ICICI Lombard vs Star Health Insurance in 2025

Which is the best Health Insurance ICICI or Star in 2025 In 2025, rising healthcare costs have made health insurance a non-negotiable necessity for every Indian family. Whether it’s a planned surgery, an unexpected accident, or a critical illness, medical expenses can run into lakhs of rupees. That’s where a reliable health insurance company steps in.

Two of the most popular names in India are ICICI Lombard and Star Health Insurance. But which one is truly better for you in 2025?

We’ll do a head-to-head comparison based on:

• Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR)
• Network Hospitals
• Customer Support

Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR)

The claim settlement ratio shows how many claims a company successfully pays. A higher CSR means higher chances of your claim being approved.

• ICICI Lombard (2020–21) → 98.72%
• Star Health (2020–21) → 99.15%

Both companies have excellent ratios, but Star Health has a slight edge on paper. However, real experiences tell a more complex story (explained below).

Network Hospitals

• Star Health Insurance → 9,900+ cashless hospitals
• ICICI Lombard → 6,500+ cashless hospitals

Star Health wins in terms of sheer numbers. But remember — it’s not just about quantity; you need to check if your preferred hospital is on the list.

Which is the best Health Insurance plan in india

Customer Support

• Star Health – Mixed reviews. Many long-term customers complain about rejections and lack of clear communication.
• ICICI Lombard – Generally positive. Customers report smoother claim processes, especially in cashless claims, but reimbursement sometimes takes longer than promised.

Based on customer feedback, ICICI Lombard has better support quality, even if slower at times.

Comparison Table: ICICI Lombard vs Star Health (2025)

Real Customer Experiences

Positive Experiences with ICICI Lombard

• Case 1: Smooth Cashless Claim
  One customer admitted his sister-in-law to Fortis Hospital, Kalyan (Maharashtra) using an ICICI Health Shield policy.
• Admission was cashless and hassle-free.
• Surgery was completed smoothly.
• Pre- and post-hospitalisation bills were reimbursed within 3–5 days after resubmitting missing documents.

Shows good coordination between hospital & ICICI when cashless treatment is used.

• Case 2: Reimbursement Success
  A family using ICICI for 3 years submitted three reimbursement claims since their hospitals were not in-network.
• Reimbursements took longer (30+ days instead of 15), but were finally approved with minimal deductions (~₹500).
• Premiums were higher at renewal, but they opted for ICICI’s Health 360 plan (available for ICICI bank customers), which offered lower premiums and shorter waiting periods.

ICICI delivers on claims, though speed can be an issue.

Negative Experiences with ICICI Lombard

• Premium hikes on renewal surprise many customers.
• Some customers report strict underwriting rules, meaning they reject policies with pre-existing diseases more often.

Positive Experiences with Star Health

• Many customers appreciate wide hospital coverage and easy cashless approvals for basic treatments.
• The large network makes it a preferred choice in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where other insurers lack hospital tie-ups.

Negative Experiences with Star Health

• Case: Claim Rejection After 9 Years of Loyalty
  A family renewed their Star Health policy for 9 years without claims. But when they needed it, 3 claims were rejected despite full documentation. Even after submitting a doctor’s certificate, the insurer rejected the claim.

What is the benefits of Health Insurance in 2025

Key Things to Check Before Buying (Any Insurer in 2025)

1. Cashless Treatment – Is your preferred hospital included?
2. Critical Illness Coverage – Does it cover cancer, kidney failure, heart disease?
3. Waiting Period – For pre-existing conditions (usually 2–4 years).
4. Maternity Coverage – Important for young families.
5. Alternative Treatments (AYUSH, Unani, Homeopathy) – Covered by many modern policies.
6. Pre- & Post-Hospitalisation Cover – Essential for medicines, tests, and follow-ups.
7. Room Rent Limits – Some policies cap room rent, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Tips for Buying Health Insurance in 2025

• Compare premium vs coverage (don’t just go cheap).
• Check hospital network in your city.
• Choose policies with low waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
• Always read claim settlement process before buying.
• Keep copies of all reports and bills for smooth reimbursement.
• If claim is unfairly delayed/rejected → email IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory Authority) with a CC to the insurance company.

FAQs

Q1. Which has better claim settlement – ICICI or Star?
Both have high CSR (>98%). On paper Star is slightly higher, but ICICI customers report smoother actual settlement.

Q2. Which has more network hospitals?
Star Health (9,900+) vs ICICI (6,500+).

Q3. Which is cheaper?
Depends on age & coverage. ICICI’s Health 360 plan offers lower premiums but only for ICICI bank customers.

Q4. Is maternity covered?
Both offer maternity cover in select plans, usually with a 2–4 year waiting period.

Q5. What if my claim is unfairly rejected?
Escalate to the company → if not resolved → email IRDAI (cc the insurer). Most cases get prioritized after IRDAI involvement.

Conclusion: ICICI Lombard vs Star Health – Which is Better in 2025?

• Choose ICICI Lombard if
  • You want smoother claim settlement and structured processes
  • You live in metro or Tier-1 cities where 6,500+ hospitals are sufficient
  • You’re an ICICI bank customer (for Health 360 plan benefits)
• Choose Star Health if
  • You live in Tier-2 or Tier-3 cities and need wider hospital access
  • You prefer cashless claims over reimbursement
  • You don’t mind mixed customer service experiences

Our Recommendation for 2025:
If you value claim reliability and customer support, go with ICICI Lombard.
If you prioritize wider hospital access in smaller towns, Star Health is the better choice.

Ultimately, the best policy is the one that matches your city, family needs, and budget. Always compare before buying.