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Critical Illness Insurance

Critical illness insurance protects you and your family during serious medical emergencies…

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Reviewed by Naval Goel
Published: 9 Jul 2026
Updated: 25 Jul 2026
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Health Insurance Plans for Critical Illness

Critical illness health insurance provides coverage for long-term illnesses requiring extensive medical treatment. Examples include cancer, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, and more. You will receive a lump-sum coverage amount to help cover high medical costs incurred during treatment.

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9 Best Critical Illness Insurance Plans

9 Best Critical Illness Insurance Plans

In this video, we ve discussed the 9 best critical illness insurance plans available in India for consumers.

Best Critical Illness Health Insurance Plans

After carefully analyzing the exclusive benefits and vital USPs of each plan, we have listed the best critical illness plans for you and your family.

Name of Plan Entry Age Sum Insured Best Features Premiums (approx.)
Care Heart Plan Minimum: 18 Years
Maximum: No Limit
Up to INR 10 Lakh Covers major heart ailments INR 1,183 Per month
Care Freedom Plan Minimum: 90 Days
Maximum: No Limit
Up to INR 5 Lakh Covers diabetes and dialysis costs INR 5,653 Per month
Star Cardiac Care Plan Minimum: 10 Years
Maximum: 65 Years
Up to INR 4 Lakh Covers major heart illness INR 1,225 Per month
Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy Minimum: 5 Months
Maximum: 65 Years
Up to INR 10 Lakh Covers all types of cancer INR 1,349 Per month
Star Critical Illness Multipay Insurance Policy Minimum: 18 Years
Maximum: 65 Years
Up to INR 25 Lakh Covers Cancer-related treatments, Heart-related conditions, Brain & nervous system-related conditions, Major organ and other conditions INR 1,534 Per month
Star Special Care Minimum: 3 Years
Maximum: 25 Years (for those diagnosed with Autism)
Up to INR 3 Lakh Covers Autism INR 4800 Per month
Niva Bupa CritiCare Minimum: 18 Years
Maximum: 65 Years
Up to INR 3 Crore Covers up to 20 diseases INR 1044 Per month
Aditya Birla Activ Secure Critical Illness Minimum: 5 Years
Maximum: 65 Years
Up to INR 1 Crore Covers cancer, kidney failure, and heart diseases INR 668 Per month
SBI Critical Illness Insurance Plan Minimum: 18 Years
Maximum: 65 Years
Up to INR 10 Lakh Covers 13 major critical illnesses INR 588 Per month

What is a Critical Illness?

Critical illnesses include conditions like paralysis, cancer, organ failure, stroke, sclerosis, and heart attack. These illnesses affect major organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Treating these illnesses can be time-consuming, and medical treatment costs are very high nowadays. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduces risks, it’s still advisable to have critical illness insurance, especially for people living in Tier 1 cities, where both living and medical costs are generally higher.

Common Features of Critical Illness Plans

  • Coverage for Critical Illnesses

    The policy covers you in case of a critical illness diagnosis anywhere in the country. You can claim against treatment costs from diagnosis to full recovery.

  • Simplified Claim Process

    The critical illness claim process is often simpler than other health insurance claims, as it can be based on diagnosis reports.

  • Tax Benefits

    Critical illness health insurance plans offer tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

  • Affordable Premiums

    While hospital bills can be very high, critical illness health insurance helps secure your finances.

  • Policy Tenure Options

    Some health insurers offer policies for 1 or 2 years, with easy renewal options.

  • Sum Insured

    Sum insured options are available up to ₹10 Lakh.

How Critical Illness Plans Can Help You

Critical illness health insurance policies offer significant benefits. Here’s how each plan can support you in case of an unforeseen critical illness.

  1. Care Heart Plan

    Care Heart Plan is specifically designed for patients at a higher risk of heart problems. This plan is ideal for individuals with a family history of heart disease or those already diagnosed with heart conditions.

