The best health insurance plans offer inclusive coverage for every need—cash… The best health insurance plans offer inclusive coverage for every need—cashless treatment, free health checkups and tax savings. If you're buying the best plan in India, look for reputed network hospitals, affordable premiums, discounts and rewards.
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Health insurance companies provide a financial safety net by covering the high costs of medical treatments, surgeries, and hospitalization. These companies offer health insurance policies well-suited for:
Individuals
Families
Senior citizens
Women
Parents
Health insurance is a crucial investment. Currently, 33 health insurance companies offer over 100 health plans to help you with this important decision.
IRDAI has registered 25 general insurance companies and 8 standalone health insurance companies to cater to health insurance needs. However, selecting the best among these can be challenging. This comprehensive guide introduces you to all health insurance companies in India, helping you make an informed decision.
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Best 5 Health Insurance Plans of 2026 | Top 5 Health Insurance Companies in India 2026
The Top 5 Health Insurance Plans in India for 2026
List of Health Insurance Companies in India 2026
Before delving into the details, here’s a glance at the list of health insurance companies in India and their key facts:
When comparing government health insurance companies, look beyond the public sector status. Check the claim settlement ratio (CSR), hospital network, solvency ratio, policy benefits, waiting periods, and exclusions to understand whether a plan meets your healthcare needs.
Government Health Insurance Company
Claim Settlement Ratio (FY 2025–26)
Expert Advice
New India Assurance
98.44%
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United India Insurance
95.11%
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The Oriental Insurance Company
93.33%
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National Insurance Company
89.45%
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Note: CSR and network hospitals are from PolicyX’s claim settlement ratio page. ICR and solvency ratios are from the IRDAI Annual Report 2024-25. ICR covers health business including personal accident. As of March 2025, IRDAI’s report shows negative solvency ratios for United India, Oriental and National, against the regulatory minimum of 1.5. New India reported 1.91.
Standalone Health Insurance Companies in India
Standalone health insurance companies focus primarily on health insurance rather than offering a broad range of general insurance products. In India, these insurers provide plans for individuals, families, senior citizens, and people with specific healthcare needs.
Before choosing a standalone health insurer, compare its claim settlement ratio (CSR), network hospitals, incurred claim ratio (ICR), solvency ratio, waiting periods, and coverage limits. A higher claim settlement ratio alone does not guarantee that every claim will be approved, so review the policy terms carefully.
Standalone Health Insurance Company
CSR (FY 2025–26)
ICR (FY 2024–25)
Network Hospitals
Solvency Ratio (Mar 2025)
Key Factors to Compare
Expert Advice
Care Health Insurance
96.74%
64.53%
11,650+
1.68
Customisable benefits and waiting periods
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Aditya Birla Health Insurance
95.68%
71.50%
11,000+
1.84
Wellness benefits and coverage options
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ManipalCigna Health Insurance
93.70%
74.81%
15,000+
1.76
Coverage options and pre-existing disease terms
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Niva Bupa Health Insurance
92.39%
61.22%
10,000+
3.03
Restoration benefits and room-rent conditions
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Star Health and Allied Insurance
86.34%
70.30%
14,000+
2.21
Hospital network and policy exclusions
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Galaxy Health and Allied Insurance
NA
NA
3,216+
4.70
New insurer with limited claims history
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Narayana Health Insurance
NA
NA
2,400+
1.61
New insurer with limited claims history
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Note: CSR and network hospitals are from PolicyX’s claim settlement ratio page; Galaxy and Narayana figures are from their PolicyX company pages. ICR and solvency ratios are from the IRDAI Annual Report 2024-25. Galaxy and Narayana started operations recently, so their CSR rests on a small number of claims and ICR is not yet reported.
Biggest Health Insurance Companies in India by Premium
The biggest health insurance companies in India can be compared by the health insurance premiums they collect over a financial year. Premium collection shows the scale of an insurer’s health business, but it does not automatically indicate better claims service or more comprehensive coverage.
The table below ranks insurers by health premium collected in FY 2024-25, not by total company premium.
Standalone and General Health Insurance Companies: The Difference
Standalone health insurance companies offer only health, accident, and travel insurance. In contrast, general insurance companies sell motor insurance, home insurance, fire insurance, automobile insurance, and more. Refer to the table below for a better understanding.
Features
Standalone Health Insurance Companies
General Insurance Companies
Core Focus
Focuses exclusively on health insurance products.
Offers a wide range of insurance products, including health, motor, and home insurance.
Product Range
Limited to health insurance, offering deeper specialization and innovation.
Offers a broader product range.
Expertise
Possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in health insurance, offering tailored solutions.
Possesses expertise across various insurance domains.
