Health care costs are rising rapidly, and sudden illnesses can drain your savings. That’s why Health Insurance has become not just a need, but a necessity in today’s world. In this article, you’ll learn:
- Types of plans available
- What health insurance is
- Its key benefits
- Top 10–20 global insurance companies in 2025
What is Health Insurance?
Health insurance is a financial agreement where the insurance company pays for your medical and hospitalization expenses. In return, you pay a monthly or yearly premium (₹500 to ₹10,000+), and get health coverage ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore or more, depending on the plan.
Why is Health Insurance Important?
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rising healthcare costs | Protects your savings |
| Cashless treatment | No need to pay upfront at network hospitals |
| Family protection | Covers all members under one plan |
| Tax benefit | Up to ₹75,000 under Section 80D |
| Employment advantage | Many jobs require health cover |
Types of Health Insurance:
- Individual Plan – For one person only
- Family Floater – Covers entire family under one sum insured
- Senior Citizen Plan – Special for people aged 60+
- Critical Illness Cover – For diseases like cancer, heart attack
- Top-Up Plan – Extra coverage over existing insurance
- Group Insurance – Provided by employers
Top 10–20 Health Insurance Companies in the World (2025)
| Rank | Company Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UnitedHealth Group | USA |
| 2 | Cigna Global | USA |
| 3 | Allianz SE | Germany |
| 4 | Elevance Health (Anthem) | USA |
| 5 | Aetna International | USA |
| 6 | Bupa Global | UK |
| 7 | AXA Global Healthcare | France |
| 8 | Humana Inc. | USA |
| 9 | William Russell | UK |
| 10 | Ping An Insurance | China |
What is Covered in a Health Insurance Plan?
- Hospitalization expenses (room, surgery, ICU)
- Pre- and Post-Hospitalization tests
- Day-care procedures (same-day surgeries)
- Ambulance charges
- Doctor consultation
- Medicines & diagnostic tests
What’s NOT Covered?
- Cosmetic surgeries (e.g., nose job, facelift)
- Dental and vision (in most plans)
- Pre-existing diseases (during waiting period)
- Drug/alcohol-related illnesses
- Alternative medicine (in some plans only)
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance?
- ✔️ Check Claim Settlement Ratio
- ✔️ Compare premium vs sum insured
- ✔️ Ensure wide hospital network
- ✔️ Check for cashless & no-claim bonus
- ✔️ Read exclusions and waiting period carefully
Best Platforms to Buy Health Insurance in India:
- PolicyBazaar
- Niva Bupa
- Star Health
- ACKO
- HDFC ERGO
- Care Health Insurance
Tax Benefit on Health Insurance:
Under Section 80D, you can claim tax deduction up to ₹25,000 (individuals) or ₹75,000 (senior citizens) for the premiums paid.
Conclusion:
Health insurance is not an expense – it’s a shield. Whether you’re a student, salaried employee, business owner, or a retiree, having a good health insurance plan ensures your peace of mind and financial stability.
