Did you know your health insurance coverage can grow automatically every year - even without increasing your premium?
That’s the power of the No Claim Bonus (NCB).
If you don’t file any claims during the policy year, insurers reward you with a higher sum insured or a renewal discount.
Over time, NCB can increase your coverage by 50% to 150%, giving you extra protection at no extra cost.
In Hyderabad, Telangana, PolicyBachat helps you compare plans with the highest NCB multipliers, so you get maximum value for every healthy year.
Here’s how No Claim Bonus works, how it’s calculated, and how to make sure you never lose it.
What Is No Claim Bonus (NCB)?
NCB is a reward given by your insurer for not making any claim during a policy year.
It either:
- Increases your sum insured (usually 10-50% per year), or
- Reduces your renewal premium (rare, but available in select plans).
Types Of NCB
| Type |
Description |
Example |
| Cumulative NCB |
Adds extra sum insured every year without claim |
₹10L → ₹11L → ₹12L |
| Discount-Based NCB |
Premium reduced on renewal |
₹10,000 → ₹9,000 next year |
| NCB Protector Rider |
Keeps NCB even after a small claim |
Retain 50-100% bonus post-claim |
How NCB Works - Example
| Policy Year |
Base Sum Insured |
Bonus % |
Total Coverage |
| Year 1 |
₹10L |
0% |
₹10L |
| Year 2 |
₹10L |
+10% |
₹11L |
| Year 3 |
₹10L |
+20% |
₹12L |
| Year 4 |
₹10L |
+30% |
₹13L |
| Year 5 |
₹10L |
+50% |
₹15L (Max NCB reached) |
(Coverage can double in 5 years if no claims are made.)
Benefits Of NCB
- Higher coverage without higher premium.
- Acts as built-in inflation protection.
- Available on most family and individual plans.
- Transfers even when you port to a new insurer.
- Retained for small claims (if NCB protector added).
Conditions To Maintain NCB
- Renew policy within grace period (30 days) - late renewal resets bonus.
- Even partial claim may reduce or nullify bonus (unless protected).
- Bonus applies only to continuous active policies.
- Can be carried to new insurer under IRDAI portability.
Plans With Highest NCB in 2026
| Insurer |
Plan Name |
Max NCB Increase |
NCB Protector Available |
| Care Health |
Care Advantage |
Up to 150% |
|
| HDFC ERGO |
Optima Restore |
Up to 100% |
|
| Star Health |
Family Optima |
Up to 100% |
|
| Aditya Birla Health |
Activ Health Platinum |
Up to 150% |
|
| Niva Bupa |
Health Recharge |
Up to 100% |
|
Local Insights For Hyderabad
- Avg. NCB earned per policyholder: 35%
- % of renewals with NCB retention: 80%
- Top 3 NCB-friendly insurers: Care Health, HDFC ERGO, Star Health
What Happens If You File A Claim?
| Scenario |
Impact on NCB |
| Minor claim (below threshold) |
Partial NCB retained |
| Major claim (full coverage used) |
NCB reset to 0 |
| NCB Protector added |
No loss even after 1 claim |
How To Retain Your Bonus
- Add “NCB Protector Rider” at purchase or renewal.
- Avoid claiming small expenses; use personal funds for minor treatments.
- Renew early to prevent lapse.
- Track your NCB value in PolicyBachat dashboard.
Policybachat Tip
Think of NCB as free money. A ₹10L policy can grow into ₹15L in 5 years - if you simply stay healthy and renew on time
Tax Benefit Note
Your premium continues to qualify for Section 80D deductions, even when NCB increases your sum insured.
FAQs
What is No Claim Bonus in health insurance?
A reward for not filing any claims in a policy year.
Does NCB increase my coverage automatically?
Yes, during renewal, insurer adds it to your sum insured.
Can NCB exceed 100%?
Some plans allow up to 150% cumulative bonus.
Will I lose NCB if I change insurers?
No, you can carry it forward through portability.
Does one claim reset NCB to zero?
Yes, unless you have NCB Protector rider.
Is NCB available in group insurance?
Usually not - applies to individual/family plans only.
Can I use NCB for premium discount?
Rare - most plans add bonus to coverage.
Can NCB be combined with top-up policy?
Yes, if both are from the same insurer.
Does NCB apply to maternity claims?
Usually excluded - depends on plan.
How can I check my current NCB value?
On your renewal notice or PolicyBachat account dashboard.
Customer Reviews
- “My ₹10L plan grew to ₹15L thanks to NCB.” - Ananya Sharma, Kochi
- “Didn’t know I could carry my NCB when switching insurers - very helpful!” - Ravi Menon, Delhi
- “PolicyBachat explained how to keep my bonus safe.” - Kavya Desai, Mumbai
- “Love how my coverage keeps increasing every year.” - Sneha Reddy, Bengaluru
- “Used NCB Protector - still kept my bonus after small claim.” - Vikram Iyer, Chennai
- “Makes renewing on time totally worth it.” - Rajesh Rao, Hyderabad
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