Best Individual Health Insurance Plans in India
Health insurance is no longer something you can afford to ignore. Medical expenses are rising every year, and a single emergency can drain your savings if you're not prepared. Yet, a large part of India’s population still remains uncovered. If you're thinking of getting an individual health insurance plan, you're already ahead of the curve. But with so many options in the market, choosing the right one can get confusing.
Here are some eye-opening stats that show how underinsured our country still is:
These numbers make it clear that getting an individual health insurance policy is important, not just for your peace of mind but also for your long-term financial security. It is something that helps you stay ahead of the curve while keeping you protected from rising
healthcare costs.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the best individual health insurance plans available in India today, so you can make a well-informed choice for yourself and your family.
Best Individual Health Insurance for
Single Person in India
| Feature | HDFC ERGO Optima Restore | Niva Bupa Health Premia | Care Supreme Plan | Star Health Young Star Plan | Bajaj Allianz (My Health Care Plan) | ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime | Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Enhance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Types of conditions covered | Hospitalization due to illnesses and injuries. Modern Treatment methods like robotic surgeries, stem cell therapy, and oral chemotherapy |
In-patient care Dental, ENT, Organ Transplant & New Age Treatments like Cyber knife/Robotics surgery, Laser surgery, Weight loss (Bariatric) surgery. |
Procedures like Cataract, Chemotherapy, Dialysis, removal of Stone Organ Donor Cover Specific pre-existing diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, and Asthma |
Dialysis, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, cost of Pacemaker. ENT and Thyroid, Hydrocele, Hernia, Varicocele, Piles, Fistula, Fissure in Ano, Diseases of Female Reproductive system, and Calculus diseases of the Gall Bladder, Kidney and Urinary Tract. But has disease wise sub-limits |
In-patient, modern treatments, organ donor expenses, maternity package expenses, baby care, out-patient treatment. | Includes coverage for Modern and Advanced treatments, Mental Illnesses, HIV/AIDS and STD Bariatric Surgery and its complications |
Hospitalization for illnesses (including mental illnesses) and accidents Obesity (Bariatric Surgery if medically necessary) Day 1 cover for listed chronic illnesses like asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes |
| Pre-existing Conditions (PED) Covered | Covered after a waiting period of 36 months | Covered after a waiting period of 24 months | Covered after a waiting period of 36 months | Covered after a waiting period of 12 months | Covered after a waiting period of 36 months | Covered after a waiting period of 36 months | |
| Cashless Facility | 15,000+ | 10000+ | 21600+ | 18,400+ | 7500+ | 6000+ | |
| Pre/Post Hospitalization | Pre-hospital - up to 60 days Post-hospital - till 180 days |
Pre-hospital - up to 90 days Post-hospital - till 180 days |
Pre-hospital - up to 60 days Post-hospital - till 180 days |
Pre-hospital - up to 60 days Post-hospital - till 90 days |
Pre-hospital - up to 60 days Post-hospital - till 90 days |
Pre-hospital - up to 60 days Post-hospital - till 180 days |
Pre-hospital - up to 60 days Post-hospital - till 180 days |
| Initial Waiting Period | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Premium Range (Approx. Annual) | ₹7404/annum | ₹11,572/annum | Starts from ₹8724/annum | Starts from ₹5412/annum | Starts from ₹5475/annum | Starts from ₹6600/annum | Starts from ₹8,215/annum |
| Coverage for OPD / Medication | Not covered as a base benefit. Available as a add-on | Covered up to Rs 50,000 | Not covered as a base benefit. Available as a add-on | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Claim Settlement % (Overall) | 98.50% | 91% | 90.50% | 82.31% | 93.10% | 87.68% | 93.70% |
| Unique Benefits | 100% Restore Benefit 2X Multiplier Benefit (50% increase in Basic SI for claim-free years, max 100%) Daily Hospital Cash (up to ₹1,000/day, max ₹6,000/hospitalization for shared accommodation) Sub-limit on room rent |
