Choosing the right health insurance plan in 2025 requires more than just glancing at premium costs or brand names. It’s about aligning your medical needs with a provider that offers comprehensive coverage and delivers on claim settlement, customer support, and long-term value. Digit Insurance and Star Health Insurance are two major contenders in India’s health insurance market, so we’re here comparing Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance today.
While Star has decades of experience and a deeply entrenched distribution network, Digit brings a modern, tech-first approach with strong claim settlement metrics. But which one truly fits your needs? Let’s break it down.
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Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance
In this detailed review, we’ll explore:
- Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance Plans: Comparing the key offerings of Go Digit and Star Health, including their unique features and specialized coverage options.
- Coverage Breakdown: Analyzing both insurers' plans' benefits, limitations, and specific coverage details.
- Key Metrics: Evaluating important factors like Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR), Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR), customer support, and digital services.
- Comparison with Competitors: Assessing how Go Digit and Star Health compare to other leading health insurers in pricing, network hospitals, and claim settlement performance.
- Decision-Making Tips: This section will help you decide whether Go Digit’s digital-first approach or Star Health’s personalized, traditional service model is better suited to your healthcare needs.
This review aims to comprehensively compare Go Digit and Star Health Insurance to help you decide on the best health coverage for 2025.
Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance: A Quick Company Overview
Digit Insurance
Go Digit Insurance was founded in 2017 and backed by marquee investors like Fairfax and celebrity stakeholders, including Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. The company operates with a clear digital-first model, from onboarding to claim settlement, making it a strong option for young professionals and tech-savvy families. It is a general insurer offering vehicle, home, travel, and health insurance, and its portfolio includes comprehensive plans with high claim transparency and low complaint ratios.
Star Health Insurance
Established in 2006, Star Health Insurance is India’s first standalone health insurance company. Known for its strong offline presence, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Star offers deeply customized plans for senior citizens, maternity care, and critical illnesses. With over 14,000 network hospitals and a vast agent network, Star caters exceptionally well to customers who value traditional support and wide-reaching accessibility. The company was also promoted by the late ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, who, along with his wife, holds a combined stake of over 17% in the insurer.
Key Differences Between Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance
When comparing Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance, it's essential to look beyond the brand names and consider practical factors like coverage scope, premium pricing, claim settlement efficiency, digital user experience, and hospital network strength. Here's a detailed feature-by-feature comparison to help you determine which insurer better fits your needs in 2025
Criteria | Digit | Star Health |
---|---|---|
Plan Variety | Individual and Family Specific plans | Offers individual and family plans along with Specialized chronic illness plans (Diabetes, Cancer & heart ailments) |
Coverage Options | Simplified plans with restoration and unlimited wallet benefits | Strong focus on maternity and chronic conditions |
Claim Settlement Ratio (Avg 2021-2024) | 97% | 83% |
Incurred Claim Ratio (Avg 2021-2024) | 72% | 73% |
Complaint Volume (number of complaints per 10,000 claims) (Avg 2021-2024) | 16 | 46 |
Annual Business (Cr ₹) (Avg 2021-2024) | ₹801 | ₹13,029 |
Network Hospitals | 9,000+ | 14,000+ |
Premium Costs | Competitive for basic plans | Slightly higher for specialized plans |
Customer Support & Digital Services | Fully digital experience with minimal paperwork | Strong agent network and offline support |
1) Plan Variety
- Digit Insurance
Digit offers a tightly curated set of health plans focusing on modern user needs. Plans like Digit Double Wallet and Digit Infinity Wallet include features like sum insured restoration, no disease-specific sub-limits in many cases, and cumulative bonuses for claim free years. Another unique thing to note here is that Go Digit insurance plans provide an inbuilt personal accident cover ranging from 50k to 1L, payable on accidental deaths. You can also read more about these plans in greater detail in our Digit Health Insurance Review 2025. - Star Health Insurance
Star’s portfolio is vast and varied. Whether you're a young couple planning for a child, a senior citizen, or someone with pre-existing conditions, Star likely has a plan for you. Products like Star Super Star (with features like wellness benefits and optional maternity cover), Comprehensive (offering vast coverage for things like AYUSH, daycare procedures, and domiciliary care), Cardiac Care (intended for those with pre-existing heart conditions), and Cancer Care Platinum (focusing on cancer-related expenses), reflect a deep understanding of specific health requirements, especially for long-term or complex care scenarios.
