Overview
The Manipal Cigna ProHealth Preferred plan is a comprehensive family health insurance policy offering sum insured options from ₹15 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs. The plan features unlimited restoration of the sum insured for unrelated illnesses, cumulative bonuses of up to a 10% increase in Base SI, and access to high-end hospital rooms (excluding suites). With a relatively low waiting period for pre-existing conditions [24 months], maternity and newborn coverage, and wellness benefits such as annual health check-ups, it is designed for families seeking comprehensive and reliable health protection.
Experts' Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
Manipal Cigna’s ProHealth Preferred plan is a solid choice for families who want extensive coverage with added benefits like maternity [Covered upto 50,000 for normal delivery and 100,000 for C-Section per event upto 2 deliveries, after a waiting Period of 48 months]and newborn care, outpatient expense [Covered up to `15000 per policy year], and worldwide emergency cover [Covered up to full Sum Insured once in a Policy Year].
Its USPs include unlimited restoration of sum insured for unrelated illness and a guaranteed cumulative bonus irrespective of claims,10% increase up to 200%, which provides strong inflation protection. The plan also offers access to high-end hospital rooms (excluding suites), enhancing comfort during hospitalization.
Compared to ProHealth Plus and ProHealth Protect, ProHealth Preferred offers higher sum insured options starting at ₹15 lakhs, broader maternity coverage, and a shorter waiting period for pre-existing diseases (2 years versus 3 years in others). However, it is significantly more expensive, with premiums typically 20-30% higher than ProHealth Plus and even more compared to ProHealth Protect.
The plan doesn’t have any disease-specific sub-limits; however, a mandatory co-pay of 20% is applicable on all claims for insured individuals aged 65 years and above, regardless of their entry age. This co-pay can be waived by opting for the Waiver of Mandatory Co-pay cover.
Pros
Offers a wide range of features.
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Offers ManipalCigna Health 360 Advance, which makes this policy stand out.
Cons
No significant drawbacks found.
Manipal Cigna
Key Insights
Founded
2014
Manipal Cigna was established 11 years ago, making it a relatively new entrant with a developing track record.
Claims Experience
91% claims settled in 30 Days
Manipal Cigna settles 91% of all claims it receives demonstrating strong credibility.
Network Hospitals
8,500+
Manipal Cigna maintains a moderate network of 8,500 hospitals, offering reasonable coverage across key locations.
Complaints
24 complaints per 10,000 claims registered
Manipal Cigna experiences a moderate number of complaints, indicating room for improvement in addressing customer concerns.
Features
All
Great
Good
ManipalCigna Health 360 Advance
STANDOUT
Extended coverage with no room restriction, unlimited restoration of sum insured even for same illness along with air ambulance coverage
Co-payment
If you bought this policy, you have to pay 20% of the bill every time you make a claim after you turn 65. Otherwise, you are good to go. The insurer will pay all costs up to the sum insured.
Customisable
Waives off 20% of the co-payment if purchased at the age of 65 years or above.
Room Rent
Shared rooms are okay. Single private rooms are okay. Most rooms are okay unless it’s a suite room — the expensive stuff. Then you’ll have to start splitting the bill.
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 just 2 years. It’s probably the best deal you can get to be honest.
Add-ons
ManipalCigna Health 360 Shield
Recommended
Covers list of 68 non-medical items as per list I upto ₹1,00,000.
Cumulative Bonus Booster
Recommended
Additional bonus of 25% up to a maximum of 200%, irrespective of any claim in the previous year.
Waiver of Mandatory Co-payment
Recommended
Waives off 20% of the co-payment if purchased at the age of 65 years or above.
OPD
Get coverage for outpatient and e-consultations i.e. doctor visits along with coverage for prescribed diagnostics and pharmacy based on the option taken.
Hospital Cash
Hospital cash benefit paid out if hospitalization is at least 1 day, with a maximum payout of ₹3000 for up to 30 days.
ManipalCigna Health 360 Advance
Get extended coverage with no room restriction, unlimited restoration of sum insured even for same illness along with air ambulance coverage.
Maternity Waiting Period Reduction
Reduces the maternity waiting period from 4 years to 2 years.
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.
Cataract and other disorders of lens and retina
Hysterectomy for menorrhagia, fibromyoma, prolapse of uterus, or myomectomy for fibroids (unless necessitated by malignancy)
Surgery of hernia
Surgery of hydrocele
Benign ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders and surgeries (including tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty)
Waiting Period
30 days Initial waiting period
2 years Specific illness waiting period
2 years Pre-existing disease waiting period
Ditto's Take
◦ Excellent ◦
After a close look at the waiting periods, we can say that the waiting periods on this policy are excellent. Especially the PED waiting period which is better than usual.
Customer Reviews
R
Rohan Mehra
Unlimited restoration of sum insured and guaranteed cumulative bonus up to 200% are excellent.
P
Priya Sharma
Shorter waiting period for PEDs (2 years) is better than many other plans.
S
Sameer Kumar
Maternity coverage and newborn care are comprehensive, great for families.
N
Natasha Khan
Suites are excluded from room choice, which might be a small limitation for some at this price.
G
Geeta Iyengar
This Preferred plan is significantly more expensive, 20-30% higher than ProHealth Plus.
S
Sunita Reddy
Outpatient expense reimbursement is very practical for day-to-day medical needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does ProHealth Preferred 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 2-year waiting period for any pre-existing disease you may have while buying the policy.
- Maternity and Newborn Waiting Period: There’s a 4-year waiting period before you can make claims related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Does ProHealth Preferred have room rent restrictions?
Does ProHealth Preferred offer a restoration benefit?
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