Care Health Insurance, established in 2012, operates with a strong focus on health coverage in India. The company reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹8,318 crore in 2026 and maintains a Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of 96.74% for the same year, exceeding the recommended 90% industry benchmark.
As of 2026, Care Health Insurance offers a wide network of over 11,400+ cashless hospitals across India, providing full medical coverage for individuals and families.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Care Health Insurance (formerly Religare Health Insurance Company Limited) |
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Gurugram, India (Registered at 5th Floor, 19, Chawla House, Nehru Place, South Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, India, 110019) |
| Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) | 96.74% (2026) |
| Network Hospitals | Over 11,400+ (2026) |
| Gross Written Premium (GWP) | ₹8,318 crore (2026) |
| Key Offerings | Individual health insurance, family floater plans, critical illness policies, top-up plans, group insurance, travel insurance, personal accident plans |
| Digital Discount | 5% on premiums |
| Tax Benefits | Up to ₹75,000 on premium under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act |
| Solvency Ratio | 1.75 (FY 2022-23), exceeding IRDAI’s required 1.5 |
| Incurred Claim Ratio | ~57.7% (FY 2023–24) |
| Cashless Claims Settlement Time | Within 2 hours (for pre-authorized cashless claims) |
| Maximum Sum Insured Options | Up to ₹75 lakh (Union Bank of India partnership), ₹1 crore (Care Advantage) |
| No Pre-Policy Medical Check-up | For Deductible + Sum Insured less than ₹40 lakh, till 50 years of age |
| Awards | Best Claim Settlement Company of the Year at the 9th Annual India Insurance Summit & Awards 2025 |
Care Health Insurance focuses on full health coverage, offering specialized plans for various needs including critical illness, maternity, and senior citizens, alongside government-backed schemes like Arogya Sanjeevani.
Care Health Plans: Features & Coverage
Care Health Insurance offers a diverse portfolio of health plans, including individual, family floater, and specialized options. As of 2026, their Care Supreme plan provides sum insured options ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore, with premiums starting from ₹118 for basic coverage. The company maintains an extensive network of over 22,100+ cashless healthcare providers across India.
| Plan Name | Key Features | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Care Supreme Plan | Available as individual and family floater plans; Sum insured options from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore; Unlimited Automatic Recharge (reinstates sum insured unlimited times in a year); Annual Health Check-ups for all insured members. | Covers surgeries, hospitalisation, day-care procedures, pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, ambulance charges, ICU charges. Offers flexible add-ons and unlimited restoration benefits. |
| Care Advantage Health Insurance | Ideal for high sum insured needs, offering a ₹1 crore option; 5% Digital Discount on premiums; Lifelong renewability. | full health coverage for major healthcare expenses; Includes inpatient and outpatient medical expenses. |
| Care Operation Insurance Plan | Specifically designed for surgical operations coverage; Focuses on planned and emergency surgical procedures. | Covers costs associated with surgical operations, including pre- and post-operative care. |
| Care OPD | Dedicated plan for outpatient expenses; Strong options for outpatient consultations and diagnostics. | Covers outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, and other non-hospitalisation medical expenses. |
| Ultimate Care Plan | Premium payback benefit: refund of the first year’s base premium for five consecutive claim-free years; Available for individuals and families. | Offers full health coverage, including inpatient and outpatient medical expenses. |
| Ultimate Care Senior | Designed for senior citizens (e.g., 60-year-old individuals); Includes add-ons like Smart Select, Sub Limit, Co-Pay, Deductible, and Room Rent Modification. | Tailored coverage for age-related medical conditions and specific healthcare needs of seniors. |
| Arogya Sanjeevani Policy | Standard health insurance product mandated by IRDAI; Offers basic health coverage at affordable premiums. | Covers hospitalisation expenses, pre- and post-hospitalisation, and day-care treatments up to a specified sum insured. |
| Maternity Health Insurance Plan | Specifically covers maternity-related expenses; Subject to a 24-month waiting period for benefits. | Covers delivery costs, C-section facilities, and pre- and post-natal care, with coverage up to ₹1 lakh under floater policies. |
| Care Travel Insurance | Covers inpatient and outpatient medical expenses for unforeseen emergencies during travel; Covers pre-existing medical conditions in emergencies. | Provides medical protection for international travel, including emergency medical evacuation and hospitalisation abroad. |
| Care Secure Personal Accident Insurance Plan | Offers financial protection against accidental injuries, disability, or death; Provides a personal accident plan for family well-being. | Covers medical expenses due to accidents, provides compensation for disability, and offers financial support to beneficiaries in case of accidental death. |
| Critical Illness Health Insurance | Provides a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of specified critical illnesses; Helps cover high treatment costs. | Covers major critical illnesses like cancer, heart attack, and kidney failure, offering financial relief for long-term care. |
| Care Group Health Insurance | Customizable plans for employee groups; Offers flexible coverage options for businesses. | Provides health coverage for employees, including hospitalisation, medical expenses, and wellness benefits. |
Care Health Insurance plans are known for their flexible add-ons and a strong focus on customer-centric features, including a 5% digital discount for online purchases.
