Choosing the right health insurance policy is harder than it looks. Premiums, features, and insurer reputation all play a role, and a plan that looks affordable on the surface may have hidden restrictions that cost you more later. At the same time, a great insurer doesn’t always mean the policy itself is worth buying.
That’s why we don’t rely on marketing claims. We’ve reviewed over 200 health insurance plans across the market. But only around 50 of them meet our benchmark for strong, well-rounded coverage. And this list is based on those few. Each health insurance plan is rated through our transparent Policy Rating Framework, which scores the plans across three dimensions:
Features Rating (45%) - how comprehensive the policy is, based on room rent rules, co-pays, waiting periods (options to reduce them), restoration, bonus, consumables, and more.
Insurer Rating (45%) - the reliability of the company behind the policy, using IRDAI disclosures like claim settlement ratio, complaint volume, business scale, hospital network, and servicing model.
Premium Rating (10%) - how affordable the policy is for a benchmark profile (30-year-old, ₹10L sum insured, Bengaluru). If premiums are not available for a policy, we have assigned a default score of 3.
These three scores are combined into a single Policy Rating (out of 10), which we standardise into a 5-point Ditto Policy Score for easy comparison. You can find the full methodology here.
Using this framework, here are the Top 5 Health Insurance Policies in India for 2025.
Still confused about which health insurance aligns with your needs? Ditto’s IRDAI-certified advisors can assess your healthcare requirements and help you pick the right policy. And the best part? We don’t spam or pressure you to buy. So book a call now.
Note: Our framework sometimes shows multiple strong products from the same insurer ranking in the top 10. To keep the comparison balanced and unbiased, we follow a “one insurer, one slot” rule in featured lists even though the data may place more than one policy from the same company among the top ranks.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan
01
Features of the policy
This is the fine print that decides how much of your hospital bill gets covered. Pay attention to room rent limits, co-pays, disease sub-limits, waiting periods, restoration benefits, and whether the plan covers consumables like PPE kits. If important benefits are available as add-ons, look at the plan with those add-ons included.
02
Reliability of the insurer
A good policy is only as strong as the company behind it. Check the insurer’s claim settlement ratio over 3 years, the number of complaints per 10,000 claims, how wide their hospital network is, and whether they handle claims in-house or through an external TPA. Easy digital servicing (like online claims or tracking) is also a big plus.
03
Premiums for your own profile
Don’t just chase the lowest premium. Compare what different insurers are charging for your age, city, and cover amount. Two policies may look similar, but hidden co-pays or sub-limits can make one far less valuable even if it’s cheaper.
By looking at features, insurer reliability, and how the premium stacks up for your profile, you’ll be able to identify the best health insurance policies in India with confidence.
If you want a robust, data-driven way to compare policies, check out the full methodology we used with scores, weights, and rating rules here. It explains exactly how each plan was evaluated and why it ranks where it does.
Product-wise analysis of the Best Health Insurance policies in India (2025)
Now that we’ve explained how the Ditto Policy Score is calculated, let’s see how the top plans actually stack up. We’ll go one by one, calling out what the policy does well, where the fine print can trip you up (room rent, co-pays, sub-limits, waiting periods), and how the insurer’s reliability and pricing affect real-world claims.
This way, you’re not just seeing a rank or a number, but you’re also getting the context behind it: why a plan deserves its spot, who it suits best, and what to check before you buy.
01
HDFC ERGO
Optima Secure
Optima Secure doesn’t chase fancy marketing features. It focuses on what really matters, i.e., insurer reliability, a big hospital network, and core benefits that make a difference when you file a claim. That balance is why it sits at the top of our list.
HDFC ERGO
Optima Secure
4.6
Overall Rating
Premium Rating
3.0/5
Insurer Rating
4.9/5
Feature Rating
4.5/5
Customer Service Rating
4.9/5
Why Optima Secure stands out:
Optima Secure is a plan that builds confidence on two fronts - a very reliable insurer and a product that actually strengthens your cover over time.
