Let’s face it—medical expenses are no joke. A single trip to the hospital can empty your savings faster than you can say “insurance claim.” That’s why having health insurance isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a survival essential. And if you’re looking for a reliable provider, Care Health Insurance (formerly Religare Health Insurance) is one name you’ll hear often.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Care Health Insurance policy details in depth—plans, benefits, exclusions, premium calculation, claim process, and insider tips—so you can make an informed decision without breaking a sweat.
🔎 What is Care Health Insurance?
Care Health Insurance is a leading standalone health insurance company in India. It offers a wide range of policies catering to different age groups, needs, and budgets. Whether you want coverage for yourself, your parents, your kids, or the whole family, Care Health Insurance has something to offer.
Key Services Offered:
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Individual and family floater health plans
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Critical illness and disease-specific covers
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Maternity insurance
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Senior citizen plans
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Personal accident coverage
With a digital-first approach, Care makes policy buying and claim filing quick, easy, and hassle-free.
🧩 Key Highlights of Care Health Insurance
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Claim Settlement Ratio | 95.2% (as per IRDAI FY 2023-24) |
Cashless Hospital Network | 22,900+ hospitals across India |
Sum Insured Options | ₹3 lakh to ₹6 crore |
Renewability | Lifetime renewability |
Waiting Period | 30 days (standard); 2–4 years for pre-existing diseases |
Wellness Benefits | Free health check-ups, e-consultations, fitness rewards |
👥 Who Should Consider Care Health Insurance?
This insurance is ideal for:
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Working professionals
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Families with kids or elderly parents
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Senior citizens with health concerns
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Individuals with lifestyle diseases (like diabetes or hypertension)
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Expecting couples planning for maternity care
Care Health Insurance allows you to customise plans and riders, making it suitable for every life stage.
📋 Types of Care Health Insurance Plans
1. Care Supreme
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Best for families or individuals seeking comprehensive protection
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Sum insured: ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore
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Coverage includes hospitalisation, OPD, annual check-ups, mental health, and diagnostics
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Unlimited e-consultations
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No capping on room rent
2. Care Advantage
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Focused on high-value coverage at an affordable premium
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Ideal for covering expensive treatments and surgeries
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No cap on ICU charges or room rent
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International coverage (with add-on)
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Suitable for young professionals and families
3. Care Heart
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Tailored for people with pre-existing cardiac conditions
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Covers heart surgeries, cardiac implants, angioplasty, etc.
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Shorter waiting period for heart-related conditions
4. Care Freedom
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Made for senior citizens and people with diabetes or high BP
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No mandatory pre-policy medical check-up
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Regular health monitoring benefits
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Includes diabetes and hypertension from Day 1 (based on plan)
5. Care Joy (Maternity Cover)
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Perfect for young couples and new families
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Covers delivery (C-section or normal)
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Newborn baby care for up to 90 days
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Vaccination expenses
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Waiting period: 9 months to 2 years (based on plan)
💡 What’s Covered? (Inclusions)
Most Care Health Insurance plans come packed with benefits such as:
✅ Hospitalisation Expenses
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Covers room rent, ICU, operation theatre, nursing, and doctor’s fees
✅ Pre- and Post-Hospitalisation
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Medical expenses up to 60 days before and 90 days after hospitalisation
✅ Daycare Treatments
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Covers over 540+ daycare procedures (e.g., dialysis, chemotherapy, cataract surgery)
✅ AYUSH Coverage
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Treatments under Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy
✅ Ambulance Charges
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Costs related to emergency ambulance service (up to ₹3,000 or more)
✅ Organ Donor Expenses
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Covers costs related to organ harvesting and transplant
✅ Domiciliary Hospitalisation
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Coverage for treatments taken at home when hospitalisation is not possible
🚫 What’s Not Covered? (Exclusions)
Even the best plans have limits. These are some common exclusions:
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Pre-existing diseases during the waiting period
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Dental treatments (unless caused by an accident)
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Self-inflicted injuries or suicide attempts
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Cosmetic or plastic surgeries
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Treatment outside India (unless covered by add-on)
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Injuries under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases (some plans may cover after a waiting period)
Always read the policy wordings to know full exclusions.
🧮 How is the Premium Calculated?
