Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, established in 2006, reported a net profit of ₹111.34 crore for Q4 FY26, a significant increase from ₹0.51 crore in Q4 FY25. The company holds one-third of India’s individual health insurance market share and operates through 910+ branches and 14,000+ network hospitals as of June 2026.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited |
| Establishment Year | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| IRDAI Registration Number | 129 |
| Type of Insurer | Standalone Health Insurer |
| Net Profit (Q4 FY26) | ₹111.34 crore (for quarter ended March 31, 2026) |
| Net Profit (Q4 FY25) | ₹0.51 crore (year-ago period) |
| Net Written Premium (Q4 FY26) | ₹5,598.57 crore |
| Net Written Premium Growth (Sequential) | 28.38% (December quarter to March quarter) |
| Market Share (Individual Health Insurance) | One-third of all individual health insurance business in India |
| Network Hospitals | 14,000+ (across India, as of June 2026) |
| Branch Offices | 910+ (across India, as of 2026) |
| Employees | 15,500+ (as of 2026) |
| Agents | 8 lakh+ (as of 2026) |
| Claim Settlement Ratio | Below 90% (general data, verify specific plan) |
| Cashless Claim Approval Time | Within 2 hours for 90% of claims |
| Sum Insured Options | ₹50,000 to ₹2 crore |
| Diagnostic Centres | 1,635 (across India, with home pickup/checkups) |
| Lives Covered (Since Inception) | 17 crore+ (as of 2026) |
| Telehealth Consultations Completed | 8 lakh+ |
| Union Budget Allocation to Healthcare (2026) | ₹99,859 crore (11% increase) |
Star Health Insurance continues to expand its reach and services, leveraging a vast network of hospitals and agents to provide full health coverage across India.
Star Health Insurance Plans
Star Health Insurance offers a diverse portfolio of health plans, catering to individuals, families, and specific health conditions. As of 2026, the company provides full coverage options, including specialized policies for cancer and critical illnesses, alongside general health and family floater plans. These plans often feature cashless hospitalization across 14,000+ network hospitals and wellness benefits.
| Plan Name | Key Feature | Sum Insured (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Star Health Assure Insurance Policy | full coverage for individuals and families, unlimited sum insured restoration, covers up to six adults and three children. | Not specified |
| Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy | Designed for individuals diagnosed with cancer, also covers non-cancer ailments. | Not specified |
| Star Cancer Care Gold | Pilot product for cancer patients, limited period offer, age eligibility 5 months to 65 years. | Not specified |
| Star Critical Illness Multipay Insurance Policy | Insures against 37 critical illnesses, provides lump sum on diagnosis under 4 groups. | Not specified |
| Star Health full Insurance Policy | Complete protection against all healthcare eventualities, available on individual and floater basis. | Not specified |
| Family Health Optima Insurance Plan | Floater coverage with automatic 100% sum insured restoration up to three times annually, includes road traffic accident benefits. | Not specified |
| Star Women Care Insurance Policy | Health protection for women of any age and her family, includes wellness activity rewards. | 5 lakh to 1 crore |
| Star Health Red Carpet | Specifically designed for senior citizens aged 60 and above, with no upper age limit for renewal. | Not specified |
| Star Health Premier Insurance Policy | Catters to individuals aged 50 and above, no upper age limit, offers premium discounts for health check-ups. | Not specified |
| Star Diabetes Safe Insurance | Addresses diabetes-related complications with restoration benefits. | Not specified |
| Star Health Surplus Insurance Policy | Top-up plan with high sum insured and in-built deductible ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹25 lakh. | Up to 1 crore |
| Young Star Policy | Designed for ages 18-40, offers a 5% lifetime discount for early purchase. | Not specified |
| Health Companion | Affordable and full plan for individuals and nuclear families (self, spouse, up to 4 children). | Not specified |
| Arogya Sanjeevani Policy | Standard health insurance product introduced by IRDAI, offered by all health insurers. | Not specified |
| Star Health Personal Accident | Provides coverage against accidental injuries and death. | Not specified |
These plans are designed to meet diverse healthcare needs, from basic hospitalization to specialized care for chronic conditions. Policyholders can also benefit from tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, on premiums paid.
