Health emergencies never come with a warning, and medical bills in India are rising faster than ever. But many people still avoid buying health insurance due to high premiums. The good news is that in 2025, several trusted insurance providers in India are offering health insurance plans for under ₹500 per month — making quality healthcare protection affordable for the middle class.
If you’re looking for low-cost, high-benefit health insurance plans for yourself or your family, this guide covers the top 5 options available in India today.
Star Health’s Young Star Insurance Plan
This plan is specially designed for young individuals and offers wide coverage at a very affordable premium.
Key Highlights:
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Monthly Premium: Starts around ₹400 to ₹480
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Coverage: ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh
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Entry Age: 18 to 40 years
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Cashless network across 14,000+ hospitals
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Covers day care, pre- and post-hospitalization, and ambulance charges
Why It’s Good:
Low premium for first-time buyers with flexible add-ons for maternity and wellness benefits.
Care Health Insurance (Care Plus Plan)
Care is a well-known private insurer with customisable health plans. Their Care Plus plan offers basic health cover starting under ₹500 per month.
Key Highlights:
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Monthly Premium: ₹450 to ₹490 (for ₹3 lakh cover)
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No upper age limit for entry
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Free annual health checkup
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100 percent cashless claims across India
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COVID-19 and OPD cover available as add-on
Why It’s Good:
Ideal for individuals and small families looking for quality cover at a low premium.
Niva Bupa Health Recharge
Niva Bupa (formerly Max Bupa) offers a budget-friendly plan for first-time health insurance buyers.
Key Highlights:
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Monthly Premium: ₹430 to ₹480
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Coverage: ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh
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Cashless hospital network across 10,000+ locations
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Covers alternative treatment like AYUSH
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Lifetime renewability
Why It’s Good:
Great value plan with simple claim process and no medical test required up to age 40.
Tata AIG MediCare Protect
Tata AIG offers a pocket-friendly health insurance plan designed for individuals with lower annual income.
Key Highlights:
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Monthly Premium: Around ₹450 for ₹3 lakh sum insured
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Cashless treatment at 7,000+ hospitals
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Covers in-patient hospitalization and day care procedures
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Available for individuals aged 18 to 65
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Additional rider options for accidental cover
Why It’s Good:
Reputed insurer with wide hospital coverage and fast settlement process.
SBI Arogya Supreme Lite
SBI General Insurance offers one of the most trusted and government-linked health plans in the market.
Key Highlights:
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Monthly Premium: ₹480 to ₹500
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Coverage starts from ₹3 lakh
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Pre- and post-hospitalization up to 60 and 90 days
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AYUSH treatment covered
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Cashless hospitalisation at 6,000+ network hospitals
Why It’s Good:
Backed by SBI, trusted by millions, and excellent for salaried middle-class families.
Final Comparison Overview
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Coverage Amount | Network Hospitals | Notable Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Health Young Star | ₹400–₹480 | ₹3–5 lakh | 14,000+ | Great for young individuals |
| Care Plus by Care Health | ₹450–₹490 | ₹3 lakh | 12,000+ | No age limit |
| Niva Bupa Health Recharge | ₹430–₹480 | ₹2–5 lakh | 10,000+ | AYUSH and OPD add-ons |
| Tata AIG MediCare Protect | ₹450 | ₹3 lakh | 7,000+ | Optional accident riders |
| SBI Arogya Supreme Lite | ₹480–₹500 | ₹3 lakh | 6,000+ | Government-linked plan |
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been delaying health insurance because of high costs, now is the time to act. These top 5 health insurance plans under ₹500/month offer reliable protection, wide coverage, and peace of mind — all without breaking your budget.
Compare the plans, choose based on your age, health condition, and city, and start your coverage today. A small premium today can save you lakhs in the future.
Let me know if you’d like a visual comparison chart or download-ready PDF of this article.