(You can find more details of these plans below.)
2) Coverage Option
- Digit Insurance
Digit plans tend to emphasize structural simplicity. You’ll find benefits like:- Restoration of the sum insured
- No room rent capping
- Cashless claims across 9,000+ hospitals
- Cumulative bonus for claim-free years
Go Digit Insurance offers comprehensive coverage across a range of standard needs. However, it lacks specialized plans catering to specific requirements, such as reducing waiting periods for pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Additionally, there are no dedicated options for maternity coverage or critical illnesses such as cancer and heart-related ailments.
- Star Health Insurance
Star shines when it comes to holistic and layered coverage:
- Maternity and newborn coverage with OPD and diagnostics add-ons
- Comprehensive protection for lifestyle diseases and critical conditions
- Free annual health check-ups
- High-end hospitalization benefits
Star's strength lies in personalization. Users can build their plans using add-ons for dental, diagnostics, or restoration benefits.
3) Claim Settlement Ratio
The Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) is the percentage of insurance claims an insurer successfully settles out of the total claims received in a year. It's a key measure of an insurer's reliability and efficiency in honoring claims, directly impacting customer trust. CSR is calculated by dividing the number of claims settled by the total number of claims filed, then multiplying by 100. A higher CSR generally indicates better chances of claim approval and the ideal CSR for a health insurer ranges between 90-100% as it indicates efficient and timely claim settlements.
- Digit Insurance
Digit Insurance boasts a claim settlement ratio of 97%, positioning it as one of the top-performing insurers in the country. Quick turnaround, transparent claim status, and minimal documentation make it a go-to for those who want reliability. However, Digit is a comparatively newer insurer, so you should wait a few years to see how it competes with the other giants in the industry. - Star Health Insurance
Star Health Insurance has a claim settlement ratio of 83%, notably lower than many other insurers. The lower CSR suggests a higher rate of rejected or unresolved claims. While the company deals with many complex cases (such as cancer), the figure still reflects potential challenges in promptly getting claims approved or settled. If claim reliability is a top priority, this number is worth considering seriously.
4) Incurred Claim Ratio
The Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR) is calculated as the total amount paid out in claims compared to the total amount collected in premiums. It’s a key indicator of both claim servicing and financial sustainability. The ideal ICR for an insurer ranges between 50 to 80 as it suggests a healthy balance between claim settlement and business viability.
- Digit Insurance
72%: This means Digit pays out ₹72 in claims for every ₹100 collected in premiums. It shows a balanced approach: the company pays a fair share in claims while maintaining profitability. - Star Health Insurance
73%: Star’s ICR is nearly identical to Digit's, indicating it also settles a significant portion of claims relative to premiums. Despite a lower claim settlement ratio, this figure suggests Star pays a substantial amount overall, though perhaps not always efficiently or promptly.
5) Complaint Volume
Complaint volume is a valuable indicator of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. While the lesser number of complaints, the better, the industry average is 22 complaints. Now, let’s compare Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance on this basis.
- Digit Insurance
Records just 16 complaints per 10,000 claims, suggesting streamlined processes, fewer disputes, and relatively strong customer service. - Star Health Insurance
On the other hand, Star’s 46 complaints per 10,000 claims (one of the highest in the industry) may reflect delays, unclear communication, or documentation problems—especially in rural or less digitized environments. The higher volume signals more frequent customer dissatisfaction or friction in the claims process.
6) Annual Business
Annual premium collection strongly indicates an insurer’s market presence and customer trust.
- Digit Insurance
Collected about ₹800 crore in health premiums, which, while smaller in absolute terms, reflects rapid growth for a relatively new entrant. Its ability to scale quickly shows rising customer interest and market penetration. - Star Health Insurance
On the other hand, Star, a well-established player, generated over ₹13,000 crore in premiums, making it one of the most prominent players in the retail health insurance space. This massive volume highlights its deep market reach, brand recognition, and long-standing customer base.