Claim Settlement Process
Standalone health insurance companies often have streamlined and efficient claim settlement processes due to their focused operations.
Can be more complex for general insurance companies, as they handle various insurance products.
Services Offered
May offer more specialized and personalized customer service for health-related queries.
May have a broader range of customer service needs to address.
Features of the Best Health Insurance Companies in India
Selecting the right health insurance provider from the long list of health insurance companies in India can be tedious. Consider the following guide to choose the right fit for you:
Claim Settlement Ratio
It is the ratio of health insurance claims settled by the company to the number of health insurance claims received in a financial year. A high CSR indicates trust and reliability of the health insurer among their past and current policyholders.
Customer Reviews
Word-of-mouth is one of the strongest modes of marketing. Ask around about the health insurance provider you are considering and get first-hand feedback. You can also check websites like PolicyX.com for honest customer testimonials.
Industry Recognitions
The best health insurance companies have created a legacy of trust and reliability. Examine each health insurer’s achievements and accolades to understand their standing in the industry.
Health Insurance Products
A health insurance product portfolio is a key factor before investing in any health insurance company. Look at the variety of healthcare products an insurer offers to cater to your different needs. For example, health insurance plans for women are becoming increasingly popular; check whether your selected insurer offers one.
Economical Health Plans
Premium pricing is a primary factor when purchasing a health insurance plan. Review the list of health insurance companies to ensure there are no hidden charges or clauses that may unrealistically increase your health insurance premiums.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Company in India?
Consider this checklist as your guide to selecting the best health insurance company:
Look For A Wide Product Portfolio
Many health insurance companies offer basic individual and family floater health plans, while others have need-specific health plans—for example, health plans for autism and vector-borne diseases.
Check The Incurred Claims Ratio
Consider the incurred claims ratio before selecting your health insurance company; it indicates the insurer’s reliability. The incurred claims ratio is the ratio between the total claims paid and the total premiums received by the health insurance company in a financial year.
Understand Customer Service Efficiency
Check if the health insurer provides good customer support during difficult times to ensure smooth hospitalization and treatment.
Turnaround Time for Claim Settlement
Ask the health insurance company about the turnaround time for claim settlements. Understanding the insurer’s efficiency in claim settlement is a crucial factor when buying health insurance.
Reviews and Ratings
Health insurance company reviews are important as they provide a real-time picture of how the company performs during times of need for its customers. Check reviews and ratings from reliable sources to understand the health insurance company’s efficiency.
Top 10 Health Insurance Companies in India as per the Claim Settlement Ratio
Choosing the right health insurance company is a crucial factor. Visit our page to find answers on how to choose the best health plan in India. Here are the best health insurance companies based on their claim settlement ratio.
Health Insurance Company
Claim Settlement Ratio (FY 2025–26)
Expert Advice
New India Assurance
98.44%
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Acko General Insurance
98.00%
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HDFC ERGO General Insurance
97.37%
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Care Health Insurance
96.74%
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Zurich Kotak General Insurance
96.06%
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Reliance General Insurance
96.03%
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Shriram General Insurance
95.69%
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Aditya Birla Health Insurance
95.68%
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United India Insurance
95.11%
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Bajaj General Insurance
95.04%
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Check out IRDAI’s New Rules for Health Insurance Companies in India.
Insurance Company vs. Insurance Aggregators vs. Insurance Brokers
Here is the difference between insurance companies, insurance aggregators, and insurance brokers. Read below to learn more.
Insurance Company
Insurance Aggregators
Insurance Brokers
Responsible for creating insurance products.
Third-party entities that list all available insurance options.
Acts as a mediator between an insurance company and its customers.
Their main role is to create insurance products for customers.
Their main role is to offer a platform where buyers can compare different plans.
Their main role is to sell insurance products on behalf of the insurance company.
They are responsible for settling the claims.
They sometimes advocate on behalf of customers for claims.
Their role is limited to selling and the renewal process.
Why Compare Health Insurance Companies?
Selecting the right health insurance company is crucial. A thorough comparison of health insurance companies in India will provide insight into their discounts, offers, coverage features, wellness benefits, riders, additional covers, and more.
After comparing all important features with PolicyX, you can invest in the best health insurance company for yourself and your family.
Steps To Buy a Health Policy From Top Health Insurance Companies With PolicyX
The buying process at PolicyX is highly efficient. Follow these steps to buy the best health insurance policy from trusted insurers:
Step 1
Visit the official website of PolicyX.
Step 2
Click on "Buy Now".
Step 3
Fill in all necessary details, such as the number of family members you want health insurance cover for and your age, then click on "View Plans".
Step 4
Compare and select the best health insurance plan, then pay the required premiums.
