy is up to INR 7.5 lakh, and up to INR 25 lakh on floater basis.
  • No pre-insurance medical test required.
  • Wide sum insured coverage up to INR 25 lakh.
  • All day care procedures are covered.
  • Premiums can be paid on a quarterly and half-yearly basis.
  • Pre-existing illnesses are covered from the second year of the policy.
  • Co-pay of 30% is applied for all claims.
  • Wide coverage for daycare procedures and surgeries, modern treatments.
  • Covers for cataract surgery up to certain limits based on the sum insured options.
  • 5% discount on the online purchase of the plan.
Pros & Cons
  • Pre-medical screening is not required.
  • Avail various discounts on the premium.
  • Lifetime renewability option.
  • 12 month pre-existing disease waiting period.
  • Pre-existing diseases are covered only after the completion of one year.
  • Diseases diagnosed before the first 30 days of the policy period are not covered.
  • Co-pay of 30% is applied for all claims.

Best Health Insurance Policy for Women

HDFC ERGO My: Health Women Suraksha

HDFC ERGO My: Health Women Suraksha
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 1 lakh to INR 1 crore

Network Hospitals

13,000+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years and 65 years

HDFC ERGO My: Health Women Suraksha

Sum Insured

INR 1 lakh to INR 1 crore

Network Hospitals

13,000+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years and 65 years

Why We Picked It

HDFC ERGO My: Health Women Suraksha caters exclusively to cover expenses needed for the treatment of critical illness. A single policy covers all women in the family, with wide coverage against minor and major ailments, illnesses, surgeries, pregnancy complication related to women. This plan provides extensive coverage up to INR 1 crore, and comes with family discount, long term policy discount, and loyalty discount. The minimum entry age to apply for this policy is 18 years, and maximum up to 65 years. This plan is global and thus its benefits are valid also across national boundaries.

Key Features:

  • Plan coverage for all major cancer such as breast, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovary, vulva.
  • Coverage for almost 40 critical ailments.
  • Covers major and minor illnesses where 100% sum insured is offered in treating these diseases.
  • Includes coverage for loss of job, pregnancy and newborn complication cover, surgical procedures.
  • Offers up to INR 10,000 for a second health opinion, if the insured is not satisfied with the first diagnosis.
  • Insured is entitled to receive 50% of the monthly salary for six months in case of loss of job.
  • Discount for buying online policy, completing two years and three years policy.
Pros & Cons
  • Wide coverage of the sum insured amount.
  • Cover 41 listed critical illnesses.
  • Offer instant and lump sum payment of the sum insured.
  • Lifetime renewability.
  • Policy has a worldwide scope and it is valid abroad.
  • Pregnancy is not covered.
  • Pregnancy and new-born baby complications are covered on payment of additional premium.
  • 90 days waiting period on all major illnesses, and 180 days applicable on all minor illnesses.
  • Four years waiting period on pre-existing disease.
  • One year waiting period for pregnancy and newborn complications.

Best Health Insurance for Youth

Care Plus Youth Health Insurance plan

Care Plus Youth Health Insurance plan
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 3 lakh to INR 25 lakh

Network Hospitals

20,800+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years and 35 years; 91 days old child in family floater plan

Care Plus Youth Health Insurance plan

Sum Insured

INR 3 lakh to INR 25 lakh

Network Hospitals

20,800+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years and 35 years; 91 days old child in family floater plan

Why We Picked It

Care Youth Health Insurance plan is created especially for young people, and comes with benefits including no co-payment condition, inflation-proof coverage, OPD coverage, to name a few. This plan is a new-age health policy for young policyholders, which covers various major and minor illnesses, and comes with loyalty programs and add-ons such as international second opinion, maternity benefit, and discounts.  This policy also covers a child aged five years up to 25 years old.

