health insurance plans online India
Buying health insurance online in India is fast, convenient, and often cheaper — with instant policy issuance, up to 15–25% discounts (online/direct), easy comparisons, and no paperwork hassles. Platforms like Policybazaar, InsuranceDekho, Ditto, and direct insurer sites (HDFC ERGO, Care, Niva Bupa) make it simple. Use premium calculators for personalized quotes based on age, city (Delhi higher due to costs), family size, and health.
Why Buy Online Now?
- Rising medical inflation — aim for ₹10 Lakh+ sum insured (₹5–10 Lakh for families in tier-1 cities like Delhi).
- Tax benefits under Section 80D (up to ₹25,000/₹50,000 for seniors; max ₹1 Lakh).
- Cashless at 5,000–16,000+ network hospitals.
- Latest trends (2026): Unlimited restoration, no room rent limits, high no-claim bonuses (up to 100–500%), and add-ons for critical illness/maternity/OPD.
- Claim Settlement Ratios (CSR from recent IRDAI/FY 2024-25 data): Top players 96–99%+ (e.g., HDFC ERGO ~99%, Care high 98–99%, Star ~96–99%).
Top Recommended Health Insurance Plans (Individual & Family Floaters) – 2026
Based on ratings (Ditto scores, Policybazaar popularity), features, CSR, and network (strong in Delhi/NCR):
- HDFC ERGO Optima Secure
- Type: Individual/Family Floater
- Sum Insured: ₹5 Lakh – ₹2 Crore+
- Key Features: 4X coverage from day 1 (Secure Benefit), unlimited restoration, no room rent limit, preventive check-ups, high CSR (~99%).
- Best for: Comprehensive protection with growing cover; top-rated (4.6/5 on Ditto).
- Care Supreme (Care Health Insurance)
- Type: Individual/Family
- Sum Insured: ₹5 Lakh – ₹1 Crore+
- Key Features: Unlimited restoration, no room rent/ICU sub-limits, cumulative bonus up to 500%, affordable premiums.
- Best for: Value-for-money; strong CSR and restoration.
- Aditya Birla Activ One MAX
- Type: Individual/Family
- Sum Insured: ₹2 Lakh – ₹6 Crore
- Key Features: Wellness rewards, chronic care (some day 1 for diabetes/hypertension), unlimited recharge, 11,000+ network hospitals.
- Best for: Health perks + flexibility (4.4/5 ratings).
- Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 / Aspire
- Type: Individual/Family
- Sum Insured: ₹5 Lakh – ₹1 Crore+
- Key Features: Unlimited reinstatement, no-claim bonus up to 100%, OPD/consumables built-in, shorter waiting in variants.
- Best for: Modern benefits and customization.
Other strong options: Star Health Family Health Optima (affordable family focus, 9,800+ hospitals), Tata AIG Medicare Select (good restore + bonus), ICICI Lombard Elevate (high limits + OPD rider).
Quick Comparison Table (Indicative for Family of 3–4, ₹10 Lakh SI, Delhi, Mid-Age Group)
| Plan | Approx. Monthly Premium (Starting) | CSR (Latest) | Key Standout Feature | Network Hospitals | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC ERGO Optima Secure | ₹800–₹1,500+ | 99%+ | 4X cover + unlimited restoration | 10,000+ | Overall best & reliability |
| Care Supreme | ₹600–₹1,200 | 98–99% | Unlimited restore + no sub-limits | 9,000+ | Budget + strong coverage |
| Aditya Birla Activ One MAX | ₹700–₹1,400 | High | Wellness rewards + chronic cover | 11,000+ | Health-focused families |
| Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 | ₹700–₹1,300 | High | Unlimited reinstatement + OPD | 10,000+ | Flexible modern plans |
*Premiums are estimates (2026 data from Policybazaar/InsuranceDekho/Ditto); vary by exact age/health/PEDs. Online often 5–15% cheaper. For ₹5 Lakh cover, starts ~₹400–₹700/month.
Final Recommendation
For most in Delhi (high medical costs), HDFC ERGO Optima Secure or Care Supreme offer the best balance of features, high CSR, and value. If you have PEDs, look for reduction add-ons (2–3 years wait). For families planning kids, check maternity riders.
Pro Tip: Compare instantly on Policybazaar.com or InsuranceDekho.com — enter details for exact quotes in minutes. Buy online for discounts + EMI options. Disclose health accurately; renew continuously for bonuses.
