Overview
The ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic plan is a comprehensive health insurance offering designed to provide robust financial protection against medical expenses. It includes features such as unlimited restoration of the sum insured, loyalty bonuses that increase coverage by 20% annually (up to 100% of the base sum insured irrespective of the claims made), and coverage for advanced treatments (Maximum up to ₹ 1 crore), donor expenses, and domiciliary hospitalization up to SI. The plan offers sum insured options ranging from ₹1 crore to an unlimited amount, making it suitable for individuals and families seeking high-value protection.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic plan is a solid choice for those seeking comprehensive health insurance with features that go beyond standard coverage. Its unlimited restoration benefit ensures that the sum insured is reinstated multiple times during the policy year, offering peace of mind in case of repeated claims. The loyalty bonus feature is particularly noteworthy, as it increases the coverage by 20% every year (up to 100% of the original sum insured), rewarding long-term policyholders and providing inflation-adjusted protection.
The plan covers essential medical services such as pre- and post-hospitalization expenses of 60 & 180 days respectively), advanced treatments, and organ donor costs. Additionally, it includes domiciliary hospitalization and unlimited teleconsultation services, enhancing convenience for policyholders. While these features are commendable, the room rent restriction limits hospitalization options to single private rooms, which may not suit those preferring more luxurious accommodations.
One major drawback is ICICI Lombard’s recent claim settlement performance of 85% (avg of 2021-24), which has been subpar compared to industry standards. This could be a concern for buyers prioritizing hassle-free claims processing. Despite this limitation, the plan’s affordability and high coverage options make it appealing for individuals seeking reliable financial protection against substantial medical costs.
Pros
Feature set is satisfactory.
Premiums are relatively well priced.
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Cons
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups, which is a notable gap.
Maternity benefits not offered, which could be a drawback for some.
Doctor consultations are not covered, which is a key feature.
ICICI Lombard
Key Insights
Founded
2001
ICICI Lombard was established 24 years ago and has built strong credibility over time, backed by its long-standing presence in the market.
Claims Experience
85% claims settled in 30 Days
ICICI Lombard settles only 85% of claims it receives, which is relatively low and may raise concerns about reliability during claim payouts.
Network Hospitals
10,200+
ICICI Lombard maintains a moderate network of 10,200 hospitals, offering reasonable coverage across key locations.
Complaints
11 complaints per 10,000 claims registered
ICICI Lombard experiences a moderate number of complaints, indicating room for improvement in addressing customer concerns.
Features
All
Great
Good
Co-payment
The insurer will bear the entire cost of treatment (up to the sum insured). You won’t have to pay a single penny. Meaning this policy has no co-payment.
Room Rent
You can share a room or you could have a single room for yourself. But if you are looking for anything slightly fancy, be ready to foot a part of the bill.
Customisable
Change Single Private Room to Any Room.
Disease sub-limit
No funny business here. If your insurer hasn’t explicitly stated they won’t cover a certain illness, you can claim the full amount up to the sum insured, irrespective of the disease you’re dealing with. Meaning this policy doesn't impose the dreaded disease wise sub-limits.
Pre existing diseases waiting
If you’re already dealing with diabetes, cardiovascular problems or any such illnesses, the insurer will cover all costs arising out of these pre-existing problems after you wait for 3 years.
Customisable
For any illness: Pre existing disease waiting period is modified/reduced from 3 Years to 2 Years.
Pre/Post hospitalization
No worries if the doctor had to run a host of diagnostic tests before or after hospitalizing you. The insurer has your back. They will cover this amount in full for a pretty reasonable duration - 60 days before you are hospitalized and 180 days after discharge. This includes the cost of medication by the way.
Add-ons
Reduction in PED
Recommended
For any illness: Pre existing disease waiting period is modified/reduced from 3 Years to 2 Years.
Room Rent Modifier
Change Single Private Room to Any Room.
Permanent Exclusions
Conditions or treatments that the policy clearly says it will not cover.
Expenses related to any admission primarily for diagnostics and evaluation purposes are excluded.
Diagnostic expenses not related or incidental to current diagnosis and treatment are excluded.
Expenses for admission primarily for bed rest and not for treatment are excluded.
Custodial care at home or in a facility for help with daily activities is excluded.
Services for terminally ill individuals addressing non-medical needs are excluded.
Disclaimer: For illustration purposes only - exact terms are in the policy wording.
Specific Illness
The following illnesses are not covered under the policy for 2 years.
ENT-related surgeries:
Surgery on tonsils, adenoids and sinuses
Mastoidectomy
Tympanoplasty
Deviated Nasal Septum
Waiting Period
30 days Initial waiting period
2 years Specific illness waiting period
3 years Pre-existing disease waiting periodCustomisable
Ditto's Take
◦ Excellent ◦
Waiting periods on this policy are excellent. This policy also further allows to reduce the PED waiting period to 2 Years for all diseases.
What's missing in the policy
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups.
Maternity benefits not offered.
Doctor consultations are not covered.
Customer Reviews
A
Aarav T.
Unlimited restoration of sum insured is the best feature! No worries about multiple claims in a year.
A
Ananya G.
Loyalty bonus of 20% annually is amazing. My coverage has grown significantly without extra cost.
V
Vihaan C.
Covers advanced treatments and donor expenses. Very comprehensive for the premium.
I
Ishaan B.
The premium is on the higher side if you compare it with some other plans with similar SI.
R
Reyansh D.
Room rent is limited to a single private room. For the premium, I expected more flexibility.
S
Sai R.
The claim process was okay, and the coverage for various treatments is quite good.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Max Protect Classic have waiting periods?
- 30-Day Waiting Period: Hospitalizations won’t be covered for the first 30 days of the policy unless it’s an accident.
- Specific Illness Waiting Period: There’s a 2-year waiting period for a list of diseases which is a mandate before you can start claiming.
- Pre-Existing Disease Waiting Period: There's a 3-year waiting period for any pre-existing disease you may have while buying the policy.
Does Max Protect Classic have room rent restrictions?
Does Max Protect Classic offer a restoration benefit?
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