Best Health Insurance Plans for Asthma in India
Let’s be honest — living with asthma in India is not easy. From constant exposure to pollution to limited access to affordable healthcare, managing asthma can be both physically and financially exhausting. And while asthma is treatable, the long-term costs can quietly pile up, especially if you do not have proper health insurance.
Here’s why health cover for asthma is necessary:
Clearly, asthma is a serious public health concern. And while managing it often requires ongoing medication, doctor visits, and sometimes emergency care, a large number of people are left to deal with the costs on their own.
Hence, taking health insurance for asthma is all about protecting yourself from the crushing burden of medications and treatments.
Top Health Insurance Plans for Asthma in India
| Features | Aditya Birla Activ One Plan | Bajaj Allianz Health Care Supreme | Care Supreme (with "Instant Cover") | HDFC ERGO Optima Secure | ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime Active | ICICI Lombard Elevate with JumpStart | Niva Bupa Aspire Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Type of Pre-existing (PED) Covered | Covers chronic ailments (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) after 2-4 yrs wait | Covers all declared PED (BP, diabetes, etc.) after ~36 months | Covers declared PED (heart conditions, thyroid, etc.) post 2-4 yrs wait | Covers typical PED (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) after 2-4 yrs | Covers multiple PED including diabetes, heart, etc. after ~24 months in prime variants | Covers declared PED after 2-3 yrs wait (varies by sub-limit) | Covers declared PED (hypertension, diabetes) after ~24-36 months wait |
| Asthma Coverage | Yes, if declared as PED, covered post waiting; new diagnosis after 30-day wait | Yes, once waiting period for PED is over or if newly diagnosed post 30 days | Yes, part of in-patient coverage; if PED, wait applies; "Instant Cover" for certain sub-limits on new diseases | Yes, included in normal coverage. PED waiting if pre-existing, 30-day for new illnesses | Yes, covers asthma as either new or PED post waiting; prime active might have shorter wait for specific conditions | Yes, included in standard coverage. If PED, must wait for the specified duration | Yes, standard in-patient coverage for asthma, post-wait if PED |
| Pre-post Hospitalization Expenses | 30 days pre / 60 days post (some variants may allow 60/90) | 60 days pre / 90 days post | 30 days pre / 60 days post in base plan | 30 days pre / 60 days post | 60 days pre / 90 days post in prime variants | 30 days pre / 60 days post | 30 days pre / 60 days post |
| Preventive Health Check-ups | Yes, annual check-up or wellness benefits, especially focusing on chronic conditions | Yes, once every 1-2 years, depending on sum insured | Yes, can be annual or once every 2 years, depending on the variant | Yes, once every policy year or two, plan-based | Yes, prime active emphasizes OPD & wellness; typically annual check-ups | Yes, partial coverage if you add JumpStart or select higher variant | Yes, typically once a year after first renewal |
| In-patient Hospitalization Expenses | Yes, up to sum insured, includes room rent, ICU, doc fees, etc. | Yes, covers hospitalization up to sum insured, some sub-limits might apply | Yes, up to chosen SI, no disease-based capping for asthma | Yes, covers up to the sum insured for any ailment | Yes, covers in-patient expenses up to sum insured (no disease sub-limit) | Yes, covers up to sum insured, some room-rent restrictions may apply | Yes, up to sum insured with standard room category or no capping variant |
| Extended Hospitalization Allowance | Yes, daily hospital cash add-on or convalescence rider available | Yes, daily cash or convalescence benefit in certain sub-limits | Some variants might have "hospital daily cash" as an add-on or inbuilt | Yes, daily cash or convalescence rider possible | Yes, prime active can have daily hospital cash in advanced variants | Possibly available as a top-up rider or advanced variant | Some variants offer daily cash add-on |
