Best Health Insurance Plans for Mental Health in India
Let’s be honest. Mental health is just as important as physical health, but when it comes to insurance, it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Even though the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India made mental health coverage mandatory back in 2018, the real-world picture still looks a bit shaky.
Less than 1% of all health insurance claims in India are for mental health treatment. That’s not because people don’t need help, but because most either don’t know they’re covered or aren’t covered at all. In fact, about 42% of people are either unsure about their mental health benefits or don’t have them in the first place.
Employers are facing the same issue. Around 83% of organisations say the mental health benefits they offer are barely used. And it’s not just about awareness. High treatment costs stop nearly half of those who need care from actually getting it. Only 17% of insured people have access to outpatient therapy, which is a big part of real mental health support.
There’s also the struggle of dealing with stigma, especially in the workplace, and the challenge of finding a good therapist who is actually covered by your plan. On the bright side, the government is starting to pay more attention. The Union Budget 2025-26 has put more money into mental health services, and programs like the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Manas) are stepping in to make care more accessible.
So if you’re looking to protect not just your body but also your mind, choosing the right health insurance plan matters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top options for mental health coverage in India. Let's get started.
Top Health Insurance Plans for Mental Health in India
| Feature | HDFC ERGO Maxima Insurance Plan | Tata AIG MediCare Premier | Star Health Comprehensive Insurance | Niva Bupa Health Companion / ReAssure | Bajaj Allianz Health Guard | Care (Religare) Care Plan | ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Type of Pre-existing Conditions (PED) Covered | Yes, includes diabetes, hypertension, etc. after waiting period | Yes, standard PED coverage after waiting (2–4 yrs) | Yes, covers all declared PED after 2–4 yrs wait | Yes, covers declared PED (wait ~2–4 yrs) | Yes, standard 36-month wait for declared PEDs | Yes, 2–4 yrs for PED (depends on sum insured) | Yes, 24-month wait for PED in prime variants |
| Malaria Coverage | Yes, covered under in-patient hospitalization (no specific disease sub-limit) | Yes, covered as standard hospitalization | Yes, included in the base plan for any ailment | Yes, included in normal in-patient coverage | Yes, up to chosen sum insured | Yes, part of general in-patient coverage | Yes, no disease-specific sub-limit |
| Pre-post Hospitalization Expenses | 60 days pre / 90 days post (Maxima generally 30/60 for some variants; check specifics) | 30 days pre / 60 days post | 60 days pre / 90 days post | 60 days pre / 180 days post (ReAssure) or 60/90 in other variants | 60 days pre / 90 days post | 30 days pre / 60 days post or up to 60/90 in certain variants | 60 days pre / 90 days post |
| Preventive Health Check-ups | Yes, annual check-ups or wellness tests in select Maxima variants | Yes, typically once every policy year or every 2 yrs based on sum insured | Yes, free annual check-ups in certain sums insured | Yes, annual or once-every-2-years check-ups (depends on plan) | Yes, frequency depends on plan (usually once in 2 policy years) | Yes, annual check-up in mid/higher variants | Yes, free check-up or wellness benefits in prime variants |
| In-patient Hospitalization Expenses | Yes, up to SI; includes room rent, ICU, doctor fees, etc. | Yes, comprehensive coverage up to chosen sum insured | Yes, up to sum insured with minimal sub-limits | Yes, up to sum insured, no disease-specific capping | Yes, up to sum insured (room rent capping or no-capping variant) | Yes, up to sum insured (some variants allow no room rent cap) | Yes, no capping in certain prime sub-plans |
| Extended Hospitalization Allowance | Optional daily cash rider in some Maxima variants | Yes, daily cash add-on or "hospital cash" rider available | Yes, daily hospital cash add-on can be purchased | Not standard in base plan, but may add daily hospital cash rider | Yes, daily cash or convalescence benefit in higher variants | Yes, hospital cash add-on available | Yes, daily hospital cash in prime variants or rider |
| Waiting Period for Pre-existing Conditions | Typically 3–4 yrs, variant-based | 36 months standard for declared PED | 24–48 months for declared PED | 24–36 months (2 yrs for some conditions in ReAssure) | 36 months (PED coverage starts in 4th year) | 24–48 months for PED depending on variant | 24 months (relatively short for prime variants) |
| Instant Cover | No, standard 30-day wait for new ailments, accidents day one | No, same approach: 30-day new illness wait | No, 30-day wait for new illnesses | No, 30-day initial wait (accidents day one) | No, standard 30-day new illness wait | No, 30-day wait for new illnesses | No, 30-day wait for new illnesses |
| Coverage for Complications | Yes, covers complications from malaria or any covered ailment post-waiting periods | Yes, once waiting periods are served, complications are included | Yes, complications from covered diseases included after wait | Yes, all complications from covered diseases after wait | Yes, post-wait coverage for declared or new ailments | Yes, after waiting, complications are covered | Yes, once waiting is done for PED or new illness |