7) Network Hospitals
The size and distribution of an insurer’s hospital network directly affect ease of access to cashless treatment.
- Digit Insurance
It has rapidly built a strong network with 9,000+ hospitals, offering wide accessibility for policyholders nationwide. - Star Health Insurance
It maintains a substantial network of 14,000+ hospitals, with a notable advantage in semi-urban and rural areas, where many newer insurers still lack reach. While smaller in number, Star’s network is often more strategically distributed for broader on-ground coverage. Another thing to note about Star is its agent network, which we’ll explain later.
8) Premium Costs
- Digit Insurance
It offers competitive rates, particularly for individual and family floater plans, making it appealing for budget-conscious buyers. However, lower premiums are standard among newer insurers. The real test will be whether Digit can continue offering this level of affordability as it grows in the market. - Star Health Insurance
On the other hand, Star tends to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, especially for comprehensive plans that include maternity, dental, OPD, and extensive pre-existing condition coverage. The broader benefits come at a premium, which may not suit all budgets.
9) Customer Support & Digital Services
- Digit Insurance
It provides a fully digital, app-first platform with features like 24/7 customer support, digital onboarding, and AI-powered claim assistance. This makes it highly convenient for tech-savvy users who prefer self-service and speed. - Star Health Insurance
Star, in contrast to Go Digit, leans heavily on its extensive agent and branch network, which can be more effective in smaller towns or for customers who prefer face-to-face or offline support. However, its digital offerings are relatively limited and may feel outdated compared to newer insurers.
Popular Health Insurance Plans Comparison of Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance
1) Digit Insurance
Plan Name | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Digit Double Wallet | -Double Sum Insured Backup (an additional backup SI equal to the chosen SI, activated only after the initial SI is exhausted via restoration) -No room rent or copay |
-In-built personal accident cover -Good restoration benefit -Daycare treatments are covered. -SI increases by 10% to 100% for claim-free years. -Free health checkup every 2 years |
-No global coverage -No maternity benefits -Limited Track Record as it is a relatively newer insurer. |
Digit Infinity Wallet | -Unlimited Restoration Benefit -Cumulative Bonus increases the sum insured by 50% p.a up to 100% -Pre- and post-hospitalization coverage of 60 & 180 days. |
-Built-in accident cover -Daycare procedures are covered -Domiciliary hospitalizations are also covered |
-No global coverage -No Maternity Benefits -Limited Track Record as it is a relatively newer insurer. |
Digit Worldwide Treatment | -Worldwide hospitalization coverage (planned + emergency) -100% restoration of the sum insured -Covers pre- and post-hospitalization (60 and 180 days, respectively) -Air ambulance cover |
-Global treatment access -No copayment or sub-limits -Includes air ambulance and e-consultations |
-No maternity benefits -Limited track record as a newer insurer |
2) Star Health Insurance
Plan Name | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Star Super Star | - No room rent or copay - Unlimited restoration - OPD, diagnostics & dental as add-ons |
- Can freeze age-based premiums until a claim - 4 and 5-year multi-pay purchase option - Multiple powerful add-ons for maternity, bonus. |
- No inbuilt annual health check-up - Some key benefits require add-ons |
Comprehensive | - Single private room limit - Free health check-ups every claim-free year - Maternity & OPD covered |
- Broad maternity & newborn cover - Dental and eye consultations included |
- Disease-wise limits apply on AYUSH, bariatric & modern treatments - Restoration only once per year |
Cardiac Care Platinum | - Tailored for heart patients - Covers heart transplants, devices - No copay |
- Covers advanced cardiac treatments, incl. transplant - Includes OPD consults & telemedicine |
- No AYUSH/domiciliary - Restoration is not usable for cardiac ailments - Few optional add-ons available |
Cancer Care Platinum | - Focused on cancer treatment - Hospice, pain management, and rehab are covered - 5% No Claim Bonus p.a up to 50% |
- One of the few plans for advanced-stage cancer care - Covers hospice & recurrence of cancer (via add-on) |
- No restoration benefit - Limited general hospitalization benefits - Disease-wise sub-limits apply |
Claim Settlement Process of Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance
1) Steps to File a Claim with Digit Insurance
- Log in to the Digit app or website: Access your account online.