HDFC ERGO reports a 96.71% 3-year average claim settlement ratio, just 9.28 complaints per 10,000 claims, and a huge 13,000+ hospital network. On the product side, it’s designed to multiply your cover automatically and cover common pain points like consumables.
Some insurers offer extra bells and whistles. For example, Niva Bupa’s ReAssure 2.0 has an age-lock on premiums. But if you want the basics done really well with strong claim support, Optima Secure is hard to beat.
Key highlights of HDFC ERGO Optima Secure:
2X cover from day one (Secure Benefit).
Cover doubles again in 2 years, with a bonus given regardless of claims (Plus Benefit).
Consumables covered (gloves, masks, syringes, etc., under Protect Benefit).
Home healthcare, daycare, organ donor, and AYUSH treatments are included.
Unique riders for PED WP reduction, unlimited restoration, OPD coverage (Optima Wellbeing), hospital cash, maternity, and unlimited coverage once or twice during the policy's lifetime.
Things to keep in mind about HDFC ERGO Optima Secure
Premiums are higher than most peers, although you could argue that you’re paying for reliability and bundled extras.
02
Care
Care Supreme
Care Supreme is Care Health’s flagship retail plan, and it reflects the insurer’s scale. As the second-largest standalone health insurer in India, Care Health brings both breadth of benefits and compelling pricing advantages to the table.
Care
Care Supreme
4.5
Overall Rating
Premium Rating
5.0/5
Insurer Rating
4.2/5
Feature Rating
4.5/5
Customer Service Rating
3.0/5
Why Care Supreme stands out:
On insurer signals, Care Health is solid though not spotless (93.13% 3-yr avg CSR; 42 complaints per 10k claims). What makes Supreme attractive is its policy design: unlimited automatic recharge, a generous cumulative bonus up to 100% (with an optional rider that extends the bonus to 600% or unlimited accumulation) regardless of claims and add-ons like Claim Shield that cover non-medical consumables. It also builds in value with other add-ons that include annual check-ups, unlimited GP e-consults, and wellness-linked renewal discounts.
Pricing is usually more affordable than HDFC ERGO’s Optima Secure, which makes it appealing for families balancing cost with robust coverage.
Key highlights of Care Supreme
Unlimited Automatic Recharge for related & unrelated illnesses.
Cumulative Bonus up to 100% (option to extend by 500% or unlimited accumulation additionally through add-ons).
Claim Shield add-on covering 60+ non-payable consumables. It comes in two variants, the regular and plus, which provide an extended scope for coverage.
Wellness discounts: earn up to 30% off renewals through fitness-linked benefits.
Unique add-ons for comprehensive PED WP reduction, GYM Memberships, OPD Cover, Unlimited Coverage once and Air Ambulance.
Things to keep in mind about Care Supreme
Servicing is uneven, and complaint volumes are higher than those of peers.
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03
Aditya Birla
Activ One MAX
Activ One MAX is built for younger, health-focused buyers who want rich benefits at a sensible price. The plan leans into wellness without skimping on core protection, which is why it’s become one of Birla’s standout products.
Aditya Birla
Activ One MAX
4.4
Overall Rating
Premium Rating
5.0/5
Insurer Rating
4.4/5
Feature Rating
4.2/5
Customer Service Rating
5.0/5
Why Activ One MAX stands out: Aditya Birla Health is a relatively young insurer that’s made quick progress (95.81% Avg 3-yr CSR; 18.66 complaints per 10k claims; ₹3,290 Cr Gross Written Premium).
On the product side, Activ One MAX is genuinely feature-heavy and well-priced. You get unlimited restoration of cover that works for related/unrelated illnesses, a cumulative bonus that can scale cover up to 6×, and HealthReturns, i.e., rewards that turn active habits into savings on your premiums.
