Overview
The Royal Sundaram Lifeline Classic plan is a comprehensive health insurance policy designed for individuals and families, offering sum insured options typically between ₹2 lakhs and ₹4 lakhs. The plan features no sub-limits on room rent, no co-payment, and offers benefits like domiciliary hospitalization, hospital cash, and vaccination for animal bites. With lifetime renewability and preventive healthcare support, it aims to provide reliable financial protection against medical expenses.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The Royal Sundaram Lifeline Classic plan is a well-rounded health insurance option for those seeking extensive coverage within a modest sum insured range (₹2-4 lakhs). Its key features include no room rent sub-limits, meaning policyholders can choose any room category without worrying about restrictions—a feature not common in many plans at this coverage level.
The absence of co-payment reduces out-of-pocket expenses during hospitalization. The plan also reimburses vaccination costs for animal bites and offers hospital cash benefits, enhancing overall value. It also gives a 10% No Claim Bonus for every claim free year, up to 50%.
However, the policy imposes a 36-month waiting period for pre-existing diseases and a 24-month waiting period for 16 specified illnesses. The sum insured ceiling of ₹4 lakhs may be insufficient for major medical events, especially in urban areas with high treatment costs.
Premiums for this plan tend to be slightly higher, about 10-15% more than comparable basic plans from other insurers, reflecting its broader coverage and benefits. Also offers an add-on to cover consumable expenses.
Pros
Feature set is satisfactory.
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Cons
Maternity benefits not offered, which is a notable gap.
Doctor consultations are not covered, which could be a drawback for some. Need to opt add-on for doctor consultations.
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
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.
Customisable
Choose a co-payment between 5% and 30% to reduce premiums.
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.
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.
Add-ons
Consumables
Recommended
Covers list of 68 non-medical items as per list I
Health & Wellness
Get tele-consultations with doctors whenever you require, a virtual health coach to help you boost your health and Health & Wellness app to manage yours health status.
Voluntary Co-Payment
Choose a co-payment between 5% and 30% to reduce premiums.
Aggregate Deductible
Choose deductible between ₹1,00,000 and ₹10,00,000 and get a discount on premiums.
Hospital Cash
Hospital cash benefit paid out if hospitalization is at least 2 days, with a maximum payout of ₹1000 for up to 30 days.
Permanent Exclusions
Conditions or treatments that the policy clearly says it will not cover.
Hereditary conditions
STDs
Treatment for developmental problems
Ancillary Hospital Charges
Expenses related to any admission primarily for diagnostics and evaluation purposes 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
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 period
Ditto's Take
◦ Standard ◦
After a close look at the waiting periods, it’s safe to say they are fairly standard.
What's missing in the policy
Maternity benefits not offered.
Doctor consultations are not covered. Need to opt add-on for doctor consultations.
Compare Policies
Still confused?
Talk to our expert
advisor for
instant clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lifeline 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 Lifeline Classic have room rent restrictions?
Does Lifeline Classic offer a restoration benefit?
TALK TO OUR ADVISORS
Get real help from advisors who listen, guide and go the extra mile for you.