Indians Are Choosing Standalone Health Insurers
In June 2025, India’s standalone health insurance companies showed impressive growth. Niva Bupa Health Insurance grew by 15.5%, while Star Health Insurance saw a 2.8% rise. Overall, these companies collected a total premium of ₹3,340 crore, marking a 10.4% year-on-year increase.
Indians are choosing standalone health insurer
But what does this growth really mean? And why are more Indians now buying health insurance directly from specialized health insurers instead of bundled plans?
Let’s break it down in a simple and relatable way.
🧍♂️ Why Retail Health Insurance is Gaining Popularity
During COVID-19, many Indian families realized how expensive even basic hospital treatments could be. Since then, there has been a growing shift toward personal health coverage.
Unlike life insurers who offer health add-ons or general insurers with many types of policies, standalone health insurers like Niva Bupa and Star Health focus only on health. This helps them offer better features, more transparency, and faster claim support.
📊 June 2025 Premium Numbers: A Quick Look
According to IRDAI data:
- Niva Bupa reported ₹414 crore premium in June, up 15.5%
- Star Health collected ₹1,271 crore, growing by 2.8%
- Total premium for all standalone health insurers was ₹3,340 crore in June 2025
This clearly shows that more individuals are buying retail health insurance, especially from focused players.
What This Means For You
If you’re a middle-class family or a young working professional, this trend could benefit you. Here’s why:
Indians Are Choosing Standalone Health Insurers
More competition means better features and lower premiums
Health-specific companies offer faster claims and specialized customer support
Plans are becoming more flexible and customized to your lifestyle
🏥 Real-Life Example: Ravi’s Story
Ravi, a 35-year-old IT professional in Pune, switched from a basic health rider in his life policy to a standalone health plan by Niva Bupa. Why?
“The old plan was cheap, but it didn’t cover daycare procedures or offer cashless in my nearby hospital,” he says. “The new plan gives me peace of mind.”
💡 What Are Standalone Health Insurers?
Standalone Health Insurance Companies (SAHI) focus only on medical insurance. They are regulated by IRDAI just like any other insurer, but their full attention is on health-related products.
Some top names include:
- Niva Bupa
- Star Health & Allied Insurance
- Care Health Insurance
- ManipalCigna Health Insurance
📈 Why Niva Bupa is Leading
Niva Bupa’s sharp growth of 15.5% in June is no accident. They’ve:
Launched affordable retail plans for families and youth
Partnered with many hospitals for cashless access
Made buying and managing insurance easy through mobile apps
This has made it one of the fastest-growing players in the market.
🤔 What Should You Do Now?
With rising medical costs, not having a good health insurance plan can be risky. Here’s how to take advantage of the trend:
✅ Compare plans online (IRDAI website or insurer sites)
✅ Choose a plan with enough sum insured (₹5L or more)
✅ Check cashless hospitals in your area
✅ Look for renewability for life and no-claim bonuses
📢 Government and IRDAI’s Push
IRDAI is actively working on making health insurance simpler and more accessible.
With initiatives like simplified KYC, improved grievance handling, and digital health records integration, the regulator is encouraging retail participation.
🔚 Conclusion
The June 2025 numbers are a clear sign that more Indians are taking health seriously — and putting their trust in companies that specialize in it.
So whether you’re a salaried worker, self-employed, or planning for your family’s future, investing in a standalone health insurance plan is a smart move.
Health is wealth, and now it’s easier to protect both.