What is the best health insurance in India?

The best health insurance depends on your needs — age, family size, pre-existing conditions, and budget. Star Health Comprehensive, HDFC ERGO Optima Secure, and Care Health Advantage are top choices. Use Paliwal Secure AI to compare 51+ insurers instantly for free.

How to file an insurance claim in India?

For cashless claims: visit a network hospital → show health card → hospital coordinates with insurer. For reimbursement: collect all bills → fill claim form → submit to insurer within 30 days. Paliwal Secure AI provides free claim assistance — call 9257877312.

What is claim settlement ratio (CSR) in insurance?

CSR is the percentage of claims an insurer settles out of total claims received. A CSR above 90% is considered good. Star Health has 87% CSR, HDFC ERGO 92%, LIC 98.6%. Always check CSR before buying insurance.

How much term insurance coverage do I need?

Financial experts recommend term insurance coverage of 10-15 times your annual income. For ₹5L annual income, get ₹50-75L coverage. Premium starts from ₹500/month for ₹1Cr coverage. Compare plans on Paliwal Secure AI.

Can I get health insurance with pre-existing diseases like diabetes?

Yes! IRDAI mandates that all health insurance must cover pre-existing diseases after a maximum waiting period of 3 years (reduced from 4 years in 2024). Some plans offer Day 1 cover for diabetes and hypertension. Star Health Diabetes Safe and Care Health Supreme are popular options.

What is zero depreciation car insurance?

Zero depreciation (zero dep) car insurance means the insurer pays the full cost of repairs without deducting depreciation on parts. It costs 15-20% more than comprehensive but saves ₹10,000-50,000 per claim. Highly recommended for cars under 5 years old.

How to save tax under Section 80D with health insurance?

Under Section 80D: Self/family health insurance premium up to ₹25,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens) is deductible. Parents health insurance: additional ₹25,000 (₹50,000 if senior citizens). Preventive health check-up: up to ₹5,000. Maximum total deduction: ₹1,00,000.

Is Paliwal Secure AI a registered insurance advisor?

Yes! Paliwal Secure AI is operated by Himanshu Paliwal, an IRDAI Registered POSP (Point of Sales Person) with certification code IP429834. All insurance products sold through us are from IRDAI-registered insurers. Free consultation available — call 9257877312.

When will GST be removed from health insurance?

GST on health insurance will be exempt from 22 September 2025 as per the Union Budget 2025-26 announcement. Policies bought or renewed after this date will not include the 18% GST component.

How much will I save on health insurance after GST removal?

You will save approximately 18% on your health insurance premium. For example, a policy costing ₹10,000/year (including GST) will cost approximately ₹8,475 after GST exemption. For a family floater of ₹25,000/year, you save about ₹4,500/year.

Does the GST exemption apply to existing policies?

The exemption applies from 22 Sept 2025. If your policy renewal falls after this date, you'll pay the lower premium without GST. For policies renewed before this date, the GST paid is not refundable. Time your renewal strategically.

Should I wait until September to buy health insurance?

If you're currently uninsured, don't wait — buy now. Medical emergencies don't wait for tax changes. However, if your renewal is due in August-September 2025, you might consider a short-term extension to align with the GST exemption date.

Tax & Premium1 Jul 2025

IRDAI Removes GST on Health Insurance — What It Means for You

Expert analysis and actionable guidance on the latest IRDAI regulation changes affecting your insurance.

What Happened

The Union Budget 2025-26 announced that GST on health insurance premiums will be exempted from 22 September 2025. This means health insurance premiums will become approximately 18% cheaper. The exemption applies to both individual and group health insurance policies. This is one of the most significant changes to health insurance pricing in India's history.

Impact on Policyholders

Health insurance premiums will drop by ~18% from 22 Sept 2025
A ₹10,000/year policy will cost approximately ₹8,475 — saving ₹1,525/year
More Indians can now afford health insurance — potential 15-20% increase in penetration
Group health insurance for corporates becomes cheaper too
Senior citizen health insurance becomes significantly more affordable

What You Should Do

If your renewal is before Sept 22, 2025 — renew now and get GST refund later, or wait if possible
Consider upgrading to a higher sum insured with the saved premium amount
Don't reduce your sum insured just because premiums are lower — medical inflation continues
Add critical illness rider with the saved premium for better protection
Compare plans — the GST exemption may shift which insurer offers best value

Expert Analysis — IRDAI Update

“This is a game-changer for Indian health insurance. An 18% reduction in premiums will bring health insurance within reach of millions more families. However, don't let lower premiums tempt you into buying inadequate coverage. Use the savings to upgrade your sum insured or add critical illness cover. The GST exemption applies to new and renewal policies from 22 Sept 2025.”

Himanshu Paliwal, IRDAI Certified Advisor

POSP Code: IP429834

FAQs About This IRDAI Update

Other IRDAI Updates

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IRDAI Certified Advisor | POSP Code: IP429834