Key Features:

  • Sum insured up to INR 25 lakh.
  • Covers OPD costs including doctor, dentist, and ophthalmic consultations.
  • Covers in-patient hospitalization, modern treatment, AYUSH treatment, pre-hospitalization cost, etc.
  • Optional coverage available for maternity and new-born.
  • Access to health portal offers like chat with doctors, digital locker for health records, etc.
  • Treatments related to AYUSH are covered.
  • Avail no claim bonus for every claim free year up to a maximum limit of 200% of the sum insured.
  • Annual health check-up once in a policy year.
  • In patient hospitalization and modern treatment costs are covered as per the sum insured amount.
  • Pre-hospitalization coverage for 60 days and post discharge coverage for 90 days.
Pros & Cons
  • Coverage against Covid-19.
  • No pre-policy health screening is required.
  • Coverage of six members under one plan.
  • Unlimited recharge for related illness.
  • Benefit of no co-pay condition.
  • Maternity and newborn cover is available at an additional premium.
  • 30-days of initial waiting period.

Best Health Insurance With Affordable Plans

Niva Bupa Health Pulse Policy

Niva Bupa Health Pulse Policy
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 3 lakh to INR 25 lakh

Network Hospitals

8,600 +

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

Not Available

Niva Bupa Health Pulse Policy

Sum Insured

INR 3 lakh to INR 25 lakh

Network Hospitals

8,600 +

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

Not Available

Why We Picked It

Niva Bupa Health Pulse Policy is a low-cost, pocket friendly health insurance plan, where the insured gets coverage from INR 3 lakh to INR 25 lakh.  There are two variants available: Classic and Enhanced. This policy provides a wide range of benefits including pre-and-post hospitalization expenses, ambulance charges, modern surgeries, HIV or AIDS treatment, critical illness, along with unlimited virtual sessions with listed doctors.

Key Features:

  • Sum insured up to INR 25 lakh.
  • Includes cashless coverage for hospitalization costs.
  • Covers treatment of 30 days before hospitalization and 60 days after discharge.
  • Coverage for the ambulance expenses up to INR 1,500 under the classic plan and up to INR 2,000 under enhanced plan.
  • Addition of 10% in expiring sum insured in a policy year; maximum up to 100%, in a claim free year.
  • Covers expenses related to HIV or AIDS treatment up to a maximum of INR 50,000.
  • Coverage for treatment under day care.
  • Avail personal accident coverage up to INR 50 lakh.
  • Avail critical illness coverage maximum up to INR 10 lakh.
  • Unlimited telephonic or online consultation.
  • Option to add up to 150% of the sum insured amount under enhanced refill benefit.
  • Avail hospital cash up to the maximum limit of INR 2,000 per day.
Pros & Cons
  • Free health check-up for insured and their spouse annually from the second policy year.
  • Low cost policy with wider coverage option.
  • Strong cashless network of more than 8,600 hospitals.
  • Claims are settled directly with zero involvement of third party agents (TPA).
  • The classic plan has up to 20% co-payment available as per conditions.
  • Charges extra premium for e-consultation, hospital cash, personal accident, and critical illness.

Best Health Insurance for Families

Reliance Health Gain Policy

Reliance Health Gain Policy
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 3 lakh to INR 3 crore

Network Hospitals

8,600+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years and 65 years

Reliance Health Gain Policy

Sum Insured

INR 3 lakh to INR 3 crore

Network Hospitals

8,600+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years and 65 years

Why We Picked It

The Reliance Health Gain Policy provides the saftey net required for treatment of various illnesses. The policy comes with three variants: Plus, Power and Prime, with difference in sum insured. Plus plan is ideal for individual policyholders buying health insurance for the first time with sum insured up to 5 lakh, Power plan is recommended for a family of four who needs an all-round protection with sum insured upt 20 lakh, and Prime is a feature-rich plan for customers who are looking for wider coverage with maximum benefits and sum insured is up to 1 crore. It also provides coverage to a family of up to 12 members in the same family floater policy.

