Last Updated on 25/12/2023 by Deepak Singla
Medical and Medicare costs are rising year-on-year, therefore, it is important for an individual to purchase a Best health insurance plans. Inflation in Medicare is in the double digits, which is much higher than inflation in food and other areas. A health insurance plan is taken by an individual to cover for his or her surgical and medical expenses. There are many health insurance policies available that will provide cover for the parents and other family members of the policyholder as well.
For people who haven’t saved a lot of money, if there is a medical emergency, arranging money is a very difficult task. There are certain health insurance plans that cover over 80 surgical procedures and as many as 30 critical illnesses. Therefore, if an individual is responsible for the well-being of the family financially, it is important for them to purchase the best health insurance plan. There are many health insurance policies available where the premium is not high.
Things to consider while buying Best Health Insurance Plans:
There are a few things an individual must consider while purchasing a health insurance policy:
- Health insurance premium quotes
- Waiting periods in case of pre-existing diseases
- Renewable period
- Co-payment
- Coverage for room rent
Read more: Top 10 health insurance companies in india
Top 10 Best Health Insurance Plans in India
Below are some of the best health insurance plans available in India with their feature and benefits :
1. Apollo Munich Health Easy Health Plan
According to international accreditation bodies and global healthcare experts, Apollo and quality health have become synonymous in India. Munich Health and Apollo Hospitals Group joined hands with the aim of bringing world-class healthcare to every individual.
Some of the key features of the Apollo Munich Health Easy Health Plan are:
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- Hospitalisation cover of up to Rs.50 lakh is available.
- An individual can opt for additional cover for critical illnesses.
- In easy health premium and easy health exclusive plans, maternity is covered.
- Pre and post-hospitalisation cover of 60 and 90 days, respectively, is available.
- Hospitalisation under Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy is available.
2. ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance
Against unexpected and untoward events, ICICI Lombard provides general insurance solutions to protect you and your family. Cashless approval within 4 hours is assured with ICICI Lombard’s Complete Health Insurance. Timely medical services can also be availed in their 3,600+ network hospitals.
Some of the key features of the ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance are:
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- Lifelong renewability is available.
- Cashless hospitalisation at any of their network hospitals is available.
- Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, policyholders can avail tax benefits on the premium paid for the health insurance policy.
- Hospitalisation under Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy is available.
3. Religare Health Insurance – Care
It is a comprehensive health insurance plan with the main aim of safeguarding you and your family from the financial burdens of medical expenses. This plan provides cover from diagnosis to recovery.
Some of the key features of the Religare Health Insurance – Care plan are:
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- During hospitalisation, the expenses incurred for availing a domestic road ambulance is reimbursed. If suggested by a doctor, certain plans also provide cover to avail an air ambulance.
- Expenses incurred while staying in a private or single room are reimbursed under this plan.
- All members under this policy are eligible for an annual health check-up.
- Under this policy, there is no upper age limit of enrolment.
4. Bajaj Allianz’s Health Guard
Medical expenses resulting from accidents or serious illnesses are covered under the Bajaj Allianz’s Health Guard. The Silver Plan and the Gold Plan are the two plans available under Bajaj Allianz’s Health Guard. Comprehensive benefits are provided under this cover for an affordable price.
Some of the key features under this cover are:
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- Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses of 60 and 90 days, respectively, are provided under this cover.
- Payment of medical expenses for In-patient Hospitalisation Treatment Cover is available.
- Reimbursement of expenses of up to Rs.20,000 for use of road ambulance is offered under this cover.
5. Aditya Birla Activ Assure Diamond
Some of the key features of the plan are:
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- Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses of 30 and 60 days, respectively, are provided under this cover.
- Medical expenses are covered in case treatment must be done at home. This can happen because there could be no beds in the hospital or hospital transfer is not possible due to your health condition.
- As per your eligibility, transportation to hospital is covered in case of an emergency.
- The option to get admitted in any room without any restrictions is provided under this cover.
6. Max Bupa Health Companion
The Health Companion plan is a comprehensive and affordable plan keeping in mind the needs of the individual and immediate family.
Some of the key features of the plan are:
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- There is no cap on room rent charges under this plan.
- Pre and post-hospitalisation of 30 and 60 days, respectively, are covered under this plan.
- Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, tax benefits are available on the premium paid.