100% Refill Loyalty Additions (10% increase in SI per year, max 100%, irrespective of claims) Can carry forward 80% unutilized amount for diagnostic tests |
Increase in SI by 50% per year, max up to 100% of SI, and it does not reduce due to claims | No Room Rent Capping 100% of the Sum Insured Restoration 10% discount on renewal premium |
2X OPD Coverage Unlimited Sum Insured Reinstatement (for SI ≥ 5 Lacs) Option for International Cover Inbuilt Baby Care & Maternity Cover (for SI ≥ 5 Lacs for Maternity) |
Unlimited Restoration of Sum Insured Cashless OPD cover Earn rewards up to 20% of base premium |
100% Sum Insured Reload (Binge Refill) once a year if Sum Insured is exhausted/insufficient |
| Is Portability Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sum Insured (in ₹) | 3 Lacs upto 2 Crore | ₹ 5 Lacs up to ₹ 3 Crore | ₹ 5 L upto 1 Cr | ₹ 5 L upto 1 Cr | ₹3 lakh to ₹5 crore | ₹ 5 Lacs to ₹ 1 Crore | Up to ₹2 crores |
| Entry Age | Minimum entry age is 91 days Maximum entry age is 65 years |
Minimum Entry Age: Child - 91 days, Adult - 18 years | Minimum Entry Age: Child - 90 days, Adult - 18 years | Minimum Entry Age: Child - 91 days, Adult - 18 years | Minimum Entry Age: Child - 91 days, Adult - 18 years | Minimum Entry Age: Child - 91 days, Adult - 18 years | Minimum Entry Age: Child - 91 days, Adult - 18 years |
| Policy Type | Individual/Family Floater | Individual/Family Floater | Individual/Family Floater | Individual/Family Floater | Individual/Family Floater | Individual/Family Floater | Individual/Family Floater |
| Policy Tenure | The cover is valid for 1 or 2 year(s) as opted | Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years | Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years | Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years | Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years | Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years | Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years |
| Refill / Restoration Benefit | 100% of your Basic Sum Insured is restored instantly after the first claim | 100% of the Basic Sum Insured and Loyalty Additions/Enhanced Loyalty Additions. Available once in every policy year |
Unlimited Automatic Recharge is provided | 100% of the Sum Insured Restoration | Recharge benefit provides an additional 20% of SI (up to 25 lacs) if SI is exhausted, applicable for SI 5 Lacs onwards | Unlimited Restoration of Sum Insured Restores to 100% of SI |
100% Reload of Sum Insured available |
| Room rent | No sub-limit on room rent. Covered, up to the sum insured | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Co-payment | No | 20% co-payment applicable | It allows you to pay a co-payment | No | 10% co-payment applies to claims under the International Cover | No | No |
| AYUSH coverage | No but This coverage is mentioned for Optima Secure | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| ICU Charges | Not covered as a base benefit. Available as a add-on | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Donor Expenses | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Domiciliary Hospitalization | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Up to 10% of SI | Covered |
| No‑claim bonus | Provides a bonus of 50% of the Basic Sum Insured for every claim free policy year, maximum up to 100% | Optional - Loyalty Additions increase Sum Insured by 10% annually (max 100%) | Cumulative Bonus increases SI by 50% per year, max 100%, and does not reduce due to claims | 20% of the Sum Insured for each claim-free year subject to a maximum of 100% of the Basic Sum Insured | 25% p.a. max 100% for SI 3-4 Lacs, 50% p.a. max 100% for SI ≥ 5 Lacs | 25% of Base Sum Insured each year | 50% increase in Sum Insured without increase in premium (maximum up to 100% of Sum Insured or up to INR 1 Cr) |
| Day Care Procedures | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
* Please read the disclaimer at the end of this page before purchasing this policy.
Our Top 3 Picks for Best Health Insurance Policy for Single Person
If you’re looking for a health insurance plan that’s flexible, rewarding, and built for long-term value, HDFC ERGO Optima Restore is one worth considering. This plan covers you for hospitalisation, pre- and post-hospital care, day care procedures, and even treatment at home when needed. But what makes it really stand out is how it helps you bounce back after a claim and rewards you for staying healthy.