Key highlights of Aditya Birla Activ One MAX
Unlimited restoration (usable for related & unrelated illnesses) available from 2nd claim of policy lifetime
Cumulative bonus of 100% p.a up to 500% given regardless of claims made (MAX up to 3cr)
HealthReturns® that reward fitness/healthy living with discounts on renewal premiums up to 100%
Intuitive add-ons for pre-existing disease waiting period reduction and chronic care
Things to keep in mind about Aditya Birla Activ One MAX
Insurer is newer; servicing isn’t as squeaky-clean as HDFC ERGO/Bajaj (complaints are slightly higher)
Wellness-linked benefits pay off only if you thoroughly engage with the program. We’ll be honest, achieving a 100% discount may be challenging, but savings of 10-50% are achievable through regular fitness activities.
Bottom line: If you’re young, active, and want a feature-rich plan at a compelling price, Activ One MAX hits a sweet spot, i.e., modern benefits plus real incentives to stay healthy, backed by an insurer that’s steadily building its track record.
04
Niva Bupa
ReAssure 2.0: Platinum+
ReAssure 2.0 Platinum+ is Niva Bupa’s flagship, and it’s built to impress anyone who wants long-term cover with lots of add-ons. Its headline features stand out: ReAssure+ gives you unlimited restoration, which triggers after the first claim of the policy lifetime, Booster+ bonus carries forward unused sum insured up to 10×, and the much-talked-about age-lock feature keeps you on your entry-age premium until a claim is made.
On top of that, you get Safeguard add-ons to cover non-payables, protect your boosters and grow your cover in line with inflation, annual health check-ups from day 1, and unlimited e-consults. It’s one of the most feature-forward products out there.
Niva Bupa
ReAssure 2.0: Platinum+
4.3
Overall Rating
Premium Rating
5.0/5
Insurer Rating
4.2/5
Feature Rating
4.2/5
Customer Service Rating
3.0/5
Key highlights of Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0:
ReAssure+: unlimited restoration of cover, every claim up to SI.
Age-lock on premium until first claim.
Booster+: unused SI carried forward up to 10×.
Safeguard/Safeguard+: covers non-payables + inflation linked sum insured hikes + No impact on Booster+ if claim in a policy year is up to INR 50,000-1,00,000
Things to keep in mind about Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0:
Age-lock resets after a claim, and premiums can still be repriced by the insurer due to medical inflation and spikes in operational and claim costs.
Post-sales servicing and claims experience is not as uniform as the very top players.
05
SBI
Super Health Platinum Infinite
Platinum Infinite is SBI General’s “all bells and whistles” plan. It takes a strong base cover and layers on meaningful benefits that go beyond the usual. You get unlimited reinstatement from the very first claim, with payouts of up to 200% of the base sum insured per claim.
For listed serious illnesses, the Health Multiplier can boost your cover by 3×, and there’s even a global treatment option for a defined list of conditions (diagnosed in India). Add extras like Claim Shield for consumables, and shorter waiting periods (2 years for PED, 1 year for specific diseases), and you’re looking at one of the most feature-loaded policies on the market.
SBI
Super Health Platinum Infinite
4.0
Overall Rating
Premium Rating
5.0/5
Insurer Rating
3.7/5
Feature Rating
4.0/5
Customer Service Rating
3.0/5
Key highlights of SBI General Super Health Platinum Infinite:
Unlimited reinstatement; up to 200% SI per claim (ReInsure Benefit).
Health Multiplier: up to 3× cover for 37 listed serious illnesses.
Global cover for 16 conditions + air ambulance ₹10 lakh.
OPD and Consumables cover built in.
Shorter waiting periods: Pre Existing Disease 2 yrs; specific diseases 1 yr.
Wellness add-ons: The insurer provides Health Assistance (A.I. Personal Fitness coaching), Dietician and Nutrition E-consultation along with unlimited gym membership.
Renewal Discount: SBI General offers renewal discount based on the number of steps walked by the insured members up to 30%.