Star Health Insurance: Key Data
Star Health and Allied Insurance, established in 2006, is India’s largest standalone health insurer, with a net profit of ₹111.34 crore in Q4FY26. The company holds one-third of the individual health insurance market share in India, supported by a network of over 15,000 hospitals and 900+ branch offices as of March 31, 2026.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment Year | 2006 | Star Health Insurance Official Website |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Star Health Insurance Official Website |
| IRDAI Registration Number | 129 | IRDAI |
| Network Hospitals | 15,000+ (as of March 31, 2026) | Star Health Official Reports |
| Branch Offices | 900+ (as of March 31, 2026) | Star Health Official Reports |
| Total Agents | 8.3 lakh+ (as of March 31, 2026) | Star Health Official Reports |
| Total Employees | 18,500+ (as of March 31, 2026) | Star Health Official Reports |
| Net Profit (Q4FY26) | ₹111.34 crore | Star Health Official Reports |
| Gross Written Premium (FY2025-26) | ₹20,369 crore | Star Health Official Reports |
| Retail Health Premium (FY2025-26) | ₹19,341 crore | Star Health Official Reports |
| Claim Settlement Ratio (2026) | 99.10% | Star Health Official Reports |
| Cashless Claim Approval Time | Within 2 hours (90% of claims) | Star Health Official Reports |
| Individual Health Insurance Market Share | One-third of India’s business | Star Health Official Reports |
| Diagnostic Centres | 1,635+ (across India) | Star Health Official Website |
| Telehealth Consultations Completed | 8 lakh+ | Star Health Official Reports |
| Tax Benefit Eligibility | Section 80D of Income Tax Act, 1961 | Income Tax Department |
Star Health Insurance continues to expand its reach and services, including specialized plans like Star Cancer Care Gold and a strong digital presence for customer support and policy renewals.
How Star Health Insurance Works
Star Health Insurance operates as India’s largest standalone health insurer, offering diverse plans for individuals, families, and specific health conditions. The company provides cashless treatment facilities at over 14,000 network hospitals across India, ensuring financial security during medical emergencies.
As of 2026, Star Health maintains a strong infrastructure with more than 910 branches and over 8 lakh agents, making its services widely accessible.
- Extensive Network: Star Health Insurance has partnered with over 14,000 hospitals nationwide, allowing policyholders to avail cashless treatment directly.
- Cashless Claim Processing: Approximately 90% of cashless claims are approved within one hour, with 96% of final approvals completed within three hours (Q3 FY 2026).
- Pre-existing Disease Coverage: Most plans offer coverage for pre-existing diseases after a specified waiting period, preventing immediate claims.
- Wellness Programs: Policyholders can earn reward points through wellness activities, which can be redeemed for renewal discounts.
- Telemedicine and Home Healthcare: Star Health provides free telehealth consultations and options for free vaccinations, home healthcare, and OPD covers.
- Policy Portability: As per IRDAI guidelines, policies can be ported to Star Health at least 45 days before the renewal date, but no sooner than 60 days.
- Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for Star Health policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- In-house Claims Team: The company manages claims settlement with an in-house team, contributing to a claim settlement ratio of 99.10% as of 2026.
Star Health Insurance focuses on full coverage and efficient service delivery, supported by its wide network and customer-centric features.
Star Health Insurance Benefits
Star Health Insurance offers extensive benefits, including cashless hospitalisation at over 14,000 network hospitals across India as of 2026. Policyholders also receive tax deductions on premiums under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Cashless Hospitalisation: Policyholders can avail cashless treatment at Star Health’s network of 14,000+ hospitals nationwide. The company settles bills directly with the hospital, with 90% of cashless claims approved within two hours.
- Pre- and Post-Hospitalisation Coverage: Most plans cover medical expenses incurred 60 days before hospitalisation and 90 days post-discharge. This includes doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and follow-up care.