Key Features:

  • The policy has three variants such as:

1. Plus is ideal for individual policyholders buying health insurance for the first time.

2. Power is recommended for a family of four who needs an all-round protection.

3. Prime is a feature-rich plan for customers who are looking for wider coverage with maximum benefits.

  • Sum insured up to INR 1 crore, depending on your requirements.
  • Provides additional 20% of the sum-insured on exhaustion of the base insured amount.
  • Base sum-insured cumulative bonus up to a maximum of 100% in each claim-free year.
  • In case of a claim, the bonus decreased by 33.33% of the base sum insured.
  • Provides coverage for modern treatment.
  • Provides unlimited refill of basic sum insured on the exhaustion of the coverage.
  • Coverage for daily hospital cash and consumables expenses.
  • Discount of 15% to healthy customers of 50 years of age with no pre-existing condition.
  • Discount on premium from 7% to 12% if the insured buys a two-and three-years policy respectively.
  • Enhance the scope of coverage via smart covers, family care covers, convenience covers, and preventive care covers.
Pros & Cons
  • No limitations on room rent.
  • Wide network hospitals.
  • No entry age restriction for a sum-insured of INR 3 lakhs.
  • No exit age as this policy offers lifelong renewability.
  • 36 months waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

Best Health Insurance for Complete Coverage

ICICI Lombard- Complete Health Insurance Policy

ICICI Lombard- Complete Health Insurance Policy
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 1 lakh to INR 50 lakh

Network Hospitals

6,500+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

91 days and 18 years

ICICI Lombard- Complete Health Insurance Policy

Sum Insured

INR 1 lakh to INR 50 lakh

Network Hospitals

6,500+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

91 days and 18 years

Why We Picked It

The ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance plan is a comprehensive health policy for you and for your family, with sum insured starting from INR 1 lakh to INR 50 lakh. There are four variants available under this policy: Health Shield, Health Shield Plus, Health Elite, and Health Elite Plus. These plans are different to each other in terms of benefits, add-on features and the coverage amount. Notably, this plan doesn’t include co-payment on the claims, and the plan can be bought easily without any hassle of pre-medical check ups, if you are below the age of 45. Overall it offers great benefits with useful add-on features with a free look period of 15 days.

Key Features:

  • Covers pre-existing diseases, long-term hospitalization, post-discharge recovery, etc.
  • Covers the expenses for long-term hospitalization and post-discharge recovery through convalescence and hospital daily cash benefit.
  • Offers Befit rider, which provides additional coverage of the OPD, requirements on a cashless basis such as doctor’s consultation costs, pharmacy bills, minor procedures, routine diagnostics and wellness therapies.
  • No co-pay and no pre-medical check-up for policyholders till the age of 45.
  • Two complimentary health check-up coupons every year for a family floater health insurance policy.
  • Covers pre-existing diseases after two years of waiting period.
  • Covers costs related to AYUSH, and day care treatments.
  • Offers benefit riders such as OPD, requirements, doctor’s consultation costs, pharmacy bills, etc.
  • Call off the policy via written notice within 15 days of receiving the policy.
Pros & Cons
  • Covers hospitalization expenses on account of Covid-19.
  • No co-payment required.
  • Includes Befit rider.
  • Charges extra premium for donor benefits, pre-existing disease coverage.

Best Health Insurance: Top Up Plan

Tata AIG Super Top Up Policy

Tata AIG Super Top Up Policy
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 3 lakh to INR 1 crore

Network Hospitals

7,200+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

91 days and 65 years

Tata AIG Super Top Up Policy

Sum Insured

INR 3 lakh to INR 1 crore

Network Hospitals

7,200+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

91 days and 65 years

Why We Picked It

The Tata AIG Super Top Up plan is a comprehensive add- on policy. It aims to provide additional security, over and above the regular health plan at fairly affordable rates. This policy provides wider sum insured options along with several in-built benefits and optional benefits such as cumulative bonus, coverage for consumables and optional global cover. The policy is available for both for self and family.

