Overview
In this blog, we are comparing two senior citizen health insurance plans designed specifically for your parents and grandparents. The plans are Niva Bupa Senior First and Manipal Cigna Prime Senior. These plans are available to individuals or couples aged between 60 to 75. They offer comprehensive features to ensure financial security during medical emergencies. In case you’re looking for a health insurance plan for your parents or grandparents, you can consider these two options.
But before we compare these two plans, it makes sense to make a comparison between the two insurers. Afterall, it is the insurer who sells these policies, provides after-sales service and settles claims.
Let’s get some insights into the insurers behind these plans.
About the Insurers
Niva Bupa Health Insurance
Niva Bupa, formerly known as Max Bupa, is a leading stand-alone health insurer in India. It is a joint venture between Fettle Tone LLP (India) and Bupa Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd (UK). The company was founded in 2008. It is known to offer feature-rich and innovative health insurance plans.
It has a network of 10,000+ hospitals across India and a claim settlement ratio of 92% in FY24. However, the insurer is facing operational challenges that reflect in its high volume of claim-related complaints.
Manipal Cigna Health Insurance
Manipal Cigna is a partnership between Manipal Group and Cigna Corporation, a global health service company. The company was founded in 2012 and is known for flexible health plans and comprehensive coverage options tailored for diverse healthcare needs.
The insurer has a network of just 7,000+ hospitals. Last year, its claim settlement ratio was 89%, which is just below our recommended threshold of 90%.
Feature Comparison
Niva Bupa Senior First is available in 2 variants – Gold and Platinum. Manipal Cigna Prime Senior also comes in 2 variants – Classic and Elite.
Here, we are comparing Niva Bupa Senior First Platinum and Manipal Cigna Prime Senior Elite to keep the comparison fair as these 2 are the more comprehensive variants with comparable features.
| Insurance Parameter | Niva Bupa Senior First Platinum | Manipal Cigna Prime Senior Elite |
| Sum Insured Range | Rs. 5 Lakh – Rs. 25 Lakh | Rs. 5 Lakh – Rs. 50 Lakh |
| Entry Age | 61 Years – 75 Years | 56 Years – 75 Years |
| Room Rent | Single Private Room | Single Private AC Room (upgrade available) |
| ICU Charges | No Limit | No Limit |
| Disease Sub-Limit | No | No |
| Copay | 50% (Reduce to 40%, 30% or 20%) | 20% (Modify to 0%, 10% or 30%) |
| PED Waiting Period | 24 Months | 24 Months (reduce to 90 days with extra premium) |
| Pre and Post-Hospitalisation Expenses | 60 / 180 Days | 60 / 90 Days |
| Daycare Precedures | Covered | Covered |
| AYUSH Treatments | Covered | Covered |
| Domiciliary Treatments | Covered | Covered |
| Consumables Benefit | Add-on | Add-on |
| No Claim Bonus (NCB) | 10% for every claim-free year up to 100% | Guaranteed 10% per year up to 100% |
| Restoration/Refill Benefit | Unlimited restoration | Unlimited restoration |
| Health Check-up | Once every year | Once every year |
| OPD Benefit | Not available | Not available |
| Claim Settlement Ratio (FY24) | 91.93% | 88.54% |
| Network Hospitals | 10,000+ | 7,000+ |
Summary
Niva Bupa Senior First
Pros: Wide range of sum insured options, no sub-limits on common conditions, and flexible co-payment options. Platinum variant offers unlimited restorations and no-claim bonus.
Cons: Mandatory co-payment which cannot be reduced to 0, room-type restrictions, and absence of air ambulance coverage.
Manipal Cigna Prime Senior
Pros: Flexible room upgrades without proportionate deductions, customisable co-payment, and optional PED coverage from the 91st day. Elite variant includes unlimited restorations, no-claim bonus and air ambulance coverage.
Cons: Classic variant lacks restoration and advanced benefits, and some features require extra premiums, increasing costs.
The Verdict
If you are looking for specialised protection for senior citizens, Niva Bupa Senior First Platinum or Manipal Cigna Prime Senior Elite can be considered. However, Manipal Cigna Prime Senior Elite offers 0 copay option which is not available in Niva Bupa Senior First Platinum. It also has the option to get PEDs covered from the 91st day which is great for senior citizens. But, as an insurer, Niva Bupa is a leading player with a larger network of hospitals and better claim settlement ratio.
Your choice should depend on budget, sum insured needs, co-payment flexibility and insurers’ track record. Want to go with a better insurer or a more comprehensive coverage, you make your choice.
Which plan would you choose? Let us know in the comments! Stay tuned for more health insurance insights.
FAQs
- Which plan is more affordable?
- Niva Bupa Senior First offers deductible options (Rs. 1 Lakh – Rs. 5 Lakh) to lower premiums, while Manipal Cigna Prime Senior provides premium management tools.
- Can I reduce the waiting period for pre-existing diseases?
- Yes, Manipal Cigna Prime Senior allows PED coverage from the 91st day with an extra premium. Niva Bupa Senior First has a fixed 24 month PED waiting period.
- What happens if I upgrade my room during hospitalisation?
- Niva Bupa Senior First applies a 10% additional co-pay, whereas Manipal Cigna Prime Senior only charges for the extra room rent.
- Which plan offers better no-claim benefits?
- Manipal Cigna Prime Senior Elite guarantees a 10% NCB yearly, while Niva Bupa Senior First Platinum offers a 10% NCB for claim-free years.
- Are non-medical items covered?
- These base products do not cover non-medical items. Niva Bupa offers Safeguard add-on, while Manipal Cigna’s Health 360 Rider covers certain
Get on a call
WhatsApp Us
0 Comments