Launched in September 2024, the Star Health Super Star Plan has already covered 3.76 lakh people. It’s pitched as a flexible policy for both budget and premium buyers, with 21 add-ons to customise coverage. The features look strong, but mixed customer reviews and the insurer’s consistently lower claim settlement ratio mean it’s worth checking if the service can match the product’s promise.
In this guide, we break down the key features, benefits, limitations, and pricing of the Star Health Super Star Plan to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Confused about which health insurance policy to choose? Book a free call to connect with one of our IRDAI-certified insurance experts at Ditto and make an informed decision.
Star Health Super Star Plan: Key Policy Details
Here’s a quick overview of the Super Star Plan’s structure covering eligibility, policy terms, sum insured options, and available discounts.
Sum Insured Options
₹5L to ₹1Cr, plus an Unlimited Sum Insured option.
Policy Types
- Individual Health Insurance: Eligible for adults aged 18 years and above, with no upper age limit.
- Family Floater Plan:
- Adults: 18 years to any age
- Dependent Children: 91 days to 25 years
- Upon turning 26, children are shifted to an individual plan, with all waiting periods already served carried forward.
- You can add up to 2 adults (self, spouse or live-partner) + 4 children
Policy Term Options in Star Health Super Star Plan
Available durations:
1 Year | 2 Years | 3 Years | 4 Years | 5 Years
Long Term Discount:
• 2-Year Policy Term: 10% discount on the 2nd-year premium
• 3-Year Policy Term: 12.5% discount on the 3rd-year premium
• 4-Year Policy Term: 14% discount on the 4th-year premium
• 5-Year Policy Term: 16% discount on the 5th-year premium
Flexible Installment Payment Facility
Pay annually or in monthly, quarterly, or half‑yearly instalments. For a ₹10L cover, a 30-year old living in a Tier 1 city with no PEDs would pay: ₹14,280 annually, ₹7,401 every 6 months, ₹3,784 every 3 months, and ₹1,275 each month (12 EMIs).
Pros and Cons of Star Health Super Star Plan
Standout Advantages
- Freeze Your Age: Lock premiums at your entry age until your first claim or age 56. Rates can still change if Star revises pricing due to inflation, regulations, or repricing.
- Unlimited Coverage:
- Limitless Care Add‑on: Provides unlimited coverage for a single hospitalisation (in‑patient or day care) during the policy’s lifetime. Star Health explicitly states on page 13 of the policy wording that the ‘Limitless Care’ add-on can be invoked only once in a lifetime, so don’t mistake it for annual unlimited cover.
or - Unlimited Sum Insured Option: This option lets you choose unlimited annual coverage as your base plan right at the time of purchase. However, since it removes the ₹15L/₹25L limits found in regular plans, the premium is significantly (55-60%) higher.
Notable Drawbacks
- Low Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR): Star Health’s average CSR over the past three years has been around 83%, notably below the ideal 90%+ benchmark. This raises concerns about the consistency and reliability of claim payouts, especially in urgent or high‑value cases.
- High Volume of Complaint: Star Health records around 46 complaints per 10,000 claims, significantly higher than many competitors. These often indicate delays, claim rejections, or lack of clarity in the claims process, reflecting potential service‑quality concerns.
- Regulatory Scrutiny & Blacklisting: Star Health has faced IRDAI penalties (₹3.39 crore) for claim-related non-compliance and has been blacklisted by some hospitals, pointing to deeper service issues. (We’ll examine these issues more closely later in this guide)
- Aggressive Pricing for High-Risk Profiles: While competitively priced for younger, healthier individuals, premiums can rise steeply for older customers (especially 65+) or those with pre‑existing conditions (with loading charges up to 125% per condition).
Let us now take a quick look at how Star Health Insurance compares with other leading insurers in the market based on key performance metrics.
How Star Health Compares to Other Leading Insurers
When evaluating a health insurer, metrics like claim settlement ratio (CSR), customer complaints, hospital network etc., offer crucial insight into how reliable and scalable the company really is. Here’s how Star Health stacks up against other top insurers in India, based on average data from 2021–2024:
Insurer | CSR (%) (2021-24) |
Network Hospitals | Avg Complaints per 10,000 claims (2021–24) |
ICR (%) (2021–2024) |
Annual Business (₹ Cr) |
Track Record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HDFC Ergo | 98% | 13,000+ | 7 | 86% | ₹5,120 | 23+ years |
Bajaj Allianz | 95% | 12,000+ | 3 | 83% | ₹4,203 | 23+ years |
Aditya Birla | 95% | 12,000+ | 22 | 68% | ₹2,498 | 9+ years |
Niva Bupa | 91% | 10,000+ | 43 | 58% | ₹4,077 | 17+ years |
Care Health | 90% | 11,400+ | 36 | 59% | ₹4,890 | 13+ years |
ICICI Lombard | 85% | 10,200+ | 9 | 83% | ₹4,814 | 24+ years |
Star Health | 83% | 14,000+ | 46 | 73% | ₹13,029 | 19+ years |
Key Insight:
Star Health leads in scale with a vast hospital network (14,000+) and strong annual business volumes (₹13,000+ crore). However, when it comes to claims performance, insurers like HDFC ERGO and Bajaj Allianz are ahead, with higher claim settlement ratios and fewer complaints.