This plan also comes up with massive discounts, where a policyholder in a family floater will receive: 20% discount for two members, 28% discount for three members and 32% for over three members. Similarly, on policy tenure, the insured will receive 5% discount on two-year tenure and 10% discount on three-year tenure.

Key Features:

  • Coverage for up to six family members of the family.
  • Covers pre and post hospitalization, AYUSH treatment, consumables, etc.
  • Covers vaccinations related to rabies, typhoid, HPV, Hepatitis B post two years of the policy.
  • Get bonus on the sum insured up to maximum 100% of the sum insured amount.
  • Optional global cover.
Pros & Cons
  • High claim settlement ratio- 94.21%.
  • No pre-policy health checkup is required.
  • Wide reaching network of more than 7,200 hospitals.
  • 36 months waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

Best Health Insurance Policy for Large Families

Royal Sundaram Family Plus Policy

Royal Sundaram Family Plus Policy
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 2 lakh to INR 50 lakh

Network Hospitals

11,800+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years (adult) and 91 days (dependent child) -Maximum entry age: No limit

Royal Sundaram Family Plus Policy

Sum Insured

INR 2 lakh to INR 50 lakh

Network Hospitals

11,800+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years (adult) and 91 days (dependent child) -Maximum entry age: No limit

Why We Picked It

Royal Sundaram’s Family Plus Health Insurance Plan caters especially to young couples to provide them with essential coverage required for healthcare expenses related to maternity and new-borns. The policy also covers large families up to 19 relationships. Major benefits include maternity benefits up to INR 50,000 per delivery, new-born baby cover, domiciliary hospitalization, inpatient care, day care treatments, to name a few.

Key Features:

  • Best fit for young couples.
  • Waiting period for pre-existing disease is three years.
  • Covers maternity benefits up to INR 50,000 per delivery.
  • Includes new-born baby cover, domiciliary hospitalization, inpatient care, day care treatments, etc.
  • Covers pre-and post-hospitalization expenses.
  • Organ donor expense.
  • Hospital cash of INR 2,000 per day..
  • Annual health check up.
Pros & Cons
  • 10,000+ cashless hopitalization.
  • Maternity benefits.
  • In-patient care.
  • Deduction amount varies among insured persons.
  • Three year waiting period for pre-existing disease.

Best Health Insurance Plan for Critical Illness Cover

Bajaj Allianz Criti Care Policy

Bajaj Allianz Criti Care Policy
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 1 lakh to INR 50 lakh

Network Hospitals

7,600+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years (adult) and 91 days (child) Maximum entry age: 65 years (adult) and 30 Years (Child)

Bajaj Allianz Criti Care Policy

Sum Insured

INR 1 lakh to INR 50 lakh

Network Hospitals

7,600+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years (adult) and 91 days (child) Maximum entry age: 65 years (adult) and 30 Years (Child)

Why We Picked It

The Criti Care policy by Bajaj Allianz provides coverage against 43 critical diseases such as cancer, cardiac arrest, lung or liver transplant and others. This policy gives a lump sum cover to the insured at the time of the need. This policy is further divided into five plans: Cancer Care, Cardiovascular Care, Kidney Care, Neuro Care, Transplants Care and Sensory Organs Care.

Key Features:

  • Sum insured available up to INR 50 lakh.
  • The policy tenure is between one, two and three years.
  • 5% discount, if purchased online and during the policy renewal.
  • The insured can avail 4% and 8% discount, if the policy tenure is two years and three years respectively.
  • Lump sum payout of the sum insured, irrespective of the treatment expenses.
  • All the stages of cancer or cancer of specific severity is covered.
  • Avail additional 5% of the sum insured for physiotherapy care under specific conditions.
Pros & Cons
  • Lifelong renewability.
  • Offers several additional discounts and benefits
  • Initial waiting period for critical illness is 180 or 120 days from the day one of the policy.
  • The claim is paid only after the insured has survived for 0/7/15 days.