    Features and Benefits of Care Heart Plan

    • Lifelong renewability
    • No-claim bonus
    • Annual cardiac health check-up
    • OPD coverage
    • In-patient hospitalization for at least 24 hours is covered.
    • Ambulance costs in an emergency are also covered.
    • Alternative treatments like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) are also covered.
    • All necessary treatments and surgeries are covered.
  2. Care Freedom Plan

    Another excellent plan by Care Health Insurance. Care Freedom Plan is a tailored plan for individuals with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high BMI.

    Features and Benefits of Care Freedom Plan

    • 2-year waiting period
    • Cashless critical illness treatment
    • Lifelong renewability
    • Daycare treatment
    • Tax benefits
    • Annual health check-up included.
    • Covers domiciliary hospitalization.
    • Covers dialysis, with a per-sitting amount payable for up to 24 months.
    • No room rent limit.
  3. Star Cardiac Care Plan

    Star Health Insurance has launched this plan to give extensive coverage to heart patients. You can choose your coverage from two variants: Gold and Silver. Don’t let heart concerns steal your peace; secure the Star Cardiac Care plan with ease.

    Features and Benefits of Star Cardiac Care Plan

    • Lifelong renewal benefit
    • Installment facility available
    • 30-day general waiting period
    • Daycare treatment cover
    • Free annual health check-ups.
    • No co-payment with this plan.
    • Higher sum insured options.
  4. Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy

    Another bestselling critical illness plan by Star Health Insurance provides extra coverage during challenging times. Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Plan ensures your family is financially prepared for the tough battle against cancer.

    Features and Benefits of Star Cancer Care Platinum Policy

    • Indemnity plan covering cancer and other critical diseases
    • Covers health check-up costs for every claim-free year
    • Covers modern treatments
    • This plan also covers pre and post-hospitalization
    • Second opinion costs are covered.
    • Get benefits for staying healthy.
    • Coverage for pain management treatments.
    • No pre-medical tests required, irrespective of age.
  5. Star Critical Illness Multipay Insurance Policy

    Star Critical Illness Multipay Insurance Plan covers 37 different major life-threatening diseases. In some variants, you may receive a pre-defined percentage of the sum insured upon diagnosis of the first critical illness. Anyone aged between 18 and 65 years can get insured with this policy.

    Features and Benefits of Star Critical Illness Multipay Plan

    • Individual policy only
    • Star wellness program to motivate healthy living
    • Installment facility available
    • Available for 1, 2, and 3-year tenures
    • Covers 37 critical diseases.
    • Provides coverage for cancer, heart ailments, and nervous system-related diseases.
    • High sum insured, up to ₹25 Lakh.
  6. Star Special Care

    Star Special Care is a unique plan, tailor-made for individuals dealing with Autism. This individual plan can be purchased for yourself or your child, safeguarding them from future hardships. Although a waiting period applies, it can safeguard you for a lifetime.

    Features and Benefits of Star Special Care

    • Affordable plan for ages 3 to 25 years
    • Only a 30-day waiting period
    • Available as an individual plan
    • Covers room rent in case of hospitalization
    • Covers behavioral therapy.
    • Cashless facilities available.
    • Coverage for modern treatments.
    • Covers the cost of surgery, anesthesia, and more.
  7. Niva Bupa CritiCare

    A high-value plan by Niva Bupa, CritiCare covers 20 different critical illnesses. Niva Bupa CritiCare Plan covers individuals aged 18 to 65 years and provides coverage up to ₹2 Crore. It is designed for those diagnosed with any of the mentioned critical illnesses.

    Features and Benefits of Niva Bupa CritiCare

    • Two coverage options: individual and family
    • Get exciting discounts annually upon policy renewal
    • Direct claim settlement
    • Higher sum insured of up to ₹3 Crore
    • Several payout options to choose from.
    • Policy tenure can be 1, 2, or 3 years.
    • Your sum insured will be multiplied as per annual income.
  8. Aditya Birla Activ Secure Critical Illness

    This plan aims to protect your future after a critical illness diagnosis. Aditya Birla Activ Secure Critical Illness Plan provides coverage against 64 major illnesses and a sum insured of up to ₹1 Crore.