| Waiting Period for Pre-existing Conditions | 2-4 years for declared PED (including asthma if existing) | 36 months typically for declared PED | 2-4 years for declared PED; "Instant Cover" marketing is usually for new ailments, not pre-existing | Generally 2-4 years (some diseases 2 yrs, others up to 4) | Typically 24-36 months for prime active if declared PED | 24-36 months for PED, or 48 in some severe cases; check plan specifics | 24-36 months for declared PED, depending on sum insured & plan tier |
| Instant Cover | No, standard 30-day new illness wait, accidents day one | No, same approach, 30-day new illness waiting | Yes (marketing "Instant Cover" for certain new diseases), but for PED, standard 2-4 yrs apply | No, standard approach: 30 days for new conditions | No, standard 30-day for new illness | No, 30-day for new ailments, accidents day one | No, standard 30-day new ailment wait |
| Coverage for Complications | Yes, if medically necessary hospitalization for complications from asthma or any covered ailment | Yes, includes complications once waiting is over or if newly diagnosed | Yes, covers complications from any covered disease post-wait if it was PED | Yes, includes complications for covered ailments post waiting. | Yes, once wait is satisfied, complications for asthma are covered if hospitalized. | Yes, if it falls under in-patient coverage after wait. | Yes, same approach for complications, must be medically necessary |
| Cashless Facility | Yes, wide Aditya Birla Health network (~10,000+ hospitals). | Yes, Bajaj Allianz ~7,000+ hospital network | Yes, ~16,500+ (Care/Religare network) | Yes, HDFC ERGO ~10,000+ network | Yes, ManipalCigna ~6,500+ network | Yes, ICICI Lombard ~4,500-5,000+ hospitals | Yes, ~8,000+ network |
| Normal Waiting Period (for new illnesses) | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Premium Range (Approx.) | ~₹8k-₹15k (30-year-old, SI ~₹5-₹10L) | ₹9k-₹16k (similar coverage level) | ~₹7k-₹12k (for 30-year-old, SI ~₹5-10L) | ~₹9k-₹18k (30-year-old, SI ~₹5-10L) | ~₹9k-₹15k (30-year-old, mid-range SI) | ~₹8k-₹14k (30-year-old, ~₹5-₹10L) | ~₹12k-₹18k (30-year couple, SI ~₹5-10L) |
| Coverage for OPD/Medication | Yes, some Activ One variants specifically include chronic OPD coverage for conditions like asthma. | Typically no OPD in base; possible add-on for OPD. | Usually no OPD in base. "Instant Cover" marketing focuses on in-patient. Add-on OPD possible in higher variants. | Yes, optional OPD coverage or daily cash rider can be added. | Yes, prime active has "cashless OPD" or partial OPD coverage in top tiers. | Possibly partial OPD coverage if JumpStart or advanced rider is chosen. | Usually limited OPD, might need an add-on or higher plan variant. |
| Network Hospitals | ~10,000+ | ~7,000+ | ~16,500+ | ~10,000+ | ~6,500+ | ~4,500-5,000+ | ~8,000+ |
| Claim Settlement % (Overall) | ~90-94% | ~93-95% | ~93-95% | ~93-95% | ~90-92% | ~90-93% | ~89-90% |
| Unique Benefits | - Chronic care focus - HealthReturns™ - OPD for asthma medication possible in certain variants |
- Comprehensive coverage (Health Care Supreme) - 60 days pre / 90 days post - Optional riders (maternity, OPD) |
- "Instant Cover" for new ailments - Large hospital network - Automatic recharge (Refill) features |
- "Secure + Protect + Restore + Plus" can quadruple coverage - No room rent capping in advanced combos |
- Cashless OPD in prime variants - 24-month PED wait - Additional wellness programs |
- "JumpStart" lumpsum coverage for health events - Digital claim process - Competitive premium |
- Family orientation & wide sum insured - 60 days post-hospital in some variants - Reassure style refills |
| Is Portability Available | Yes, IRDAI norms | Yes, IRDAI norms | Yes, IRDAI norms | Yes, IRDAI norms | Yes, IRDAI norms | Yes, IRDAI norms | Yes, IRDAI norms |
| Sum Insured (in ₹) | ₹3L-₹2Cr (Activ One range) | ₹5L-₹1Cr or more (Health Care Supreme) | ₹5L-₹1Cr in many variants | ₹5L-₹2Cr or more (with "Secure Protect" combos) | ₹3L-₹1Cr for prime active (depending on sub-variant) | ₹3L-₹50L (Elevate) | ₹5L-₹25L or more (Aspire) |
