The best health insurance plan isn’t just the cheapest - it’s the one that protects you fully when you need it most.
With medical costs rising every year, choosing a reliable health policy in 2026 is more important than ever.
We analyzed India’s leading insurers across coverage, premium, claim ratio, hospital network, and customer service to
bring you the Top 10 Health Insurance Plans of 2026.
Whether you’re buying for yourself, your family, or your parents, PolicyBachat makes it simple to compare and buy the
right plan - all in one place.
Top 10 Health Insurance Plans In India (2026)
| Rank |
Insurer |
Plan Name |
Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) |
Key Feature |
Avg. Annual Premium (₹10L Cover) |
| 1 |
HDFC ERGO Health |
Optima Restore |
96.8% |
Automatic restore + no room rent cap |
₹9,800 |
| 2 |
Care Health Insurance |
Care Advantage |
95.6% |
₹1 Cr cover + wellness rewards |
₹9,500 |
| 3 |
Star Health Insurance |
Family Optima |
94.7% |
Trusted family plan + NCB |
₹10,200 |
| 4 |
Niva Bupa (Max Bupa) |
Health Companion |
93.9% |
10,000+ cashless hospitals |
₹10,000 |
| 5 |
Aditya Birla Health |
Activ Health Platinum |
93.5% |
Fitness-based discounts |
₹9,900 |
| 6 |
ManipalCigna |
ProHealth Protect |
92.8% |
Free annual check-ups |
₹10,100 |
| 7 |
Tata AIG |
Medicare Premier |
92.1% |
Comprehensive global cover |
₹10,400 |
| 8 |
SBI General |
Arogya Premier |
91.8% |
High claim ratio + wide network |
₹9,700 |
| 9 |
Reliance Health |
Health Infinity |
91.2% |
Unlimited sum insured options |
₹9,400 |
| 10 |
Future Generali |
Health Total |
90.7% |
Value plan with NCB up to 150% |
₹9,300 |
(Premiums are for 30-year-old, 1-year term, ₹10L cover, non-smoker in Hyderabad).
How We Selected The Best Plans
- Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR): Based on IRDAI 2026-2026 data.
- Premium Affordability: Transparent, mid-range pricing.
- Network Hospitals: 8,000+ minimum tie-ups.
- Riders And Add-ons: Maternity, critical illness, NCB protection.
- Customer Feedback: Verified PolicyBachat user reviews.
Key Comparison Insights (Hyderabad)
- Avg. premium for ₹10L coverage: ₹9,800.
- Avg. claim ratio across top 10 insurers: 93.3%.
- Most chosen plan locally: Optima Restore.
- Top reasons for preference: Claim ratio, hospital network.
Category-Wise Best Health Plans (2026)
Best Individual Plan:
Care Advantage by Care Health - ₹1 Cr cover, 1-year waiting period, free check-ups.
Best Family Floater:
Star Family Optima - Trusted, covers all family members, 100% NCB.
Best Senior Citizen Plan:
Star Red Carpet - No pre-medical test, covers up to 75 years.
Best For Self-Employed:
HDFC ERGO Optima Restore - Flexible add-ons, high coverage at stable premium.
Best Wellness And Preventive Plan:
Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum - Fitness-linked premium discounts.
Best Maternity Plan:
Care Joy by Care Health - Maternity + newborn + vaccination cover.
Advantages Of Buying Through PolicyBachat
- Compare 20+ insurers instantly.
- Transparent CSR and feature breakdown.
- Real-time premium updates and offers.
- Free Claim Assist for any policy bought here.
- 100% digital purchase with instant e-policy.
Tax Benefits Under Section 80D
| Coverage |
Deduction Limit |
| Self + Family |
₹25,000 |
| Parents (<60) |
₹25,000 |
| Parents (60+) |
₹50,000 |
| Total Possible Saving |
₹75,000/year |
PolicyBachat Tip
“Don’t just go for the cheapest premium - choose the plan with a strong claim ratio, short waiting period, and
lifetime renewability.”
Local Buyer Trends (Hyderabad)
- Avg. coverage chosen: ₹15L.
- Top family size insured: 4 members.
- Avg. waiting period preference: 2 years.
- Fastest-growing insurer in Telangana: HDFC ERGO.
FAQs
Which health insurance plan is best in 2026?
HDFC ERGO Optima Restore and Care Advantage top the list.
Which plan covers ₹1 Cr at affordable premium?
Care Advantage by Care Health.
Which insurer has highest claim ratio?
HDFC ERGO with 96.8%.
Can I buy family and senior plans together?
Yes, you can mix policies or use family + parent add-ons.
Do all plans cover pre-existing diseases?
Yes, after 1-4 years waiting period.
Which plan has zero co-pay option?
HDFC ERGO Optima Restore and Care Advantage.
Do top plans cover OPD and dental?
Available as optional add-ons.
Can NRIs buy these plans?
Yes, for treatments within India.
Can I get maternity and senior cover in same plan?
Not ideal - better to separate them.
Do all these plans qualify for tax benefits?
Yes, under Section 80D.
Customer Reviews
- “Compared 8 plans, bought the best in 10 minutes.” - Ravi Menon, Kochi
- “PolicyBachat’s list made decision simple.” - Sneha Iyer, Bengaluru
- “Transparent comparison - no hidden terms.” - Vikram Desai, Mumbai
- “Got ₹10L cover with claim ratio info upfront.” - Kavya Sharma, Hyderabad
- “Excellent experience with Claim Assist post-purchase.” - Rajesh Rao, Delhi
- “Perfect breakdown for first-time buyers.” - Meera Nair, Chennai
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