Things to keep in mind about Super Health Platinum Infinite
Global cover and Health Multiplier apply only to listed conditions.
Premiums are quite expensive due to the over-indulgent nature of the policy and a higher base cover amount (min ₹50L)
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Conclusion
There’s no single “best” health insurance policy for everyone. The right plan depends on what you prioritise. Whether it’s insurer reliability, feature-rich design, or long-term affordability. That’s why our rankings are based on a transparent, data-driven Policy Rating Framework, combining insurer strength, product features, and pricing into one score.
From our 2025 review, HDFC ERGO’s Optima Secure stands out as the most balanced choice, while Care Supreme and Aditya Birla Activ One MAX deliver solid coverage at competitive pricing. For those who value innovation, Niva Bupa’s ReAssure 2.0 Platinum+ shines with its feature-forward design. Meanwhile, SBI’s Super Health Platinum Infinite is also a strong product, though not one of our partner offerings.
The health insurance market is evolving, with every insurer constantly launching new plans with innovative features and add-ons. While this looks promising for the industry, it's still a wise and safer choice to move slowly, evaluate your needs, and then make a decision or purchase, porting or migrating your plan.
Note on partners
Ditto currently partners with HDFC ERGO, Care Health, Aditya Birla Health, and Niva Bupa. Some of the insurers on this list are non-partners, and we’ve still included them here because the rankings are unbiased and based entirely on published data, not on commercial relationships.
For a detailed explanation of our process, partnership policy, and disclaimers, please see our [Editorial Policy & Disclaimers] document.
Finally, this analysis is based on publicly available information and should not be treated as personalised advice. Always read the policy brochure carefully and consult a licensed advisor before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 What should I check in the fine print before buying health insurance?
Always look for room rent limits, disease wise sub-limits, co-pays, and waiting periods in the policy document. These conditions can reduce your claim payout significantly, even if the policy looks comprehensive at first glance.
Q2 How does Ditto rate health insurance policies?
Ditto uses a transparent Policy Rating Framework with three weighted factors:
Features Rating (45%) – benefits, room rent rules, co-pays, waiting periods, etc.
Premium Rating (10%) – benchmark affordability. The combined score is converted into a Ditto Policy Score (out of 5) for easy comparison.
Q3 How can I choose the right health insurance policy for my needs?
To pick the right plan
Check features – room rent, co-pays, restoration, consumables.
Evaluate the insurer – claim settlement ratio, complaint volume, servicing and network hospitals.
Compare premiums – for your age, city, and sum insured.
Check for additional costs – Always check for potential loading charges for your medical history
Q4 Does choosing the best policy and insurer negate the need for an experienced agent/advisor?
Even if you pick the best policy and insurer after doing your research, dealing directly with insurers can still be difficult. Their customer care teams usually lack licensed professionals and struggle with even simple tasks like adding a member or increasing the sum insured, let alone complex claims.
This is where an experienced advisor like Ditto makes a big difference. Our experts understand insurer SOPs, policy wordings, hospital billing practices, and also have established relationships with insurers. This expertise and leverage ensure faster resolutions and smoother claim support, making advisors valuable even when you already have the “best” plan in hand.
Q5 Which health insurance policy is best for families in India?
For families, policies with unlimited restoration benefits, rewarding bonuses, large hospital networks, and consumables cover work best. Plans like Care Supreme, Aditya Birla Activ One MAX, and Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 Platinum+ are popular because they offer unlimited recharge, wellness benefits, and long-term affordability for family coverage.
Q6 How do waiting periods in health insurance work?
Most policies have a 30-day initial waiting period where only accidents are covered. In addition, all plans have a standard 1-3 year waiting periods for pre-existing diseases and 1–2 years for specific illnesses. This means the insurer won’t cover those conditions until you’ve completed the waiting period. Shorter waiting times (in-built like in SBI’s Platinum Infinite, or reduced via add-ons like Care Supreme or Aditya Birla Activ One MAX) are usually better.