Why Choose PolicyX?
PolicyX helps you compare health insurance plans from 30+ insurers in one place. You can evaluate premiums, coverage benefits, waiting periods, exclusions, and claim-related terms to make informed decisions. Our team also provides expert guidance to help you find coverage suited to your healthcare needs and budget, with assistance available throughout your insurance journey, including claims-related queries.
With 13+ years of insurance experience, 300+ IRDAI-certified advisors, and a 4.5+ customer rating, PolicyX uses a data-driven framework to evaluate health insurance plans. Our comparisons consider key parameters such as Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR), Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR), coverage benefits, affordability, waiting periods, and exclusions, helping you understand your options and choose a plan with greater confidence.
Book a free call with a PolicyX expert
Conclusion
Your healthcare needs are unique and should be personalized. The health insurance industry is rapidly expanding, estimated to be a whopping ₹1.5 trillion industry, as per Mordor Intelligence.
However, amidst the vast number of health insurance companies in India, it is essential to select the right one for you and your family. This article aims to provide a transparent and concise guide on how to select the best health insurance company. For further clarification, connect with our insurance experts at 1800-4200-269.
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The most-asked questions about Best Health Insurance Companies in India 2026, answered.
Keep these factors in mind, as they set the best Health Insurance Companies apart: Look for the right coverage. Keep it affordable. Prefer family over individual health plans. Choose a plan with lifetime renewability. Compare quotes online. Network hospital coverage. High claim settlement ratio.
No, transferring a policy from one insurer to another will not result in the loss of renewal benefits.
No, the cost of premiums depends on various factors such as your drinking and smoking habits, pre existing ailments, age and lifestyle. So, an expensive policy doesn’t necessarily mean the best health insurance policy.
Yes, many health insurance policies provide a portability option. Talk to your insurer at the time of policy renewal if your plan provides portability.
Some of the top health insurance companies providing a wide range of health insurance plans for families are HDFC ERGO General Insurance Care Health Insurance Star Health Insurance Niva Bupa Health Insurance Aditya Birla Health Insurance
You have found a health insurance company from the list of top health insurance providers in India. However, it does not suit your needs and requirements which is highly possible and you are left disheartened. There are a few points to consider when selecting from the top health insurance companies Do not trust just one source of information Conduct thorough research Select the best Health Insurance company for yourself Do not depend completely on the reviews and ratings of other people Not conducting enough research on product portfolio Not Considering claim assistance service and post-purchase services
Currently, there are 4 government health insurance providers registered with IRDAI which are National Insurance New India Assurance The Oriental Insurance United India Insurance
As of October 2026, India has 7 standalone health insurance companies and 28 general insurance companies registered with IRDAI. Both categories offer health insurance products. Therefore, up to 36 insurers across these two categories may offer health insurance, although the exact number depends on which companies currently offer eligible health policies. Life insurers can also offer certain health insurance products.
The list of stand-alone health insurance companies in India includes Star Health Insurance Care Health Insurance Niva Bupa Health Insurance ManipalCigna Health Insurance Aditya Birla Health Insurance
The list of public health insurers in India includes National Insurance United India Insurance The New India Assurance The Oriental Insurance
The incurred claims ratio for standalone health insurers in the FY 2022-23 is listed below Star Health Insurance - 65% Care Health Insurance - 53.82% Niva Bupa Health Insurance - 54.05% ManipalCigna Health Insurance - 64.66% Aditya Birla Health Insurance - 64.68%
The highest incurred claims ratio for the financial year 2022-23 among the list of general health insurers is Raheja QBE Health Insurance at 138.67%
The lowest incurred claims ratio for the financial year 2022-23 among the list of health insurers is Shriram General Health Insurance at 51.53%
Yes, several health insurance companies like Bajaj General, Star Health, HDFC Ergo, and more offer health plans for diabetes in India.
Based on FY 2025–26 claim settlement ratios (CSR), New India Assurance (98.44%), ACKO (98.00%), and HDFC ERGO (97.37%) rank among the leading insurers. However, the best choice also depends on hospital networks, coverage, waiting periods, and policy exclusions.
New India Assurance is among India's largest health insurers by health insurance premium. To identify the biggest company accurately, compare the latest annual health insurance premium and market share figures published by IRDAI or the General Insurance Council.
India has four public sector general insurance companies offering health insurance: New India Assurance, United India Insurance, The Oriental Insurance Company, and National Insurance Company. Compare their claim settlement ratios, hospital networks, policy benefits, and exclusions before choosing a plan.
PolicyX compares health insurance companies using claim settlement ratio (CSR), network hospitals, and solvency ratio. These indicators help assess claims performance, hospital access, and financial strength. You should also review policy benefits, waiting periods, co-payment clauses, and exclusions before buying.