Care Health Insurance: Key Statistics 2026
Care Health Insurance, established in 2012, operates with a strong network of over 22,100+ cashless healthcare providers across India. The company reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹8,318 crore and a claim settlement ratio of 92.77% for FY 2023–24, as per IRDAI data.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment Year | 2012 | PolicyX |
| Regulatory Status | IRDAI-regulated standalone health insurer | Care Health Insurance |
| Network Hospitals | 11,600+ | Care Health Insurance |
| Cashless Healthcare Providers | 22,100+ | Care Health Insurance |
| Claim Settlement Ratio (FY 2023–24) | 92.77% (within 3 months) | IRDAI |
| Gross Written Premium (GWP) | ₹8,318 crore | Care Health Insurance |
| Solvency Ratio (2022-23) | 1.75 (IRDAI requirement: 1.5) | IRDAI |
| Market Share (Standalone Health Insurers, 2025) | Approximately 4% | InsuranceDekho |
| Digital Discount Offered | 5% | Care Health Insurance |
| Tax Benefits (Section 80D) | Up to ₹75,000 on premiums | Income Tax Act |
| Sum Insured Options (Care Supreme) | ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore | Care Health Insurance |
| Premium Payback Benefit | Refund of first year’s base premium | Care Health Insurance |
| Premium Payback Condition | Five consecutive claim-free years | Care Health Insurance |
| Award: Best Claim Settlement Company of the Year | 9th Annual India Insurance Summit & Awards 2025 | Care Health Insurance |
| Award: Overall Achievement Award (SAHI category) | ASSOCHAM 16th Global Insurance Summit & Awards 2024 | Care Health Insurance |
| Award: Smart Insurer and Sales Champion | 11th ET Now Insurance Summit & Awards 2024 | Care Health Insurance |
| Award: Best Health Insurance Plan – Care Plus | Global Financial Planner’s Summit 2024 | Care Health Insurance |
| Customer Rating (Care Supreme) | 4.5/5 | Ditto’s transparent policy rating framework |
Care Health Insurance continues to expand its offerings, with plans like Care Advantage Health Insurance providing a ₹1 crore sum insured option, catering to diverse customer needs.
How Care Health Insurance Works
Care Health Insurance operates with a focus on full coverage and customer-centric services, offering over 22,100+ cashless healthcare providers across India as of 2026. The company provides flexible plans that include a 5% digital discount on premiums and a unique premium payback benefit for claim-free years.
Understanding the operational aspects helps policyholders maximize their benefits and the healthcare system efficiently.
- Extensive Network: Care Health Insurance has an extensive network of over 11,600+ network hospitals, ensuring cashless treatment access nationwide. This network includes 22,100+ cashless healthcare providers for various medical needs.
- Claim Settlement Process: The insurer maintains a strong claim settlement ratio of 92.77% for FY 2023–24, with cashless claims often settled within 2 hours. This efficiency minimizes financial stress during medical emergencies.
- Premium Payback Benefit: Policyholders with the Ultimate Care plan can receive a refund of their first year’s base premium after five consecutive claim-free years. This benefit encourages healthy living and rewards loyalty.
- Digital Discounts: Care Health Insurance offers a 5% digital discount on premiums when policies are purchased or renewed online. This initiative makes health insurance more affordable and accessible.
- Outpatient Department (OPD) Coverage: The Care OPD plan specifically covers outpatient consultations and diagnostics, addressing a significant portion of routine medical expenses. This is a key feature in specific premium plans.
- Lifelong Renewability: All Care Health Insurance plans offer lifelong renewability, ensuring continuous coverage without an upper age limit once enrolled. The minimum entry age is 91 days on a floater basis.
- Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for Care Health Insurance plans are eligible for tax deductions of up to ₹75,000 under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This provides a significant financial incentive for policyholders.
- Diverse Plan Options: Care Health offers a wide range of plans, including individual, family floater, senior citizen, and critical illness options, with sum insured amounts from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore for plans like Care Supreme.
Care Health Insurance’s operational framework prioritizes accessibility, financial relief, and long-term health security for its policyholders across India.
