Overview
The Royal Sundaram Advanced Top-Up is a super top-up health insurance that provides financial protection beyond the limits of a base plan. It offers sum insured options of up to ₹95 lakhs, with deductibles between ₹5 lakhs and ₹25 lakhs. It covers essential medical expenses, daycare procedures, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses up to 60 and 90 days respectively, and alternative treatments like Ayurveda and Homeopathy.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The Royal Sundaram Advanced Top-Up plan is a valuable addition to any existing health insurance policy, offering a substantial buffer against unexpected medical expenses at a nominal premium increase. Its key strengths include a wide range of sum insured options and deductibles, allowing policyholders to customize coverage based on their financial capacity and existing health insurance limits.
The plan also includes a unique "Life Protect Benefit," where an additional amount up to 10% of the sum insured is provided if diagnosed with life-threatening conditions and the base cover falls short during claim settlement. The "Life Protect Benefit" is particularly noteworthy, as it offers an additional amount up to 10% of the sum insured if diagnosed with life-threatening conditions, ensuring that policyholders have sufficient funds for critical treatments.
The absence of co-payments means that the insurer bears the entire cost of treatment up to the sum insured, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for policyholders. They also cover pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses up to 60 & 90 days respectively, apart from AYUSH treatments, domiciliary and day-care treatments up to the cover amount. However, like all super top-up plans, the Royal Sundaram Advanced Top Up requires a deductible to be met before coverage kicks in, which may not be suitable for frequent or minor claims.
Pros
Feature set is satisfactory.
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Offers Life Protect Benefit, which makes this policy stand out.
Cons
No Restoration Benefit, which is a notable gap.
No Bonus for being healthy and not claiming insurance, which could be a drawback for some.
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups, which is a key feature.
Royal Sundaram
Key Insights
Founded
2001
Royal Sundaram was established 24 years ago and has built strong credibility over time, backed by its long-standing presence in the market.
Claims Experience
93% claims settled in 30 Days
Royal Sundaram settles 93% of all claims it receives demonstrating strong credibility.
Network Hospitals
10,000+
Royal Sundaram maintains a moderate network of 10,000 hospitals, offering reasonable coverage across key locations.
Complaints
17 complaints per 10,000 claims registered
Royal Sundaram experiences a moderate number of complaints, indicating room for improvement in addressing customer concerns.
Features
All
Great
Good
Life Protect Benefit
STANDOUT
In the event of a life-threatening condition, the insurance company will give an additional amount up to 10% of the sum insured if the base sum insured is insufficient in case of claim.
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
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.
Add-ons
Reduction in PED
Recommended
For any illness: Pre existing disease waiting period is modified/reduced from 3 years to 2 years.
Permanent Exclusions
Conditions or treatments that the policy clearly says it will not cover.
Ancillary Hospital Charges
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.
Cataract
Stones in biliary and urinary systems
Hernia / Hydrocele (all types)
Hysterectomy for any benign disorder
Lumps / Cysts / Nodules / Polyps / Internal tumours
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
No Restoration Benefit.
No Bonus for being healthy and not claiming insurance.
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups.
Maternity benefits not offered.
Doctor consultations are not covered.
Customer Reviews
K
Kapil V.
Life Protect Benefit giving extra 10% of SI for life-threatening conditions is a unique safety net.
L
Leena W.
Wide range of sum insured and deductible options, very customizable to my needs.
M
Manoj X.
No co-payment means insurer bears full cost up to SI after deductible. Great relief!
T
Tina E.
It's a top-up, so you need a base plan. Not a standalone solution.
R
Radha C.
Deductible has to be met first, so not useful for smaller or frequent claims.
P
Preeti A.
Pre- and post-hospitalization coverage is good (60 and 90 days).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Advanced Top Up 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 Advanced Top Up have room rent restrictions?
Does Advanced Top Up offer a restoration benefit?
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