Overview
The Star Health Diabetes Safe plan is a specialized health insurance policy designed for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, offering coverage from age 18 to 65. It covers diabetes-related complications, with options for sum insured up to Rs. 10 lakhs. The plan also features lifelong renewability, coverage for pre- [30 days] and post-hospitalization [60 days, after discharge from the hospital, not exceeding 7% of the hospitalization expenses or Rs 5000/- per hospitalization, whichever is less] expenses, and an extensive network of hospitals [14000+]. It aims to provide comprehensive diabetes management support with no pre-acceptance medical tests for Plan B.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
Star Health’s Diabetes Safe plan is a tailored solution for diabetics, offering coverage for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes from day one [depending on the Plan Variant], which is a significant USP. Its key advantage is the coverage of modern treatments [with sub-limits] such as robotic surgeries, immunotherapy, and advanced diagnostic procedures, which are often excluded in some standard health plans. The policy also covers outpatient consultations, medications, and complications arising from diabetes, providing holistic support for managing the condition.
However, the plan’s credibility is a concern, given Star Health’s low average claim settlement ratio of 83% in recent years [avg. Of 2021-24] and high complaint volumes, indicating operational and claim processing challenges. The waiting period for pre-existing conditions is 36 months, which may be restrictive for some individuals. The maximum sum insured of Rs. 10 lakhs might be limiting for high-cost treatments, especially in urban centers. Premiums are about 15-20% higher than those of similar plans from more reputable insurers, reflecting its niche focus.
Pros
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Offers Diabetic Complications Waiting Period, which makes this policy stand out.
Cons
Not very feature-rich.
No Bonus for being healthy and not claiming insurance, which is a notable gap.
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups, which could be a drawback for some.
No coverage if you are forced to hospitalize at home, 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
Pre existing diseases waiting
STANDOUT
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.
Diabetic Complications Waiting Period
STANDOUT
There's a 1-year waiting period for ailments related to the diabetes affecting cardiovascular system, renal system, and so on. (Only for Plan B)
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
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
Any cardio vascular diseases if caused due to diabetes will have limits, cataracts and modern treatments also have different limits for different covers chosen.
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.
Gastric or duodenal ulcers
Benign prostatic hypertrophy
All types of sinuses
Hemorrhoids
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
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
No Bonus for being healthy and not claiming insurance.
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups.
No coverage if you are forced to hospitalize at home.
Maternity benefits not offered.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Diabetes Safe 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.
- Diabetic Complications Waiting Period: There's a 1-year waiting period for ailments related to the diabetes affecting cardiovascular system, renal system, and so on. (Only for Plan B)
Does Diabetes Safe have room rent restrictions?
Does Diabetes Safe offer a restoration benefit?
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