Overview
The Royal Sundaram Lifeline Supreme plan is a high-coverage health insurance policy offering sums insured from ₹5 lakhs up to ₹1 crore, designed for individuals and families. The plan features no room rent restrictions, zero co-payment, and offers benefits like second medical opinions, restoration benefit once a year, and a no-claim bonus. It aims to deliver extensive, hassle-free health protection with a focus on modern treatments and global healthcare access.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
Royal Sundaram’s Lifeline Supreme plan is a robust health insurance option with a maximum sum insured of up to ₹1 crore, making it suitable for those seeking extensive coverage. A standout feature is the absence of room rent restrictions and co-payment, so policyholders can choose any hospital room without extra costs, and the insurer covers the full treatment expense up to the sum insured. The plan also rewards policyholders with a 20% No Claim Bonus on the base sum insured for every claim-free year, up to a maximum of 100%.
Two valuable add-ons further enhance the plan: a consumables benefit that covers usually excluded items such as syringes, gloves, and PPE kits, and a health & wellness package offering teleconsultations, a virtual health coach, and a dedicated app to monitor and manage your health status.
However, the plan’s premium is relatively high, roughly 15–25% more than comparable plans with similar coverage. Waiting periods are a consideration: coverage for pre-existing conditions begins after 36 months, and specific illnesses after 24 months, potentially delaying support for chronic or acute ailments.
Operationally, the claim settlement ratio averages around 96%, which is strong but slightly lower than some top-tier insurers, potentially affecting processing speed.
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
This benefit helps to opt for co-payment of 5% to 30%.
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 - 60 days before you are hospitalized and 90 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
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.
Voluntary Co-Payment
This benefit helps to opt for co-payment of 5% to 30%.
Aggregate Deductible
Choose deductible between ₹1,00,000 and ₹10,00,000 and get a discount on premiums.
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.
Supreme Plus
Get additional benefits like App-based cabs for ambulance cover, restoration for same illness and In-patient hospitalisation cover for pre-existing disease in life-threatening condition once in policy lifetime along with coverage for bariatric surgery, mobility devices like wheelchairs, walkers, etc. and second opinion for additional 11 critical illnesses upto defined limits.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lifeline Supreme 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 Supreme have room rent restrictions?
Does Lifeline Supreme offer a restoration benefit?
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