Best Health Insurance Companies in India in 2024

Health insurance is one of the key components of financial planning nowadays, and a decent health insurance plan keeps you and your family safe from sudden medical expenses that arise due to increasing healthcare costs. In this article, we have shared the top health insurance companies in India for the year 2024 and some tips on how to choose a suitable health plan.

Health insurance is one of the key components of financial planning nowadays, and a decent health insurance plan keeps you and your family safe from sudden medical expenses that arise due to increasing healthcare costs. In...
Health insurance is one of the key components of financial planning nowadays, and...

ACKO Health Insurance Plans starting at Rs.20/day*

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Zero

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14,300+

Cashless hospitals

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100%

Bills covered

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Top Health Insurance Companies in India 2024

While selecting health insurance providers, the claim settlement ratio, customer service, number of plans offered, network hospitals, among other factors, should be considered. Given below are some of the top health insurance companies in India in the year 2024.

ACKO InsuranceReasonably priced for comprehensive cover with no waiting period, ACKO remains one of the most progressive health insurers. In fact, it even offers a high sum-insured option. ACKO has been a game-changer with its digital-first approach where claims are settled in minimal time and with complete ease.  
Star Health and Allied InsuranceThe company offers comprehensive coverage, making it one of the leading health insurers in the country with a fast claim settlement process. 
HDFC ERGOThis insurance provides all categories of plans, starting from family floaters to individual health insurance. The biggest USP of HDFC ERGO is that it gives the best customer service with a widespread network of hospitals. 
ICICI LombardUnder their health insurance policy, ICICI Lombard offers comprehensive coverage under their plans including wellness programs, and it is provided with add-on benefits. 
Max Bupa InsuranceThis company offers preventive health care and wellness to families for their different medical needs. 
New India AssuranceAs it is a government-owned company, New India Assurance can offer relatively cheaper plans with full coverage and hence gain the trust of many.

This is the list of best health insurance companies in 2024.

Health Insurance Plans at ACKO

ACKO Standard Health Insurance Plan

Get an all-inclusive cover at a competitive premium with the ACKO Standard Plan. Opt for a sum insured between ₹10 Lakhs, ₹25 Lakhs, ₹50 Lakhs, and ₹1 Crore—whichever suits your requirements the best.

ACKO Platinum Health Plan

The ACKO Platinum Plan has an all-inclusive coverage feature with a high sum insured, hence coming up with features like zero deduction on claims and no waiting period, among others, that make it excellent in terms of value for money.

ACKO Platinum Super Top-up Plan

ACKO Platinum Super Top-up Plan is created to enhance the existing health coverage. Added benefits of no waiting period along with the high sum insured after a deductible enhance the financial protection of the insured.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Company in 2024

Choosing the proper health insurance company is quite a tough decision, yet it's very important for your financial situation. To make it easier, here are some clear tips that will help in finding the best health insurance provider in 2024.

Evaluate the Network of Hospitals

An important factor is the network of hospitals connected with a health insurance provider. The larger the network of hospitals offering cashless treatment, whereby the insurer pays the hospital bill directly, the lesser will be your out-of-pocket expenses.

Consider the Coverage Options

Everybody has different needs when it comes to health insurance, so choose an insurer that has many different types of plans available. Insurance companies sometimes focus on individual health plans, while other companies may offer better options for families. A company offering flexible coverage to suit specific needs can be a good option.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews can help through its service quality and reliability in health insurance companies. Reviews from actual customers give you a real perspective of how the company handles claims, customer service, and policy renewals.

Know the Waiting Periods 

Waiting periods represent the time when some covers do not work after your policy commencement. Most of the policies have a waiting period for the coverage of any pre-existing condition and usually last for 2 to 3 years. In case you have a pre-existing condition, choose the policy with a minimum waiting period.

Different Types of Health Insurance Plans

Selecting the right health insurance plan can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in India. Each type of plan caters to different needs, so understanding the nuances can help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive deeper into the common types of health insurance plans in India.

Individual Health Insurance

Covers one person with a sum insured dedicated solely to them. Premiums are based on age, health, and medical history. Ideal for those with specific health needs or higher medical risks.