    Features and Benefits of Aditya Birla Activ Secure Critical Illness

    • Air ambulance coverage
    • Coverage for emergency road ambulance
    • Daycare treatment
    • One plan for multiple diseases
    • Three variants of the critical illness plan: Plan 1 (covers 20 critical illnesses), Plan 2 (covers 50 critical illnesses), and Plan 3 (covers 64 critical illnesses).
    • Tax benefits under Section 80D.
    • This plan can cover yourself, your spouse, up to 4 children, up to 2 parents, and 2 parents-in-law.
    • Covers wellness coach charges and second e-opinion.
  9. SBI Critical Illness Insurance Plan

    The SBI Critical Illness Plan is offered by State Bank of India, one of India’s most trusted organizations. The plan offers financial protection for 13 critical illnesses. It helps you focus on important health aspects like quality healthcare and quick recovery.

    Features and Benefits of SBI Critical Illness Insurance

    • Covers 13 critical illnesses
    • 1 and 3-year tenure options
    • 15-day free look period
    • Sum insured up to ₹50 Lakh
    • 30-day grace period.
    • Save tax under Section 80D.
    • Easy claim reimbursement procedure.

Who Should Buy a Critical Illness Policy?

While anyone can buy a critical illness health insurance plan, we recommend it if:

  • You have a family history of critical illness.
  • You are the sole earning member of your family.
  • You work in a high-risk job.
  • You are above 40 years of age.
  • You have undergone cardiac surgery.

How Can PolicyX Help?

Choosing the right Critical Illness health insurance plan can be daunting, but it’s crucial for your loved ones’ well-being. Reach out to us; we can simplify your search for the best Critical Illness insurance plan. We compare quotes and suggest the best plan for you. Let us help you find the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family is protected. Visit our website or talk to one of our advisors today to get started!

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Health Insurance Companies Network Hospitals

Aditya Birla
Bajaj Allianz
Bharti Axa
Care Health
Future Generali
HDFC Health
IFFCO Tokio
Manipal Cigna
Niva Bupa
SBI Health
Star Health
Tata AIG
New India
Universal Sompo

Frequently Asked Questions

The most-asked questions about Critical Illness Insurance, answered.

The following are the top 5 critical illness health insurance plans in India based on the latest claim settlement ratio (CSR) for the year 2021-22: Care Heart Plan Star Cardiac Care Insurance Policy Niva Bupa CritiCare Plan Aditya Birla Activ Secure Critical Illness Plan
Critical illnesses are illnesses that directly affect the major body organs like the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and more.
Critical illness insurance does not provide death benefits. It will provide the payout if you get hospitalized or fall ill due to the illness.
The key features of a critical illness health plan are the availability of a high sum insured for dealing with major illnesses and coverage for expensive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, organ transplant surgeries, and more. It also provides income replacement in case the only earning member of the family is diagnosed with a critical illness and is unable to work.
Insurance holders often consider a variation of factors when suggesting an ideal sum insured for a critical illness health plan such as age, lifestyle, medical history, occupation, annual income, and more.
In general terms, insured individuals need to provide their policy card, medical documents such as doctor’s prescriptions, tests and diagnostic reports, address proof, age proof, identity proof, and a duly filled pre-authorized form provided by the TPA.
Yes. As per section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961, one is allowed to have tax exemptions on premiums paid for critical illness health insurance plans.
Yes. As per IRDAI, all insurance plans along with critical illness insurance policies come with a free look period during which the insured can review the terms and conditions of the policy, and if dissatisfied he/she can cancel their policy.
The number of critical illnesses covered under a Critical Illness Plan varies from insurer to insurer. However, a few general illnesses such as Cancer, Heart attack, Open heart coronary artery bypass grafting, Open heart replacement or repair of heart valves, Coma of specified severity, and Kidney failure are covered under the Critical Illness Health Insurance Policy.
Critical illness insurance is different from your regular health policy. It covers life-threatening diseases which have higher medical costs and procedures.
Typically, the best way is to estimate the cost of how much a critical illness medical expenses would cost. Now, add your household expenses for the next five years including the critical illness expenses, deduct the unavoidable expenses from this (like your loans and EMIs) and emergency corpus. The amount left with you is the estimate that you should consider.
No, if you are already suffering from a critical disease you cannot buy a critical illness policy.
A claim form, medical history, existing medical ailment reports are some of the primary documents that you would need while buying a critical illness cover.
You need critical illness health insurance to protect yourself and your loved ones from major diseases that can drain your whole budget quickly.