Having seen the overall insurer metrics, let’s dive into plan-level premium comparisons.
Star Health Super Star Plan vs Top Health Insurance Plans – Premium Comparison
Profile | Star Health Super Star | HDFC ERGO Optima Secure | Care Supreme | Aditya Birla Activ One Max | Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 Titanium+ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Individual – 25 yrs | ₹15,353 | ₹16,674 | ₹17,218 | ₹11,976 | ₹14,328 |
Couple – 32 & 30 yrs | ₹23,716 | ₹26,179 | ₹24,535 | ₹19,233 | ₹24,379 |
Family – 35, 33 & Child (4 yrs) | ₹29,695 | ₹31,920 | ₹30,940 | ₹25,344 | ₹31,828 |
Senior Couple – 62 & 61 yrs | ₹1,00,790 | ₹90,020 | ₹89,810 | ₹78,476 | ₹86,878 |
The above data is calculated for ₹15 lakh health insurance plans across different age groups and family types in Delhi. Prices reflect base plans + necessary add-ons for consumables coverage, super bonus and annual health checkups.
Now that we’ve compared pricing, let’s explore what the Super Star Plan offers and how it stacks up in terms of core benefits.
Plan Features of the Star Health Super Star Plan
Beyond the standard hospitalization cover, restoration and no-claim bonuses, and waiting periods (for PEDs and other specific illnesses), the plan includes several value-added benefits aimed at everyday healthcare access:
- Organ Donor Expenses: Covers in-patient transplant costs (including donor screening) plus post-donation complications needing redo surgery or ICU within 180 days.
- Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Annual consultation, dental X-ray (IOPA), and scaling under cashless network; available from 2nd and 3rd policy years.
- Tele-Consult & AI Face Scan: Unlimited app-based tele-consults with GPs/specialists, plus AI scan to measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiration (2×/month per insured).
- Home Care Treatment: Doctor-recommended home treatment for covered conditions like fever, infections, and select chronic illnesses, as per policy terms.
Now that we’ve covered the key features, let’s look at the plan’s structural details.
Star Health Super Star Plan: Premium Discounts
- Smart Network (15%) – Agree to use only Star’s Smart Network hospitals; a 15% co-pay applies if you go elsewhere.
- CIBIL Score (≤15%) – Buyers ≤50 yr with a strong credit score get up to 15% off at purchase.
- Health Questionnaire (≤10%) – Fill Star’s health questionnaire for up to 10% off at buy or renewal.
- Early Renewal (2.5%) – Renew ≥30 days early in year 2 or 3 for 2.5% off.
- Co-Terminus (2.5 to 7.5%) – Insure parents on the same renewal date: 2.5% (one parent), 5% (two), 7.5% (both 60+).
- Wellness Program (≤20%) – Earn app-tracked wellness points; redeem up to 20% off at renewal.
- NRI Advantage (10%) – NRIs/OCIs get 10% off across payment modes.
Add-ons in the Star Health Super Star Plan
The Star Health Super Star Plan stands out for its extensive customization through 21 optional add-ons. Here are the most popular ones:
- Quick Shield: Cuts waiting period to 30 days for Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma, Hyperlipidemia, and Coronary Artery Disease (with PTCA).
- Limitless Care: Covers one major hospitalization during the policy lifetime without any cap on sum insured.
- Reduction in PED: Reduces pre-existing disease waiting period from 36 months to 24 or 12 months.
- Maternity Cover: Covers maternity, newborn, and assisted reproduction expenses (1–2 year waiting period).
- Room Rent Modifier: Modify room entitlement to general ward, shared room, or single private room.
To see the entire list, visit the policy page.
Now let’s look at who the Super Star Plan actually makes sense for.
Who Should Consider the Star Health Super Star Plan?
- Budget buyers who still want robust hospital cover
Premiums are lower than Star Comprehensive for the same sum insured. - Feature-hunters after dental, OPD, diagnostics or maternity
The 21 optional add-ons cover all these areas; but pay for them only if you’ll use them. - Anyone wanting very high (or unlimited) sum insured
Choose up to ₹1 crore or Unlimited SI, plus 100% restoration each year. Treat restoration as backup, not primary cover. - People tired of fine-print caps
The policy has no room-rent or disease-specific limits, which is rare at this price point.