Best Health Insurance for Families in an Affordable Range

IFFCO Tokio Family Health Insurance Policy

IFFCO Tokio Family Health Insurance Policy
3.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 30 lakh

Network Hospitals

7,000+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years and above.

IFFCO Tokio Family Health Insurance Policy

Sum Insured

INR 30 lakh

Network Hospitals

7,000+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years and above.

Why We Picked It

As the name suggests, IFFCO Tokio Family Health Insurance Policy provides medical coverage to your family with a sum insured up to INR 30 lakh. This plan provides all possible coverage such as hospitalization expenses, diagnostic tests, scans, daily allowance coverage, daycare surgeries, health check-ups and vaccination expenses, critical illnesses and AYUSH treatment cost across more than 7,000 cashless hospitals in the country. What’s more, this plan doesn’st require any family members upto age 60 to undergo a medical test. It also provides various discounts including pharmacy, lab tests, dental care, and home care for seniors.

Key Features

  • Sum insured up to INR 30 lakh.
  • Room rent and ICU charges are covered up to actuals.
  • Coverage for ambulance charges is INR 2,500., and INR 1,000 daily allowance coverage.
  • Daily allowance coverage is up to INR 1,000.
  • Covers almost 380+ daycare treatments.
  • No medical test required up to age 60.
  • Restoration of sum insured after a claim during the policy period.
  • Covers hospitalization cost, as well as pre-and-post hospitalization expenses.
  • Covers pre-and-post hospitalization expenses.
  • Receive no claim bonus discount for every claim free year.
Pros & Cons
  • Lifelong renewals.
  • No co-payment.
  • No hassle of pre-medical check-up up to age 60 years.
  • 24/7 customer service.
  • Offers world-wide coverage.
  • Limits on coverage and benefits, maternity expenses.
  • Less value of sum insured.
  • No coverage for maternity expenses.

Best Health Insurance for Comprehensive Coverage of Critical Illnesses and Pre-existing Diseases

ACKO 1 Cr Platinum Health Plan

ACKO 1 Cr Platinum Health Plan
3.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Sum Insured

INR 1 crore

Network Hospitals

7,000+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years or above

ACKO 1 Cr Platinum Health Plan
Buy Now

On Acko's secure website

Sum Insured

INR 1 crore

Network Hospitals

7,000+

Minimum and Maximum Entry Age

18 years or above

Why We Picked It

ACKO 1 Cr Platinum Health Plan is a new age plan which serves best if you buy it at an early age. You are eligible to purchase this policy any time after 18 years. The best thing about this plan is that it offers extensive coverage up to INR 1 crore with no hassle of waiting periods, with treatments available across 14,300 cashless hospitals spread across the country, and rest assured 100% of your medical expenses are covered. It covers all the day care and home treatments along with hospitalization expenses.

The policy also offers various add-ons such as room rent waiver and doctor on-call at nominal additional cost. The policyholder is also entitled to receive annual preventive health check-up at no extra cost. Also, the waiting period is applied only to individual policholders who are above 45 years of age. This plan also offers various value-added services such as wellness coaches, fitness tracking, discounts on lab tests, home delivery of medicines.

Key Features

  • No initial or disease specific waiting periods.
  • Can insure up to six dependents, including two adults above 18 years old and children between the age of three months to 25 years.
  • Individuals above the age of 45 years need to undergo pre-policy health checkup.
  • Sum insured of INR 1 crore.
  • Insure up to six dependents, including two adults, (18+ years), and children (3 months to 25 years).
  • Only individuals above the age of 45 years need to undergo pre-policy health checkup.
  • Covers pre-and-post hospitalization cost, expenses for listed critical illnesses from day one.
  • Includes add-ons such as doctor on-call, room rent waiver, waiting period waiver.
  • Option to restore the INR 1 crore sum insured fully.
  • Cover all kinds of day care treatment, multiple road ambulance trips, cost of airlifting, etc.
Pros & Cons
  • Smooth process for claim settlement.
  • No waiting periods.
  • High sum insured.
  • No capping on room rent.
  • Free annual health check-up.
  • Only individuals above the age of 45 years need to undergo pre-policy medical checkup.
  • No coverage for maternity expenses, treatments related to birth control, infertility, or sterility.
  • No coverage for undisclosed pre-existing diseases.

