Compare Health Insurance Plans Online – Premiums, Coverage & Benefits
Health insurance is a legal contract in which an insurance provider pays the insured's medical costs in exchange for a regular premium. It offers financial security against the exorbitant expenses of both scheduled and emergency hospital stays. Purchasing health insurance allows policyholders to receive top-notch medical care at prestigious facilities without worrying about the cost.
What is Health Insurance
To put it simply, purchasing health insurance provides you with up to a set level of financial coverage for any medical costs you may incur over the course of a year. It pays for planned and emergency hospital stays, daycare services, surgeries, pre- and post-hospital stays, and ambulance fees. Therefore, having the appropriate health insurance plan protects you from needless financial hardship in the event of a medical emergency.
Why Purchase Health Insurance Plans Online?
There are various advantages to purchasing health insurance coverage online. Check them out below:
- Easier to Compare policies: To make an informed choice, it is simpler to compare health insurance policies from several insurers online
- More Convenient: Purchasing the coverage online eliminates the need to visit the insurance company's branch or schedule a meeting with an agent, making it more convenient
- Online Discounts: If you purchase the policy online, you can receive a premium discount
- Reduced Premiums: Due to insurance companies' significant operating cost savings, health policies are offered online at a reduced rate
- Minimal Paperwork: Purchasing a health insurance coverage online requires little to no paperwork
- Policy Available 24x7: Unlike offline purchases, health insurance policies can be purchased online at any time of day, including on public holidays
- Digital Payment Options: You can safely pay the premium online by using digital payment methods instead of cash
- Time Saving: Since the policy is issued a few minutes after purchase, you save a significant amount of time.
Best Health Insurance Companies Offering Online Plans
Listed below in the table are some of the top insurance companies offering health insurance policies. The table comprises of Sum Insured, Network Hospitals, and Key Benefits.
Insurer | Claim Settlement Ratio | Network Hospitals |
Reliance Health Insurance | 99.57% | More than 10,000 |
SBI Health Insurance | 97.05% | More than 16,000 |
Manipal Cigna | 88.59% | More than 15,000 |
Digit Insurance | 96.71% | More than 9,000 |
Star Health | 82.31% | More than 14,000 |
TATA AIG | 95.43% | More than 12,000 |
Niva Bupa | 92.02% | More than 10,000 |
Care Insurance | 92.77% | More than 11,400 |
Aditya Birla | 92.97% | More than 11,000 |
HDFC Ergo | 99.16% | More than 16,000 |
Types of Health Insurance Plans – A Comparison
Mentioned below are the different types of health insurance plans you can choose to meet your specific requirements:
- Individual Health Insurance
- Family Floater Health Insurance
- Senior Citizen Health Insurance
- Critical Illness Health Insurance
- Maternity Health Insurance
- Group Health Insurance
- Preventive Healthcare
- Personal Accident Insurance
Documents Needed for Buying Health Insurance Plans
The following are the documents you will require to purchase health insurance in India:
- Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, PAN Card, Voter’s ID, Passport, Driving license, Passport-sized photographs
- Age proof: Birth Certificate, Passport, 10th or 12th class marks card, Voter’s ID, PAN Card, Aadhaar card, Driving license
- Proof of residence: Telephone bill, Passport, Electricity Bill, Driving license, Ration Card, Voter’s ID, Aadhaar card
Certain health insurance companies will require applicants to undergo medical examinations in order to qualify for coverage. Also, insurers can also request other documents apart from the ones mentioned above.
Eligibility Criteria to Buy Health Insurance Plans Online
The common eligibility criteria for Health Insurance in India are as follows:
Criteria | Specifications |
Age | 18 to 65 years |
Pre-Existing Conditions | Required above the age of 45 years |
Nationality | Only citizens or legal residents may be eligible for certain types of health insurance. |
Inclusions and Exclusions in Health Insurance Plans Online
Inclusions | Exclusions |
In-patient Hospitalisation Expenses | Claims within the initial 30 days of purchasing the policy, unless due to accidental emergencies |
Pre-existing Illnesses or Diseases | Coverage for pre-existing diseases usually requires a waiting period of 2 to 4 years |
Pre and Post-Hospitalisation Expenses | Critical illness coverage often involves a waiting period of 90 days |
Ambulance Charges | Injuries resulting from war, terrorism, or nuclear activities |
Maternity Cover | Self-inflicted injuries or attempted suicides |
Preventive Health Check-ups | Terminal illnesses, AIDS, and similar diseases |
Daycare Procedures | Cosmetic or plastic surgery, hormone replacement surgery, and related procedures |
Home Treatment Cover | Expenses for dental or eye surgeries |
Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, or Homeopathy treatments | Charges for bed rest, hospitalisation, rehabilitation, and common illnesses |
Mental Healthcare Cover | Claims arising from injuries during adventure sports |
Note: It's advisable to review your policy documents for a comprehensive list of inclusions and exclusions.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Health Insurance Plans Online
Here are the key factors you should carefully consider before purchasing a health insurance plan:
- Scope of Coverage: Evaluate the coverage, including benefits like hospitalization expenses, COVID coverage, and maternity benefits.
