Overview
The Care Supreme - Senior Super plan is a specialized health insurance policy designed for senior citizens with complex pre-existing diseases (PEDs) like heart ailments or diabetes. It offers coverage for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses (up to 60 and 180 days), alongside unlimited e-consultations, unlimited automatic restoration of sum insured, and AYUSH coverage.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The Care Supreme - Senior Super plan is a cost-effective health insurance solution for senior citizens with complex pre-existing conditions. It offers comprehensive benefits like pre- and post-hospitalization coverage and unlimited e-consultations, making it appealing for those seeking extensive care. However, the plan includes a 20% mandatory co-payment clause and room rent coverage limited to the most economical Single Private Room, and disease-wise sub-limits, which may increase out-of-pocket expenses.
Compared to other senior citizen plans, the Care Supreme - Senior Super is generally 10-15% more affordable due to its targeted benefits and cost-effective structure. Despite its limitations, it remains a viable option for seniors seeking budget-friendly coverage.
Pros
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Cons
Not very feature-rich.
Premiums are relatively high.
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups, 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 policy will only cover 80% of the final bill. The rest is on you. They call this a co-payment.
Room Rent
You can share a room or you could have a single room for yourself. But if you are looking for anything slightly fancy, be ready to foot a part of the bill.
Disease sub-limit
Your insurance cover won’t be fully available in case you are treated for Cataracts, Knee replacement, Cancer, Hernia, Cardiovascular diseases 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.
Customisable
Applies sub-limits on a few conditions and treatments
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 you wait for 3 years.
Customisable
For any illness: Pre existing disease waiting period is modified/reduced from 3 years to 2 years.
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 in full for a pretty reasonable duration - 60 days before you are hospitalized and 180 days after discharge. This includes the cost of medication by the way.
Add-ons
Wellness Benefits
Mandatory
Up to a 30% discount on renewal premiums for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Room Rent Modifier
Mandatory
Change Any room to Single Private Room.
Sub-limit
Mandatory
Applies sub-limits on a few conditions and treatments
Cumulative Bonus Super
Recommended
Additional bonus of 100% up to a maximum of 500%, irrespective of any claim in the previous year.
Reduction in PED
Recommended
For any illness: Pre existing disease waiting period is modified/reduced from 3 years to 2 years.
Care OPD Senior
Total 8 doctor consultations with 4 from General Physicians (capped at 1000 & 10% mandatory co-payment), 4 from Specified Specialists (capped at ₹2000 & 5% mandatory co-payment. Additionally, get Physiotherapy OPD up to ₹1000 per year and Psychologist consultation (Max ₹800 per session & capped at ₹1000 per year).
Disease Management Program
Total 4 in-person consultations in a year (with capping of ₹750/consultation related to hyperlipidemia or Diabetes Mellitus based on the condition diagnosed), Prescribed Pharmacy up to ₹6000/year and Diagnostic tests like SGOT & SGPT (for hyperlipidemia) and HBA1c, Urine proteins – microalbuminuria; Electrolytes (for Diabetes Mellitus).
Claim Shield
Covers list of 68 non-medical items as per list I
Air Ambulance Cover
You can avail an air ambulance in the event of an emergency up to Rs. 5 Lakhs per policy year.
Permanent Exclusions
Conditions or treatments that the policy clearly says it will not cover.
Impairment of an Insured Person's intellectual faculties by abuse of stimulants or depressants unless prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Hormone replacement therapy
Mental retardness
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
3 years Pre-existing disease waiting periodCustomisable
Ditto's Take
◦ Excellent ◦
Waiting periods on this policy are excellent. This policy also further allows to reduce the PED waiting period to 2 years for all diseases.
What's missing in the policy
Your insurer doesn’t provide free health check-ups.
Maternity benefits not offered.
Doctor consultations are not covered. Need to opt add-on for doctor consultations.
Customer Reviews
D
Deepak
Super plan for seniors, lives up to the name.
E
Esha
Provides excellent coverage for older people.
F
Farhan
Very happy with the benefits for seniors.
M
Manoj
Need to check network hospitals for seniors.
K
Kamal
The premium is very high.
I
Ishan
Feels very secure for my senior parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Care Supreme - Senior Super 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 3-year waiting period for any pre-existing disease you may have while buying the policy.
Does Care Supreme - Senior Super have room rent restrictions?
Does Care Supreme - Senior Super offer a restoration benefit?
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