Family-Floater Health Insurance

Insures the whole family in a single policy with a floater sum insured. It is cheaper and ideal for families that have young and healthy members.

Critical Illness Insurance

Provides a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of serious illnesses like cancer or heart attack. Ideal for those with a family history of critical illnesses or seeking financial security against severe conditions.

Senior Citizen Health Insurance

Senior citizen health insurance is designed for people above 60, the policy covers age-related diseases at a higher premium. Some of its features include domiciliary hospitalisation and alternative treatments. 

Top-Up and Super Top-Up Plans 

Provide additional cover over and above the base policy. Top-up insurance kicks in after the deductible amount per claim, whereas super top-up plan covers the costs exceeding the deductible annually. Ideal for those seeking additional protection at lower costs.

How to Compare Health Insurance Companies in India

While comparing insurance companies in India, there are plenty of important points to be noted so that you get the best health plan for your needs. Here is a step-by-step guide to compare health insurance companies effectively.

Coverage and Benefits

  • Sum Insured: Compare the sum insured options among different companies to see if they match your needs for healthcare.
  • Add-ons: See what else your policy offers (cashless benefits, critical illness cover, accidental death benefit, etc).
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Network Hospitals

  • Cashless Hospitals: Look at the number of cashless hospitals covered under each company. The more the number of network hospitals, the better will be the availability of cashless treatment.
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Premium and Affordability

  • Premium Amount: Compare premium amount for coverage similar to another company. The premium must be well in your budget while offering maximum coverage for that amount.
     
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Exclusions

  • Compare the exclusions of health plans from each insurance company. Exclusions are  conditions or medical procedures which the company will not cover. Ensure that the exclusions don't conflict with your health needs.
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Co-payment and Deductibles

  • Co-pay: Some policies offer you the option of co-payment. When you opt for co-pay, you need to bear a certain percentage-wise part of the claim amount. Look for insurers that offer zero or less co-pay.
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Customer Reviews

  • Check the customer reviews and testimonies related to the insurer's customer service, promptness of response, and their competency in solving problems. Good customer service provides peace of mind in an emergency.
     
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Added Benefits

  • Wellness Programs: Look for insurance companies that provide free health check-ups, reward fitness, or mental counselling.
  • Health Monitoring Apps: Some insurance companies provide health monitoring apps, policy management, and claims tracking apps.
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IRDAI Compliant

  • See if the insurance company is IRDAI registered. It means that a licensed insurance company follows the regulations from the IRDAI regulatory body that safeguards the consumer further.
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Tips to Reduce Health Insurance Premium

Health insurance premiums can sometimes be a burden, but there are ways to reduce them without compromising on coverage. Here are some tips:

Check Your Family’s Health Needs

Look at the medical history of your family members and pick a plan that gives complete coverage.

Pick the Right Amount of Insurance

Make sure the insurance amount is enough to pay for possible medical costs for everyone in the family.

Look for Family-Floater Plans

These are generally priced lower than a plan bought for each in the family.

Check for Maternity and Child Benefits

If you’re planning to expand your family, consider a plan that includes maternity coverage and newborn care.

Think of Add-Ons

Consider other advantages like critical illness coverage, accidental coverage, or hospital cash that can enhance your policy.

Takeaway

Choosing the best mediclaim company in India involves understanding your needs, evaluating your options, and making an informed decision. With the right plan, you can ensure that your family is financially protected against any medical emergencies.

Frequently Asked Question

It is, therefore, worth looking out for a firm that has a high claim-settled ratio, an appreciable network of hospitals, good reviews from customers, and plans suiting your needs.

Well, you can always port your health insurance policy to some other provider with no loss of benefit; check the conditions for portability.

Pre-existing condition-a health condition for which you had diagnosis or treatment in the period prior to the beginning date of your coverage under a health insurance policy.

You can reduce your premium by opting for a higher deductible, staying healthy, purchasing health insurance at a younger age, and comparing policies online.

The period of time you must wait before certain coverage starts, like for pre-existing conditions or maternity benefits is called waiting period.

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Written by Roocha Kanande

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Reviewed by Rupinderjit Singh Author info Icon

I find the world of policies and premiums absolutely fascinating! Join me as I unravel health insurance with a dash of creativity and a fresh perspective.

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