Choosing the optimal health insurance plan can be complex given the numerous options available. Navigating the offerings of various health insurance companies requires careful consideration. When selecting a policy, individuals should evaluate several key factors. These include available health insurance riders, the scope of coverage and benefits provided, and the network of hospitals included in the plan. A thorough assessment of these elements will facilitate informed decision-making and ensure the chosen plan meets individual healthcare needs.
Why should I buy the best health insurance policy?
Purchasing the best health insurance policy in India is essential to safeguard your well-being and finances. It offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and diagnostic tests. With the best health insurance policy, you gain access to a wide network of hospitals and healthcare providers, ensuring timely and quality medical care. It provides financial security during emergencies, protects savings from healthcare costs, and offers peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are adequately covered against health-related uncertainties. Investing in the best health insurance policy is a prudent decision for securing your future health and financial stability.
List of best health insurance plans in India for 2024
Finding good insurance plans can get tricky with so many options available in the market. Visit Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall to get a quick view of the best health insurance plans in India, offered by leading insurers:
Best health insurance plans in India - 2024 |
Entry age (Min-Max) |
Description |
Sum insured |
Number of network hospitals |
Aditya Birla Group Activ Health Plan |
18 years and above |
|
Up to Rs. 10 lakh |
10,000+ |
Niva Bupa Health Plus |
18-60 years |
|
Up to Rs. 5 lakh |
8,500+ |
Bajaj Allianz Health Guard Insurance Plan
|
Age (adults): 18-65 years
Age (dependent children): 91 days to 25 years |
|
Up to Rs. 50 lakh |
7000+ |
ManipalCigna Pro-Health Group |
Age (adults): 18-65 years
Age (dependent children): 91 days to 25 years |
|
Up to Rs. 5 lakh |
6,500+ |
What are types of best health insurance plans in India?
Selecting an optimal health insurance plan in India requires careful consideration of various options. Understanding the different types of health insurance plans available is crucial for individuals and families to ensure comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies while safeguarding their financial well-being.
- Individual health insurance plans: These plans are designed to cover medical expenses incurred due to illnesses, accidents, or hospitalization. They provide financial support for treatments, laboratory tests, and hospitalization costs, as per the policy terms and conditions.
- Family Floater Health Insurance plans: Ideal for families, these plans offer coverage for all family members under a single sum insured. Family floater plans provide flexibility, allowing any family member to utilize the coverage as needed, making them a cost-effective alternative to individual plans for each member.
- Senior citizen health insurance plans: Specifically designed for the elderly, these plans address the unique healthcare needs of individuals above a certain age limit. They typically cover age-related diseases and offer benefits such as pre-existing disease coverage, regular health check-ups, and ambulance services.
- Critical illness health insurance plans: These plans provide specialized coverage for life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Upon diagnosis, they pay a lump sum amount to the insured, assisting with medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Group health insurance plans: Offered by employers or organizations to their employees or members, these policies facilitate healthcare coverage. They often feature lower premiums while providing comprehensive benefits, potentially including cashless hospitalization, maternity coverage, and pre-existing disease coverage.
- Top-up health insurance plans: Functioning as supplementary coverage to an existing health insurance policy, these plans activate once the primary policy's limit is reached. They offer similar coverage at a lower cost than a standalone policy.
- Disease-specific health insurance plans: Some insurers offer plans tailored to specific ailments or medical conditions. These specialized plans provide comprehensive coverage, including focused treatment packages, specialist consultations, and post-treatment care specific to the disease.
What are benefits of the best health insurance plans in India?
Look for the below benefits to choose the best health insurance in India:
Cashless hospitalisation :
Most health insurance plans offer cashless hospitalisation. Insurance companies tie up with several hospitals to create a network to offer quality cashless mediclaim policy. Get your treatment at any of the network hospitals without worrying about the availability of funds. Here, the insurers directly settle the claims with the hospitals.
Comprehensive coverage :
The best health insurance policy offers coverage for a range of healthcare expenses. This includes in-patient and pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses. Some insurance policies also provide coverage for daycare treatments, ambulance expenses, and domiciliary treatment.
