Best Health Insurance Plans for Heart Patients in India
Indians are at high risk of dying due to a heart condition as compared to other populations around the globe. Take a look at the statistics:
With such staggering numbers, Indians who are at high risk of developing heart disease should consider getting a heart care policy. While generic health plans consider heart diseases as critical illnesses, having a specific plan that covers only heart conditions provides great financial relief as they cover heart conditions and related expenses, such as surgeries and necessary procedures.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best health insurance for heart patients and understand why you should consider a heart-specific policy.
Top 7 Health Insurance Plans for Heart Patients
| Feature | Care Heart Plan | Star Cardiac Care Platinum | Tata AIG Cardiac Health | ICICI Pru Heart/Cancer Protect | Bajaj Allianz Critical Illness | Niva Bupa CritiCare | Aditya Birla Activ Secure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Heart Disease Covered | Heart Attack, Heart Failure, CABG | Heart Attack, Angioplasty, CABG | Heart Attack, Stroke, CABG | Heart Attack, Arrhythmia, CABG | Heart Attack, CABG, Stroke | Heart Attack, Stroke, CABG | Heart Attack, Stroke, CABG |
| Instant Cover | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Coverage for Complications | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cashless Facility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pre/Post Hospitalization | 30 days pre & 60 days post | 30 days pre & 60 days post | 30 days pre & 60 days post | 30 days pre & 60 days post | 30 days pre & 60 days post | 30 days pre & 60 days post | 30 days pre & 60 days post |
| Premium Range (₹) | 5,000 - 25,000 | 6,500 - 28,000 | 7,000 - 30,000 | 5,500 - 27,000 | 6,000 - 29,000 | 5,000 - 26,000 | 6,000 - 28,000 |
| Coverage for OPD/Medication | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waiting Period for Pre-existing Heart Disease | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months |
| Network Hospitals | 8,000+ | 10,000+ | 7,000+ | 8,500+ | 9,000+ | 7,500+ | 8,000+ |
| Claim Settlement % | ~95% | ~96% | ~94% | ~96% | ~94% | ~92% | ~93% |
| Unique Benefits | AYUSH cover, domiciliary treatment | Annual health check-ups, domiciliary hospitalization | Global coverage, multiple claims allowed | Income replacement, waiver of premium | Lump sum payout on diagnosis | Annual check-ups, wellness benefits | Lump sum payout, lifestyle modification cover |
| Is Portability Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sum Insured (₹) | 3L - 10L | 3L - 15L | 5L - 25L | 2L - 20L | 2L - 50L | 2L - 25L | 5L - 50L |
| Entry Age | 18 - 65 years | 18 - 70 years | 18 - 65 years | 18 - 65 years | 18 - 65 years | 18 - 65 years | 18 - 65 years |
| Policy Type | Individual & Family Floater | Individual | Individual | Individual & Family | Individual | Individual | Individual |
| Policy Tenure | 1–3 years | 1–3 years | 1–3 years | 1–3 years | 1–3 years | 1–3 years | 1–3 years |
| Refill or Restoration Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| No Claim Bonus | Up to 50% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% |
*Please read the disclaimer at the end of this page before purchasing this policy.
Our Top Recommended Health Insurance for Heart Patients
Among the top seven insurances for heart patients, we have carefully picked the top three policies based on their tailored coverage for heart-related conditions, affordability, and key benefits like cashless claims, refill options, and comprehensive pre/post-hospitalisation coverage. Before proceeding with a plan, ensure that you review the benefits and terms and conditions of each heart insurance policy to find the one that best suits you:
Star Health Insurance: Cardiac Care Platinum Policy
This insurance for heart patients is tailored for individuals aged 7 to 70 who have previously undergone surgical interventions for cardiac ailments. It offers comprehensive coverage for both cardiac and non-cardiac conditions, including in-patient hospitalisation, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, and daycare procedures.
Why It Stands Out
Dual Coverage: It not only covers expenses related to cardiac conditions but also extends coverage to non-cardiac ailments, making it a well-rounded health insurance plan.
Covers Modern Treatments: The policy also covers modern treatments like oral chemotherapy and robotic surgeries, subject to specified sub-limits.
Automatic Sum Insured Restoration: In case the sum insured is exhausted, the policy offers 100% restoration for non-cardiac ailments, ensuring continuous protection throughout the policy period.
Potential Limitations
Entry age is restricted, and there are sub-limits on specific treatments or surgeries.
Tata AIG: Cardiac Health Insurance Policy
Tata AIG's Criti-Medicare Policy is a comprehensive health insurance plan designed to provide financial protection against a wide range of critical illnesses, including heart-related conditions.
Why It Stands Out
Coverage for Up to 100 Critical Illnesses: Unlike many general health insurance plans that focus solely on hospitalisation, this policy provides lump sum payouts for the diagnosis of critical illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes, coronary artery diseases, and other major cardiac conditions.
Hospital Cash Benefit & Preventive Health Check-ups: The plan provides daily cash allowances for hospital stays, covers non-medical expenses, and offers regular preventive check-ups to detect health issues early.
Potential Limitations
The plan may have a longer waiting period for pre-existing conditions and slightly higher premiums for older individuals.
Care Health Insurance: Care Heart Plan
Care Health Insurance's 'Care Heart' plan is a specialised health insurance policy tailored for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those who have undergone cardiac procedures within the past seven years. Here are some reasons why this is a great insurance policy for heart patients:
Why It Stands Out
Covers Pre-Existing Heart Conditions: It offers coverage for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Other Benefits: Provides benefits such as cashless hospitalisation at network hospitals, annual health check-ups, and comprehensive coverage for pre and post-hospitalisation expenses.