| Entry Age | 18-65 (adult), children from day 1 or 91 days | 18-65, children as dependents (3 months) | 18-65 typically, kids from 91 days | 18-65 for adult, kids from 91 days | 18-65 (adult), kids from day 1 or 91 days if family plan | 18-65 (adult), kids from 91 days or variant-based | 18-65 (adult), child from 91 days |
| Policy Type (Individual / Family Floater) |
Both - can choose for single or family | Both - family or individual coverage | Both - individual or family coverage | Both - can be individual or floater | Both - prime active for individuals or families | Both - individual or family, commonly sold for nuclear families | Both - individual or family floater |
| Policy Tenure | 1 / 2 / 3 years (multi-year discounts) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (discount if multi-year) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) |
| Refill or Restoration Benefit | Yes, "Reload/Restore" once SI is used for unrelated claims | Yes, partial restore or unlimited depending on plan sub-limit | Yes, "Unlimited Automatic Recharge" in certain variants | Yes, can quadruple coverage with "Secure + Protect + Restore + Plus" combos | Yes, prime active allows refill for new ailments once base is used | Possibly partial refill for new ailments if JumpStart or advanced variant | Yes, typically 100% restore for new claims once SI is exhausted |
| No Claim Bonus | Yes, 10-50% or more over consecutive claim-free years up to a max | Yes, can accumulate to 50-100% or more over multiple no-claim renewals | Yes, up to 150% in certain "Supreme" variants | Yes, up to 50-100% additional SI over time | Yes, up to 200% in prime variants for consecutive no-claim years | Yes, incremental SI each year if no claims | Yes, typically 10-50% per year, capping around 100-150% |
*Please read the disclaimer at the end of this page before purchasing any policy.
Our Top Recommended Health Insurance Policies for Asthma
Below are our top three recommendations based on overall coverage, benefits, user reviews, and common user scenarios (immediate coverage needs, robust sum insured, or comprehensive wellness features):
Aditya Birla Activ One Plan
Aditya Birla's Activ One Plan offers immediate, comprehensive coverage for asthma, ensuring that you are protected from day one. With the added benefit of earning up to 100% of your premium back through HealthReturns™, it safeguards your health and also rewards your wellness journey.
Why It Stands Out
Chronic Care Focus: Specifically caters to long-term conditions like asthma by offering OPD coverage (in certain variants), medication monitoring, and wellness programs.
HealthReturns™: Encourages fitness and preventive care, potentially reducing your net premium costs by rewarding healthy activities.
High Sum Insured Options: Ranges up to ₹2 crore, helping cover major treatments or unexpected complications related to asthma or other health issues.
Potential Limitations
Premium Impact: Plans emphasising chronic management and OPD benefits can be pricier than standard policies without these features.
Waiting Period for PED: If asthma is pre-existing, coverage only begins after 2–4 years. No immediate coverage for ongoing treatments.
ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime Active
ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime Active has a tailored Condition Management Program designed to enhance your well-being by covering your asthma-related medical expenses.
Why It Stands Out
Cashless OPD: Higher-tier “prime active” variants often allow cashless outpatient care, which can help manage regular asthma check-ups and medication costs.
Shorter PED Waiting (For Some Conditions): Typically a 24–36 month wait for declared pre-existing ailments, which can be lower than the usual 36–48 months.
No Room Rent Capping (In Select Sub-Plans): Patients can choose any room category without incurring additional co-pay, providing comfort during hospital stays.