Lower premiums:
The best health insurance plans in India often feature lower premiums, making them more affordable for individuals and families. Competitive pricing ensures that essential coverage is accessible, allowing policyholders to secure comprehensive health protection without straining their budgets.
Tax benefits :
Avail tax benefits under relevant sections of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for paying premiums towards the health insurance policy.
Cashless treatment:
One of the key benefits of the best health insurance plans in India is cashless treatment. This feature allows policyholders to receive medical services at network hospitals without making upfront payments, streamlining the claims process during emergencies.
No Claim Bonus or cumulative bonus :
You gain a cumulative bonus for having claim-free policy years. You can benefit from this bonus by increasing your sum insured when renewing the health policy.
Wellness benefits:
The best health policy in India often includes wellness benefits, such as preventive health check-ups, fitness programs, and discounts on health-related services. These incentives promote overall well-being and encourage policyholders to maintain a healthier lifestyle, enhancing long-term health.
Daily allowance :
Many health insurance policies offer daily cash benefit. This helps you take care of the miscellaneous expenses when hospitalised. You may get up to Rs. 1,000 daily, depending on the health insurance chosen.
Critical illness coverage :
Critical illness cover offers coverage for treatments of life-threatening diseases. Health insurance policies also offer critical illness cover as an add-on benefit. Some also include it in their key benefits. You get coverage for cancer, stroke, heart diseases, kidney failure and more. Check the list of the critical illnesses covered under the health insurance policy when buying one.
Extra benefits :
Other common benefits offered by some of the best health insurance in India:
- Free annual health check-ups
- Online doctor consultations
- Consultations with nutritionists
- Discounts on lab tests
How to select the best health insurance policy to buy?
Let us understand how you can shortlist the best health insurance in India:
1. Choose an adequate sum insured amount:
Selecting an appropriate sum insured amount is crucial for ensuring adequate financial coverage during medical emergencies. Assess your healthcare needs and potential expenses, considering factors like age, health conditions, and family size, to determine the right sum.
2. Research and compare plans:
Take the time to research various health insurance plans available in the market. Comparing features, coverage options, premiums, and additional benefits will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your healthcare needs and budget.
3. Choose the right coverage type:
Consider the type of coverage that best suits your requirements, such as individual, family floater, or critical illness plans. Each type offers different benefits and premiums, so choose one that addresses your specific health needs and financial goals.
4. Check the pre-existing disease waiting period:
Be aware of the waiting period for pre-existing diseases in the chosen policy. Different insurers have varying waiting periods, which can affect coverage availability. Opt for a policy with a shorter waiting period if you have existing health conditions.
5. Pick an insurer with a high claim settlement ratio:
Choosing an insurer with a high claim settlement ratio is vital for ensuring reliable claim processing. A higher ratio indicates the insurer's efficiency in settling claims, providing peace of mind during health emergencies.
6. Smooth claim settlement process:
Look for health insurance policies that offer a smooth claim settlement process, including clear documentation and prompt responses. A hassle-free experience during claims can significantly reduce stress during challenging times when you need immediate medical assistance.
7. Don't forget to compare premium:
When selecting a health insurance policy, comparing premiums across different plans is essential. Analyze the premium rates in relation to the coverage and benefits offered to ensure you get value for your money without compromising essential features.
8. Cashless hospitalisation:
Opt for policies that provide cashless hospitalization, allowing you to receive treatment without upfront payments at network hospitals. This feature simplifies the claim process and provides convenience during emergencies, making it an important factor when choosing a health insurance plan.
9. Check the reviews and customer service:
Investigate customer reviews and ratings for the insurer's services. Good customer service ensures timely assistance and support during claims. A company with positive feedback regarding responsiveness and service quality will enhance your overall insurance experience.
10. Read the policy exclusions:
Thoroughly read the policy exclusions before purchasing a health insurance plan. Understanding what is not covered can prevent unpleasant surprises during claims. Ensure the policy aligns with your healthcare needs and that you are aware of any limitations.