- Automatic Restoration Benefit: Several plans, like the Star Health Assure Insurance Policy, offer a 100% automatic restoration of the sum insured if IT is exhausted during the policy year. This ensures continued coverage for subsequent claims.
- Coverage for Pre-existing Diseases: Star Health Insurance policies provide coverage for pre-existing diseases after specific waiting periods, as per IRDAI guidelines. This allows individuals with existing conditions to secure health protection.
- Wellness Programs and Discounts: The company offers wellness programs that reward policyholders with points for healthy activities, which can be redeemed for renewal discounts. Some plans also offer free health check-ups and vaccinations.
- Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for Star Health Insurance policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Senior citizens can claim deductions up to ₹1 lakh.
- Extensive Network and Services: Star Health operates over 910 branches and partners with 1,635 diagnostic centres across India, offering services like home sample collection and doorstep health check-ups.
- Telemedicine and Second Opinion: Policyholders have access to free telehealth consultations and can obtain a free second medical opinion for critical illnesses.
These benefits ensure full financial protection against rising healthcare costs in India.
Star Health vs Competitors
Star Health Insurance, established in 2006, is India’s largest standalone health insurer, with a network of over 14,000 hospitals as of 2026. Other prominent players like New India Assurance and Care Health Insurance also offer full plans, each with distinct features and benefits.
| Feature | Star Health Insurance | New India Assurance | Care Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establishment Year | 2006 | 1919 | 2007 (as Religare Health Insurance) |
| Type of Insurer | Standalone Health Insurance Company | Public Sector General Insurance Company | Standalone Health Insurance Company |
| Network Hospitals (2026) | 14,000+ | 3,000+ (approx.) | 19,000+ |
| Market Share (Retail Health) | Largest (approx. One-third of individual health business) | Significant presence in general insurance | Growing presence in retail health |
| Claim Settlement Ratio (FY23-24) | 89% (average of last 3 years) | 86.09% (as per IRDAI FY23-24) | 95.20% (as per IRDAI FY23-24) |
| Specialized Plans | Cancer Care Gold, Young Star, Cardiac Care, Diabetes Safe, Senior Citizens Red Carpet | Asha Kiran Policy, Senior Citizen Mediclaim, Cancer Guard, Premier Mediclaim | Care Freedom, Care Advantage, Care Senior |
| Cashless Hospitalization | Yes (90% claims settled within 2 hours) | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-existing Disease Coverage | Yes (with waiting periods) | Yes (with waiting periods) | Yes (with waiting periods) |
| Lifetime Renewability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tax Benefits | Section 80D of Income Tax Act, 1961 | Section 80D of Income Tax Act, 1961 | Section 80D of Income Tax Act, 1961 |
While Star Health leads in specialized health plans and network reach, other insurers like New India Assurance and Care Health Insurance offer competitive claim settlement ratios and diverse product portfolios for Indian consumers.
Star Health Common Misconceptions
Star Health Insurance, India’s largest standalone health insurer, faces several common misunderstandings despite its extensive network of 14,000+ hospitals and 8 lakh+ agents. Clarifying these points helps policyholders make informed decisions about their coverage in 2026.
- Myth: Pre-existing diseases are never covered. Star Health Insurance plans do cover pre-existing diseases, but they come with specific waiting periods, typically ranging from 1 to 4 years, before coverage begins.
- Myth: All claims require upfront payment. Star Health offers cashless hospitalisation at its 14,000+ network hospitals across India, where the insurer directly settles bills with the hospital.
- Myth: Health insurance is only for major illnesses. Many Star Health plans cover a wide range of medical expenses, including pre- and post-hospitalisation costs, daycare procedures, and ambulance charges.
- Myth: Premiums are fixed for life. While some plans like ‘Young Star policy’ offer a 5% lifetime discount for early purchase (ages 18-40), premiums generally increase with age and medical inflation.
- Myth: Foreign citizens cannot get health insurance for children studying in India. Star Health provides coverage for foreign citizens’ children studying in India, limited to treatment received in Indian hospitals during the policy term.
