Overview
The Care Freedom plan is a health insurance policy designed for individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high BMI. It offers coverage options ranging from ₹3 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs and includes benefits such as in-patient hospitalization (up to base SI), pre- and post-hospitalization expenses (up to 10% of payable hospitalization expenses depending on SI opted for), AYUSH treatments (up to SI), and annual health check-ups. Notably, it has a relatively short waiting period of 24 months for pre-existing diseases. The plan also provides coverage for daycare procedures (up to SI), domiciliary hospitalization (up to 10% of base SI), and consumable allowances (up to 1K/day depending on SI opted), making it suitable for lifestyle-related health concerns.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The Care Freedom plan is an inclusive health insurance option tailored for individuals managing chronic conditions. Its standout feature is the reduced waiting period of 24 months for pre-existing diseases, which is shorter than many competing plans. Additionally, it does not require pre-policy medical check-ups, making it accessible for all age groups. Coverage for alternative treatments (AYUSH) and annual health check-ups adds value to the policy.
That said, the plan has notable drawbacks. It imposes co-payment clauses—20% for individuals below 70 years and 30% for those above—which can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses during claims. Room rent restrictions (twin-sharing or single private AC room based on sum insured) may limit flexibility during hospitalization. Disease-specific sub-limits on treatments like cataracts and knee replacements further reduce its appeal for high-cost procedures.
Pros
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Cons
Not very feature-rich.
No Bonus for being healthy and not claiming insurance, which is a notable gap.
Maternity benefits not offered, which could be a drawback for some.
Doctor consultations are not covered, which is a key feature. Need to opt add-on for doctor consultations.
Care
Key Insights
Founded
2012
Care was established 13 years ago and has built strong credibility over time, backed by its long-standing presence in the market.
Claims Experience
90% claims settled in 30 Days
Care settles 90% of all claims it receives. This is reasonable performance, though there is room for improvement compared to top insurers.
Network Hospitals
11,400+
Care has a strong network with over 11,400 hospitals, ensuring wide accessibility and convenience for policyholders.
Complaints
36 complaints per 10,000 claims registered
Care has a relatively high volume of complaints, which may point to ongoing issues in customer service or claim handling.
Features
All
Great
Good
Bad
Co-payment
The company will make you pay 20% of the bill every time you’re hospitalized — That is if you’re under the age of 70. If you’re 71 and above, then they’ll make you pay 30% of the bill. So co-payment in mandatory here.
Room Rent
Tough luck if you are thinking about opting for a single private room and a lower cover Because the policy only lets you stay in a shared room for cover of 5 lakhs. If you still want to pick a better room, then be ready to pay a lot more when the final bill shows up.
Disease sub-limit
Your insurance cover won’t be fully available in case you are treated for Cataract, Knee Replacement, Hernia, Hysterectomy, Benign Prostate Hypertrophy, Renal Stones, Cancer, Cerebrovascular & Cardiovasular disorders and a few other diseases. Meaning the insurance company has a cap on the total amount they’ll pay out if you are treated for these specific illnesses.
Pre existing diseases waiting
If you’re already dealing with diabetes, cardiovascular problems or any such illnesses, the insurer will cover all costs arising out of these pre-existing problems after just 2 years. It’s probably the best deal you can get to be honest.
Pre/Post hospitalization
No worries if the doctor had to run a host of diagnostic tests before or after hospitalizing you. The insurer has your back. They will cover this amount upto 10% of hospitalization expenses incurred.
Add-ons
Care OPD
Mandatory
Total 8 doctor consultations with 4 from General Physicians capped at ₹500 and 4 from Specified Specialists capped at ₹500.
Health Check+
Upgrades normal health check-up to either diabetes Health Check-up or Cardiac Health Check-up. This add-on is mandatory for insulin-dependent insured members.
Aggregate Deductible
Choose deductible of ₹25,000 and get a discount on premiums.
Home Care
Get coverage Upto Rs.1000/- per Day for Hiring Qualified Nurse at home. It is available for a maximum of 7 Days per hospitalization. But remember, this benefit is available only post-discharge from the hospital and on the Doctor's written advice with valid reason.
Permanent Exclusions
Conditions or treatments that the policy clearly says it will not cover.
STS other than HIV
Mental retardness
Multifocal lens implantation for cataract
Expenses related to any kind of RMO charges, Service charge, Surcharge, night charges levied by the hospital under whatever head.
Remicade, Avastin or similar injectable treatment which is undergone other than as a part of In-Patient Care Hospitalisation or Day Care Hospitalisation is excluded.
Disclaimer: For illustration purposes only - exact terms are in the policy wording.
Specific Illness
The following illnesses are not covered under the policy for 2 years.
Arthritis (if non-infective), including:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Gout
Rheumatism
Waiting Period
30 days Initial waiting period
2 years Specific illness waiting period
2 years Pre-existing disease waiting period
Ditto's Take
◦ Excellent ◦
After a close look at the waiting periods, we can say that the waiting periods on this policy are excellent. Especially the PED waiting period which is better than usual.
What's missing in the policy
No Bonus for being healthy and not claiming insurance.
Maternity benefits not offered.
Doctor consultations are not covered. Need to opt add-on for doctor consultations.
Customer Reviews
A
Aarav Mehra
Pre-existing conditions jaise diabetes, hypertension ke liye sirf 24 months ka waiting period! Bahut helpful.
R
Rohan Gupta
AYUSH treatments bhi covered hain, so options acche mil jaate hain.
M
Myra Singh
Add-on se consumable allowance milta hai, chote mote kharche cover ho jate.
N
Naira Joshi
Room rent pe twin-sharing ya single private AC room ka limit hai sum insured ke hisab se.
Compare Policies
Still confused?
Talk to our expert
advisor for
instant clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Care Freedom have waiting periods?
- 30-Day Waiting Period: Hospitalizations won’t be covered for the first 30 days of the policy unless it’s an accident.
- Specific Illness Waiting Period: There’s a 2-year waiting period for a list of diseases which is a mandate before you can start claiming.
- Pre-Existing Disease Waiting Period: There's a 2-year waiting period for any pre-existing disease you may have while buying the policy.
Does Care Freedom have room rent restrictions?
Does Care Freedom offer a restoration benefit?
TALK TO OUR ADVISORS
Get real help from advisors who listen, guide and go the extra mile for you.