Comparison of Best Health Insurance in India


Policy Name Forbes Advisor Rating Minimum/Maximum Entry Age Sum Insured Range (INR) Network Hospitals Learn More
Aditya Birla Activ Fit Health Insurance 4.5 5 years/No limit 2 lakh-2 crore 10,000+ View More
Star Health Senior Citizens Red Carpet 4.5 60 years/75 years 1 lakh-25 lakh 12,000 View More
HDFC ERGO My Health Suraksha 4.0 18 years/55 years 3 lakh- 24 lakh 13,000 View More
Care Youth Health Insurance Plan 4.0 18 years/35 years 3 lakh-25 lakh 19,000 View More
Niva Bupa Health Pulse Policy 4.0 NA 3 lakh-25 lakh 8,600 View More
Reliance Health Gain Policy 4.0 18 years/65 years Upto INR 3 crores 8,600 View More
ICICI Lombard- Complete Health Insurance Policy 4.0 91 days/18 years 1 lakh- 50 lakh 6,500 View More
Tata AIG Super Top Up Policy 4.0 91 days/65 years 3 lakh- 1 crore 7,200 View More
Royal Sundaram Family Plus Policy 4.0 18 years/no limit 3 lakh-50 lakh 11,800 View More
Bajaj Allianz Criti Care Policy 4.0 18 years/ 65 years 1 lakh-50 lakh 7,600 View More
IFFCO Tokio Family Health Plan 3.5 18 years and above Up to 30 lakh 7,500+ View More
ACKO 1 Cr Platinum Health Plan 3.5 18 years and above Up to INR 1 crore 7,000+ View More

Methodology For Choosing The Best Health Insurance Policy

For our Forbes Advisor India ratings, we considered the following top factors that help consumers to decide whether they want to opt for a specific health policy. We ranked these best health insurance plans on the basis of these parameters:

Sum Insured Amount (20% of score): While analyzing the above-mentioned plans,  first we checked the coverage these plans are offering. Select the sum insured amount, as per your personal medical needs and of your family. Do not choose a policy which gives more coverage than you need as it will increase your premium. Focus on customizing the plan by choosing for various riders as per requirement.

Network of Hospitals (30% of score): It is always better to check if the insurance company has a wide list of network hospitals. There are also cashless hospitalization services, where the insured is not required to pay the hospital bill. And, always check for those network hospitals that are in your vicinity.

Sub-Limits and Co-Payments (10% of score): A health policy that does not have any sub-limits on hospital room rent or co-payment clause, is also an important factor while considering a health policy. We have carefully analyzed these clauses and limits in each of these plans and also mentioned, if there’s a presence of such limits or no limits in the plans.

Claim Settlement Ratio (20% of score): This is a very important factor as the only reason the insured purchases the policy is with a hope of a fast claim settlement process in the time of any unfortunate event. A higher ratio shows that the company is steadfast in settling its claims.

Waiting Period (10% of score): This is also a very crucial parameter, as insured will not be able to activate the policy if the waiting period is not completed. However, these waiting periods are unavoidable. So, you can find a plan where this period is comparatively less.

Add-on Benefits (10% of score): The health policies come up with a multiple range of optional benefits such as international coverage, maternity coverage, personal accident and critical illness covers, daily hospital cash, discounts on long term policy tenure, flexible sum assured option, cumulative bonus etc. Always choose these benefits as per your needs which can provide additional security, over and above the regular health plan at fairly affordable rates.

Purchasing a health insurance policy is a significant decision, and if you are not so sure how to select the best one for you, keep the above-mentioned points in mind to avoid mistakes while choosing the best health policy. 