- Upload necessary documents: Submit the required documents for reimbursement or request pre-authorization for cashless hospitalization.
- Track the status: Stay updated with real-time claim status; claims are usually processed within 3–7 days.
2) Steps to File a Claim with Star Health Insurance
- Visit the TPA desk or contact customer support: Visit the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) desk for cashless claim settlement or contact Star’s customer support team for reimbursement claims.
- Submit documents: Provide the pre-authorization form or scanned documents for reimbursement claims.
- Claim settlement: Claims are typically settled in 7–10 working days. Offline assistance is available for further support.
Additional Factors to Consider
1) Portability Options
- Digit Insurance: A smooth digital porting process allows you to transfer your existing health insurance plan from another insurer without hassle. This digital process is designed for ease and efficiency.
- Star Health Insurance: Also provides portability, but the process may require offline documentation, meaning you might need to submit physical forms and documents. While the process might be less tech-savvy, it ensures that policyholders can transfer their coverage.
2) Waiting Periods
- Digit Insurance: Digit and Star have a standard initial waiting period of 30 days, meaning claims for illness or injury will not be processed. For pre-existing conditions, the waiting period ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on the policy.
- Star Health Insurance: Offers the option to reduce waiting periods by purchasing add-ons, which can benefit individuals needing coverage sooner. In contrast, Digit follows fixed timelines for the waiting period, meaning no add-ons or riders are available to shorten this duration.
Both insurers offer a specific illness waiting period of 2 years for ailments like cataract, hernia, etc.
3) Add-on Benefits
- Digit Insurance provides additional benefits such as wellness rewards and access to teleconsultations. These add-ons offer coverage for preventative care, ongoing health conditions, and convenient medical consultations online.
- Star Health Insurance includes health insurance add-ons like diagnostic services, maternity boosters, and dental and eye care consultations. These add-ons focus on comprehensive care, offering coverage for specialized treatments and services beyond the basics of health insurance.
4) Tax Benefits
Like other health insurance policies in India, Digit and Star Health Insurance qualify for tax deductions under Section 80D (Under the Old Regime) of the Income Tax Act. This allows policyholders to reduce their taxable income by the amount they pay for premiums, making health insurance a tax-efficient choice.
Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance: Which Should You Choose?
When comparing them, it is essential to evaluate Go Digit Insurance and Star Health Insurance's core metrics and unique features.
Choose Go Digit if you value a digital-first approach with minimal paperwork and fast, efficient claims processing. Go Digit excels in key metrics like Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) and Complaint Volume, making it an ideal choice for younger buyers, nuclear families, or anyone looking for a smooth, tech-driven experience. With a strong celebrity endorsement and a low complaint volume, Go Digit stands out for its user-friendly mobile app and paperless interactions. However, as a newer player in the market, it may lack the long-term track record and personal agent support that some customers may prefer.
Ditto’s Take Considerations: Go Digit is an excellent choice for tech-savvy individuals who want a hassle-free, modern insurance experience. The digital-first approach ensures quick claim processing and low paperwork, but it may not suit everyone, especially those who prefer in-person assistance or have complex health needs. Also, being a newer insurer, Go Digit may not yet have the customer relationships and trust that long-established brands like Star Health have built over time. While Go Digit is ideal for younger, digital-first customers, it operates without agents or intermediaries. This may make it less suitable when you need personalized assistance. Since Go Digit is still growing, it might not offer the same support or stability that a more established insurer provides. |
Choose Star Health if you need an insurer with decades of experience, an extensive hospital network, and specialized plans tailored to families, seniors, and individuals with chronic conditions. Star Health's well-established reputation and extensive agent network provide a more personalized experience. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer guidance from a trusted agent, especially for complex healthcare needs. Star Health also offers feature-rich policies like Super Star, with additional benefits for chronic illness coverage. However, its more traditional, offline approach may not appeal to those seeking a fully digital experience.
