Overview
The Niva Bupa Health Companion plan is a versatile health insurance policy designed to cater to individuals, families, and extended relationships. It offers sum insured options ranging from ₹3 lakhs to ₹1 crore across its individual and family floater variants. Key features include restoration of the sum insured, coverage for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses (60 and 180 days), modern treatments (up to SI), AYUSH therapies (up to SI), and daycare procedures (up to SI). Additional benefits like vaccination for animal bites (up to 5K) and home care treatment (up to SI) enhance its utility.
Experts Review
Written by Nikhil Nair
Senior Writer
The Niva Bupa Health Companion plan is a comprehensive health insurance solution that stands out for its flexibility and inclusivity. It's a one-time restoration benefit that reinstates the sum insured once in a policy year—regardless of whether the next claim is for the same or a different illness—making it helpful for families with recurring or back-to-back medical needs. The plan’s coverage for advanced treatments and AYUSH therapies reflects its adaptability to evolving healthcare trends. Features like pre- and post-hospitalization coverage (up to 180 days post-discharge) provide extended financial support during recovery.
Pros
Feature set is satisfactory.
Premiums are relatively well priced.
Insurer has a solid track record with great claim and service metrics.
Cons
Maternity benefits not offered, which is a notable gap.
Niva Bupa (erstwhile Max Bupa)
Key Insights
Founded
2008
Niva Bupa (erstwhile Max Bupa) was established 17 years ago and has built strong credibility over time, backed by its long-standing presence in the market.
Claims Experience
91% claims settled in 30 Days
Niva Bupa (erstwhile Max Bupa) settles 91% of all claims it receives demonstrating strong credibility.
Network Hospitals
10,000+
Niva Bupa (erstwhile Max Bupa) maintains a moderate network of 10,000 hospitals, offering reasonable coverage across key locations.
Complaints
43 complaints per 10,000 claims registered
Niva Bupa (erstwhile Max Bupa) has a relatively high volume of complaints, which may point to ongoing issues in customer service or claim handling.
Features
All
Great
Good
Co-payment
The insurer will bear the entire cost of treatment (up to the sum insured). You won’t have to pay a single penny. Meaning this policy has no co-payment.
Room Rent
Shared room, single room, deluxe room or any room that’s available. The insurer won’t nitpick on your choice of room since the policy has no restrictions on room rent.
Disease sub-limit
Your insurance cover won’t be fully available in case you are treated for null 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 you wait for 3 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
Safeguard
Recommended
Increase your cover in line with inflation every year, your bonus amount will not be affected if the claim is less than Rs. 50,000 in the entire year and you also get extended coverage for generally excluded items like syringes, gloves, PPE kits etc as per List I.
Safeguard +
Recommended
Increase your cover in line with inflation every year, your bonus amount will not be affected if the claim is less than 1 Lakh in the entire year and you also get extended coverage for generally excluded items like syringes, gloves, PPE kits etc as per List I, II, III & IV.
Hospital Cash
Hospital cash benefit paid out if hospitalization is at least 1 day, with a maximum payout of ₹2000 for up to 30 days.
Personal Accident Cover
Paid out as a lump sum of 500% of sum insured for Accidental Death, Total Permanent Disability, Permanent Partial Disability up to a limit of ₹10000000.
Aggregate Deductible
Choose deductible between ₹20,000 and ₹10,00,000 and get a discount on premiums.
Permanent Exclusions
Conditions or treatments that the policy clearly says it will not cover.
Expenses related to any admission primarily for diagnostics and evaluation purposes are excluded.
Diagnostic expenses not related or incidental to current diagnosis and treatment are excluded.
Expenses for admission primarily for bed rest and not for treatment are excluded.
Custodial care at home or in a facility for help with daily activities is excluded.
Services for terminally ill individuals addressing non-medical needs are 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.
Pancreatitis and stones in biliary and urinary system
Cataract, glaucoma and retinal detachment
Hyperplasia of prostate, hydrocele and spermatocele
Prolapse of uterus and cervix, endometriosis, fibroids, PCOD, hysterectomy (unless necessitated by malignancy)
Hemorrhoids, fissure or fistula or abscess of anal and rectal region
Waiting Period
30 days Initial waiting period
2 years Specific illness waiting period
3 years Pre-existing disease waiting period
Ditto's Take
◦ Standard ◦
After a close look at the waiting periods, it’s safe to say they are fairly standard.
What's missing in the policy
Maternity benefits not offered.
Customer Reviews
A
Aadhya Bisht
Unlimited restoration of sum insured for multiple claims, bahut hi badiya feature hai!
I
Ishaan Trivedi
Pre and post hospitalization expenses 60 and 180 days tak covered hai, ample time for recovery.
N
Navya Saxena
Modern treatments aur AYUSH therapies dono covered hai, great flexibility.
K
Kabir Malhotra
Complaint volume for Niva Bupa needs watching, though direct claim settlement is good.
V
Vivaan Joshi
The plan doesn’t allow suite-room accommodation even at higher sums insured, which can be limiting if you prefer premium rooms.
A
Aarav Singh
No co-payment for most, makes claims less stressful.
K
Kirti Azad
Versatile plan catering to individuals, families, and even extended relationships! Very inclusive.
L
Lata Mangeshkar (late)
Refill benefit for sum insured is great, ensures coverage doesn't run out easily.
M
Mithun Chakraborty
No room rent capping is a big plus, can choose hospital rooms without worry.
T
Tiger Shroff
Some of the best features like no room rent cap might be tied to higher sum insured options.
R
Rishi Kapoor (late)
International coverage is an add-on, so it increases the premium.
P
Paresh Rawal
Good all-round plan with decent features for the price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Health Companion 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 Health Companion have room rent restrictions?
Does Health Companion offer a restoration benefit?
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