Star Health Insurance - Renew or Port ?

[akilmds]

I’ve been using Star Health Insurance for the past two years, chosen after comparing plans on PolicyBazaar. I renewed it last year despite coming across numerous negative reviews and concerns about their claim settlement ratio.

Now, my renewal is due in January, and I’m having second thoughts. The claim settlement ratio seems quite poor, and I’ve heard that several hospitals are no longer accepting Star Health policies.

I opted for their comprehensive plan to cover my mother (57), who doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions. While the coverage seemed great initially, I’m now considering switching to a more reliable insurer. I’ve also heard about the option to port health insurance policies—does anyone have experience with this? Is it better to port my policy or start fresh with a new one?

I’m currently based in Chennai and would really appreciate suggestions for a dependable health insurance provider. If you’ve had good experiences with any insurers, especially for claims and hospital acceptance, please share your recommendations. Thanks in advance!

 

[nemesis23]

This data is from IBAI, the IRDAI data is different. (That is very weird , why so much difference). Whatever research I have done before purchasing 4 years back, TLDR, if you have money do a HDFC one as its the best and pricy, if less money go for Care or Niva or icici. Now it's also better to ask the hospital around you for suggestions as for cashless they usually prefer few companies. Btw have a look at ditto website.

 

[anujdit]

I would recommend to go for HDFC Optima Secure for better service, even when price could be little higher(10-15%). I am using this policy from last 7-8 years and claimed (70-80% insured value) every year for my mother (Arthritis regular treatment). I need to pay only 2-3k per admission.
Processing of claim is also faster, along with hospital coverage.

 

[hedgehog2122]

I also had a good expereince with HDFC Ergo, premium may be comparatively higher but service is up to the mark

 

[quino]

refer to my comment in this thread. imo, Star has a damn good track record in TN & neighbouring states, so you shouldn't switch. but your experience might vary according to the specific hospital you go to.

 

[panu24]

I would recommend to go for HDFC Optima Secure for better service, even when price could be little higher(10-15%). I am using this policy from last 7-8 years and claimed (70-80% insured value) every year for my mother (Arthritis regular treatment). I need to pay only 2-3k per admission.
Processing of claim is also faster, along with hospital coverage.

Do you know about HDFC Optima Restore? which one is better Restore or Secure? or both are good?

Also, are you from Metro cities where you got good service experience?

 

[CCFinvest]

Star Health has rejected many claims in last few years. You may have to run to Ombudsman or court of law to get the whole claim.
However, the data here is a bit misleading as there many policies available with various insurers that have many disease specific capping or sub-limits. Also, many policies have mandatory co-payment. To be more competitive, companies offer that. During claim settlement, it becomes a real headache for these policies.
So, wherever you port, try to take a comprehensive policy that covers everything. Many companies such as Niva Bupa, Care, HDFC Ergo, Manipal Cigna, Aditya Birla etc. offer such policies. If you want the best possible option across all the insurers, you can share me your details and I will be happy to help.

 

[iROS]

Thumb rule- Never port health insurance. Every insurance has good & bad reviews. AFAIK Star Health is good in Southern states and coming to your point of hospital not accepting SH is false and it’s other way around. SH will de-list the hospitals who tampers with patients data.

 

[rahularya91]

I had a very bad experience with Star health 2 times. Every time the experience was worst than previous. Even their grievance redressal officer doesn't support. IRDAI doesn't intervene anywhere. Without stating any policy terms they reject the claims. Their employees don't have sense how to talk to senior citizens.

 

[CCFinvest]

Do you know about HDFC Optima Restore? which one is better Restore or Secure? or both are good?

Also, are you from Metro cities where you got good service experience?

Optima Restore was the original flagship product. Now, mostly Optima Secure is being distributed.
HDFC ERGO Optima Secure offers comprehensive coverage allowing you to multiply the coverage amount by 4x in 2 years with the Secure benefit and Plus benefit. On the other hand, HDFC ERGO Optima Restore doubles the coverage amount in 2 years with the Multiplier benefit.
However, it is very expensive.
You can get 6x cover to 10x cover now a days from different companies with similar or even lower premium now a days. Claim settlement ratio and Incurred claim ratio is also excellent.

 

[kimikfuria]

I would recommend to go for HDFC Optima Secure for better service, even when price could be little higher(10-15%). I am using this policy from last 7-8 years and claimed (70-80% insured value) every year for my mother (Arthritis regular treatment). I need to pay only 2-3k per admission.
Processing of claim is also faster, along with hospital coverage.

Can you advice how my mother too has RA, would like to know more

 

[panu24]

Optima Restore was the original flagship product. Now, mostly Optima Secure is being distributed.
HDFC ERGO Optima Secure offers comprehensive coverage allowing you to multiply the coverage amount by 4x in 2 years with the Secure benefit and Plus benefit. On the other hand, HDFC ERGO Optima Restore doubles the coverage amount in 2 years with the Multiplier benefit.
However, it is very expensive.

You mean here HDFC Ergo policies are expensive right? or Restore is expensive compared to Secure?

 

[anujdit]

My mother needs 2 time yearly dose of Reditex (To lower the immunity), which leads to 4+ lakhs insurance claim. Reditex is very effective in controlling the RA, you can consult the doctor for that.

 

[CCFinvest]

You mean here HDFC Ergo policies are expensive right? or Restore is expensive compared to Secure?

HDFC Ergo policies are expensive in general. If you are ready to pay higher premium, it is good.