- Adequate Sum Insured: Opt for a policy with sufficient coverage, considering inflation and choosing a sum insured of at least Rs. 10 lakh, up to Rs. 1 crore.
- Policy Type: Select from individual, family floater, or critical illness plans, and consider top-up options for additional coverage.
- Waiting Period Clause: Understand waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and specific illnesses to avoid unexpected delays in coverage.
- Co-payment Clause: Assess policies with co-payment clauses, balancing reduced premiums with potential out-of-pocket expenses.
- Room Rent Sub-limits: Be aware of sub-limits, such as room rent restrictions. Ensure the plan has minimal sub-limits to avoid paying extra for medical expenses.
- Network of Cashless Hospitals: Confirm the availability of cashless hospitals in the insurer's network for convenient claims processing.
- Lifelong Renewability Option: Choose a plan with a lifetime renewal option for continuous coverage, as medical insurance policies are usually renewed annually.
- Premium Loading Factor: Watch for premium loading, especially for senior citizen plans, and choose options without additional charges.
- Claim Settlement Ratio: Consider the insurer's claim settlement ratio above 80% for reliable service.
Check - For Future Generali Health Insurance Hospicash Hospital Cash Plan
How to Claim Health Insurance Plans Online for Planned Hospitalization?
- Notify the insurer at least 48 hours before the treatment for planned hospitalisation.
- Upon receiving approval from the TPA, file reimbursement and cashless claims by submitting the claim form.
- Provide additional documents such as medical bills, reports, discharge summaries, etc.
- Once approved, the insurer reimburses the claim amount for reimbursement claims.
- For cashless claims, the insurer directly settles the hospital bill.
How to Claim Health Insurance Plans Online for Emergency Hospitalization?
- Alert the insurer within 24 hours of hospitalisation for emergency cases.
- Present your health card at the hospital.
- Submit a pre-authorisation form for TPA approval in emergency cases to facilitate cashless claims.
- If approved, the insurer directly settles the claim with the network hospital.
- In case TPA approval isn't obtained, reimbursement can be filed subsequently.
- Provide all necessary documents like hospital bills, discharge summaries, etc.
- The claim amount will be disbursed to you.
How to Calculate Health Insurance Premiums?
The cost of health insurance can vary depending on a number of variables, including your own medical history, your family's medical history, the amount insured, cumulative bonuses, and other considerations. You may want to calculate your premium based on it to ascertain how much the insurance would cost.
To achieve it, utilize a health insurance premium calculator. The preferred sum covered, the insured's age, and other details are entered into a premium calculator, an online tool that determines the necessary premium depending on the information you provide.
What are the Factors Affecting Your Health Insurance Premium?
Based on a combination of various factors, your health insurance premium is defined by the following:
- Age - Younger individuals generally pay lower premiums due to lower health risks and longer waiting periods for specific illnesses.
- Lifestyle - Health insurance costs may vary based on lifestyle choices such as smoking, as lifestyle-related illnesses contribute significantly to healthcare expenses.
- Pre-existing diseases or conditions - Individuals with pre-existing diseases or family history of specific conditions may face higher premiums due to increased risk.
- Location - The city of residence impacts premiums, with areas facing higher pollution or distinct health risks potentially leading to higher costs.
- Additional Covers - Customizing your plan with additional benefits like maternity coverage or alternative therapy benefits can increase premiums slightly to accommodate added coverage.
GST Implications on Buying Health Insurance Plans Online for NRIs
Confirm that you hold the status of a Non-Resident Indian (NRI). This is a fundamental requirement for eligibility. Choose a health insurance plan that aligns with your needs. Ensure that the plan is eligible for GST refunds.
To secure a Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund on health insurance policies as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), follow the process mentioned below:
- Make sure that the payment of health insurance premiums is done on an annual basis.
