Care Health Insurance (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Standalone health insurer with retail and group medical plans.
India
Mixed public and privateHow health coverage works
In India, health cover mixes public programmes with private insurance.
Public hospitals and the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme cover lower-income households, and ESIC covers formal-sector workers. Many residents rely on private or employer-provided health insurance, as out-of-pocket spending is high.
Private health insurance
HDFC ERGO General Insurance (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
General insurer with health, personal accident and travel cover.
Also offers
ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
General insurer offering health, motor, home and travel policies.
Also offers
Niva Bupa Health Insurance (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Standalone health insurer offering individual and family medical plans.
Star Health and Allied Insurance (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Standalone health insurer offering individual, family and senior health plans.
Key facts
| Official source | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
|---|---|
| Insurers listed | Care Health Insurance, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, Star Health and Allied Insurance |
| Last reviewed |
Frequently asked questions
How does health insurance work in India?
Public hospitals and the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme cover lower-income households, and ESIC covers formal-sector workers. Many residents rely on private or employer-provided health insurance, as out-of-pocket spending is high.
Is private health insurance mandatory in India?
It depends on your situation. India mixes public programmes with private insurance; check the official source for the rules that apply to you.
Which health insurers can I look at in India?
Well-known insurers listed for India, in alphabetical order: Care Health Insurance, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, Star Health and Allied Insurance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation.
Where can I find official information on health cover in India?
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: https://www.mohfw.gov.in