Understanding these aspects ensures policyholders fully use their Star Health Insurance benefits for 2026 and beyond.
Star Health: Next Steps
Star Health Insurance, India’s largest standalone health insurer, offers a wide range of plans tailored for diverse needs in 2026. To secure coverage, individuals should review eligibility criteria and understand the application process. The company aims for a ₹30,000 crore premium target by FY28, reflecting its significant market presence.
- Review Eligibility: Star Health’s Star Cancer Care Gold policy is available for individuals aged 5 months to 65 years. For the Star Travel Protect Insurance Policy, Indian citizens over 6 months old are eligible.
- Choose a Plan: Evaluate plans like Star Health Assure for full family coverage or Star Cancer Care Platinum for specific cancer-related needs. Each plan has unique benefits and sum insured options, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2 crore.
- Check Network Hospitals: Star Health has a vast network of over 14,000 hospitals across India for cashless treatment. Verify if your preferred hospitals are part of this network before a medical emergency.
- Understand Premiums and Tax Benefits: Premiums vary by plan and sum insured, with options for monthly, quarterly, or yearly payments. Premiums paid are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Utilise Digital Services: Access free phone, chat, and video call consultations via +91 7676 905 905. Policy renewals can be done through the official website: https://web.starhealth.in/customerportal/instant-renewal/.
- Consider Policy Portability: If switching from another insurer, policy porting is allowed as per IRDAI guidelines. Initiate the process at least 45 days, but no sooner than 60 days, before your current policy’s renewal date.
Key Takeaways
- Star Health Insurance reported a net profit of ₹111.34 crore for Q4FY26, a significant increase from ₹0.51 crore in Q4FY25.
- The company holds one-third of India’s individual health insurance market share and aims for a ₹30,000 crore premium by FY28.
- Star Health offers cashless treatment at over 14,000 network hospitals and settles 90% of cashless claims within 2 hours.
Visit www.starhealth.in to explore plans, check eligibility, and apply for a policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Star Health Insurance’s market position in India as of 2026?
Star Health Insurance holds a significant market share, accounting for one-third of all individual health insurance business in India. The company reported a net profit of ₹111.34 crore for the quarter ending March 31, 2026, driven by improved claims experience. Its net written premium increased by 28.38% sequentially to ₹5,598.57 crore for the same period.
How many network hospitals does Star Health Insurance have in India?
Star Health Insurance has a vast network of over 14,000 hospitals across India as of 2026. This extensive network enables policyholders to avail cashless hospitalization services nationwide. The company directly settles medical bills with these network hospitals, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for insured individuals.
What unique health insurance plans does Star Health offer in India?
Star Health Insurance offers specialized plans like Star Cancer Care Gold, the first pilot product for cancer patients in India, available for ages 5 months to 65 years. They also provide plans tailored for women and families, with sum insured options ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore. , specific policies cater to individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and children with special needs.
Does Star Health Insurance cover pre-existing diseases?
Yes, Star Health Insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing diseases, subject to specific waiting periods as per policy terms. This feature provides financial security for individuals with existing health conditions. Policyholders should review the waiting period clauses for pre-existing conditions in their chosen plan.
What are the benefits of the Star Wellness Program?
The Star Wellness Program rewards insured individuals for engaging in various wellness activities. This initiative encourages a healthy lifestyle among policyholders. Specific rewards and benefits are outlined in the policy documents for participating members.
How can I find a Star Health Insurance network hospital?
You can locate a nearby Star Health Insurance network hospital by visiting the company’s official website. The website provides a search tool to find facilities that offer cashless hospitalization services. Star Health has tie-ups with over 14,000 hospitals across India for this purpose.
When was Star Health Insurance established in India?
Star Health Insurance was established in 2006 and is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Since its inception, IT has grown to become a leading health insurance provider in India. The company offers a wide range of health insurance plans for individuals, families, and senior citizens.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial advice. Interest rates, fees, and eligibility change frequently. Verify current details with the lender or regulator (RBI / SEBI / IRDAI) before deciding.