- Use funds from a Non-Resident External (NRE) Account for premium payments, demonstrating that the funds originate from external sources.
- Gather essential documents, including standard KYC (Know Your Customer) documents.
- Depending on the insurer, additional documents may be required, such as a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC), International Address Proof, Passport, PAN Card, and a recent photograph.
- Submit all the required documents to your chosen insurance provider for verification.
- The insurance provider will verify the submitted documents and process the issuance of the policy.
- The GST refund process typically takes around 15 days after the issuance of the policy.
- During the policy acquisition process, select the GST refund option to ensure eligibility for the refund. Adhere to any specific requirements set by the insurance company regarding documentation and procedures for GST refund.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Health Insurance Plans Online
The following are the common mistakes you must avoid when purchasing health insurance:
- Inadequate Cover - Opting for insufficient coverage to save money can lead to higher costs in the long run. Ensure your policy adequately covers your needs.
- Missing the Fine Print -Review the fine print to understand coverage details and exclusions, preventing surprises when making claims.
- Comparison of Insurers - Compare multiple insurance plans to find the one that best fits your requirements instead of settling for the first option.
- Falsified Medical History - Providing accurate medical history prevents claim rejection and ensures smooth processing.
- Cashless Hospital - Prioritize insurers offering cashless facilities for prompt medical attention during emergencies.
- Careful Selection of Premiums and Co-pays - Choose premiums and co-pays wisely to balance affordability and coverage without compromising on benefits.
- Choosing Too Many Additional Riders -While additional riders can enhance protection, select only those that are necessary and beneficial for you and your family.
What are the Benefits of Purchasing Health Insurance Plans Online?
Acquiring a health insurance policy through online channels offers numerous advantages. Explore these benefits:
- Simplified Plan Comparison: Online platforms such as Policybazaar.com make it effortless to compare health insurance plans from various insurers, aiding you in making an informed choice.
- Enhanced Convenience: Online policy purchase eliminates the need to physically visit insurance company branches or schedule meetings with agents, offering greater convenience.
- Exclusive Online Discounts: Opting for online purchases can lead to premium discounts, adding value to your policy.
- Reduced Premiums: Online health plans often feature lower premiums, thanks to the cost savings insurance companies experience in their operations.
- Minimal Paperwork: The online health insurance buying process involves minimal to no paperwork, streamlining the experience.
- 24/7 Accessibility: You can buy a health insurance policy online anytime, including weekends and holidays, a convenience not available with offline methods.
- Digital Payment Options: Secure digital payment methods can be employed to pay premiums online, eliminating the need for cash transactions.
- Instant Policy Issuance: Online purchase results in immediate policy issuance, a contrast to the delays often seen in offline purchases.
- Time Efficiency: Online policy procurement saves substantial time, with policies being issued within minutes of purchase.
Check for other Insurance
FAQs on Health Insurance Plans Online in India
- What is the difference between health insurance and mediclaim?
Health insurance offers broader coverage, including hospitalization, surgery, and various medical expenses, while mediclaim primarily focuses on reimbursing hospitalization expenses.
- Is it good to buy health insurance?
Yes, it's good to buy health insurance for financial protection against medical expenses.
- How to claim health insurance?
To claim health insurance, notify your insurer within 24 hours of emergency hospitalization and 48 hours before planned admission. Submit reimbursement documents within 30 days post-discharge and follow up on the status.
- Is dental treatment covered under health insurance?
Dental treatment is generally not covered under standard health insurance plans. Some policies may offer optional dental coverage, so it's best to check with your insurance provider for specific details.
- What is meant by ‘No-Claim Bonus’ in Health Insurance?
‘No-Claim Bonus’ is a benefit offered to the policyholder for every claim-free year. It is awarded upon renewal and comes in the form of discounts on premiums or enhancements in the chosen sum assured. Discounts/enhancement range between 5% - 50%.
- What is the proper age to purchase health insurance?
There is no specific age requirement, but it's best to purchase health insurance as early as possible. Younger individuals pay lower premiums since they're less prone to serious health issues. Buying in your 30s allows you to maximize benefits while keeping costs low.
- Who are considered to be ‘dependents’?
Dependents are individuals who rely on the primary member financially, typically including a spouse, children, and parents. Children are usually considered dependents up to age 25 if they are students, unmarried, or mentally challenged, and are generally covered only if a parent is also insured under the same plan.