Key Factors To Consider Before Buying Health Insurance Plans

Age Factor: Age is one of the most crucial criteria for purchasing a health insurance plan. Also, while buying a health policy, it is important to keep in mind the age of the family members who need to be insured. The higher the age bracket the more premium. You are also required to check the minimum and maximum age limit while buying a health insurance cover.

You are also required to check the minimum and maximum age limit while buying a health insurance cover. Generally, the health insurance plans in India have the minimum entry age limit of 91 days and the maximum entry age limit of up to 60 or 65 years.

Perfect Blend of Premium and Sum Insured Coverage: It is always a win-win situation if one is able to buy a health insurance plan with normal premiums and good coverage. As if one goes for a really low premium, then they might compromise on good sum insured coverage. Therefore, a right blend of premium and sum insured coverage is a very important factor while buying a health insurance plan.

Waiting Period: Always check the waiting period clause before buying a health insurance cover. For instance, the waiting period for pre-existing diseases, which is usually one to four years. Compare and buy a plan that comes with a minimum waiting period, so that you would be able to claim the benefits at the right time in case of any health emergency.

Cashless Hospitalization Network: All the health insurance companies have a tie-up with network hospitals, where the insured can avail the benefits of health insurance policy without even paying a penny from their pocket. It also saves your precious time from the lengthy paperwork process as the insurer pays the sum insured directly to the hospital.

Always check the cashless hospitals lists, and then take a decision on buying a health insurance plan.

Claim Settlement Process: Check their policy “wordings” carefully to understand the claim settlement process. An easy and timely claim settlement procedure is a bliss when it comes to settling health claims. For this, check the claim settlement ratio, read customer reviews and then choose an insurance provider which is known for their smooth claim settlement process.

Check Inclusions And Exclusions: The document, or a brochure, of each health policy contains information on what is included and excluded in the plan. Knowing all the exclusions and inclusion beforehand, saves the hassle and pain of claim rejections later.

The above-mentioned criteria have to be kept in mind while buying a health insurance plan. However, one can also check the co-payment clause, room rent limits, add-on benefits, no-claim bonus, maternity and new-born coverage, pre and post hospitalization coverage before buying a health insurance plan.

How To Save Tax With A Health Insurance Policy?

Health insurance policies not only provide you with financial protection during difficult times but also provide you tax benefits. The Income Tax Act allows the deduction for health insurance premium via Section 80D. Individuals, including Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Hindu Undivided Family or HUF, are eligible to claim tax exemption under Section 80D of the IT Act.

Another important point to claim for tax deductions on health insurance premiums, one needs to pay premium via cheque, bank draft, credit or debit cards but not by cash. And, if someone pays their health insurance premium in cash, they won’t be allowed to avail any claim benefit on their policy.

The maximum amount of deduction on premiums paid for self and family (if senior citizen) plus premiums paid for separate health insurance for parents is INR 1 lakh every year.


Policyholder Tax Saving Under Section 80D
Self, family (below 60 years) INR 25,000
Self and family + parents (all below 60 years) INR 25,000+ INR 25,000 = INR 50,000
Self, family (below 60 years) + parents (above 60 years) INR 25,000+ INR 50,000 = INR 75,000
Self, family, parents (all above 60 years) INR 50,000+ INR 50,000 = INR 1 lakh

The health insurance tax benefits under Section 80D for senior citizens who are above 60 years and below 80 years) on health insurance premiums are as follows:

  • Tax exemption of up to INR 50,000 for every financial year.
  • Tax exemption of up to INR 5,000 on preventive health check-ups for every financial year.

Documents Required To Claim Tax Benefits

The income tax department does not require any documents for claiming the deduction while filing income tax return (ITR). But for the record and proof, it is advisable to retain the following documents:

  • Premium payment receipt.
  • Health insurance policy copy.
  • 80D certificate from the insurer, if one has paid a premium towards their parent’s coverage.
  • No documents are required to claim tax exemption for preventive health check-ups.