| Cashless Facility | Yes, wide HDFC ERGO network (10,000+ hospitals) | Yes, TATA AIG network (7,200+ hospitals) | Yes, Star 14,000+ hospital tie-ups | Yes, Niva Bupa 8,000+ network | Yes, Bajaj Allianz 7,000+ hospitals | Yes, Care 16,500+ network | Yes, ManipalCigna 6,500+ network |
| Normal Waiting Period (for new illnesses) | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Premium Range (Approx. Annual) | ₹9k–₹15k (for a 30-year-old, SI ~₹5–10L) | ₹9k–₹15k (30-year-old, SI ~₹5–10L) | ₹10k–₹16k (30-year-old, SI ~₹5–10L) | ₹9k–₹18k (30-year-old, SI ~₹5–10L) | ₹7k–₹14k (30-year-old, SI ~₹5–10L) | ₹7k–₹12k (30-year-old, SI ~₹5–10L) | ₹9k–₹15k (30-year-old, SI ~₹5–10L) |
| Coverage for OPD/Medication | Yes, "Maxima" plan historically had OPD included (doctor visits, pharmacy). Check current version. | Possible OPD add-on or daily cash riders | Base plan excludes OPD, can add as a rider (Star Health). | Usually no OPD in base, OPD rider or top variant for coverage | No standard OPD, add-on riders might exist | No standard OPD, add OPD rider if needed | Some prime variants offer cashless OPD coverage |
| Network Hospitals | ~10,000+ | ~7,200+ | ~14,000+ | ~8,000+ | ~7,000+ | ~16,500+ | ~6,500+ |
| Claim Settlement % (Overall) | ~93–95% | ~90–92% | ~90–95% | ~89–90% | ~93–95% | ~93–95% | ~90–92% |
| Unique Benefits | - OPD coverage in Maxima - Wide hospital network - Restoration feature in some variants |
- Maternity coverage in higher variants - Worldwide emergency - Many optional riders (OPD, daily cash) |
- 60 days pre / 90 post - Large hospital network - Maternity, newborn coverage add-ons |
- "ReAssure Unlimited" sum refill - 180 days post-hospitalization - Comprehensive family floaters |
- Global coverage in certain top variants - 36-month PED wait - Some daily cash riders available |
- High network (16,500+) - No room rent capping in select versions - Good "Care" brand recognition |
- Cashless OPD in top prime variants - No room rent capping in certain sub-plans - 24-month PED wait |
| Is Portability Available | Yes (IRDAI norms) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sum Insured (in ₹) | ₹3L–₹25L (historically for Maxima) | ₹5L–₹50L+ (some variants to ₹1Cr) | ₹5L–₹1Cr (depending on variant) | ₹3L–₹1Cr (ReAssure can go higher) | ₹2L–₹50L (variant-based) | ₹3L–₹1Cr (various "Care" variants) | ₹3L–₹1Cr possible in prime versions |
| Entry Age | 18–65 years, children from 5 yrs onward (floater) | 18–65 years (adult), children from 91 days | 18–65 years, child from 91 days on floater | 18–65 years (adult), child from 91 days | 18–65 years, child from 3 months on floater | 18–65 years (adult), child from 91 days | 18–65 years, children from day 1 or 91 days depending on plan |
| Policy Type (Individual / Family Floater) | Both – can choose individual or floater | Both – individual or family floaters | Both – Star Comprehensive for families | Both – Health Companion, ReAssure family floaters | Both – Health Guard offers family or individual | Both – Individual or family floater (Care) | Both – individual or family prime plans |
| Policy Tenure | 1 / 2 / 3 years (discounts for multi-year) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (multi-year discounts) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (discounted for multi-year) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) |
| Refill / Restoration Benefit | Yes, some Maxima variants automatically restore the SI if used once | Yes, once per year for unrelated claim, add-on can expand | Yes, up to 3 times in some Star variants | Yes, unlimited ReAssure in the ReAssure plan | Yes, partial restore if sum insured is used | Yes, "Automatic recharge" after sum insured exhaustion | Yes, prime variants allow unlimited restoration for new ailments |
| No Claim Bonus | Yes, accumulates 10–50% per claim-free year, up to a limit | Yes, typically 10–50% per year up to 100% or more | Yes, can reach 100% of base SI over consecutive no-claim years | Yes, can go up to 100–200% in ReAssure 2.0 variants | Yes, incremental sum insured each claim-free renewal | Yes, can be 50–150% depending on years & plan | Yes, up to 200% in prime sub-plans if no claims |
* Please read the disclaimer at the end of this page before purchasing this policy.*
Our Top Recommended Insurance Policies
Reliance Health Infinity
This plan offers strong mental health coverage with a focus on psychiatric care. It’s designed to support individuals who might need ongoing treatment for conditions like depression or bipolar disorder, with flexible benefits that cover both hospital admissions and outpatient care.
Why It Stands Out
Full mental health coverage with no caps. Hospital stays for depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric issues are fully covered.
Unlimited “More-Cover” refill. Once your base sum insured is used up, it automatically refills, making it useful for repeated admissions.
180-day follow-up window with the “More-Time” add-on. Lets you claim for medicines and doctor visits up to six months after discharge.
Over 8,000 cashless hospitals across India, so you’re not limited to metro cities.
Mid-range premiums make it more affordable than some high-end plans.
