Finding cheapest health insurance in India requires balancing affordability with adequate coverage. Health insurance policies vary based on several factors like age, pre-existing conditions, sum insured, and additional benefits. While it’s important to keep the premium affordable, one should also ensure that the policy provides sufficient coverage to meet your healthcare needs.
Here are some of the cheapest health insurance policies in India for 2025 that offer good coverage at competitive premiums.
1. Star Health & Allied Insurance – Family Health Optima Plan
- Type: Family Floater Health Plan
- Premium: Starts at around ₹6,000–₹7,000 annually for a family floater plan with a ₹3 lakh sum insured.
- Key Features:
- Covers hospitalization expenses, including pre- and post-hospitalization.
- Offers coverage for daycare treatments and surgeries.
- Cashless hospitalization at network hospitals.
- Includes coverage for maternity, new-born baby care, and pre-existing diseases after a waiting period.
- Best For: Families looking for comprehensive, affordable coverage.
2. Reliance General Insurance – Health Insurance Plan
- Type: Individual/Family Floater Health Plan
- Premium: Starts at around ₹4,000–₹5,000 annually for a ₹2 lakh sum insured.
- Key Features:
- Covers hospitalization, surgery, daycare, and emergency ambulance costs.
- Pre- and post-hospitalization cover for up to 30 days.
- Network of hospitals for cashless claims.
- Optional riders available for critical illness and personal accidents.
- Best For: Individuals and families who want a low-cost plan with the option of expanding coverage with add-ons.
3. HDFC ERGO Health Insurance (Optima Restore)
- Type: Family Floater Plan with Restore Benefit
- Premium: Around ₹5,500–₹6,500 annually for a ₹3 lakh sum insured.
- Key Features:
- Automatically restores the sum insured if it’s exhausted during the policy period.
- Cashless hospitalization at network hospitals.
- Comprehensive coverage including daycare treatments, organ donation, and critical illness cover.
- Available with a wide network of hospitals across India.
- Best For: Families looking for a budget-friendly plan with the restore benefit.
4. Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance – Health Plan
- Type: Individual/Family Floater Health Plan
- Premium: Starts at around ₹5,000–₹6,000 annually for ₹3 lakh coverage.
- Key Features:
- Covers hospitalization, daycare procedures, and pre- & post-hospitalization expenses.
- Includes annual health check-ups and free health consultation.
- Cashless claim settlement across a wide network of hospitals.
- Option for critical illness rider and personal accident cover.
- Best For: Those looking for an affordable, customizable health insurance plan.
5. Aditya Birla Health Insurance – Activ Secure Plan
- Type: Individual and Family Floater Plan
- Premium: Around ₹4,500–₹5,000 annually for ₹2 lakh coverage.
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive coverage including hospitalization, surgeries, and daycare treatments.
- Wellness benefits with rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Pre- and post-hospitalization cover.
- Option to add coverage for critical illness and personal accidents.
- Best For: Individuals looking for a low-cost plan with wellness benefits.
6. ICICI Lombard Health Insurance – Complete Health Insurance Plan
- Type: Individual/Family Floater Plan
- Premium: Starts at approximately ₹5,500–₹6,000 annually for ₹3 lakh sum insured.
- Key Features:
- Covers hospitalization, surgeries, and daycare treatments.
- Cashless hospitalization at network hospitals.
- Maternity cover (after a waiting period) and coverage for new-borns.
- Pre- and post-hospitalization cover up to 60 days.
- Best For: Families looking for an affordable health plan with maternity benefits.
7. Tata AIG MediCare Premier Health Insurance
- Type: Individual/Family Floater Plan
- Premium: Starts at around ₹5,500–₹6,000 annually for a ₹3 lakh sum insured.
- Key Features:
- Covers hospitalization, surgeries, and daycare treatments.
- Provides coverage for organ donation, pre-existing diseases, and critical illness.
- Cashless facility at a wide network of hospitals.
- No cap on room rent in network hospitals.
- Best For: People seeking a budget-friendly plan with flexible room rent options.
8. Bharti AXA Health Insurance – Smart Super Health Plan
- Type: Individual/Family Floater Plan
- Premium: Starts at approximately ₹5,000–₹6,000 annually for ₹2 lakh sum insured.
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive health coverage, including hospitalization, surgeries, and daycare treatments.
- Coverage for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses.
- Emergency ambulance cover.
- Cashless claims at network hospitals across India.
- Best For: Individuals looking for a cheap health insurance plan with wide coverage.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Cheapest Health Insurance Plan
While affordability is a key factor, it’s also essential to ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage. Here are some tips for choosing the best low-cost health insurance:
- Sum Insured: Choose a sum insured amount that aligns with your healthcare needs. For a family, a minimum of ₹3 lakh coverage is recommended.
- Network of Hospitals: Check the list of hospitals covered under the insurer’s network for cashless claims. A wider network is beneficial for convenience.
- Add-Ons and Riders: Ensure the policy allows add-ons (like critical illness or personal accident coverage) without significantly increasing the premium.
- Pre-Existing Diseases: Look for policies that cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period if you have any.
- Policy Terms and Conditions: Understand the waiting period, exclusions, and claim settlement process before finalizing a policy.
- Maternity Benefits: Some affordable policies offer maternity benefits after a waiting period, which is useful if you plan for a family.
Conclusion
The cheapest health insurance policy is not always the one with the lowest premium but the one that offers the best balance of cost and coverage for your needs. The policies listed above are some of the most affordable in India, offering comprehensive coverage with various add-ons. Before purchasing, make sure to compare policies and choose one that suits your medical needs, budget, and preferences.
Would you like assistance in comparing specific plans or need further details on any of these options? Let me know!