The claim settlement ratio (CSR) indicates the proportion of claims settled by an insurer during a specified period. The incurred claim ratio (ICR) compares claims incurred with premiums earned. Neither metric alone determines an insurer's quality, so consider both alongside coverage and claim conditions.
Star Health is a major standalone health insurer in India with an extensive hospital network. Its FY 2025–26 claim settlement ratio should be compared with those of other insurers, along with premiums, coverage limits, waiting periods, and exclusions. Review individual plans to determine whether one suits your needs.
The leading companies vary depending on the financial year and the data source used. For FY 2025–26, compare the latest published CSR figures for New India Assurance, ACKO, HDFC ERGO, Care Health Insurance, and other insurers. Check that the figures use the same reporting period and methodology before drawing comparisons.
Health Insurance News
Recent updates and announcements from the health insurance industry.
Health News
15 Oct 2026
ICICI Lombard Q2 Profit Rises 15.5% as Motor and Health Insurance Sales Grow
Net profit increased 15.5% year-on-year to ₹946 crore in Q2 FY27.
Motor insurance net premiums grew 9%, while retail health premiums surged…
Read full story ▾
Net profit increased 15.5% year-on-year to ₹946 crore in Q2 FY27.
Motor insurance net premiums grew 9%, while retail health premiums surged 49.5%.
Corporate health insurance premiums rose 47.5% compared with the previous year.
Net premiums earned climbed 17.7% to ₹6,652 crore, while the combined ratio worsened to 107%.
Health News
14 Oct 2026
Tata AIA Relaunches Vitality Programme with Lower Step Targets
1. Tata AIA Life Insurance has relaunched its Vitality wellness programme in India, lowering the daily step target for earning rewards from 7,500 to 5…
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1. Tata AIA Life Insurance has relaunched its Vitality wellness programme in India, lowering the daily step target for earning rewards from 7,500 to 5,000 steps.
2. Members earn points through walking, exercise and health checks. Their Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum status determines the premium discounts available at policy renewal.
3. The updated programme integrates Health Connect to track steps, heart rate and other health data. Members also receive discounts on fitness products, wearables and gym memberships through partner brands.
Health News
12 Oct 2026
Four Reforms Proposed to Build Trust in India’s Insurance Sector
Harsh Roongta has proposed four reforms to improve trust in insurance, including measuring protection per person instead of premiums collected as a sh…
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Harsh Roongta has proposed four reforms to improve trust in insurance, including measuring protection per person instead of premiums collected as a share of GDP.
He recommended launching Bima Sugam with commission-free term and health insurance plans, allowing consumers to compare prices and make informed decisions.
He also suggested fee-only insurance advisers and adding complaint records with their decisions to the proposed Public Insurance Registry to improve transparency and help consumers choose insurers.
Health News
29 Sep 2026
IRDAI Insurance Reforms May Expand Life Agent Networks, Tighten Health Commissions
Proposed reforms could accelerate expansion of agency networks for life insurers, especially for individual pure-term products.
IRDAI has p…
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Proposed reforms could accelerate expansion of agency networks for life insurers, especially for individual pure-term products.
IRDAI has proposed stricter commission caps across products, distribution channels and geographies.
Health insurance commission caps are proposed to be tighter than current payouts, according to Nomura.
Commission on new vehicle third-party insurance business is proposed at zero, compared with the earlier 2.5% cap.
Health News
28 Sep 2026
LIC Pensioners Hold Session on Group Mediclaim Policy
The Insurance Pensioners Association, Jammu & Kashmir, organised an awareness session on LIC’s Group Mediclaim Policy in Jammu. Around 50 LI…
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The Insurance Pensioners Association, Jammu & Kashmir, organised an awareness session on LIC’s Group Mediclaim Policy in Jammu. Around 50 LIC pensioners attended.
Speakers explained key policy provisions, healthcare benefits and issues relevant to retired LIC employees. The session also covered preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle practices.
A question-and-answer session was held to address pensioners’ queries about the mediclaim policy and healthcare. Newly retired pensioners were also honoured at the event.
Health News
28 Sep 2026
Indiramma Bima Scheme to Launch on November 19
Telangana government will launch the Indiramma Bima scheme on November 19.
The scheme will provide ₹5 lakh free insurance coverage to every…
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Telangana government will launch the Indiramma Bima scheme on November 19.
The scheme will provide ₹5 lakh free insurance coverage to every family in the state.
Around 1.06 crore families are already receiving 6 kg of fine rice per month under the state’s welfare programmes.
Rajiv Aarogyasri health insurance coverage has also been increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh for poor families.
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