Overview
The Star Cancer Care Platinum is a specialized health insurance plan for individuals diagnosed with cancer. The policy offers sum insured options up to ₹10 lakhs. It covers both cancer-related and non-cancer medical expenses, including hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain management, and daycare procedures. The plan provides an optional benefit of lump sum benefit for recurrence, metastasis, and second malignancies. It also includes hospice care (payable up to 20% of sum insured at network providers on indemnity basis, payable once in life time) for advanced cancer patients and wellness services to promote healthy living.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The Star Cancer Care Platinum plan is a unique health insurance solution tailored for cancer patients, offering coverage for both cancer-related and non-cancer medical expenses. Its standout features include an optional lump sum benefit for recurrence and metastasis, hospice care, and wellness services, which are particularly beneficial for individuals managing cancer.
The plan does not require pre-medical tests; instead requires previous medical records including details of treatment to be submitted along with the proposal, making it accessible to those who need coverage.
That said, the plan has a mandatory 10% co-payment for policyholders aged 61 or above, increasing out-of-pocket expenses. At the same time, its No-Claim Bonus is limited to 5% up to 50% for claim free years, which is relatively low compared to other policies.
Additionally, disease-wise sub-limits apply to modern treatments and cataracts, potentially restricting coverage for high-cost procedures and it also comes with room rent restrictions (Room (Single Standard A/c).
Star Health's subpar claim settlement ratio and high complaint volume also raise concerns about claims processing efficiency. Despite these limitations, the plan remains popular due to its niche focus on cancer care.
Pros
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Cons
Not very feature-rich.
No Restoration Benefit, which is a notable gap.
No coverage if you are forced to hospitalize at home, which could be a drawback for some.
Maternity benefits not offered, which is a key feature.
Star Health
Key Insights
Founded
2006
Star Health was established 19 years ago and has built strong credibility over time, backed by its long-standing presence in the market.
Claims Experience
85% claims settled in 30 Days
Star Health settles only 85% of claims it receives, which is relatively low and may raise concerns about reliability during claim payouts.
Network Hospitals
14,000+
Star Health has a strong network with over 14,000 hospitals, ensuring wide accessibility and convenience for policyholders.
Complaints
52 complaints per 10,000 claims registered
Star Health has a relatively high volume of complaints, which may point to ongoing issues in customer service or claim handling.
Features
All
Great
Good
Bad
Co-payment
If you bought this policy after you turned 61, you have to pay 10% of the bill every time you make a claim. Otherwise, you are good to go. The insurer will pay all costs up to the sum insured.
Room Rent
You can share a room or you could have a single room for yourself. But if you are looking for anything slightly fancy, be ready to foot a part of the bill.
Disease sub-limit
Your insurance cover won’t be fully available in case you are treated for cataracts, modern treatments, Hospice Care 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 2.5 years. 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 (but not exceeding 2% of the base sum insured). This includes the cost of medication by the way.
Add-ons
Lump Sum Cover for Cancer
Paid out as 50% of the sum insured for cancer.
Permanent Exclusions
Conditions or treatments that the policy clearly says it will not cover.
Expenses incurred on Enhanced External Counter Pulsation Therapy and related therapies, Chelation therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Rotational Field Quantum Magnetic Resonance Therapy, VAX-D, Low level laser therapy, Photodynamic therapy & other similar therapies
Autologous derived Stromal vascular fraction, Chondrocyte Implantation, Procedures using Platelet Rich plasma and Intra articular injection therapy
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.
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 diseases of the anterior and posterior chamber of the eye
ENT diseases
Thyroid-related diseases
Benign breast diseases
Subcutaneous benign lumps (sebaceous cyst, dermoid cyst, mucous cyst lip/cheek)
Waiting Period
30 days Initial waiting period
2 years Specific illness waiting period
2.5 years Pre-existing disease waiting period
Ditto's Take
◦ ◦
What's missing in the policy
No Restoration Benefit.
No coverage if you are forced to hospitalize at home.
Maternity benefits not offered.
Doctor consultations are not covered.
Customer Reviews
S
Sundar Mishra
Specifically designed for cancer patients, offering specialized coverage.
S
Sunita Iyer
Covers advanced treatments and modern procedures related to cancer care.
S
Suraj Menon
No claim bonus of 5% per year is a small but welcome addition.
V
Vani Chandra
Star Health's subpar claim settlement ratio and high complaint volume are serious concerns.
U
Uday Das
Mandatory 10% co-payment for policyholders aged 61+ is a big drawback.
T
Tanuja Jain
Lifelong renewability provides peace of mind for long-term care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cancer Care Platinum 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 2.5-year waiting period for any pre-existing disease you may have while buying the policy.
- Hospice Care Waiting Period: There's a 1-year waiting period for availing Hospice Care services.
Does Cancer Care Platinum have room rent restrictions?
Does Cancer Care Platinum offer a restoration benefit?
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