Here’s what makes HDFC ERGO Optima Restore a smart option:
Why It Stands Out
100% Restore Benefit: If you use up your base sum insured in a claim, the full amount gets restored automatically for future use within the same policy year. No extra cost, no paperwork.
2X Multiplier Benefit: For every claim-free year, your sum insured grows by 50%. In just two claim-free years, your coverage doubles. That means more protection without paying more.
Excellent Settlements: Exceptionally high claim settlement ratio, reported at 97% for FY 2023–24, among the highest in India
No Cap on Room Rent: You’re free to choose any hospital room without worrying about restrictions.
12,000+ Cashless Hospitals: With such a wide network, finding a cashless hospital near you is easy.
No Co-payment: The plan covers 100% of approved medical expenses, so you’re not sharing the bill.
Preventive Health Check-ups Every Year: Even if you don’t make a claim, you can still get a health check-up annually.
Tax Benefits: You can claim deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, which helps save on taxes.
Potential Limitations
3-year Waiting Period for pre-existing diseases. So, if you have any existing conditions, they’ll be covered only after three years.
OPD and ICU Charges are not included in the base plan but can be added with extra benefits.
AYUSH Treatments like Ayurveda or Homeopathy are not part of the basic coverage, though add-ons might be available.
Daily Hospital Cash is limited to ₹ ₹1,000 per day, up to ₹6,000 per hospitalisation, and only if you’re in shared accommodation.
This plan works especially well for individuals who want full control over their healthcare without hidden limits. If you stay healthy, it rewards you with more coverage. And if you need to make a claim, the restore feature makes sure you’re not left without protection afterward.
Niva Bupa Health Premia
If you're looking for a flexible and all-round health insurance plan for yourself or your family, Niva Bupa Health Premia is worth considering. This plan is designed to cover a wide range of healthcare needs, including in-patient care, maternity expenses, dental and ENT treatments, organ transplants, and even modern procedures like robotic or laser surgeries.
What sets this plan apart is that it offers outpatient (OPD) care and medication cover as part of the base policy itself. Many other plans only provide this as an optional add-on. It also comes in three variants, giving you the freedom to choose what fits your needs best. Along with that, you get loyalty additions every year and a premium waiver in certain cases.
Why It Stands Out
Shorter Waiting Period for Pre-existing Diseases (PED): Just 24 months, which is lower than what many other plans require.
OPD and Medication Cover Included: Offers up to ₹50,000 for outpatient visits and medicines as part of the base policy.
Loyalty Additions: Your sum insured increases by 10% every year, even if you make a claim. This can go up to a maximum of 100%.
100% Refill Benefit: If your base sum insured and loyalty additions get used up, they are fully restored once every policy year.
Covers Advanced Treatments: Includes global emergency care, robotic surgeries, and more.
AYUSH Treatments: Inpatient coverage is available for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy systems of medicine.
Potential Limitations
20% co-payment Clause: This means you will have to bear 20% of the bill amount out of your own pocket, especially if the insured person is above 60. Make sure to read the policy terms carefully.
Claim Settlement Ratio: At around 91%, it is decent but not as high as some competitors like HDFC ERGO Optima Restore.
Cashless Hospital Network: Covers more than 10,000 hospitals, which is good, but still less than some of the top plans in the market.
If OPD coverage and modern treatment options are important to you, Niva Bupa Health Premia offers strong value. Just be sure to weigh the co-pay and compare networks if those are a priority.
Care Supreme Plan
The Care Supreme Plan is designed for those who want wide-ranging health insurance without too many limitations. It gives you access to one of the largest hospital networks in the country and offers features that make your coverage last longer and stretch further. One of its biggest strengths is the unlimited automatic recharge of the sum insured. This means if you use up your coverage during the year, it gets refilled every single time, without any cap on the number of recharges.