7. HDFC Ergo Health Suraksha Gold – Regain ECB
It is the best health insurance plan that gives maximum benefit at critical times and provides comprehensive health coverage at an affordable price.
Some of the key features are:
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- There is no age limit of entry under this cover.
- Optimised health insurance plans at an affordable cost are available.
- A network of over 6,000 hospitals where cashless services can be availed under this plan.
8. Apollo Munich Health Optima Restore Plan
Some of the key benefits of this plan are:
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- Pre and post-hospitalisation cover of 60 and 180 days, respectively, is available.
- Cashless claims are provided under this cover.
- Ambulance services are provided under this cover.
- Up to 8% discount of renewal premium is available for being active and the steps you take.
9. Royal Sundaram Lifeline – Supreme Family Floater
Some of the key benefits of this plan are:
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- In-patient hospitalisation expenses are covered up to the sum insured.
- Ambulance cover of Rs.5,000 is available.
- Second opinion for diagnosis of 11 specified critical illnesses and treatment of them is available.
- Up to Rs.1 lakh of emergency domestic evacuation is covered.
10. Cigna TTK Prohealth Insurance – Accumulate Plan
Some of the key benefits of this plan are:
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- Up to 50% of the accumulated Health Maintenance Benefit can be used for the first renewal premium of the policy.
- The in-hospital expenses of the donor in case of an organ transplant is covered by the plan.
- Helps in taking care of present health expenses and helps in building a reserve for future health needs.
How to choose the Best Health Insurance Plans in India?
There are several health insurance plans in India to choose from. Also, there are a variety of such plans available. You need to be able to assess the plan as per your needs and then choose the best one. Here are some tips to help you choose the best health insurance plans in India:
1. Affordability
A health plan is extremely important to meet your needs but it should not cut a hole in your pocket. While purchasing health insurance, keep your budget in mind. It shouldn’t be such that you are not able to pay the premiums in the future because that would lead to a policy lapse. Buy reasonable health insurance that has affordable premiums. You will always have the option to review your plan and increase the medical coverage if your income increases.
2. Right Coverage
Look out for such a medical insurance plan that suits your needs. Check if the plan provides coverage for a wide range of medical problems and provides for pre and post hospitalization, daycare expenses, ambulance coverage, and illnesses that run in your family lineage. Keep your requirements in mind, compare different health plans based on benefits, and make a well-informed choice.
3. Family or Individual Health Insurance
If you have a family, then you should opt for family health insurance. This way you will be able to avail maximum health benefits for your entire family under a single plan. Getting individual health plans for each member of your family will require you to pay separate premiums for each one of them.
4. Renewability
While comparing health insurance, make sure to check the renewability option. Check if the plan has limited renewability or lifetime renewability. The reason is that an individual will need health insurance the most in their later years of life. So, always go for a health insurance plan that offers lifetime renewability.
5. Compare Premiums
Not only should you compare the plans but you should also compare the premiums of the plan. Also, compare the health insurance plans in terms of benefits, premiums, returns, features, etc. This way you will get the best medical in India at a comparatively cheap premium price.
6. Network hospitals
If you get admitted to any of the network hospitals of the insurance company, then you can avail of the cashless claim feature. This will save you from all the hassles of documentation in case of a reimbursement claim. Check if any of the hospitals in your area are one of the network hospitals of the fund house. Don’t buy a plan if you have to struggle to find a network hospital of the insurer.
7. Claim Settlement Ratio
Claim Settlement Ratio is defined as the number of claims settled by the insurer to the total claims received. Opt for the plan that has a high claim settlement ratio because this will ensure that your claim does not get rejected if it is legitimate. Always ensure that you have attached all the relevant documents and proofs to support the claim.
8. Coverage Amount
Keep medical inflation in mind and decide the coverage amount accordingly. The healthcare expenses are rising exponentially, and your health insurance coverage should be sufficient to meet your needs. So, choose the mediclaim amount wisely.
9. Reviews
In today’s world, reviews are extremely essential before buying anything. Go through what other people who have bought the insurance are saying about it. Other’s experience with the insurance plan will be very helpful. Also, you will be able to know about the pros and cons of the health insurance policy which will in turn help you make a proper decision.
Therefore, it is important to research the various features of health insurance plans before purchasing one. You will need to purchase a health insurance policy according to your needs and it is also vital to check the network of hospitals that are available under the insurance company.
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