If you’re looking for health insurance for your parents, you’re not alone. In India, the need for senior health coverage is growing fast, but the reality is still quite worrying. Only about 20% of our elderly population has any kind of health insurance, and the numbers drop even further for people aged 70 and above. Many families assume their corporate plans will help, but only 25% of companies cover parents, and even then, nearly 30% of employees feel that coverage is not enough.
Healthcare expenses are one of the biggest reasons for debt in urban India, and with 75% of the elderly dealing with at least one chronic disease, ignoring health coverage can lead to serious financial stress. As India’s elderly population crosses 138 million and continues to rise, it’s important to plan. Your parents deserve the right medical support without putting your savings at risk.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best health insurance plans for your parents and how to choose the one that fits your family's needs. Let's get started.
Best Parent Health Insurance Policies in India
| Features | HDFC ERGO Optima Secure | Bajaj Allianz Silver Health Plan | Niva Bupa Health Companion | HDFC Ergo Health Suraksha | Care Supreme Senior | Niva Bupa Reassure 2.0 | Ultimate Care Health Plan | ICICI Lombard Golden Shield Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-existing Conditions (PED) Covered | Yes, (PED) and its direct complications are covered | Yes, (PED) and its direct complications are covered | Yes, (PED) and its direct complications are covered | Yes, (PED) and its direct complications are covered | Yes, (PED) and its direct complications are covered | Yes, (PED) and its direct complications are covered | Yes, (PED) and its direct complications are covered | Yes, (PED) and its direct complications are covered |
| Waiting Period for Pre-existing Conditions | 36 months | 12 months | 36 months & 48 months depends on plan | 48 months | 36 months & 48 months depends on plan | 36 months | 36 months | 24 months |
| Coverage for Complications | Covered after the waiting period | Covered after the waiting period | Covered after the waiting period | Covered after the waiting period | Covered after the waiting period. Sub-limits apply to certain treatments based on Sum Insured | Covered after the waiting period | Covered after the waiting period | Covered after the waiting period |
| Cashless Facility | 16,000+ network hospitals | 18,400 network hospitals across India | 8500 hospitals | 13000+ | 21600 Hospitals | 10,000+ | 21600 Hospitals | 10800+ |
| Pre/Post Hospitalization | 60 days Pre & 180 days Post | 30 days Pre & 60 days Post | 30 days Pre & 60 days Post | 60 days Pre & 180 days Post | 60 days Pre & 180 days Post | 60 days Pre & 180 days Post | 60 days Pre & 90 days Post | 60 days Pre & 180 days Post |
| Initial Waiting Period | 30 days initial waiting period | 30 days initial waiting period | 30 days initial waiting period | 30 days initial waiting period | 30 days initial waiting period | 30 days initial waiting period | 30 days initial waiting period | 30 days initial waiting period |
| Premium Range (Approx. Annual) | Start from approx ₹16,759 | ranges from ₹5,426 to over ₹13,000 | Premium starts from ₹ 11,047 /Yr | Contact Insurance company | Contact Insurance company | starts from ₹8,633 | Contact Insurance company | |
| Coverage for OPD / Medication | Does not include Outpatient Department (OPD) coverage as a standard benefit | Not explicitly mentioned as covered under the base policy | Not explicitly mentioned as covered under the base policy | Not explicitly mentioned as covered under the base policy | OPD is available as an Add-on Policy for physical consultations with GPs and Specialists. | Covered | OPD treatments are not covered if the Care OPD add-on is not opted in the policy | Out-patient consultations and Pharmacy cover are available if the Care Management Plus Program add-on is opted |
| Claim Settlement % (Overall) | 95% | 93.54% | 90.10% | 95.30% | 90% | 90.10% | 90.50% | 99.70% |
| Unique Benefits | Secure Benefit: Get 2X coverage from Day 1 Plus Benefit: 100% increase in coverage after 2 years. Restore Benefit: 100% restores your base coverage Protect Benefit: Zero deductions on listed non medical expenses. |
5% family discount shall be offered if 2 or more eligible Family Members are covered under a single policy. 5% discount will be offered on this product for policies underwritten through direct/online channels. 8% discount is offered if a policyholder opts for 3 years of policy term. Higher Entry Age limit up to 80 Years |
Hospital Cash - Up to Rs. 4,000/-day Health Check Up - Annually ,Covered from day 1 We will cover host of day treatments like dental, ENT procedures and more Now covers air ambulance up to INR 2.5 Lakhs per hospitalisation |
Air ambulance cover, Recovery benefit, and Global Health Cover (coverage anywhere in the world) Flexi benefits allow choosing options like room rent capping or co-pay to get premium discounts |