It also starts covering some common health issues from day one, like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia. You don’t have to wait for years to get coverage for these. Whether you’re going for modern treatments or opting for AYUSH care, this plan offers broad coverage across the board.
Why It Stands Out
Largest hospital network in its category, with access to over 21,600 cashless hospitals across India.
Unlimited automatic recharge of the sum insured, no matter how many times you claim during the policy year.
Cumulative bonus adds 50% to your sum insured every claim-free year, going up to 100%, and it doesn’t drop after you make a claim.
From day-one coverage for conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which is rare in many policies.
Covers modern procedures and surgeries along with extensive care for pre-existing illnesses, after the standard waiting period.
Broad inclusions like ICU charges, diagnostics, home care treatments, donor expenses, daycare procedures, and unlimited online doctor consultations.
AYUSH treatment is fully covered up to the sum insured for inpatient care.
Potential Limitations
The waiting period for pre-existing diseases is three years, which is in line with other major insurers like HDFC ERGO.
OPD and medicine coverage is not included by default but can be added with extra premium.
Co-payment clause may apply depending on what options you select. This means you might have to pay a part of the claim out of pocket.
If you’re looking for a policy that goes beyond the basics and keeps you covered in every possible way, the Care Supreme Plan is worth considering.
What is an Individual Health Insurance Plan?
An individual health insurance plan is a medical insurance policy that covers just one person. If you buy it for yourself, only you can make claims under that policy. It takes care of your hospital bills, treatments, surgeries, and other medical expenses, up to the sum insured. Every insured person in an individual plan has their own separate coverage. So if you take a plan with a sum insured of ₹5 lakh, that full amount is available just for you.
Now, let’s look at how it differs from a family floater plan. In a family floater, the sum insured is shared among all the members covered. For example, if you and your spouse are covered under a floater with ₹5 lakh, both of you together can claim up to ₹5 lakh. But in an individual plan, each person gets their own ₹5 lakh cover. There’s no sharing. That’s what makes it more reliable if you want full protection for yourself.
This type of plan is best suited for people who want personalised coverage. It’s a great choice if you have higher health risks, are older, or prefer not to share your cover with others. It also works well if you want to ensure that every member in your family has full and separate protection, especially if their health needs are different.
Benefits of Individual Health Insurance
Individual health insurance comes with several benefits that make managing your health expenses easier and more flexible. Let's take a look at them below:
Who Should Go for an Individual Health Insurance Plan?
If you're wondering whether an individual health insurance plan is right for you, here are a few situations where it makes a lot of sense:
Types of Individual Health Insurance Plans
When it comes to choosing health insurance for yourself, it's important to know the different types of plans available. Each plan serves a different purpose depending on your health needs and budget. Let's take a closer look at some of the popular plans to help you understand what’s out there.
Basic Hospitalisation Plans
These plans cover the most essential part of any medical emergency: hospital expenses. If you are admitted to a hospital, this plan takes care of your room rent, doctor’s fees, surgery costs, and other related charges. It’s a good starting point for anyone looking for basic coverage without spending too much.
Critical Illness Plans
This plan is designed for serious health conditions like cancer, heart attack, or kidney failure. If you're diagnosed with a listed critical illness, the insurance company pays a lump sum amount. This money can be used for treatment, recovery, or even daily expenses if you are unable to work during that time. It's a smart choice if you want to be financially prepared for major health risks.
Disease-Specific Plans
As the name suggests, these plans focus on particular illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. If you have a higher risk of developing a specific condition, or if it already runs in your family, this type of plan can offer targeted coverage. It usually includes both treatment costs and long-term management of the disease.
Top-up and Super Top-up Plans
These plans work like a safety net on top of your existing policy. If your main health plan gets exhausted or a medical bill crosses a certain amount, the top-up plan kicks in and covers the extra costs. Super top-up plans are more flexible, as they cover multiple claims in a year. These are a good option if you already have some coverage but want extra protection without buying a full new plan.