- What is ‘Co-payment’? What are ‘deductibles’?
Under some plans, the insurer and the insured are jointly liable to meet expenses. The policyholder will pay a certain percentage towards expenses incurred. If policyholders exercise this option, they are often given reductions in premiums.
- What is day care health coverage?
Day care procedures ate those medical treatments that do not require the patient to be hospitalised for a minimum of 24 hours. Day care treatments can be done in few hours so it is done as an outpatient procedure. There are many insurers who offer health insurance coverage specially designed for day care treatments.
- What is domiciliary hospitalisation?
Domiciliary hospitalisation refers to medical treatment received at home rather than in a hospital. It is applicable when a patient cannot be moved to a hospital or when hospital accommodation is unavailable, typically for treatments lasting more than 3 consecutive days.
- Do the health insurance policies cover homeopathy treatments?
Not all health insurance plans cover homeopathy treatments. It's best to check with your insurer for details. If you're looking for plans that cover AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), look for insurers that specifically offer AYUSH health insurance plans.
- What is a health card?
A health card is like an identity card given by the insurer to the policyholder. It contains information like the policyholder’s insurance account number, the name of the insured, the age of the insured, gender, policy expiry date, and other such vital information. It is mandatory for an insured person to show the health card at the hospital in case of hospitalisation.
- Is a medical exam required to get a health insurance policy?
Medical testing is not required before purchasing a health insurance policy. However, most health insurance firms in India need medical test records if the applicant is over the age of 45. The type of medical tests necessary can vary depending on the applicant's age and the insurer's specifications.
- What is the sum insured under health insurance?
The sum insured is the maximum amount an insurance company will pay a policyholder during a policy year if a claim is filed due to illness or accidental harm. It is also known as the maximum coverage or coverage amount in health insurance.
- What does a freelook period mean in health insurance?
A free-look period is the first 15 days after a health insurance policy begins. During this time, you can review the policy's features and coverage, add optional covers, or cancel the policy without any cancellation charges.
- How do I add family members to my existing medical policy?
You can add family members to your health insurance coverage at the time of renewal or purchase. A family health insurance plan can cover you, your spouse, dependent children, parents, and parents-in-law, according to the terms and restrictions.
- What are the pre- and post-hospitalization charges in health insurance?
Pre-hospitalization expenses are medical costs before hospital admission, and post-hospitalization expenses cover follow-up care after discharge. In India, health insurance typically covers pre-hospitalization for 30–60 days and post-hospitalization for 60–90 days, varying by plan.
Latest Updates on Health Insurance Plans in India
Jharkhand Launches India’s First Health Insurance Plan for Lawyers
The Jharkhand government has introduced a health insurance scheme exclusively for advocates and their families on 3 May 2025, the first of its kind in India. Rolled out under the Rajyakarmi Swasthya Beema Yojna, the scheme aims to ease the healthcare burden on the legal community. Advocates and their families were encouraged to utilise the Guruji Credit Card Yojana, offering collateral-free education loans up to 15 lakhs.
AI to Help Individuals Choose Health Insurance Coverage
Future Generali India Insurance has introduced a new AI-assisted tool to help people select the best insurance coverage for them. This tool provides guidance by analyzing the user's personal data. Due to the 73% health insurance protection gap in India, innovative solutions like this are necessary, says Ruchika Varma, Chief Marketing and Impact Officer of Future Generali India Insurance.
Star Health Insurance Officially Teams Up with Sunrisers Hyderabad for T20
Star Health Insurance has partnered with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the official health insurance partner for this T20 season. The focus of this partnership is on raising awareness about the importance of fitness and health insurance with the help of cricket. Major SRH players will be a part of the campaign to promote health insurance among the millions of fans who follow the T20 League.
Annie Jangam is a financial writer with a unique background in biotechnology and eight years of genomics research experience, culminating in 6 international publications. She combines her analytical and communication skills to simplify complex financial concepts, delivering precise and creatively engaging content in the fintech industry. She covers various financial products such as banking, insurance, credit cards, tax, commodities, and more. Outside of the financial realm, she dabbles in poetry. Her extracurricular passions include organizing events like One Billion Rising and Human Rights Day. She is committed to the equality of all people, a principle rooted in her Christian faith. Annie strives to embody the values of faith, hope, and love in both her work and her life.
Disclaimer
Credit Card:
Credit Score:
Personal Loan:
Home Loan:
Fixed Deposit:
Copyright © 2026 BankBazaar.com.