Highest Cumulative Bonus Super up to 500% Unlimited automatic recharge of the sum insured Wellness Benefit offers up to 30% discounts on premium |
ReAssure “Forever”: Unlimited Sum Insured after the first paid claim, up to the Base Sum Insured per claim Pay premiums as per entry age until a claim is paid Carry forward unutilized Base Sum Insured up to 3, 5, or 10 times the Base Sum Insured depending on the variant Day 1 Coverage for Diabetes and Hypertension (mentioned for a different plan, but also listed as a feature of ReAssure 2.0 with up to 20% renewal discount) |
Refund of the first year's base premium in every block of 5 claim-free years 100% increase in coverage of Base Sum Insured on every renewal, unlimited times, irrespective of claims 100% of the first year's Base Sum Insured added to coverage after 7 claim-free years, with the waiting period waived Newborn added within 90 days of birth is covered with the same waiting period as the existing plan Up to 30% discount on renewal premium based on healthy days tracked via the app |
Lifetime Renewals Reset Benefit: Annual SI is reset up to 100% Guaranteed Cumulative Bonus: 100% of Annual SI added for every claim-free year, up to a maximum of 100% of the Annual SI Additional 2.5% discount on premium |
| Is Portability Available | Yes, portability is available | Yes, portability is available | Yes, portability is available | Yes, portability is available | Yes, portability is available | Yes, portability is available | Yes, portability is available | Yes, portability is available |
| Sum Insured (in ₹) | ₹5 lacs to 2 crores | Plan A: Options range from ₹50,000 to ₹5 Lacs Plan B: Options range from ₹3 Lacs to ₹10 Lacs |
Up to Rs. 1 crore | Multiple options ranging from ₹1 Lac to ₹5 Crore are available | 5L to 25L | ₹ 5 Lakh to ₹ 1 Crore | ₹5 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore | ₹5 Lacs - ₹50 lacs |
| Entry Age | The minimum entry age for an adult is 18 years, and the maximum is 65 years | Eligible entry age is between 46 years to 80 years | Minimum Entry Age Adult – 18 years Children – 91 days Maximum Entry Age Adult – No age limit Children – 21 years |
55 to 65 years of age | Eldest member age - 61 years to lifelong Child: 90 days to 25years |
Minimum entry age for adults is 18 years. Maximum entry age limit for adults is 99 years. Dependent child minimum entry age is 91 days, maximum is 30 years. | Minimum Entry Age: Adult: 18 years Child: 91 Days in Floater policy; 5 years in Individual policy Maximum Entry Age: Adult: Lifelong; Child: 24 Years |
The age of entry is 56 years onwards. Renewability is for a Lifetime |
| Policy Type | Individual and family floater options are available | Individual and family floater options are available | Individual and family floater options are available | Individual and family floater options are available | Individual and family floater options are available | Individual and family floater options are available | Individual and family floater options are available | Individual and family floater options are available |
| Policy Tenure | 1, 2, or 3 Years options available | 1, 2, or 3 Years options available | 1, 2, or 3 Years options available | 1, 2, or 3 Years options available | 1, 2, or 3 Years options available | 1, 2, or 3 Years options available | 1, 2, or 3 Years options available | 1, 2, or 3 Years options available |
| Refill / Restoration Benefit | 100% of the base sum insured gets restored for subsequent claims that may arise in the policy year | Automatic restoration not covered | Available and called the Refill Benefit Provides an amount up to 100% of the Base Sum Insured |
Unlimited Restore (Add-on) - This cover will provide instant addition of 100% basic sum insured | Unlimited Automatic Recharge of the sum insured is available | Covered | Unlimited Automatic Recharge of the Sum Insured is available. | A Reset Benefit is available19.... It resets the Annual Sum Insured up to 100% after partial/full utilization for future claims that are not related to the illness/disease/injury for which a claim has been paid in the same policy year. The reset for the same illness is applicable only once19....19... |
| Room rent | Covered | Covered. The maximum eligible room is a Single Private Air Conditioned room | No Room Rent Cap, allowing coverage up to a Single Private Air Conditioned room | Room rent restriction Option is available as an optional cover. | Covered up to the Sum Insured | Coverage up to Sum Insured for room rent without any capping | Covered up to the Sum Insured | Covered up to the Sum Insured |
| Co-payment | co-payment applies when getting treated in any city across India, irrespective of where the policy was bought | Plan A: Subject to a 20% co-payment on each and every admissible claim if Treatment is availed in a Non-Network Hospital. Plan B: Subject to a 10% co-payment on each and every admissible claim. |
20% co-payment applies for treatment in non-network hospitals in specific major cities. Co-payment does not apply to Health Check-up or Hospital Cash claims. |