Potential Limitations
Moderate Hospital Network: Around 6,500+ hospitals, which is considerable but smaller than some competitors offering 8,000–10,000+ or more.
Premium Costs: Including cashless OPD and advanced wellness features often increases the overall premium. Must confirm exact coverage to ensure it meets all asthma care needs.
Niva Bupa Aspire Plan
Breathe easy with the Niva Bupa Aspire Plan, which is a health insurance policy designed to cover asthma. With tailored benefits and hassle-free claims, you can rely on this plan to manage your respiratory health.
Why It Stands Out
Family-Oriented Coverage: Well suited for couples or families, offering a wide range of sum insured options (₹5 lakh–₹25 lakh or more).
24–36 Month PED Wait: Some plan variants have a relatively short waiting period for pre-existing conditions like asthma, helping you get coverage sooner.
Wellness and Digital Tools: Emphasises preventive check-ups, with an extensive hospital network (8,000+), plus online resources for easy claim handling.
Potential Limitations
Limited OPD in Base Plans: Usually excludes outpatient visits and medication costs unless you choose a higher variant or add-on.
Premium Range: Focusing on multi-faceted family coverage can raise premiums, especially if you opt for a large sum insured or extra riders.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a lifetime respiratory condition in which the airways become inflamed, narrowed, and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. This leads to recurring episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. The severity of asthma can vary from person to person, and symptoms may be triggered by various environmental or physical factors.
Symptoms of Asthma
People with asthma often experience symptoms like:
These symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may happen occasionally or frequently, depending on how well the asthma is managed.
Types of Asthma
Asthma shows up differently for different patients. While some only get it during certain seasons, others struggle with it every day. Understanding what type you or your loved one has can make managing it a whole lot easier. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types:
1
Exercise-Triggered Asthma
Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath kick in during or after physical activity.
2
Seasonal Asthma
This type flares up during specific times of the year. It is often linked to allergies like pollen in spring or autumn.
3
Adult-Onset Asthma
As the name suggests, this starts later in life, usually after the age of 20, and can be trickier to diagnose.
4
Intermittent Asthma
Symptoms come and go, usually triggered by colds or allergies, and may not need daily medication.
5
Severe Asthma
This is often a more intense form of asthma that does not respond well to standard treatments and often needs specialist care.
6
Occupational Asthma
This type of asthma is caused by breathing in irritants at work. Think about dust, chemicals, or fumes from specific industries.
7
Childhood Asthma
Common in kids and often linked to allergies. Some children outgrow it, while others carry it into adulthood.
8
Persistent Asthma
The symptoms of persistent asthma are ongoing and frequent, requiring daily management with inhalers or medication.
Causes of Asthma
Asthma is not caused by a single factor, several contribute to its development. It’s usually the result of a mix of environmental determinants and genetics. While some people are born with a higher risk, others may develop it later in life due to certain triggers. Let’s break it down:
How to Handle an Asthma Attack?
If you are having an asthma attack, the first thing to remember is to not panic. Sit upright, stay calm, and use your reliever inhaler right away. If you are not feeling better after a few puffs, or your symptoms are getting worse, it is time to take action depending on which zone you are in.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Asthma Action Plan, which is often divided into three zones:
1
Green Zone
This is the good zone! It means your asthma is well-controlled. You are breathing fine, sleeping well, and not coughing or wheezing. You are probably using your preventer inhaler daily and do not need the reliever often. Keep up the routine and carry your inhaler just in case.
2
Yellow Zone
This is the caution zone. You might notice more coughing, wheezing, tightness in your chest, or needing your reliever more than usual. It is a sign your asthma is flaring up. Time to follow your doctor’s advice which could include increasing medication or taking an extra dose of your reliever.
3
Red Zone
This is the danger zone and needs immediate attention. If you are in this zone, you might be struggling to breathe, talking is difficult, your lips might look bluish, and your reliever is not helping. Call emergency services right away and keep using your reliever inhaler (every few minutes) until help arrives.
