Overview
The Star Health Women Care Policy is a specialized health insurance plan tailored to address the unique healthcare needs of women. It offers coverage for assisted reproductive treatments, including surrogacy, IVF, and oocyte donor care, which are subject to a three-year waiting period. The policy also includes maternity benefits, ante-natal care, outpatient consultations, and coverage for modern treatments. With sum insured options ranging from ₹5 lakhs to ₹1 crore, the plan provides comprehensive protection across various stages of a woman’s life.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The Star Health Women Care Policy is a thoughtful offering that caters specifically to women’s healthcare requirements. Its standout feature is the coverage for assisted reproductive treatments, such as IVF and surrogacy, which makes it highly relevant for women dealing with fertility problems.
Additionally, ante-natal care and maternity benefits ensure financial support during pregnancy and childbirth, while outpatient consultations and preventive health check-ups promote proactive health management.
The plan also covers modern treatments like robotic surgeries and oral chemotherapy, as well as AYUSH therapies. However, room rent restrictions for policies with a sum insured below ₹50 lakhs and sub-limits on certain modern treatments may limit flexibility during hospitalization. Another drawback is the three-year waiting period for assisted reproductive treatments, which could be challenging for those seeking immediate coverage.
Operational efficiency is another area of concern, as recent customer feedback suggests Star Health needs to improve its claim settlement process and overall service quality. Despite these limitations, the policy’s focus on women-centric benefits makes it a valuable choice for those seeking specialized healthcare coverage.
Pros
Feature set is satisfactory.
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Offers Extended coverage for Assisted Reproductive Treatments, which makes this policy stand out.
Cons
No coverage if you are forced to hospitalize at home, which is a notable gap.
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
Extended coverage for Assisted Reproductive Treatments
STANDOUT
This plan offers coverage for assisted reproductive treatments up to specified amounts including coverage for surrogacy, Oocyte Donor care, IVF, etc.
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
Your insurer won’t let you stay in a room whose rent exceeds 1% of the sum insured. But in the event, you breach this limit, get ready to pay a lot more or choose a higher cover to get better category of room.
Disease sub-limit
Your insurance cover won’t be fully available in case you are treated for modern treatments 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 years. It’s probably the best deal you can get to be honest.
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.
Treatment of cataract and diseases of the anterior and posterior chamber of the eye
Diseases of ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
Thyroid-related diseases
Benign diseases of the breast
Subcutaneous benign lumps (e.g., sebaceous cyst, dermoid cyst, mucous cyst of lip/cheek)
Waiting Period
30 days Initial waiting period
2 years Specific illness waiting period
2 years Pre-existing disease waiting period
Ditto's Take
◦ Excellent ◦
After a close look at the waiting periods, we can say that the waiting periods on this policy are excellent. Especially the PED waiting period which is better than usual.
What's missing in the policy
No coverage if you are forced to hospitalize at home.
Customer Reviews
S
Sunita Devi
Excellent coverage specifically designed for women's health needs. Very thoughtful plan.
P
Priyanka Sharma
Covers maternity and related complications well. Big relief for expecting mothers.
A
Anjali Mehta
The policy includes coverage for critical illnesses specific to women. Important protection.
S
Suman Lata
Wish there were more network hospitals with specialized women's healthcare facilities.
P
Pooja Varma
The waiting period for maternity coverage is quite long.
R
Ritu Singh
Premiums are reasonable for the specialized coverage offered. Good value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Women Care 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-year waiting period for any pre-existing disease you may have while buying the policy.
- Maternity and Newborn Waiting Period: There’s a 2-year waiting period before you can make claims related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Does Women Care have room rent restrictions?
Does Women Care offer a restoration benefit?
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