Comprehensive Health Plans
If you’re looking for all-round protection, a comprehensive health plan is the way to go. It covers everything from hospital stays to day care treatments, ambulance charges, and sometimes even annual check-ups. These plans give you peace of mind by covering a wide range of health-related expenses under one umbrella.
Common Inclusions and Exclusions in Individual Health Insurance Plans
When you buy a health insurance plan, it’s important to know what is covered and what isn’t. Let's take a look at some common inclusions and exclusions to help you understand what to expect.
Always check the policy document carefully so you’re clear on what your plan includes and excludes. This helps avoid surprises later and ensures you get the right support when needed.
Add-on Covers You Should Consider in Individual Health Insurance
When you're buying a health insurance plan, the base policy might not cover everything you need. That’s where add-on covers come in. These are optional benefits you can include in your policy to make it more suited to your lifestyle and health needs. Here are a few important ones you should think about:
Critical Illness Rider
Maternity and Newborn Cover
Hospital Cash Benefit
Room Rent Waiver
OPD Cover
Personal Accident Cover
How to Choose the Best Individual Health Insurance Plan for Yourself
Choosing the right health insurance plan might seem tricky, but if you know what to look for, the process becomes much easier. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick a plan that truly fits your needs.
1
Analyse Your Budget
Start by checking how much you can comfortably spend on health insurance every year. The idea is to find a plan that gives you good coverage without putting too much pressure on your monthly expenses. Health insurance should protect your savings, not drain them.
2
Check the Sum Insured
The sum insured is the maximum amount your insurer will pay if you need treatment. If you live in a metro city or have a family history of health issues, go for a higher sum insured. Medical costs can shoot up quickly, and having enough coverage gives peace of mind.
3
Compare Premium Amount with Coverage
Don’t pick a plan just because the premium is low. Make sure the benefits match the price you are paying. Sometimes, cheaper plans cut down on coverage, and that might hurt you later when you actually need support.
4
Look at the list of Network Hospitals
A good plan should give you access to hospitals that are close to you and well-rated. If the insurance company has a strong hospital network, you’ll have more options for cashless treatment, which saves both time and money during emergencies.
5
Check the Claim Settlement Ratio
The claim settlement ratio shows how many claims the insurer has successfully settled. A high ratio means the company is more likely to honor claims quickly and without too much hassle. It’s a small number that says a lot about how reliable the insurer is.
6
Understand the Waiting Period
Most policies come with a waiting period for pre-existing illnesses and some specific treatments. The shorter this period, the better. If you have existing health concerns, check this detail carefully so you don’t end up waiting too long for your policy to kick in.
7
Know What's Included and What's Not
A smooth claim settlement process is essential for peace of mind, so evaluate the insurer's settlement ratios, turnaround times, and the availability of a cashless network. This ensures that you can access care without delays or complications when needed.
8
Look into Add-on Covers
Add-on covers or riders let you customise your plan. For example, you can add coverage for critical illness or room rent waivers. These come at an extra cost, but they can be worth it if you want a more tailored policy.
9
Read Customer Reviews and Check Service Quality
Before buying, see what other policyholders have to say. Reviews can give you insight into how the insurer treats its customers, how fast they respond, and whether they are helpful during claims. A company that supports you when it matters most is always better.
10
Compare Top Plans
Don’t settle on the first plan you find. Use comparison tools to look at different options side by side. This helps you understand the value each plan offers and ensures you’re getting the best deal for your needs.
11
Think About Lifelong Renewability and Flexibility
Choose a policy that offers lifelong renewability so you’re covered even in your later years. Also, check if the plan allows you to increase coverage or make changes as your health needs evolve.
By going through each of these points carefully, you can choose a health insurance plan that suits you today and stays useful in the years to come.
If you’re looking for a plan that checks all the right boxes, explore Freo’s health insurance options. With flexible coverage, a strong network of partner hospitals, and a smooth claims process, Freo makes it easier for you to protect your health without overcomplicating things.