Note: Tax benefits are subject to change as per the Income Tax laws.

How To Calculate Health Insurance Premiums?

With skyrocketing medical costs, calculating the premium has become very important. Health insurance companies provide you with an online tool to calculate health insurance premiums, which helps you to estimate the premium amount you are required to pay for a particular health insurance plan.

Enter details of the people you want to insure, including age, pin code, contact details, etc.

Click on the “get insurance quote” tab button, you will then be able to view the available plans.

Pick the plan as per your health insurance needs.

Select required coverage for yourself and click on “calculate premium”.

The insurance premium calculator will display the premium amount you are liable to pay.

It also allows you to select the add-on covers to enhance your medical coverage.

What Are The Factors That Affect Health Insurance Premiums?

Following are the crucial factors which insurance companies consider while calculating the health insurance premium:

Age: Higher the age, higher the premium. Elderly people are more prone to suffer from critical illness than young people. It is advisable to buy a health insurance premium when you are young as you receive more coverage and benefits at much affordable premiums.

Past Health Record: The rule is simple here, If you have a past of any kind of illnesses such as blood pressure or diabetes or any such kind of pre-existing disease, you will be charged a higher premium. And, if you have no illness history and a relatively healthy life, then your premium will be lesser.

Smoking Habits: Smoking cigarettes increases health risks. People who smoke tend to pay high premiums as compared to non-smokers. As smoking cigarettes increases health risks and so the insurance companies have labeled smokers as high-risk insurance buyers, and therefore they charge high premiums.

Location: Your location may also play a role to determine the premium cost. For instance, premium policyholders based in metro cities generally have a higher premium cost as compared to the non-metro cities.

Other than the above-mentioned factors, your body mass index, type of plan, occupation, policy duration are such factors, which are considered by the insurance companies while calculating health insurance premium.

Documents Required For Health Insurance Claim Reimbursement

To file a claim, the insured is required to submit the following documents:

Duly filled claim form with signature of applicant.

Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, passport, PAN card, and driving license.

Prescription by a medical practitioner recommending hospitalization, tests and medicines.

Original pharmacy bills, case papers and ambulance receipt.

Certificate from employer (for salaried individuals).

Insurance policy stating the name, address, illness and other details of the insured.

How To Renew Health Insurance Online?

A health insurance plan should be renewed before expiry so as to avoid any lapse in policy and to retain the no claim bonus, s which is given to the policyholder for not making any claim in the policy tenure. Below are the steps that can be followed to renew the health policy online:

Insurer sends you a renewal reminder on your registered e-mail address.

The email will contain an online link to renew the policy that takes you to the payment for the continuance of the policy.

Generally, the policy gets renewed within a time frame of 24 hours.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

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What is the best health insurance policy in India?

Following is a list of best health insurance policies of India:

  • Aditya Birla Activ Health + Multiply Fit Combo
  • STAR Health’s Senior Citizens Red Carpet Health Policy
  • HDFC ERGO My: Health Women Suraksha
  • Care Youth Health Insurance Plan
  • Niva Bupa Health Pulse Policy
  • Reliance Health Gain Policy
  • ICICI Lombard- Complete Health Insurance Policy
  • Tata AIG Super Top Up Policy
  • Royal Sundaram Family Plus Policy
  • Bajaj Allianz Criti Care Policy
  • IFFCO Tokio Family Health Plan
  • ACKO 1 Cr Platinum Health Plan

Is it worth to buy health insurance in India?

What is deductible in health insurance with example?

What are the benefits of a health insurance plan?

What is a health insurance premium?

Which health insurance plans cover pre-existing diseases?

Is it good to take health insurance online?

What is grace period in insurance?

Is it possible to change health insurance plans and still avail tax benefits?

What is a health insurance premium?

What are pre-existing diseases in health insurance?

What is the meaning of network and non-network hospital?

What are the common exclusions under health insurance policy?

What factors to consider when purchasing a health insurance policy?

Can you add a rider to an existing health insurance plan?

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