In short: This plan is well-suited for people who want a balance of cost-efficiency, flexibility, and optional wellness benefits, without stepping into the premium segment.
Ditto’s Take on Star Health Super Star Plan
At Ditto, we evaluate health plans across three critical lenses: product quality, service experience, and claims reliability.
From a product standpoint, the Star Health Insurance Super Star Plan checks many boxes, with rich coverage, no co-payment, custom add-ons, and the unique “Freeze Your Age” feature that keeps your premiums stable until you make a claim. It’s also reasonably priced compared to similar offerings.
But where it falters, pretty significantly, is in claims management and post-sales service. According to multiple reports, Star Health is under IRDAI’s radar for not following protocol in claim approvals and rejection communication. In many cases, claims were denied or delayed without proper intimation. All this triggered regulatory scrutiny and public trust issues.
For us, this isn’t a small concern. While Star maintains strong business ambitions, targeting ₹20,000 crore in premiums this year, it must also realign its operations and rebuild credibility through transparency and accountability. Until Star takes clear, visible steps to restore customer trust, we remain cautious about recommending this plan as a first choice.
Need Help Choosing a Health Insurance Policy? Talk to Ditto Experts
At Ditto, we’ve assisted over 7,00,000 customers with choosing the right insurance policy. Why customers like Balaji below love us:
✅No-Spam & No Salesmen
✅Rated 4.9/5 on Google Reviews by 12,000+ happy customers
✅Backed by Zerodha
✅Dedicated Claim Support Team
✅100% Free Consultation
You can book a FREE consultation. Slots are running out, so make sure you book a call now!
Is Star Health Super Star Plan the Right Investment for You?
It depends, but we recommend approaching this plan with measured caution. While its features are attractive, understanding the fine print is crucial. Maintain thorough documentation and records of all communication.
If you still wish to proceed, work with a trusted and experienced agent/advisor who understands Star Health’s internal claims processes to help ensure your claims are handled smoothly. You may also want to compare alternatives from insurers with stronger and more consistent claims servicing records before finalising your decision.
Confused about which health insurance policy to choose? Book a free call to connect with one of our IRDAI-certified insurance experts at Ditto and make an informed decision.
FAQs
What is the Freeze Your Age benefit in the Star Health Super Star Plan?
The Star Health Super Star Plan lets you lock in your premium based on your entry age until your first claim or turning age 56, whichever comes first. After that, premiums adjust with your age. It’s a neat way to keep your policy affordable early on.
What’s the biggest drawback of the Star Health Super Star Plan?
Not the plan itself. But Star’s claim settlement experience raises some concerns. The insurer has a lower claim settlement ratio and higher complaint volume than many top players, so it’s best to proceed only if you trust your advisor can help you navigate this.
Can I add a new family member to my Star Health Super Star Plan anytime?
Yes, you can. Whether it’s a newborn, a legally adopted child, or a newly wedded spouse, the Star Health Super Star Plan allows mid-year additions without waiting for renewal. You must inform the insurer and follow the required process.
Does the Super Star Plan offer unlimited coverage for any claim?
Yes — but in two different ways:
Limitless Care Add‑on: Provides unlimited coverage for a single hospitalisation (in‑patient or day care) during the policy’s lifetime. Star Health explicitly states on page 13 of the policy wording that the ‘Limitless Care’ add-on can be invoked only once in a lifetime, so don’t mistake it for annual unlimited cover.
Unlimited Sum Insured Option: You can choose an unlimited annual sum insured as your base coverage when purchasing the policy. This means there’s no annual cap on the amount you can claim for eligible treatments, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Can NRIs buy the Super Star Plan?
Yes, and there’s an incentive too. With the NRI Advantage add-on, Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens can get a 10% discount on premiums.
Is this plan portable if I want to switch insurers later?
Yes, under IRDAI’s portability norms, you can switch from the Super Star Plan to another insurer at renewal without losing credit for waiting periods; the window to port opens 45-60 days before renewal. However, if you are looking to port an existing health policy into the Star Health Super Star Plan, you should confirm eligibility and terms directly with Star Health before initiating the process.
Does Super Star follow the new 2025 IRDAI PED rules?
Yes. Star Health confirms in Clause 3 (b) that PED is any condition diagnosed in the 36 months before policy purchase, aligning with IRDAI’s 2024 clarification.
How are claims processed under the Super Star Plan?
For individual retail policies like the Super Star Plan, Star Health primarily uses its in‑house claim settlement team rather than third‑party administrators (TPAs). This allows the insurer more direct control over the claims process and faster communication with hospitals.
For group health insurance policies, Star Health relies more heavily on TPAs to handle claims servicing.
Last updated on