In today’s world, health insurance isn’t just an option – it’s a necessity. With medical costs skyrocketing in 2024, having the right insurance coverage can protect your savings from unexpected health emergencies. The sooner you get health insurance, the better the coverage and lower the premiums, often without requiring medical tests. Whether it’s for yourself or your family, health insurance should be a key part of your financial planning from the moment you start earning.
When choosing health insurance in India, two major players stand out: Niva Bupa and Care Health Insurance. If you’re confused between them, don’t worry! This blog breaks it all down—plans, benefits, and hospital networks. By the end, you’ll know which one suits your needs better. Let’s dive in!
Niva Bupa Health Insurance: Overview
Niva Bupa, previously known as Max Bupa, was founded in 2008 as a joint venture between Bupa Group and Fettle Tone LLP. The company serves around 50 million customers in nearly 200 countries, making it a major player in the Indian health insurance market. They offer comprehensive coverage starting at just ₹ 20 per day and have partnered with over 10,000 hospitals for cashless treatment. Their philosophy focuses on providing health insurance for freedom rather than constraints.
Key Offerings
- 24/7 relationship manager support for all queries
- Fastest claim settlement – processed within 30 minutes
- Shortest maternity coverage waiting period (9 months)
- Cashless treatment at 10,000+ network hospitals
- Comprehensive coverage for individuals, families, and senior citizens
- Round-the-neck customer support, even at midnight
- Low-cost premium plans with extensive benefits
Eligibility Requirements
| Category | Age Range |
| Adults | 18-65 (up to 70 in some plans) |
| Children | 16 days -18 years |
| Policy Term | 1 year |
Niva Bupa Health Insurance: Top Plans
This table summarizes Niva Bupa’s diverse offerings, helping you choose the plan that meets your health insurance needs.
| Plan Name | Coverage | Premium Pricing | Key Features |
| Aspire | ₹5 lakh – ₹1 crore | Starts at ₹8,633/yr | Up to 6 family members, maternity coverage, carry-forward benefits up to 10 times, cashback on every claim-free year, and treatment outside India (with 0% co-pay). |
| ReAssure 2.0 | ₹5 lakh – ₹1 crore | Starts at ₹10,431/yr | carry-forward benefits up to 10 times, Unlimited sum insured, premium lock feature, minimum hospitalization of 2+ hours. |
| Health Premia | ₹5 lakh – ₹3 crore | Starts at ₹11,572/yr | Up to 6 family members, Global coverage, maternity benefits, loyalty additions, domiciliary hospitalization, emergency ambulance |
| Health Companion | ₹3 lakh – ₹1 crore | Starts at ₹5,116/yr | Affordable family plans, comprehensive coverage, no room rent cap, no claim bonus, cashless facility |
| GoActive | ₹4 lakh – ₹25 lakh | Starts at ₹13,352/yr | Wellness benefits, OPD coverage, early age AdvantAGE, health coach, and hospitalization coverage. |
| MoneySaver | ₹10.5 lakh – ₹1 crore | Starts at ₹9,504/yr | Combination of Base + Top-up plan, Pharmacy & diagnosis services, e-consultation, re-fill benefit, health-check-up, accumulated bonus |
| HeartBeat | ₹5 lakh – ₹1 crore | Starts at ₹17,234/yr | Upto 6 family members, hospitalization, add-ons features, exclusions |
| SuperSaver | ₹10.5 lakh – ₹1 crore | Starts at ₹9,214/yr | Upto 6 family members, hospital coverage, direct claim settlement, enhanced no-claim bonus, e-consultation |
| Senior First | ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh | Starts at ₹13,453/yr | Specially designed for senior citizens, modern treatments, hospital coverage, organ donors, AYUSH treatments |
Care Health Insurance: Overview
Care Health Insurance, formerly Religare Health Insurance, was established in 2012 and has its headquarters in Gurugram. With 158 offices across India, they have successfully settled over 48 lakh claims and protected more than 7 crore lives. The company recently won recognition as the Claims Service Leader and Best Health Insurance Company in the Rural Sector at the 2024 India Insurance Summit & Awards. They provide comprehensive health coverage through their network of 24,800+ hospitals nationwide.
Key Offerings
- Budget-friendly premium rates
- Extensive network of 24,800 hospitals for cashless treatment
- Coverage for advanced medical treatments
- Domiciliary hospitalization coverage for home treatment
- Pre-hospitalization coverage for 60 days
- Post-hospitalization coverage for 180 days
- Simple cashless treatment process with a health card
Eligibility Requirements
| Category | Age Range |
| Individual Plans | Minimum 5 years |
| Family Floater | Minimum 91 days (with one adult 18+ years) |
| Maximum Age | No upper limit (lifelong renewal) |
| Policy Term | 1/2/3 years |
Care Health Insurance: Top Plans
This table summarizes the features and coverage of Care Health Insurance plans concisely.