Health Insurance News

Recent updates and announcements from the health insurance industry.

Health News 11 Aug 2026

General Insurance Premium Rises 10.5% to ₹31,000 Crore in July

  India’s general insurance industry recorded 10.5% YoY growth in July, with total premium reaching ₹31,000 crore, up from ₹28,000 crore …

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  • India’s general insurance industry recorded 10.5% YoY growth in July, with total premium reaching ₹31,000 crore, up from ₹28,000 crore a year ago.

  • From April to July, premiums rose 11% YoY to ₹1.19 lakh crore.

  • Seven standalone health insurers grew premium income 30% YoY to ₹4,666 crore.

  • Star Health reported 18% growth to ₹1,803 crore, while United India Insurance grew 26% and Bajaj General Insurance 13%.

 

Health News 7 Aug 2026

Bajaj Life Launches Care Plus Rider

• Bajaj Life introduced the Care Plus Rider with health, wellness, and fitness benefits alongside life insurance. • The rider offers benefit…

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• Bajaj Life introduced the Care Plus Rider with health, wellness, and fitness benefits alongside life insurance.

• The rider offers benefits up to ₹2 lakh per year, including doctor consultations, health check-ups, gym access, and mental wellness support.

• It also provides an ATPD payout and waives future rider premiums after accidental total permanent disability.

 
 
 
Health News 6 Aug 2026

AstraZeneca India Introduces Dedicated Group Cancer Insurance

  First dedicated group cancer cover for employees in India. Offers up to ₹30 lakh coverage per employee. Covers pre-existing cancer withou…

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  • First dedicated group cancer cover for employees in India.

  • Offers up to ₹30 lakh coverage per employee.

  • Covers pre-existing cancer without a waiting period.

  • Aims to strengthen employee healthcare and financial protection.

 

Health News 31 Jul 2026

ICICI Pru Launches 10-Year Life Cover Under iProtect Smart Plus

ICICI Prudential Life launched a 10-year life cover option under ICICI Pru iProtect Smart Plus, offering high coverage at lower premiums for short-ter…

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  • ICICI Prudential Life launched a 10-year life cover option under ICICI Pru iProtect Smart Plus, offering high coverage at lower premiums for short-term financial needs.

  • The plan offers health and wellness benefits worth up to ₹67,100, ₹3 lakh instant claim payout, and 100% terminal illness payout.

  • The insurer reported a 99.3% claim settlement ratio and a 1-day average claim settlement turnaround in Q1 FY2027.

Health News 28 Jul 2026

Care Health Urges Early Hepatitis Screening Ahead of World Hepatitis Day

  Care Health Insurance stressed the importance of early hepatitis screening and vaccination. India has nearly 3.5 crore people living with chro…

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  • Care Health Insurance stressed the importance of early hepatitis screening and vaccination.
  • India has nearly 3.5 crore people living with chronic hepatitis B and C.
  • Viral hepatitis causes around 1.23 lakh deaths in India every year.
  • Early detection can help prevent cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
 
 
 
Health News 27 Jul 2026

Yogi Announces ₹5 Lakh Health Cover, ₹3 Crore Insurance for Teachers

UP CM Yogi Adityanath launched the Mukhyamantri Shikshak Cashless Yojana, offering cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh for teachers and their families…

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  • UP CM Yogi Adityanath launched the Mukhyamantri Shikshak Cashless Yojana, offering cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh for teachers and their families.
  • The scheme includes accidental insurance up to ₹1.5 crore, air accident cover of ₹3 crore, and term life insurance of ₹12 lakh.
  • Around 10 lakh beneficiaries will receive coverage for over 1,900 diseases, including cancer and heart-related treatments.

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