Ditto’s Take Consideration: Star Health may appeal to those who value a traditional insurance setup with personalized service, thanks to its legacy and vast agent network. However, the experience is far from seamless, particularly for those who prefer efficient digital processes and timely support. Despite its comprehensive plans and extensive hospital network, Star Health has consistently been criticized for poor claim settlement practices and lackluster post-sales support. Numerous customer complaints and reports of delays, especially during critical medical situations, raise red flags. In fact, some hospitals have reportedly blacklisted the insurer, further complicating matters for policyholders. If you’re considering Star, do so only if you have a trusted agent or advisor who can help navigate their complex and often frustrating claims process. |
Ultimately, your choice depends on your needs: Digit for modern, digital convenience, or Star for experience and specialized coverage. Both are solid options, with their advantages depending on what you're seeking from your insurer.
And don’t forget, there are other top insurers to consider, like HDFC ERGO, Aditya Birla, and Care Health Insurance, which also offer excellent coverage and customer service. It’s always a good idea to explore your options before deciding!
Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance
Customer feedback is essential for understanding an insurer’s real-world performance, and both Go Digit Insurance and Star Health Insurance have garnered positive reviews. However, they appeal to different policyholders, depending on what they value most in an insurance provider.
1) Go Digit Insurance
Go Digit is praised for its efficient, paperless onboarding, fast claims, and seamless mobile app. Its digital-first model appeals to younger, tech-savvy customers seeking a hassle-free experience. With a low complaint volume of 16 per 10,000 claims, Go Digit is known for operational speed and customer satisfaction. However, a newer insurer may not have the same long-term rapport with customers as established companies.
2) Star Health Insurance
Star Health stands out for its legacy, vast hospital network, and specialized coverage for families and elderly individuals. While it has a slightly higher complaint volume of 46 per 10,000 claims, this reflects its larger customer base and more personalized support. Many policyholders appreciate Star’s mix of digital tools and offline assistance, making it a solid choice for those seeking more guidance during medical situations. However, some people have noted that claim processing can be slower and the documentation can be more complex when compared to newer, tech-driven insurers.
In summary, Go Digit Insurance leads in digital convenience and fast claims, while Star Health Insurance excels in comprehensive coverage and personalized support.
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Conclusion: Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance
When comparing Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance, both insurers offer valuable options tailored to different needs. Go Digit Medical Insurance is ideal for those looking for a fast, digital-first experience with competitive claim settlement ratios and low complaint volumes. It’s perfect for younger, tech-savvy families seeking a modern health plan. On the other hand, Star Health Insurance is a strong contender for those preferring traditional, personalized service with an extensive hospital network and specialized plans for chronic illnesses and seniors. Either way, both companies offer solid health insurance options in 2025, so evaluating your specific needs will be key to making the best decision.
FAQs: Go Digit vs Star Health Insurance
Is Digit Insurance good?
Yes, with a claim settlement ratio of 97% and low complaint volume, it’s one of the most efficient insurers today. However, since it’s a new insurer, we should wait a few years to see if it is able to maintain the same.
Does Star Health Insurance offer maternity benefits?
Yes, most Star plans come with built-in or optional maternity and newborn coverage. Disclaimer: maternity benefits often come with waiting periods and sub-limits, so it’s important to check the policy details.
Which insurer has more hospitals in its network?
Digit currently has 9000+ network hospitals, while Star has 14,000+. However, Digit’s network hospital number is also subject to frequent revision. It is better to check their website for the exact number and whether hospitals are covered in your vicinity.
Can I port from another insurer to Digit or Star?
Yes, both support policy portability. Digit’s process is more digital; Star may require agent coordination.
Which is better for chronic illness coverage?
Star offers disease-specific plans with deep coverage and add-ons; Digit’s plan generally suits healthy individuals as it imposes waiting periods for pre-existing chronic conditions with no options to reduce them.
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