| Plan Name | Coverage | Key Features |
| Care Supreme | ₹7 lakh – ₹1 crore | Hospitalization, AYUSH treatment, domiciliary care, up to 500% cumulative bonus, organ donor coverage, unlimited automatic recharge, unlimited e-consultations |
| Care Advantage | ₹25 lakh – ₹6 crore | Wide sum insured range, covered major hospital expenses, customizable benefits covers, suitable for small and large families |
| Care Freedom | ₹3 lakh – ₹10 lakh | Designed for pre-existing conditions like diabetes, no pre-policy medical checkup required, no sub-limit on Surgeon’s fees |
| Care Supreme Senior | ₹5 lakh – ₹15 lakh | Tailored for senior citizens, annual health check-ups, coverage for advanced treatments |
| Enhance | ₹1 lakh – ₹30 lakh | Super top-up plan, covers costs after base policy exhaustion, no sub-limit on ICU costs and doctor’s fees |
| Joy | ₹3 lakh – ₹5 lakh | Maternity and newborn baby cover, and delivery-related expenses are included after the waiting period. |
| Care Heart | ₹3 lakh – ₹10 lakh | Focused on cardiac patients, covers specific heart-related treatments and surgeries |
Niva Bupa Vs Care Health Insurance: Comparative Table
Here’s a comparative table between Niva Bupa vs Care Health Insurance. This comparison highlights both insures’ strengths, enabling you to choose based on your needs.
| Feature | Niva Bupa Health Insurance | Care Health Insurance |
| Core Coverage | In-patient, pre/post-hospitalization, daycare, ambulance, organ donor, cashless claims | |
| Customizability | A wider range of customizable plans and add-ons | Specialized plans for specific needs with add-ons |
| Modern Treatments | Covers advanced treatments and technology | Includes modern treatments and specialized procedures |
| Additional Benefits | Loyalty bonuses, Booster+ reassurance benefits | Specialized plans like Freedom and Supreme Senior |
| Affordability | Affordable plans with extensive coverage options | Budget-friendly plans with basic coverage |
| Network Hospitals | 10,000+ hospitals across India | 24,800+ hospitals across India |
| Claim Settlement Ratio | 92% | 95.2% (FY 19-20) |
| Plan offered | 20+ plans, covering individuals, families, and senior citizens | 18+ plans, covering families, critical illness coverage, and senior citizens |
| Coverage Amount | ₹3 lakh to ₹3 crore | ₹1 lakh to ₹6 crore |
| Waiting Period for Pre-existing Consultation | 2-4 years for pre-existing conditions | 2-4 years for pre-existing conditions |
| Notable Plans | ReAssure 2.0, Health Companion, Health Premia, Senior First | Supreme, Enhance, Care Heart, Supreme Senior |
| Maternity Benefits | Shortest waiting period of 9 months (Aspire Plan) | Maternity cover in Joy plan, with newborn expenses |
| Top-Up Options | Health Recharge for additional coverage | Enhance plan for base health policy extension |
| Pre/Post-Hospitalization | Typically 60/90 days, depending on the plan | 60/180 days, depending on the plan |
Which Insurance is Better: Niva Bupa or Care Health Insurance?
Choosing between Niva Bupa and Care Health Insurance can be tricky since both are great options! Niva Bupa offers flexible plans with additional benefits like loyalty bonuses and coverage for modern treatments. On the flip side, Care Health focuses on unique plans like Care Freedom for existing health issues and Care Senior for elderly people. Both providers share core coverage, including inpatient hospitalization, pre/post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, and cashless claims at extensive network hospitals, but honestly? The best choice depends on your needs, so make sure to compare their features and pick what works best for you!
Wrapping Up
This comparison of Niva Bupa vs Care Health Insurance has provided you with valuable insights into their plans and benefits. By understanding their features and plans, you can make an informed choice that best suits your and your family’s needs. However, we recommend consulting a professional health insurance advisor before making a final decision to ensure the best coverage for your circumstances. Opt for a trustworthy insurance company and thoroughly review policy terms to ensure sufficient coverage. However, if you’re still unclear and want to purchase more reliable and affordable health insurance, consider Even. Even offers a range of affordable health insurance plans to suit your needs. So, waiting for what? Visit Even today to get a more affordable and valuable insurance plan!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the claim settlement process like for both insurers?
Both Niva Bupa and Care Health Insurance offer hassle-free claim settlement. Niva Bupa is known for processing claims within 30 minutes, while Care Health emphasizes ease with the simple cashless process using a health card.
Which insurer offers better maternity benefits?
Niva Bupa provides maternity benefits with the shortest waiting period of 9 months under the Aspire Plan, Care Health also covers maternity under the Joy Plan, including newborn expenses.
What should I consider when choosing between Niva Bupa and Care Health?
Evaluate your priorities, such as coverage amount, premium affordability, specialized needs, and hospital networks. Both insurers are excellent, but the best choice depends on your specific requirements.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under these plans?
Yes, both insurers cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period of 2-4 years, depending on the plan. Ensure you review this detail before purchasing.