Compare & Buy Car, Bike and Health Insurance Online - InsuranceDekho
Track & Policy DownloadLogin

Star Health vs HDFC ERGO: Which One To Go For?

Wish

Written by Kanika Chadha

Updated May 22, 2025

Star Health vs. HDFC ERGO: Which is better?

Life doesn’t give a warning before a medical emergency. One moment you’re fine, and the next you see hospital lights and rising bills. That’s when health insurance comes into play. Among the competition, two reputed names stand out in the market that offer reliable health plans- Star Health and HDFC ERGO. Both promise sufficient coverage, fast claims, and peace of mind. In this article, we’ll understand more about the health insurance companies and settle a debate on Star Health vs HDFC ERGO. 

Key Highlights

  • Star Health has 25 plans, and HDFC ERGO has 7 plans with useful features and flexible add-ons.
  • HDFC ERGO has 15,000+ network hospitals, while Star Health has 14,000+. 
  • HDFC ERGO has a track record of settling claims at a rate of 80.98%, which is relatively higher than Star Health’s standing at 66.47%.
  • Premiums of Star Health insurance plans start at Rs. 13/day. On the other hand, HDFC ERGO plans are available at a starting price of Rs. 26/day and often come with more benefits.

About Star Health Insurance

Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. is one of India’s top private health insurance companies. Based in Chennai, the company started in 2006 as the first standalone health insurance provider in the country. Star health insurance plans cater to the evolving healthcare needs of people across India. With a strong team of over 15,000 employees, it has insured over 17 crore people. The company continues to expand its services, aiming to help more people stay protected through reliable and affordable health insurance.

About HDFC ERGO Health Insurance?

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited offers a wide range of health insurance plans for individuals, families, and senior citizens. HDFC ERGO health insurance plans help cover medical expenses like hospital bills, surgeries, and day care treatments. It has a strong network of hospitals across India that support cashless claims. The company also provides 24/7 customer support and a smooth claim process, which makes it one of the best health insurance companies in India. 

Star Health vs HDFC ERGO- Major Differences

Let’s compare HDFC ERGO and Star Health Insurance in detail. 

Parameters

Star Health

HDFC ERGO Health

Number of Health Insurance Plans 

Star Health offers around 25 different health insurance plans. It gives more choices to individuals, families, senior citizens, and those with specific health needs.

HDFC ERGO offers 7 health insurance plans focusing on comprehensive coverage with flexible options and add-ons to suit different lifestyles.

Network Hospitals

Star Health has a strong tie-up with 14,000+ hospitals across India. This wide network allows policyholders to get cashless treatment easily, wherever they are.

HDFC ERGO’s network is even broader, with 15,000+ hospitals across the country. This helps customers access cashless hospitalization in more locations.

Claim Settlement Ratio

Star Health has a claim settlement ratio of 66.47%. (Source: IRDAI Report)

HDFC ERGO has a higher claim settlement ratio of 80.98%. (Source: IRDAI Report)

No. of Branch Offices

Star Health has over 850 branches across India. It makes it easier for customers to visit a local office for any queries or paperwork.

HDFC ERGO has over 200 branches. The company focuses more on digital support and online services for faster assistance.

Number of Employees

With over 15,000 employees, Star Health has a large team to handle customer service, claims, and policy support across regions.

HDFC ERGO has around 9,700 employees. Despite a smaller team, they use technology and automation to deliver fast and efficient service.

Premiums 

Star Health offers plans starting at Rs. 13 per day. This makes it an affordable option for individuals looking for basic health coverage.

The premiums of HDFC ERGO plans start at Rs. 26 per day. They often include wider benefits and add-ons that justify the slightly higher starting price.

Coverage for Accidents

Star Health offers accidental coverage from Day 1. It ensures that the insured is protected immediately after the policy begins.

HDFC ERGO also starts accident coverage from the 1st day of the policy to offer peace of mind right from the beginning.

Awards & Recognition

Star Health has earned industry recognition for:

  • S&P Global CSA score of 53 for sustainability performance
  • Digital Innovation of the Year (Health Insurance)
  • Outstanding Achievement in Risk Culture Building
  • Best Social Media Customer Care – Financial Services

HDFC ERGO has won multiple awards, including:

  • Gold Award for Social Media App (Innovative) – 2024
  • Best Customer Retention Initiative of the Year – 2024
  • Best General Insurance Company – 2024
  • Best General & Health Insurance Company – 2023
  • Smart Insurer, Swift & Prompt Insurer – 2023

Note: These details are subject to change. Please confirm with your insurance provider before buying a plan. 

Star Health and HDFC ERGO offer great health insurance options to their customers. While Star Health provides more plan choices and a wider branch network, HDFC ERGO stands out with a higher claim settlement ratio and more network hospitals. The final choice between the two depends on the customer’s needs, budget, and service expectations.

Check Also:

Wish

Written by Kanika Chadha

Kanika Chadha is an ex-banker turned storyteller with 15+ years of experience spanning product management, sales, distribution, and customer-first communication. Read More

Disclaimer

This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

FAQs

If you have any existing health conditions or are over 40 years old, tests are usually required.

Must BuyMust Buy

Why to Buy Health Insurance Policy Online from InsuranceDekho

  • Tax benefit upto 75,000*
  • Claim support everyday 10AM-7PM
  • 11 Mn+ happy customers