 

[anandagrawal21]

I understand your concerns about Star Health Insurance. Based on my experience, Care Health Insurance is an excellent choice for reliable health coverage. Their policies offer extensive benefits, competitive premiums, and a strong claim settlement ratio. Most importantly, they have tie-ups with numerous hospitals, ensuring seamless acceptance.

I’d be happy to help you understand the details of Care Health’s policies and assist with any claim-related issues you might encounter. Porting your current policy to Care Health is straightforward, and I can guide you through the process to ensure uninterrupted coverage for your mother.

Best regards,
Anand Agrawal

 

[Tkt]

I’ve been using Star Health Insurance for the past two years, chosen after comparing plans on PolicyBazaar. I renewed it last year despite coming across numerous negative reviews and concerns about their claim settlement ratio.

Now, my renewal is due in January, and I’m having second thoughts. The claim settlement ratio seems quite poor, and I’ve heard that several hospitals are no longer accepting Star Health policies.

I opted for their comprehensive plan to cover my mother (57), who doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions. While the coverage seemed great initially, I’m now considering switching to a more reliable insurer. I’ve also heard about the option to port health insurance policies—does anyone have experience with this? Is it better to port my policy or start fresh with a new one?

I’m currently based in Chennai and would really appreciate suggestions for a dependable health insurance provider. If you’ve had good experiences with any insurers, especially for claims and hospital acceptance, please share your recommendations. Thanks in advance!

View attachment 76596

I have taken A Plus Plan of Universal Sompo General Insurance. Policy has good comprehensive benefits. My claim experience was exceptional. Their call centre team guided me though all formalities and claim settlement was without any hassles too.
5 🌟 from me.

 

[CCFinvest]

Thumb rule- Never port health insurance. Every insurance has good & bad reviews. AFAIK Star Health is good in Southern states and coming to your point of hospital not accepting SH is false and it’s other way around. SH will de-list the hospitals who tampers with patients data.

I would rather say, Always port from outdated policies that lack features and port to a better one. It is not marriage with lifetime commitment. 😃
But porting should be done very carefully(preferably by experts) in order to ensure you are not losing anything by shifting to a new one.

 

[Chiraga]

I’ve been using Star Health Insurance for the past two years, chosen after comparing plans on PolicyBazaar. I renewed it last year despite coming across numerous negative reviews and concerns about their claim settlement ratio.

Now, my renewal is due in January, and I’m having second thoughts. The claim settlement ratio seems quite poor, and I’ve heard that several hospitals are no longer accepting Star Health policies.

I opted for their comprehensive plan to cover my mother (57), who doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions. While the coverage seemed great initially, I’m now considering switching to a more reliable insurer. I’ve also heard about the option to port health insurance policies—does anyone have experience with this? Is it better to port my policy or start fresh with a new one?

I’m currently based in Chennai and would really appreciate suggestions for a dependable health insurance provider. If you’ve had good experiences with any insurers, especially for claims and hospital acceptance, please share your recommendations. Thanks in advance!

View attachment 76596

I renewed my Star Health policy recently for me and my parents, I had a good experience overall. Although I had some initial doubts after reading mixed reviews, I decided to stick with them as their network hospitals are still quite extensive. I would recommend contacting their customer support directly if you have specific questions—they were able to clarify many of my concerns regarding cashless claims and hospital tie-ups.

 

[ramkiraj60]

I’ve been using Star Health Insurance for the past two years, chosen after comparing plans on PolicyBazaar. I renewed it last year despite coming across numerous negative reviews and concerns about their claim settlement ratio.

Now, my renewal is due in January, and I’m having second thoughts. The claim settlement ratio seems quite poor, and I’ve heard that several hospitals are no longer accepting Star Health policies.

I opted for their comprehensive plan to cover my mother (57), who doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions. While the coverage seemed great initially, I’m now considering switching to a more reliable insurer. I’ve also heard about the option to port health insurance policies—does anyone have experience with this? Is it better to port my policy or start fresh with a new one?

I’m currently based in Chennai and would really appreciate suggestions for a dependable health insurance provider. If you’ve had good experiences with any insurers, especially for claims and hospital acceptance, please share your recommendations. Thanks in advance!

View attachment 76596

The claim paid ratio is 99.06%, the report of 75 % could be because of ineligible claims.
To my knowledge star health is the no 1 company in pure health insurance.

 

[Vipul1328]

I’ve been using Star Health Insurance for the past two years, chosen after comparing plans on PolicyBazaar. I renewed it last year despite coming across numerous negative reviews and concerns about their claim settlement ratio.

Now, my renewal is due in January, and I’m having second thoughts. The claim settlement ratio seems quite poor, and I’ve heard that several hospitals are no longer accepting Star Health policies.

I opted for their comprehensive plan to cover my mother (57), who doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions. While the coverage seemed great initially, I’m now considering switching to a more reliable insurer. I’ve also heard about the option to port health insurance policies—does anyone have experience with this? Is it better to port my policy or start fresh with a new one?

I’m currently based in Chennai and would really appreciate suggestions for a dependable health insurance provider. If you’ve had good experiences with any insurers, especially for claims and hospital acceptance, please share your recommendations. Thanks in advance!

View attachment 76596

I have been with Star Health for a while now, and have no issues so far. The cashless claims process was smooth when I used it last year for my younger brother, and their team was quick to respond to my queries and approvals. I suggest don't belive on rumour unless you have any bad experience contact their support team.