Importance of Health Insurance Polices for Asthma
Taking a health policy to cover your asthma isn’t just about covering the costs that come along with this condition. It is also about making sure you are not delaying care because of the cost. A lot of people tend to ignore early warning signs or avoid specialist visits simply because it feels too expensive. With insurance, you are more likely to seek timely help and manage your asthma better, which can prevent it from getting worse over time.
Benefits of Taking a Health Insurance Plan for Asthma
If you or someone in your family has asthma, getting health insurance coverage for it is pretty much essential. Since it is an ongoing medical condition, you will have to bear the brunt of medication costs, ongoing care, and sometimes even advanced treatment options. That can be a real strain on your finances, especially if the condition worsens or flares up unexpectedly.
Medical insurance for asthma can take a lot of that pressure off your shoulders by covering costs and giving you access to better care without putting a strain on your finances. Here are some major advantages:
Types of Health Plans Covering Asthma
A health plan makes sure that you are not financially burdened to cover costs related to asthma. Here's a quick look at the types of plans that typically offer coverage for asthma treatment:
These are basic plans taken out for a single person. They usually cover hospital stays, doctor consultations, and prescribed medications – all of which are relevant for asthma care. If you’re managing asthma yourself, this type of plan can offer decent protection for your needs.
A family floater plan is an umbrella policy covering the entire family. The total sum insured is shared among all members. In these types of plans, you take health insurance policy for your entire family, and when a medical emergency occurs, all of the members covered in the plan can take advantage. This can be cost-effective if more than one member of your family has asthma.
Another health insurance plan covering asthma is the critical illness policy. While this type of plan usually covers major life-threatening illnesses, some comprehensive policies may include severe asthma cases or complications arising from it. However, it is best to read the fine print, as not all critical illness plans include asthma by default.
Already have a base policy but want extra coverage? A top-up plan kicks in once your regular insurance limit is used up. It can be a smart backup, especially if you expect frequent hospital visits or ongoing treatment for chronic asthma.
These are tailor-made for specific conditions, and while there aren’t many that focus solely on asthma, there are respiratory disorder plans that include it. These can be great if you are looking for something more targeted and comprehensive.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Health Plan for Asthma
While asthma may be manageable on a day-to-day basis, unexpected flare-ups or hospital visits can quickly become expensive without the right support in place. So, here’s what you should keep in mind while picking a health plan to cover your asthma:
Pre-existing Condition Coverage
Comprehensive Hospitalisation Benefits
Premium Amount
Medication Coverage
Renewal Period
Regular Check-Up Benefits
Cashless Treatment Options
Inclusions and Exclusions in Health Insurance for Asthma
While health plans are meant to cover medical conditions and ease the financial burden on you, it is important to know exactly what is included and what is not. Let’s break it down:
How is Asthma Treated in India and What Does it Cost?
Managing asthma depends on how severe the condition is and how your body responds to different treatments. The good news is that there are several effective options available Here’s a quick look at the common treatments and how they work:
1
Oral Medications
These are pills or tablets that help control asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups. They are usually prescribed for long-term management, especially for people who cannot rely solely on inhalers.
2
Physical Exercise
While it might sound surprising, regular, moderate exercise can actually help improve lung function and reduce asthma symptoms over time. Proper guidance from a professional is needed, especially for patients with exercise-induced asthma.
3
Immunotherapy
This is more of a long-term treatment and is often recommended for those whose asthma is triggered by specific allergens. It involves getting allergy shots or tablets that gradually build up your tolerance.
4
Bronchodilators
These are usually inhalers that provide quick relief by relaxing the muscles around your airways. They are essential for managing sudden asthma attacks. Most bronchodilators are affordable and covered under many health insurance plans in India, making them accessible for regular use.
How to Prevent Asthma Attacks?
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Disclaimers & Important Conditions
