Friends, everyone knows how to buy health insurance, but choosing a plan with a no-claim bonus (NCB)? That’s a different level of smartness! If you don’t make a claim throughout the year, the company gives you extra coverage or a premium discount – increasing the sum insured for free.
Medical expenses are skyrocketing in 2025, so buying such a plan means investing in the future. I’ve found some top plans that focus on NCB and will explain how they can be a game-changer for your family. Let’s explain in a simple way which plan is best!
What is NCB and Why is It Important?
NCB is a reward – if you remain claim-free for one year, your coverage increases by 50% or 100% the next year, without paying any extra money. Some plans offer a bonus every year, whether you claim it or not. Even if you claim this bonus, up to 50% is saved.
In 2025, due to new IRDAI rules, the waiting period for pre-existing diseases has increased to 3 years, and GST has become zero on individual plans – so availing it now is even more beneficial. But when choosing a plan, look for a CSR (Claim Settlement Ratio) of 90%+, a high number of network hospitals, and add-ons like restoration benefits to strengthen the bonus.
Top Plans That Rule NCB
Here are some of the best plans for 2025 that offer full family coverage along with NCB. I’ve focused on their bonuses, sum insured, and special features:
HDFC ERGO Optima Secure: This plan offers a 50% bonus every year, whether you claim or not. This bonus increases to 100% after two claim-free years. There’s an instant restore benefit – the first claim will result in a full sum insured refund. Sum insured ranges from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 1 crore, with 100% restoration unlimited. Perfect for family floater, with maternity and critical illness add-ons.
Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Enhanced: Double sum insured in 2 claim-free years, without any extra premium. Up to 2 crore coverage, mental health and modern treatments covered. Loyalty bonus and health coach free. Pre-post hospitalization up to 60-180 days, and AYUSH treatments fully covered.
Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0: Cumulative bonus only in claim-free years, up to 100%. 50% extra every year with Booster+ feature, and 50% protection even on claim. Sum insured up to 1 crore, global cover option, and 30 min cashless claims. Premium discount from Wellness rewards as well.
Care Health Zuno: NCB up to 100% in Silver, Gold, Platinum variants, with restoration benefit. Shared room cover, free health check-ups, and no co-pay. Sum insured from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 1 crore, budget-friendly for family, and CSR 95%+.
ICICI Lombard Elevate: NCB 10% every year, up to a maximum of 100%. 2nd opinion on critical illnesses, and unlimited sum insured reset. Up to Rs 50 lakh cover, 6700+ network hospitals, and 99% CSR. OPD and maternity riders can be added.
These plans offer increased NCB coverage along with tax benefits under 80D – you can save up to Rs 25,000.
| Plan Name | NCB Benefits | Maximum Coverage | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC ERGO Optima Secure | 50% per year (even on claims) | Up to 1 crore | Instant Restore, 100% Restoration |
| Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum | 100% (2 claim-free years) | Up to 2 crore | Health Coach, Mental Health Cover |
| Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 | 50% per year, 100% Max | Up to 1 crore | Global Cover, 30-minute Cashless |
| Care Health Zuno | 100% | Up to 1 crore | Free Check-up, No Co-pay |
| ICICI Lombard Elevate | 10% per year, 100% Max | Up to 50 lakhs | 2nd Opinion, Unlimited Resets |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- NCB coverage doubles for free, long-term savings.
- Family floater options cover everyone in one policy.
- Restoration benefit allows multiple claims in a year.
- 2025 updates reduce waiting periods and reduce GST – a major benefit.
- AI features like health tracking and quick claims in new plans.
Cons:
- In some plans, NCB claims are reduced by 50%.
- High sum insured premiums may be slightly higher.
- There’s still a 3-year waiting period for pre-existing diseases.
- Cashless coverage is not available if network hospitals are limited.
Conclusion
Buying health plans with NCB in 2025 means protecting your family from future medical expenses – and that too without spending any extra money! Start with plans like HDFC ERGO Optima Secure or Aditya Birla Activ Health, which make the bonus even stronger.
Before purchasing a policy, check CSR, network hospitals, and add-ons. Compare on Flipkart or Policybazaar, and if you’re unsure, ask in the comments – which plan suits you best? Stay healthy, stay insured!
