Overview

This page explains Care Health Insurance’s incurred claim ratio, what it means for policyholders, and why it should be checked with claim settlement ratio, complaints, network hospitals, and claim process. Care Health’s older 3-year ICR average was 58%, compared to the 82% industry average, while the FY 2022 to 2025 average stands at 58.68%. At Ditto, we rate insurers by checking CSR, ICR, complaints per 10,000 claims, network hospitals, business volume, product restrictions, and claim experience. Care Health has a 93.13% CSR (FY 2022-25), 11,400+ network hospitals, and ₹6,775 crore GWP, and 42.00 complaints per 10,000 claims.

Care Health is one of India’s largest health insurers, offering a range of comprehensive as well as affordable health insurance plans. It is the good insurer based on numerous metrics. However, today, let’s concentrate on Care’s Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR). ICR is a critical metric in health insurance as it is a barometer for an insurance company's financial health and ability to pay out claims. Simply put, ICR represents the percentage of premiums an insurer collects paid out in claims.

Understanding ICR is essential as it gives insight into how well an insurer manages its financial commitments and how likely it is to settle claims. In this article, we explore Care’s ICR, its significance, and what it means for current and potential policyholders.

What is ICR (Incurred Claim Ratio) in Health Insurance?

The Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR) measures the total amount of claims paid by the insurance company against the total premium collected during a financial year.

Here is how ICR is calculated:

Incurred Claim Ratio = (The total value of claims settled by an insurer / The total value of premiums collected by the insurance company) x 100

What is Care’s Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR)?

YearCare ICRIndustry Average ICR
2022 - 202353.82%79.94%
2023-202457.69%81.33%
2024-202564.53%84.38%
Average (2022 - 2025)58.68%81.88%

This data represents the average of the past three years' figures, allowing us to compare it with the industry average. By averaging these numbers, we get a clearer picture of the company's consistency and overall operational efficiency.

What is the significance of Care’s ICR?

Care Health Insurance has had inconsistent numbers over the years. While the current average ICR stands at 58%, there has been a lot of variance in the data. While 58% falls within the ICR Goldilocks zone, we must also consider other aspects of the insurer's functions. This will give a more holistic view.

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What is the Significance of Incurred Claim Ratios in Health Insurance Plans?

ICR ValueSignificance
Less than 50%Indicates that the insurer collects significantly more premiums than it pays out in claims, which may suggest profitability at the expense of claim settlement.
50-70%This range is ideal, suggesting that the insurer balances financial health and settles a fair share of claims.
70-100%This range indicates that the insurer pays out a significant portion of the premiums it collects in claims annually. While it shows a strong commitment to settling claims, it also suggests that the insurer might have less flexibility in managing its finances. However, if the insurer is large enough, this can be less of a concern.
Greater than 100%This indicates that the insurer is paying out more in claims than it collects in premiums. This is unsustainable and might lead to higher premiums or lower claim settlements in the future.

What is the Claim Settlement Process for Care Health Insurance?

    • CASHLESS

STEP 1: Contact Care Health 48 hours before the hospitalisation (planned treatment) or within 24 hours of hospitalisation (emergency hospitalisation) via the hospital insurance desk.

STEP 2: Submit the required documents (as mentioned below).

STEP 3: The hospital will request the insurer for their pre-authorisation approval.

STEP 4: The insurer approves the treatment, and you can go ahead with a cashless mode of claim settlement, which will be covered by your insurer when you are discharged.

(Please note that if your cashless request is denied, you can still proceed with the treatment. You will need to pay the bill from your pocket initially and can later file for a reimbursement claim settlement. The process for this is mentioned below.)

    • REIMBURSEMENT

STEP 1: You can register your claim online by visiting the Care Health Insurance ‘Self-Help Portal’ Link or download the Care Health-Customer App

STEP 2: Complete the claim form and submit it with the required documents (as listed below) online or at the nearest branch.

STEP 3: After cross-verification of your documents and the hospital desk, the insurer will disburse your claim amount to your bank account.

You can also receive guidance on your claim settlement by calling their helpline number - 1800-200-4488 for assistance.

What are the documents required to settle claims for Care Health Insurance?

When planning to file a claim to Care Health Insurance, make sure you have the soft/hard (online/offline process) copies of the following documents handy -

  1. CASHLESS
    • Policy number (health insurance card)
    • Copy of ID proof

2. REIMBURSEMENT

    • Original discharge summary
    • Original final hospital bill with item-wise break-up
    • Original paid receipt against the final hospital bill
    • For Accidental cases, MLC/FIR copy (if applicable)
    • Alcohol history (if applicable)
    • Investigation reports (like X-ray/MRI/CT Scan etc.)
    • Attested copy of indoor case papers
    • In case of implant surgery, invoice & sticker
    • For all claims amounting to ₹1 lakh or above, please provide a copy of any of these KYC documents (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, etc).

Please ensure that the address on the KYC documents matches the Policy address.

Please note: Based on the underwriter’s decision, you may be required to submit some additional documents.