On payment of Tier 1 premiums, an insured person can avail treatment all over India without any co-payment On payment of Tier 2 premiums, an insured person can avail treatment at Tier 2 cities without any co-payment. However, if an insured person avails a treatment in Tier 1 cities, 20% co-payment shall be applicable |
A Co-payment of 20% is applicable on all claims | Co-payment options are available, ranging from 20% to 50% | Not applicable as a standard feature for hospitalization A 5% co-payment applies per claim if the chosen per-consultation limit exceeds ₹1,000 for the optional 'Physical Consultations with Specialist Doctors' benefit |
This policy is subject to a 50% base co-payment on the admissible claim amount of each and every claim |
| Complementary wellness benefits | Preventive health check-ups are provided post completion of every policy year, irrespective of claim status, up to specified sub-limits Optima Wellbeing (Add on) covers various outpatient benefits. |
Preventive Health Check-Ups are offered Customers can earn points for health activities and get benefits like premium discounts & policy upgrades The Health Prime Rider provides access to services like in-person or online doctor consultation, dental wellness, emotional wellness, and diet & nutrition consultations |
Annual Preventive Health Check-Up is offered from Day 1. The limit for the health check-up is up to INR 500 for every INR 1 Lakh Base Sum Insured, with a maximum of INR 5,000 per Insured Person in an Individual policy and INR 10,000 per policy in a Family Floater policy. |
Include Preventive Health Check up as a renewal benefit Wellness features like Fitness discount at renewal and Health incentives |
Annual Health check-up is provided once a year for all insured members Wellness Benefit offers up to 30% discount on renewal premium based on accumulated "Healthy Days" (requiring 10,000 steps per day for Self & Spouse on average |
Live Healthy: Earn up to 30% discount on renewal premium based on step count Health check-up for all insured members is available starting from Day 1 Cashback on claim-free years can be used for OPD Unlimited tele-consultations with Doctors (general, specialists & super specialists) of Apollo 24X7 are available |
Wellness benefit (Optional): Up to a 30% discount on renewal premium based on healthy days (tracking steps) Annual Health Check-up (Optional): One free check-up per insured member per year Discount Connect: Discounts on consultations, diagnostics, maternity, etc. at network hospitals |
A Preventive Health Check Up benefit is included Care Management Plus Program provides additional services through empanelled providers like Health coach, Health update to family members, Out-patient consultations, Routine Diagnostics & Minor Procedure cover, Pharmacy cover, & Nursing at Home |
| No Claim Bonus | While the Plus Benefit automatically increases the base cover by 50% after 1 year and 100% after 2 years irrespective of claims made | The SI automatically increases at renewal by 10% if there is no claim in the expiring period | Get 20% more sum insured on renewal for each claim free year | Increase in 10%/25% of base sum insured every claim free year up to 100%/200% of base sum insured as per the plan opted | 50% of Si per year, max up to 100% of Sl | The highest Cumulative Bonus Super is up to 500% to boost the sum insured | The standard Cumulative Bonus offers a coverage boost of 50% of Base SI per year, irrespective of claims made, accumulating maximum up to 100% | Guaranteed Cumulative Bonus adds 100% of the Annual Sum Insured for every claim-free year, up to a maximum of 100% of the Annual Sum Insured |
| AYUSH coverage | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| ICU Charges | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Donor Expenses | Covers or reimburses | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Domiciliary Hospitalization | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Day Care Procedures | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
* Please read the disclaimer at the end of this page before purchasing this policy.
Our Top 4 Picks for Best Health Insurance for Parents in India
Choosing a health insurance plan for your parents is a big decision. With age, medical needs increase and so do healthcare costs. That’s why it's important to pick a plan that not only covers the basics but also supports long-term health needs. Below are some of the best health insurance plans in India that offer solid protection:
A family-oriented health insurance plan with 4X coverage growth and full restoration benefit.
HDFC ERGO Optima Secure is a smart option for families looking for reliable and long-lasting medical coverage for their parents. One of the most appealing features of this plan is its 4X coverage growth. This means the sum insured automatically multiplies over time, without you having to pay more for it. It also includes a 100% restore benefit, which means if the full sum insured is used up during the policy year, the amount is reinstated again for future claims. These features make it perfect for elderly parents who may require multiple treatments in one year.