Potential Limitations
There is a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, and advanced or experimental treatments might not be covered.
Why Do Heart Patients Need a Specialised Heart Health Insurance?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been a constant topic of concern in India. Almost 24.5% of deaths occurring in the country are caused due to CVD. This means that 1 in every 4 deaths in India is caused by heart disease. (Source: CK Birla Hospitals) This alarming figure has given birth to the need for specialised heart insurance.
But why take out an insurance policy for heart patients differently when there are some health insurances available to cover certain CVDs? Here are the necessary reasons:
1
Cover the High Costs of Cardiac Care
Treatments like bypass surgery, angioplasty, and stent placement can cost lakh, and that’s just the beginning. Regular doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and lifelong medications add up over time, making healthcare unaffordable without insurance. While some generic health insurance may cover the basic tests and medications, they may not cover the entire cardiac care cost. Hence, specialised health insurance for heart patients is necessary.
2
Cover Recurring Treatment Costs
Heart patients often need continuous monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and frequent hospital visits. Conditions like hypertension and diabetes further increase risks, making long-term care essential. Without insurance, the costs of repeated treatments and emergency care can become overwhelming.
3
Take Advantage of Specialised Heart Insurance
With the help of heart insurance policies, you can cover pre-existing conditions, ensuring you get financial support right from day one. These plans also come with perks like lifelong renewability, cashless hospitalisation, and coverage for expensive procedures, giving you peace of mind and financial security.
Medical Procedures and Treatments Covered in Insurance for Heart Patients
Insurance for heart patients is meant to reduce the financial burden. These specific policies tackle all heart-related diseases and cover patients who are exposed to such complications.
*While below we are listing all the treatments and procedures covered in a heart insurance policy, please note that each insurer covers different procedures. Some may cover them all, while others may not. Talk to your provider before buying a plan.*
Who Should Consider a Heart Insurance Plan?
Heart diseases not only come with a mental toll but also carry a financial burden. These diseases are chronic and require lifelong management. Hence, the cost of treatment often extends over a long period, putting a significant strain on your finances. If you fall in any of the following categories, getting covered with a heart health insurance plan can be beneficial:
Key Features to Look for in a Health Insurance Plan for Heart Patients
Every insurance policy is different, depending on what features the insurer is providing. Buying a health insurance plan as a heart patient requires you to do your research and go with the one that covers all the necessary costs that you need.
Below are some key features to look for in a heart insurance policy:
Waiting Period
Coverage For
Maximum Entry Age and Lifetime Renewability
Cashless Hospitalisation Network
Annual Health Check-Ups
What is Covered in Health Insurance Plans for Heart Patients?
One of the biggest advantages of a cardiac health insurance plan is the financial cushion it provides. These plans ensure you get the necessary treatment without worrying about hefty medical bills. Here’s a breakdown of what is typically covered:
1
Hospitalisation Expenses
Whether it is regular hospitalisation or an ICU stay, your policy covers the costs based on the hospital where you are receiving treatment.
2
Pre & Post-Hospitalisation Costs
Just like standard health insurance, heart insurance plans take care of medical expenses before and after hospitalisation, ensuring you are covered throughout your treatment journey.
3
Home-Based Treatment (Domiciliary Hospitalisation/OPD Care)
If your doctor recommends treatment at home instead of a hospital, some cardiac insurance policies cover those expenses too, similar to regular health insurance policies.
4
First Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Coverage
Many health insurance plans for heart patients cover treatment for the first heart attack.
5
Refractory Heart Failure
If you are diagnosed with this severe condition, your heart health insurance policy may cover the necessary treatments, provided the diagnosis is made by a cardiologist and supported by medical reports or elevated biomarkers.
6
Annual Heart Check-ups & Wellness Programs
Prevention is better than cure! Many heart insurance plans offer yearly check-ups to help detect and manage heart conditions early.
7
Alternative Treatments
If you prefer traditional healing methods, some plans also cover alternative treatments like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, and AYUSH therapies.
Always check the fine print of your policy to understand the exact coverage and benefits.
List of Common Exclusions in Heart Insurance Plans
While cardiac health insurance is a lifesaver for heart patients, it does not cover everything. Hence, it is important to know what is excluded to avoid any surprises during a claim. Here are some key expenses that are not covered under insurance plans for heart patients:
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance for Heart Patients
Picking the right heart insurance plan is not just about finding the cheapest option. It is about getting coverage that actually works when you need it most. So, here is a quick breakdown of what to look for:
1
Assess your medical history and future risks
If you have a family history of heart disease or have already been diagnosed with a heart condition, you will need a health plan that covers your specific risks.
2
Prioritise critical features
Look for benefits like coverage for pre-existing conditions, cashless hospitalisation, post-surgery care, and ambulance services. These can make a huge difference when an emergency strikes.
3
Compare premiums, waiting periods, and add-ons
A lower premium might sound great, but not if it comes with a long waiting period or lacks essential benefits. Also, when considering insurance for heart patients, check for add-ons like OPD consultations or annual health check-ups.
4
Check claim settlement ratio and customer reviews
A high claim settlement ratio means the insurer is more likely to approve claims, while customer reviews can give you real-world insights into how hassle-free the process actually is.
5
Use comparison tools for easy decision-making
Websites like PolicyBazaar, OKBima, and others let you compare plans side by side, saving you time and effort in finding the best fit.
Disclaimer