Several factors affect the cost of your Care Health policy:
Factor | Impact on Premium |
---|---|
Age | Older = Higher premium |
Medical history | Existing illness = Higher premium |
Coverage amount | Higher sum insured = Higher premium |
City of residence | Metro cities cost more |
Add-ons/riders | Increase premium slightly |
Number of insured | More members = Bulk discount, but higher cost |
You can use the official Care Health Insurance premium calculator online to get instant estimates.
➕ Optional Add-Ons (Riders) You Can Include
Riders can significantly enhance your plan’s value for a small additional cost:
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Maternity Cover
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Personal Accident Cover
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Critical Illness Benefit
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Unlimited Automatic Recharge of Sum Insured
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OPD Benefit
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Room Rent Waiver
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Co-payment Waiver
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Air Ambulance Cover
📞 Claim Process Explained (Step-by-Step)
Care Health offers two easy options:
1. Cashless Claim
Perfect if you’re getting treatment at a network hospital.
Steps:
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Show your e-card/policy ID
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Hospital sends a pre-authorisation form to the insurer
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Claim is approved (within a few hours)
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No payment needed—you just focus on recovery
2. Reimbursement Claim
Applicable for non-network hospitals.
Steps:
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Pay your bills after treatment
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Collect all documents (bills, reports, prescriptions)
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Submit them within 15 days of discharge
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Get your money back in your account (7–15 working days)
Important: Always intimate Care Health within 24 hours in case of an emergency or 48 hours for planned admission.
📲 How to Buy Care Health Insurance Online?
You can buy it in a few simple steps:
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Visit www.careinsurance.com
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Choose the plan and enter your basic details
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Pick add-ons if needed
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Check your premium and proceed to payment
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Upload required documents (Aadhaar, PAN, medical reports if needed)
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Get policy instantly on email
Tip: You can also compare plans on portals like Policybazaar, Coverfox, or InsuranceDekho.
🧾 Tax Benefits Under Section 80D
Health insurance doesn’t just secure your health—it also saves you taxes!
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₹25,000 deduction for premiums paid for self/spouse/children
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Additional ₹50,000 if parents are senior citizens
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Maximum deduction: ₹75,000 annually
Make sure to retain premium payment receipts for tax filing.
🔄 Renewal & Portability Options
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Lifetime Renewability: Renew anytime before expiry to continue benefits
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Grace Period: 30 days after policy expiry to renew
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Portability: Switch from another insurer to Care without losing continuity benefits
💬 Customer Reviews & Satisfaction
Most customers praise Care Health for:
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Fast claim settlements
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Friendly customer service
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Transparent policies
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Affordable premiums
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Digital experience (through Care App)
Some users suggest they could improve offline service and reduce claim processing times for reimbursement.
🎯 Tips for Choosing the Right Care Health Plan
🔹 Choose a higher sum insured if you live in a metro city
🔹 Always include critical illness or OPD rider if you visit doctors frequently
🔹 Compare waiting periods for pre-existing diseases
🔹 Check room rent limits and choose a plan without caps if possible
🔹 Don’t skip the fine print—know your exclusions
🏁 Final Thoughts: Is Care Health Insurance Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely. With a wide hospital network, high claim settlement ratio, and flexible plans, Care Health Insurance ticks all the right boxes. Whether you’re looking for basic coverage or a plan with all the bells and whistles, Care has you covered.
Why Choose Care Health Insurance?
✅ Trusted brand with 95%+ claim settlement
✅ Custom plans for maternity, seniors, heart issues
✅ Cashless treatment at 22,900+ hospitals
✅ Digital-first experience with a mobile app
✅ Tax benefits and lifetime renewability
So, don’t wait until the next medical emergency—secure your health and your finances with Care Health Insurance today.
❓FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I buy Care Health Insurance at age 60?
Yes, with plans like Care Freedom, even senior citizens can get coverage without pre-policy medical checkups.
2. Is pregnancy covered under Care Health?
Yes, the Care Joy plan offers maternity and newborn care coverage.
3. Does Care Health cover COVID-19?
Yes, COVID-19 treatment is covered under most plans.
4. How do I check my claim status?
You can track your claim via the Care Health app, website, or customer support helpline.
5. Can I include my parents in the same family floater?
Yes, but if they’re above 60, it’s advisable to go for a separate senior citizen policy.
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