Why Choose Ditto for Health Insurance?

At Ditto, we’ve assisted over 8,00,000 customers with choosing the right insurance policy. Why customers like Abhinav below love us:

Care Health Insurance Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR)
    • No-Spam & No Salesmen
    • Rated 4.9/5 on Google Reviews by 15,000+ happy customers
    • Backed by Zerodha
    • 100% Free Consultation

You can book a FREE consultation. Slots are running out, so make sure you book a call now!

Conclusion

Care Health Insurance holds great credibility across the industry. However, the fluctuations in Care Health Insurance’s Incurred Claim data are a concerning sign that needs to be addressed urgently since the brand’s credibility might take a severe hit. In that case, despite having a solid lineup of health insurance products, the unique perk of “no loading charges,” affordable premiums, and comprehensive policies, competitors - such as Aditya Birla - will have the edge over Care.

That’s it for this article, folks. Take care. Until next time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Care Health Insurance incurred claim ratio?

 Care Health Insurance incurred claim ratio shows how much of the premium collected by the insurer is paid out as claims in a financial year. The formula is total value of claims settled divided by total premium collected, multiplied by 100. Between 2022 to 2025, Care Health had an average ICR of 58.68%, while the industry average was 81.88%. A 58.68% ICR is not poor by itself, but it should be read with claim settlement ratio, complaints, policy terms, and claim experience.

What does incurred claim ratio mean in health insurance?

Incurred claim ratio, or ICR, tells you how much money an insurer pays in claims compared to how much it earns through premiums. For example, an ICR of 58% means the insurer paid ₹58 in claims for every ₹100 collected as premium. This metric helps you understand the insurer’s claim-paying pattern and financial balance. A very low ICR may raise questions about claim approvals, while an ICR above 100% can point to pressure on profitability. ICR is useful, but it is not enough alone.

What is Care Health Insurance’s latest ICR?

In Ditto’s FY 2022 to 2025 average health insurer metrics, Care Health has an ICR of 58.68%. This places Care in the 50% to 70% range, which is generally considered a balanced zone for incurred claim ratio. However, buyers should not look at ICR alone. Care also has a 93.13% claim settlement ratio, 11,400+ network hospitals, and 42.00 complaints per 10,000 claims, so the full picture is mixed.

Is Care Health Insurance’s ICR good or bad?

Care Health Insurance’s ICR is acceptable, but not outstanding. A 58.68% FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR falls in the 50% to 70% zone, which suggests the insurer is paying a reasonable share of premiums as claims while staying financially stable. However, the number needs context. Care’s complaints per 10,000 claims are 42.00, which is higher than Ditto’s ideal benchmark for general insurers. At Ditto, we recommend checking ICR along with CSR, complaints, claim process, exclusions, and hospital network before deciding.

Why is Care Health’s ICR important for policyholders?

Care Health’s ICR is important because it gives policyholders a quick view of how much the insurer pays out in claims compared to the premiums it collects. If the ICR is too low, it may suggest stricter claim payouts or lower claim outgo. If it is too high, it may point to sustainability concerns. Care’s 58.68% FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR sits in a stable range, but its 42.00 complaints per 10,000 claims should also be checked before buying or renewing.

How is Care Health Insurance ICR calculated?

Care Health Insurance ICR is calculated by dividing the total value of claims settled by the total premium collected during a financial year, then multiplying the result by 100. For example, if an insurer collects ₹100 crore in premiums and pays ₹60 crore in claims, the incurred claim ratio is 60%. This metric focuses on claim value, not the number of claims settled. That is why it should be read with claim settlement ratio, which measures how many claims the insurer settles out of total claims received.

What is the difference between ICR and claim settlement ratio?

ICR and claim settlement ratio measure different things. ICR shows the value of claims paid compared to premiums collected. Claim settlement ratio, or CSR, shows the number of claims settled compared to total claims received. Care Health’s FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR is 58.68%, while its CSR is 93.13%. So, ICR helps assess claim outgo and financial balance, while CSR helps assess how often claims are settled. At Ditto, we recommend checking both because one number alone can hide important claim experience details.

Is a higher ICR always better in health insurance?

No, a higher ICR is not always better. A high ICR means the insurer is paying a larger share of premiums as claims, which can be good for policyholders. But if the ICR crosses 100%, the insurer is paying more in claims than it collects in premiums, which may create pressure on pricing or sustainability. A very low ICR can also be concerning. Care Health’s 58.68% FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR is in a balanced range, but buyers should also check complaints and claim rules.

What is the ideal incurred claim ratio for health insurance?

There is no single perfect incurred claim ratio, but a 50% to 70% ICR is often seen as a balanced zone. It suggests the insurer is paying claims while still maintaining financial stability. An ICR below 50% may need closer review, while an ICR above 100% can suggest the insurer is paying more in claims than it earns through premiums. Care Health’s FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR is 58.68%, which falls in this balanced zone, but complaints and claim settlement quality still matter.

Should I buy Care Health Insurance based on ICR?