Why It Stands Out
From day one, your base coverage doubles, which means better protection right from the start
Over a few years, your coverage can grow 4X without paying extra premiums.
Non-medical expenses like gloves, masks, or PPE kits are also covered, so you get more out of your claim.
No capping on room rent or specific diseases. You can choose private rooms and advanced treatments.
Large network of cashless hospitals across India
Discounts if you cover more than one family member or take a long-term policy
Comes with a restore benefit. If the sum insured is used up during the year, it automatically resets to full without extra charges.
Potential Limitations
Waiting period of 3 years for pre-existing diseases
Older applicants may need a pre-policy health check-up
Premium is higher compared to basic plans because of added benefits
Bajaj Allianz Silver Health Plan
A senior citizen-focused health plan built to cover older parents up to 80 years of age.
If your parents are already in their late 50s or 60s, this plan is a great fit. The Bajaj Allianz Silver Health Plan is built specifically for senior citizens between the ages of 46 and 80. It offers financial protection for a wide variety of medical expenses including hospitalisation, ambulance charges, and even mental health treatment. You also get both individual and floater policy options, which can be helpful if both parents are covered under the same plan.
Why It Stands Out
Offers both individual and floater options, so you can include both parents under one policy
Covers mental health treatment during hospitalisation, which many plans skip
Free preventive health check-ups are given after a few claim-free years
You can renew the plan for life, which means your parents won’t be left without coverage later
You can buy it even if your parents are up to 80 years old
You also get tax benefits under Section 80D
Easy claim process with app-based claim submission (up to ₹20,000), helpful for tech-savvy families
Potential Limitations
20% of the bill needs to be paid by you at non-network hospitals unless you pay extra premium to remove this clause
The maximum sum insured is ₹5 lakh, which may not be enough if your parent has major surgeries or long-term treatment
Ultimate Care Health Plan
A modern plan with loyalty rewards and bonus coverage, perfect for long-term protection.
This plan is ideal if you’re looking for a slightly premium option that also rewards healthy living. The Ultimate Care Health Plan gives your entire first-year premium back after every block of five claim-free years. It also adds to your base sum insured as a loyalty bonus if you stay claim-free for seven years. One of its most impressive features is the Infinity Bonus, which keeps doubling your sum insured at every renewal with no upper limit. It’s designed for families who want lasting coverage with added financial perks.
Why It Stands Out
Money-back feature after every five claim-free years
Infinity Bonus doubles your sum insured on each renewal without a limit
If your parents don’t make any claims for 7 continuous years, the Loyalty Boost adds your base sum insured to the existing coverage
Annual health check-ups, wellness benefits, and alternative treatments like Ayurveda and Homeopathy
Allows high sum insured, good for people who want strong backup for serious health events
Claim-free years are rewarded, which encourages healthy living
Covers both regular and critical illnesses
Potential Limitations
Premiums are slightly higher due to wide-ranging benefits
Waiting periods apply to both pre-existing and critical illnesses
Older people may be asked to undergo medical screening before approval
ICICI Lombard Golden Shield Plan
A plan tailored for senior citizens that offers broad coverage and wellness add-ons.
This plan is made especially for senior citizens and aging parents who need extra care. It’s one of the few plans that includes home-based treatment, which can be useful if your parent is too sick to travel to a hospital.
Why It Stands Out
Covers pre-existing diseases after the waiting period
Includes domiciliary hospitalisation (treatment at home if hospital is not an option)
Free preventive check-ups and added health services like diet consultations
Strong hospital network with cashless treatment
Good track record with claim settlements, which builds trust
Potential Limitations
Three-year waiting period for pre-existing illnesses
Some sub-limits on room rent and specific treatments
Premiums can be on the higher side for older applicants
Why You Should Get Health Insurance for Your Parents
Taking care of your parents means being prepared for health emergencies. And one of the smartest ways to do that is by getting them proper health insurance. Here’s why it matters:
Types of Health Insurance Plans for Parents in India
If you're ready to buy a plan, here are a few options you can consider:
Individual Health Plans
These are simple, separate policies for each parent. They work well when both parents have different medical needs. Each one gets their own sum insured, so if one parent is hospitalised, the other’s coverage stays untouched.
Family Floater Plans
You can include your parents in a family floater plan. It covers multiple family members under one sum insured. If you're on a tight budget and want to keep things simple, this could be a good option. Just make sure the total coverage is high enough.
