Overview
The National Insurance National Super Top-up Mediclaim plan is designed to provide additional health coverage beyond a base policy, with sum insured options up to ₹80 lakhs and deductibles between ₹2 lakhs and ₹20 lakhs. The plan includes coverage for commonly excluded conditions like HIV/AIDS, bariatric surgery, and maternity (subject to waiting periods), with no room rent restrictions and no co-payment, making it a flexible top-up solution for individuals and families. While buying a super top-up policy can be useful, we recommend that you don’t buy one instead of a standalone health insurance plan. As the name suggests, it’s a top-up; something additional that you buy.
Experts' Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The National Super Top-up Mediclaim plan offers a decent top-up coverage option with several attractive features. Its key USPs include no co-payment, freedom to choose any room category without restrictions, and coverage for a broad range of treatments, including modern therapies and alternative medicine.
The plan’s premiums are slightly higher than comparable super top-up plans offered by private players. Additionally, it offers a 5% annual increase in sum insured for claim-free years, rewarding policyholders for maintaining good health up to a maximum of 50% but also with a provision to claw it back in the same proportion once a claim is made.
Premiums are competitive with up to 10% discounts for online purchase, 5% for early entry or family cover, and 3–5% for long-term policies, enhancing overall affordability.
However, the maximum sum insured cap of ₹20 lakhs is relatively modest compared to some competitors offering higher limits, which may be insufficient for rare or extremely costly medical conditions. The deductible range (₹2-20 lakhs) means policyholders must have a substantial base policy to benefit fully. The waiting period for pre-existing diseases is 36 months, which could delay coverage for chronic conditions.
Pros
Feature set is satisfactory.
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Cons
No Restoration Benefit, which is a notable gap.
Underwhelming bonus feature, which could be a drawback for some.
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups, which is a key feature.
National Insurance
Key Insights
Founded
1906
National Insurance was established 119 years ago and has built strong credibility over time, backed by its long-standing presence in the market.
Claims Experience
95% claims settled in 30 Days
National Insurance settles 95% of all claims it receives demonstrating strong credibility.
Network Hospitals
3,200+
National Insurance has a limited network of 3,200 hospitals, which may restrict access to cashless services for policyholders.
Complaints
30 complaints per 10,000 claims registered
National Insurance 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
Shared room, single room, deluxe room or any room that’s available. The insurer won’t nitpick on your choice of room since the policy has no restrictions on room rent.
Disease sub-limit
Your insurance cover won’t be fully available in case you are treated for modern treatments and a few other diseases. Meaning the insurance company has a cap on the total amount they’ll pay out if you are treated for these specific illnesses.
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 1 year. It’s probably the best deal you can get to be honest.
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 - 30 days before you are hospitalized and 60 days after discharge. This includes the cost of medication by the way.
Permanent Exclusions
Conditions or treatments that the policy clearly says it will not cover.
Expenses for hormone replacement therapy, unless part of Medically Necessary Treatment, except for Puberty and Menopause related disorders.
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.
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.
Benign ENT disorders (e.g., tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, sinusitis)
Gout and rheumatism
Hernia (all types)
Hydrocele
Non‑infective arthritis
Waiting Period
30 days Initial waiting period
2 years Specific illness waiting period
1 years Pre-existing disease waiting period
Ditto's Take
◦ Excellent ◦
Waiting periods on this policy are excellent. The PED waiting period is better than usual.
What's missing in the policy
No Restoration Benefit.
Underwhelming bonus feature.
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups.
No coverage if you are forced to hospitalize at home.
Customer Reviews
P
Priya Kumari
No co-payment is a great feature for a top-up plan.
R
Rohit Sharma
Freedom to choose any room category without restrictions is excellent.
A
Aishwarya Nair
Covers a broad range of treatments including modern therapies and alternative medicine.
A
Alok Chandra
Max SI of ₹20L is modest compared to some competitors offering ₹50L or ₹1 Cr.
G
Girish Joshi
While the plan worked for my top-up needs, I wish it had a restoration benefit—that’s something I found missing compared to other options.
V
Varun Kumar
Coverage for HIV/AIDS, bariatric surgery, and maternity (with waiting) is quite inclusive for a top-up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does National Super Top-up Mediclaim 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 90 days to 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 1-year waiting period for any pre-existing disease you may have while buying the policy.
- Maternity and Newborn Waiting Period: There’s a 3-year waiting period before you can make claims related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Does National Super Top-up Mediclaim have room rent restrictions?
Does National Super Top-up Mediclaim offer a restoration benefit?
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