 You should not buy Care Health Insurance only because of its ICR. Care’s 58.68% FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR is in a reasonable range, and the insurer has 11,400+ network hospitals and ₹6,774.74 crore GWP. However, its 42.00 complaints per 10,000 claims need attention. At Ditto, we recommend shortlisting a health insurer only after checking claim settlement ratio, incurred claim ratio, complaints, room rent rules, co-payment, waiting periods, exclusions, add-ons, and the actual plan you are buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Care Health Insurance incurred claim ratio?

 Care Health Insurance incurred claim ratio shows how much of the premium collected by the insurer is paid out as claims in a financial year. The formula is total value of claims settled divided by total premium collected, multiplied by 100. Between 2022 to 2025, Care Health had an average ICR of 58.68%, while the industry average was 81.88%. A 58.68% ICR is not poor by itself, but it should be read with claim settlement ratio, complaints, policy terms, and claim experience.

What does incurred claim ratio mean in health insurance?

Incurred claim ratio, or ICR, tells you how much money an insurer pays in claims compared to how much it earns through premiums. For example, an ICR of 58% means the insurer paid ₹58 in claims for every ₹100 collected as premium. This metric helps you understand the insurer’s claim-paying pattern and financial balance. A very low ICR may raise questions about claim approvals, while an ICR above 100% can point to pressure on profitability. ICR is useful, but it is not enough alone.

What is Care Health Insurance’s latest ICR?

In Ditto’s FY 2022 to 2025 average health insurer metrics, Care Health has an ICR of 58.68%. This places Care in the 50% to 70% range, which is generally considered a balanced zone for incurred claim ratio. However, buyers should not look at ICR alone. Care also has a 93.13% claim settlement ratio, 11,400+ network hospitals, and 42.00 complaints per 10,000 claims, so the full picture is mixed.

Is Care Health Insurance’s ICR good or bad?

Care Health Insurance’s ICR is acceptable, but not outstanding. A 58.68% FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR falls in the 50% to 70% zone, which suggests the insurer is paying a reasonable share of premiums as claims while staying financially stable. However, the number needs context. Care’s complaints per 10,000 claims are 42.00, which is higher than Ditto’s ideal benchmark for general insurers. At Ditto, we recommend checking ICR along with CSR, complaints, claim process, exclusions, and hospital network before deciding.

Why is Care Health’s ICR important for policyholders?

Care Health’s ICR is important because it gives policyholders a quick view of how much the insurer pays out in claims compared to the premiums it collects. If the ICR is too low, it may suggest stricter claim payouts or lower claim outgo. If it is too high, it may point to sustainability concerns. Care’s 58.68% FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR sits in a stable range, but its 42.00 complaints per 10,000 claims should also be checked before buying or renewing.

How is Care Health Insurance ICR calculated?

Care Health Insurance ICR is calculated by dividing the total value of claims settled by the total premium collected during a financial year, then multiplying the result by 100. For example, if an insurer collects ₹100 crore in premiums and pays ₹60 crore in claims, the incurred claim ratio is 60%. This metric focuses on claim value, not the number of claims settled. That is why it should be read with claim settlement ratio, which measures how many claims the insurer settles out of total claims received.

What is the difference between ICR and claim settlement ratio?

ICR and claim settlement ratio measure different things. ICR shows the value of claims paid compared to premiums collected. Claim settlement ratio, or CSR, shows the number of claims settled compared to total claims received. Care Health’s FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR is 58.68%, while its CSR is 93.13%. So, ICR helps assess claim outgo and financial balance, while CSR helps assess how often claims are settled. At Ditto, we recommend checking both because one number alone can hide important claim experience details.

Is a higher ICR always better in health insurance?

No, a higher ICR is not always better. A high ICR means the insurer is paying a larger share of premiums as claims, which can be good for policyholders. But if the ICR crosses 100%, the insurer is paying more in claims than it collects in premiums, which may create pressure on pricing or sustainability. A very low ICR can also be concerning. Care Health’s 58.68% FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR is in a balanced range, but buyers should also check complaints and claim rules.

What is the ideal incurred claim ratio for health insurance?

There is no single perfect incurred claim ratio, but a 50% to 70% ICR is often seen as a balanced zone. It suggests the insurer is paying claims while still maintaining financial stability. An ICR below 50% may need closer review, while an ICR above 100% can suggest the insurer is paying more in claims than it earns through premiums. Care Health’s FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR is 58.68%, which falls in this balanced zone, but complaints and claim settlement quality still matter.

Should I buy Care Health Insurance based on ICR?

 You should not buy Care Health Insurance only because of its ICR. Care’s 58.68% FY 2022 to 2025 average ICR is in a reasonable range, and the insurer has 11,400+ network hospitals and ₹6,774.74 crore GWP. However, its 42.00 complaints per 10,000 claims need attention. At Ditto, we recommend shortlisting a health insurer only after checking claim settlement ratio, incurred claim ratio, complaints, room rent rules, co-payment, waiting periods, exclusions, add-ons, and the actual plan you are buying.

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