Senior Citizen Plans
For parents above 60, a senior citizen plan is often the best fit. These policies are designed to cover age-related illnesses and usually include annual health check-ups and other helpful benefits.
Top-Up Plans
If your parents already have a basic policy but you feel the coverage isn’t enough, a top-up plan can be a smart add-on. It kicks in when the medical bills go beyond the basic plan’s limit, giving you extra peace of mind.
Critical Illness Plans
If there’s a history of serious illnesses like cancer or heart disease in your family, consider getting a critical illness plan. These offer a higher sum insured and come with specific features to handle the cost of long-term treatment and recovery.
Should You Add Your Parents as Dependents or Buy a Separate Health Insurance Policy?
| Aspect | Adding Parents to Family Health Insurance | Buying a Separate Policy for Parents |
|---|---|---|
| Sum Insured | The total coverage is shared by all family members, including your parents. If one member uses a large portion of it, there might not be enough left for others. This can be risky if your parents face a sudden medical issue. | The full coverage amount is set aside just for your parents. They can use it completely during a planned treatment or medical emergency without worrying about other family members using the sum insured. |
| Coverage Scope | The policy may be more suited for younger and healthier members of the family. It may not fully match the specific healthcare needs of older individuals. | The plan is selected with your parents' health in mind, so it usually includes features like coverage for age-related illnesses, pre-existing conditions, and longer recovery periods. |
| Premium Costs | Adding senior citizens to a family plan increases the total premium significantly. This makes the family floater costlier, especially if your parents have health issues. | The premium is calculated based on your parents' age, medical history, and the benefits you choose. It may still be costly but is more tailored and structured for their age group. |
Documents Required to File a Parents' Health Insurance Claim in India
When it’s time to make a health insurance claim for your parents, having the right documents ready can save you a lot of time and stress. Whether you are filing a cashless claim or a reimbursement claim, here are the documents you’ll usually need:
Make sure all the bills and documents are properly stamped and signed by the hospital. It’s always better to double-check with your insurance provider as the exact list may vary slightly from one insurer to another.
What is Covered by Health Insurance for Parents?
When you buy health insurance for your parents, you’re protecting them from high medical costs. Here’s a closer look at what is usually covered under a parents’ health insurance plan:
Things Health Insurance for Parents Usually Doesn’t Cover
Here's a closer look at everything that's not covered when you buy a health insurance for your parents:
How to Choose the Right Parents Health Insurance?
Here’s how you can make the right choice while choosing a health insurance for your parents:
1
Assess the Current Health Needs of Your Parents
Start by understanding your parents’ health history and current medical conditions. Are there any ongoing treatments or past illnesses you should factor in? The more you know about their health needs, the easier it will be to find a plan that truly supports them.
2
Opt for Maximum Coverage
Try to choose a plan that covers hospital stays, surgeries, day-care procedures, ambulance charges, and even pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. The more coverage you get, the less you’ll need to pay out of your own pocket later.
3
Go for a Lower PED Waiting Period
PED means pre-existing diseases. Most insurance companies have a waiting period before they start covering those conditions. Try to pick a plan with the shortest waiting time, especially if your parents already have health issues.
4
Choose an Adequate Sum Insured
Healthcare costs are rising. A higher sum insured means your parents will be better protected in case of big medical expenses. Don’t just go with the cheapest plan. Think long term and make sure the amount is enough for their age and potential needs.
5
Go for a Lower Co-Payment
Some plans ask the policyholder to pay a fixed portion of the hospital bill. This is called co-payment. Look for a plan with little to no co-payment so that you or your parents don’t have to worry about paying a share every time they get treated.
6
Choose an Individual Policy
It’s usually better to get individual policies for your parents instead of adding them to a family floater. This way, each of them gets full benefits of the sum insured and their health needs are taken care of separately.
7
Avoid Sub-limits
Sub-limits are caps on how much the insurer will pay for specific things like room rent or certain surgeries. These can be frustrating during emergencies. Pick a plan with no sub-limits so your parents can get treated with fewer restrictions.
8
Compare Different Health Insurance Plans
Don’t settle for the first plan you see. Take time to compare policies, look at the benefits, read reviews, and even talk to customer service if needed. A little research can make a big difference later when it actually matters.
How to File a Claim with Your Parents' Health Insurance
If your parents are covered under a health insurance plan, filing a claim doesn’t have to be stressful. There are two ways to go about it: cashless claims and reimbursement claims. Let’s walk through both step by step so you know exactly what to do when the time comes.
Cashless Claim Process
Reimbursement Claim Process
Disclaimer