Potential Limitations
Mental health conditions diagnosed before getting the plan are covered only after 3 years.
Outpatient therapy or counselling isn't part of the base plan. You’ll need to add an OPD rider (₹10,000 to ₹25,000).
Claim settlement ratio is around 89%, which is good, but not the best in the market.
HDFC ERGO my:health Suraksha
Even though the plan has been discontinued temporarily it remains a solid option if you want flexibility and high coverage potential. With the right add-ons, it can quadruple your coverage, which is helpful for long-term psychiatric care.
Why It Stands Out
Scalable benefits with “Secure + Protect + Restore + Plus” combo. Your sum insured can go up to 4 times the original amount.
High claim settlement ratio (around 94%) and access to over 10,000 hospitals for easy admission.
Platinum variant reduces waiting period for pre-existing conditions to 24 months instead of the usual 36.
Mental health support through a wellness app that includes tele-consultations and stress management tools.
Potential Limitations
The basic Silver plan limits mental health coverage to the original sum insured and restricts room selection. You'll need to upgrade for full flexibility.
Outpatient counselling and psychiatric medicines are not covered unless you take the OPD rider.
The higher coverage combo raises your premium by 20 to 25%, so check if it fits your budget.
ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime (Protect / Active)
If regular follow-ups or therapy sessions are part of your treatment, this plan offers something unique. The Prime Active option allows cashless OPD claims, which is uncommon in mental health plans.
Why It Stands Out
Cashless OPD coverage for psychiatric visits and counselling sessions. You can claim for up to 10–20 sessions per year.
Shortest waiting period (24 months) for pre-existing mental health conditions compared to others.
No room rent limits, so you can choose a private room even during psychiatric hospital stays.
Unlimited sum insured restoration for unrelated illnesses, which helps if other conditions come up alongside mental health treatment.
Potential Limitations
Cashless OPD is limited to specific partnered clinics. Services might not be easily available in smaller towns or remote areas.
Hospital network is around 6,500, which is smaller than some competitors. Check if your preferred hospital is included.
Premium can go up if you add extras like global cover or daily hospital cash.
What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness is when someone goes through thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that feel off or hard to manage. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, acts, handles stress, or even connects with others. Everyone experiences it differently. For some, it might show up in small ways. For others, it can become serious enough to make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. That’s why taking care of your mental health is important, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
What Are the Different Types of Mental Health Conditions?
Diabetes comes in different forms and below are the most commonly seen:
1
Depression
Depression isn’t just feeling sad once in a while. It sticks around for weeks or longer and can make everyday life feel heavy. Someone going through it might lose interest in things they used to enjoy, have trouble eating or sleeping, and feel constantly low or irritated. That feeling of emptiness can be hard to shake.
2
Anxiety
Anxiety can show up as constant worry or fear that gets in the way of daily life. It’s not just nervousness before an exam or a big meeting. People might experience panic attacks, avoid social situations, or feel overwhelming stress even when nothing obvious is wrong. It makes it hard to focus or stay calm.
3
Schizophrenia
This is a long-term brain disorder that affects how a person sees and interacts with the world. It can lead to things like hearing or seeing things that aren’t there, speaking in a way that doesn’t make sense, or withdrawing from others. It can be confusing and isolating for both the person experiencing it and the people around them.
4
Bipolar Disorder
This condition causes mood swings that go from emotional highs to deep lows. In a high phase, a person might feel super energetic, overly confident, or talk a mile a minute. During a low phase, they might feel tired, uninterested in life, and struggle with self-worth. These shifts can happen over days or even weeks.
5
Dementia
Dementia is more common in older adults and is caused by different brain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, and everyday decision-making. Over time, a person may forget names, lose track of time, or struggle with tasks they used to do easily. It often requires support from loved ones as it progresses.
6
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can happen after someone goes through a traumatic or frightening experience. This could be something like an accident, natural disaster, abuse, or any situation where someone felt helpless or in danger. People with PTSD may have flashbacks, nightmares, or feel on edge all the time. It can also lead to withdrawal from others.
7
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
These usually begin in childhood and affect how the brain works. They can impact how someone learns, communicates, or interacts with others. Two common ones are autism and ADHD. Some people may need just a bit of extra support, while others may need help throughout their lives.
Which Mental Illness is Covered in Health Insurance?
If you're wondering what mental health conditions are usually covered under health insurance, here’s a list to help you out. These are the common ones included:
Benefits of Buying Health Insurance for Mental Illness
Coverage for Therapy and Counselling
Access to a Broader Network of Specialists
Hospitalisation Support
Encourages Early Intervention
Includes Medication Costs
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
Who Should Buy Mental Health Insurance?
Given how stressful life has become, mental health insurance is something everyone in India should consider. More people are facing mental health challenges like depression nowadays. However, if any of these apply to you, it's especially important to look into mental health coverage:
What Is Covered in Mental Health Insurance?
What is covered under mental health insurance can change from one policy to another, but most plans usually include:
Exclusions of Health Insurance for Mental Health
Just like inclusions, the exclusions in mental health insurance can also change based on the policy. Still, most plans commonly do not cover:
Disclaimers & Important Conditions