Benefits of Care Health Insurance
Care Health Insurance offers several advantages, including a premium payback benefit for claim-free years and extensive cashless hospital networks. Policyholders also receive a 5% digital discount on premiums, making plans more affordable.
- Premium Payback Benefit: The Ultimate Care plan refunds the first year’s base premium after five consecutive claim-free years. This feature rewards policyholders for maintaining good health.
- Extensive Network: Care Health Insurance provides access to over 22,100+ cashless healthcare providers, including more than 11,600+ network hospitals across India. This ensures wide access to quality medical care.
- Digital Discount: Policyholders receive a 5% digital discount on premiums when purchasing or renewing plans online. This reduces the overall cost of health coverage.
- Unlimited Automatic Recharge: The sum insured can be reinstated an unlimited number of times within a policy year, ensuring continuous coverage even after multiple claims. This is a key benefit for high-frequency users.
- Annual Health Check-ups: All insured members are eligible for annual health check-ups, regardless of their claim history. This promotes preventive care and early detection of health issues.
- OPD Coverage Options: Specific premium plans offer strong coverage for outpatient consultations and diagnostics (OPD expenses). This helps manage routine medical costs not requiring hospitalization.
- Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for Care Health Insurance plans are eligible for tax deductions of up to ₹75,000 under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This provides significant financial relief.
- International Coverage: Certain plans, like the Travel Insurance, cover inpatient and outpatient medical expenses for unforeseen emergencies during international trips, including pre-existing conditions. This offers global protection.
These benefits Care Health Insurance’s focus on full coverage, financial incentives, and accessible healthcare services for its policyholders in India.
Care Health Vs. Top Insurers 2026
Care Health Insurance maintains a 96.74% Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) as of 2026, with an extensive network of over 11,600+ hospitals. This compares to HDFC Ergo’s Optima Secure+ plan, rated 4.6/5 by Ditto, and Star Health, which pioneered standalone health insurance in India.
| Feature | Care Health Insurance | HDFC Ergo | Star Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) | 96.74% (2026) | 97.37% (Optima Secure+) | In-house claim settlement team |
| Network Hospitals | 11,600+ hospitals, 22,100+ cashless providers | Extensive network (specific number not provided) | 14,000+ hospitals |
| Key Plans/Offerings | Care Supreme, Care Advantage, Care OPD, Unlimited Automatic Recharge, Premium Payback Benefit | Optima Secure+, Home healthcare, Daycare, Organ donor cover, AYUSH treatments, Unlimited restoration | Specialized plans for diabetes, cardiac care, seniors |
| Digital Discount | 5% Digital Discount | Not specified | Not specified |
| Entry Age (Minimum) | 91 days (floater basis) | Depends on plan | Depends on plan |
| Renewability | Lifelong renewability | Lifelong renewability | Lifelong renewability |
| Rating (by Ditto, 2026) | 4.5/5 (Care Supreme) | 4.6/5 (Optima Secure+) | Not specified |
| Gross Written Premium (GWP) | ₹8,318 crore | Not specified | Largest market share in retail health segment |
| Notable For | Flexible add-ons, unlimited restoration, premium payback benefit | Claims reliability, full coverage with unique riders | India’s first standalone health insurer, largest retail market share |
Care Health’s focus on flexible add-ons and unlimited restoration provides distinct advantages, while HDFC Ergo is recognized for its claims reliability and full Optima Secure+ plan.
Care Health Insurance: Common Misconceptions
Many individuals hold incorrect beliefs about health insurance, impacting their policy choices and benefits. For instance, some believe GST is still applicable on premiums, but IT was removed from September 22, 2025. Understanding these common misconceptions helps in making informed decisions for 2026.
- Misconception 1: Health insurance is only for major illnesses. Care Health Insurance offers plans like Care OPD, covering outpatient consultations and diagnostics, not just hospitalisation. Many policies also include annual health check-ups for all insured members.
- Misconception 2: Claim settlement is always a lengthy process. Care Health Insurance aims for cashless claims settlement within 2 hours, per Bajaj Finserv data. The company received the “Best Claim Settlement Company of the Year” award in March 2025.
- Misconception 3: Premiums are too high for full coverage. Care Health Insurance premiums start from ₹118, with plans like Ultimate Care costing around ₹19/day for an 18-year-old with ₹5 lakh sum insured in a Zone 3 city. A 5% digital discount is also available.
- Misconception 4: Pre-existing diseases are never covered. Care Health’s travel insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions in emergencies. Most health policies cover pre-existing diseases after a standard waiting period, typically 3-4 years.
- Misconception 5: Health insurance offers no tax benefits. Policyholders can claim tax deductions of up to ₹75,000 on health insurance premiums under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This benefit helps reduce the overall cost of coverage.
