Care Health Insurance (Formerly Max Bupa & Religare): A Complete Guide 2025
Which Health Insurance Rebranded itself as care health insurance Health insurance in India has transformed dramatically over the last decade. Among the many players, Care Health Insurance (formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance and earlier as Religare Health Insurance) has made its mark with innovative products and a strong hospital network. The company rebranded itself as Care Health Insurance in 2020 with the promise of “Health ki Assurance.”
But does the new name bring better service? How does Care compare to other health insurers? And should you consider it for your family’s protection? Let’s break it down with customer insights, comparisons, and a buying guide.
History & Rebranding Journey
- 2012 – Religare Health Insurance was launched as a subsidiary of Religare Enterprises.
- 2015–2019 – The company expanded across 1700+ locations in India, offering health, personal accident, and travel insurance.
- 2020 – Max Bupa Health Insurance rebranded itself as Care Health Insurance, introducing a new logo and tagline: “Health ki Assurance”.
- Today – Care Health Insurance is a stand-alone private health insurer with IRDAI registration, serving individuals, families, and corporates.
The idea behind rebranding was not just cosmetic. Care wanted to highlight a broader healthcare ecosystem—covering not just hospitalization but also preventive checkups, diagnostics, wellness programs, and home treatment.
Features & Offerings of Care Health Insurance
- Wide Presence: Operates in 1700+ locations in India.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Hospitalization, preventive check-ups, day-care treatments, AYUSH therapies.
- Network Hospitals: 21,000+ hospitals for cashless treatment.
- Awards:
- Best Medical Insurance Product – FICCI Healthcare Awards
- Best Health Insurance Company – ABP News BFSI Awards
- Editor’s Choice Award for Innovation – Finnoviti
Real Customer Experiences (Friends’ Stories)
Which is the best LIC Life Insurance or SBI Life Insurance
- Positive Experience (Cashless Claim)
My college friend Ramesh had a sudden appendix surgery in Delhi. He held a Care Health family floater. The cashless approval came in under 45 minutes, and his family didn’t have to run around arranging money. He later said, “The speed of cashless approval gave us peace of mind.” - Negative Experience (Reimbursement Claim Delay)
On the other hand, my cousin Anitha faced delays when claiming reimbursement after a knee surgery. Though Care approved it, she had to follow up for weeks. She said, “Their call center kept saying ‘under process.’ It was stressful compared to my earlier experience with Star Health.” - Mixed Experience (Pre-authorization issues)
Another friend, Mohan, shared how his diagnostic test was denied at first for ‘lack of necessity’ but later approved after his doctor intervened. This reflects how insurers sometimes prioritize cost control over patient convenience.
Comparison with Other Health Insurers
| Feature | Care Health Insurance | Star Health Insurance | HDFC ERGO Health | ICICI Lombard Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Hospitals | 21,000+ | 14,000+ | 13,000+ | 11,000+ |
| Claim Settlement Ratio | ~95% | ~99% | ~96% | ~97% |
| Premium (Family Floater, 5L for 2 Adults + 1 Child) | ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹16,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹17,000 – ₹19,000 | ₹16,500 – ₹19,500 |
| Unique Offering | Wellness & Preventive Care | Strong claim settlement | Digital services | Wide add-ons |
| Customer Feedback | Fast cashless, delays in reimbursement | Best for simple claims | Smooth digital process | Flexible add-ons but slightly costly |
Strengths of Care Health Insurance
Large hospital network
Affordable premiums for mid-income families
Wide range of products (personal + corporate)
Focus on preventive health and wellness
Weaknesses
Reimbursement claims sometimes delayed
Customer service inconsistent in smaller cities
Pre-authorization hurdles in some cases
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Right Health Insurance
- Coverage Amount – At least ₹5–10 lakh for a family floater.
- Network Hospitals – Check if your preferred hospital is empaneled.
- Claim Settlement Ratio – Higher ratio means smoother approvals.
- Pre-existing Diseases – Look for minimum waiting period.
- Add-ons (Riders) – Consider maternity cover, critical illness, OPD cover.
- Premium Affordability – Balance coverage with yearly affordability.
- Digital Access – Ensure mobile app and online claim support.
FAQs
Q1. Which company was rebranded as Care Health Insurance?
Max Bupa Health Insurance rebranded itself as Care Health Insurance in 2020.
Q2. Is Care Health Insurance trustworthy?
Yes, it has IRDAI approval, operates in 1700+ locations, and has a claim settlement ratio above 90%.
Q3. How does Care differ from Star Health?
Star has slightly better claim settlement but a smaller hospital network. Care offers more preventive care benefits.
Q4. Can I port my existing policy to Care Health Insurance?
Yes, IRDAI allows policy portability between insurers.
Q5. What is the waiting period for pre-existing conditions?
Typically 3–4 years, depending on the plan chosen.
Q6. Does Care cover OPD and diagnostics?
Yes, some plans cover OPD consultations, annual check-ups, and diagnostics.
Conclusion – Should You Choose Care Health Insurance?
Care Health Insurance has come a long way since its Religare and Max Bupa days. The rebranding symbolizes a stronger focus on holistic healthcare rather than just hospitalization. With a wide hospital network and affordable premiums, it is a solid option for families and corporates.
However, if quick reimbursement settlement is your top priority, competitors like Star Health may feel more reliable. Still, for those who value network reach and preventive health benefits, Care is a worthy choice in 2025.