Clarifying these points ensures policyholders fully use their Care Health Insurance plans and benefits in 2026.
Choosing Care Health Insurance: Next Steps
Selecting the right Care Health Insurance plan in 2026 involves evaluating your specific needs against policy features and the insurer’s service record. Care Health Insurance offers lifelong renewability and a minimum entry age of 91 days for floater plans, making IT accessible for various family structures.
Consider these actionable steps to finalize your health insurance decision:
- Assess Your Coverage Needs: Determine if you require individual, family floater, or specialized plans like maternity or critical illness coverage. Care Health offers plans such as Care Supreme with sum insured options from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore.
- Compare Policy Features: Review benefits like unlimited automatic recharge, annual health check-ups, and the premium payback benefit (refund of first year’s base premium for five claim-free years). Verify specific inclusions for outpatient department (OPD) coverage, which Care OPD plans offer.
- Check Network Hospitals: Ensure Care Health Insurance’s extensive network of over 11,600+ hospitals includes facilities convenient for you. This network supports cashless treatment across India.
- Evaluate Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR): Care Health Insurance maintained a CSR of 92.77% within three months for FY 2023–24, per IRDAI data. A CSR above 90% is generally recommended for reliability.
- Understand Premiums and Discounts: Premiums for Care Health plans start from ₹118, with a 5% digital discount available. For example, an Ultimate Care plan for an 18-year-old with ₹5 lakh sum insured in a Zone 3 city costs approximately ₹19 per day.
- Consult an Expert and Review Terms: Seek advice from an insurance expert to clarify policy terms, waiting periods, and exclusions. Always read the policy document thoroughly before purchasing.
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision on a Care Health Insurance plan that aligns with your healthcare requirements for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Care Health Insurance offers a 5% digital discount and a premium payback benefit for five consecutive claim-free years.
- The insurer maintains a strong network of over 11,600+ hospitals for cashless treatment across India.
- Care Health’s Claim Settlement Ratio was 92.77% for FY 2023–24, indicating reliable claim processing.
Check eligibility and compare Care Health Insurance plans directly at the official Care Health Insurance website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of health insurance plans does Care Health Insurance offer in India?
Care Health Insurance offers a range of plans including individual, family floater, senior citizen, and critical illness policies. Their ‘Ultimate Care’ plan, for instance, provides comprehensive coverage for hospitalization, day-care procedures, and pre/post-hospitalization expenses. They also offer specialized plans like ‘Care Freedom’ for individuals with pre-existing conditions and ‘Care Global’ for international travel.
What is the claim settlement ratio of Care Health Insurance in 2026?
Care Health Insurance was awarded “Best Claim Settlement Company of the Year” at the 9th Annual India Insurance Summit & Awards in March 2025. While the exact 2026 ratio is not yet public, this award indicates a strong track record in processing claims efficiently. Policyholders can expect a streamlined process for both cashless and reimbursement claims.
Does Care Health Insurance cover pre-existing diseases?
Yes, Care Health Insurance plans generally cover pre-existing medical conditions after a specified waiting period, which typically ranges from 2 to 4 years. For example, their travel insurance also covers pre-existing conditions in emergency situations during a trip. Always review your specific policy document for exact waiting periods and terms.
What are the tax benefits of buying a Care Health Insurance policy in India?
Premiums paid for Care Health Insurance policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Individuals can claim up to ₹25,000 for themselves, their spouse, and dependent children, with an additional deduction of up to ₹50,000 for senior citizen parents. This can lead to a total tax benefit of up to ₹75,000 annually.
How can I find Care Health Insurance network hospitals in India?
You can find Care Health Insurance network hospitals across India by visiting their official website and using the ‘Network Hospitals’ locator tool. This tool allows you to search by city, pin code, or hospital name to find facilities offering cashless treatment. As of June 2026, Care Health Insurance has an extensive network to ensure wide access to medical care.
What is the ‘Premium Payback’ benefit offered by Care Health Insurance?
Care Health Insurance’s ‘Ultimate Care’ plan offers a unique Premium Payback benefit, refunding the first year’s base premium if you have five consecutive claim-free years. This feature incentivizes policyholders to maintain good health and rewards them for not making claims. IT is a distinctive offering designed to promote wellness and customer loyalty.
Are there any discounts available on Care Health Insurance premiums in 2026?
Yes, Care Health Insurance often provides discounts, such as a 5% digital discount for purchasing policies online. They also offer discounts for opting for longer policy tenures or including multiple family members under a single plan. Always check the official Care Health Insurance website or consult an advisor for current discount offers in 2026.
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.