Religare Health Insurance is the original name of what is now officially called Care Health Insurance, a standalone Indian health insurer founded in 2012 and promoted by Religare Enterprises, known for a broad hospital network and a range of indemnity and fixed-benefit health plans.
Religare Health Insurance at a Glance (Stats Table)
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Original Name | Religare Health Insurance Company Limited |
| Current Legal Name | Care Health Insurance Limited (renamed in 2020) |
| Founded | June 2012 |
| Headquarters | Gurugram/New Delhi, India |
| Promoter (Majority Stake, 2026) | Religare Enterprises Limited — approximately 63.2% stake |
| Other Notable Shareholders | Trishikhar Ventures LLP (Kedaara Capital), Union Bank of India |
| Individual Claim Settlement Ratio | Reported between 92.77% and 96.74% across recent years, depending on the source and quarter (verify latest figure before citing) |
| Solvency Ratio | Reported between approximately 1.73x and 2.45x in recent years — above the IRDAI-mandated minimum of 1.50x (verify current figure) |
| Network Hospitals | Reported between 7,000 and 11,400+, depending on the source and date |
| Total Claims Settled (Since Inception) | Reportedly 74.5 lakh+ claims as of mid-2026 |
| Cashless Claim Turnaround (Company Claim) | As fast as 2 hours in eligible cases |
| Complaint Volume | Reported at 42 per 10,000 claims, above industry average in one recent analysis |
| Recent Corporate Development | Burman family (Dabur promoters) took control of Religare Enterprises in Feb 2025; IPO/listing plans for Care Health Insurance announced in 2025 |
| Regulator | IRDAI |
Wait, Is It Religare Health Insurance or Care Health Insurance?
Let’s clear up the single most important thing first, because it trips up a lot of people searching for Religare Health Insurance today: the company you’re thinking of no longer goes by that name. In 2020, Religare Health Insurance Company Limited was officially renamed Care Health Insurance Limited. Same company, same underlying business, same regulatory registration — just a new brand name on the signboard.
So when people search for Religare Health Insurance in 2026, they’re really looking for what is now marketed as Care Health Insurance. Throughout this article, we’ll use “Religare Health Insurance” since that’s the term you searched for, but keep in mind that any policy document, app, or customer service call today will reference the Care Health Insurance name instead.
What Exactly Is Religare Health Insurance?
At its core, Religare Health Insurance (now Care Health Insurance) is a standalone health insurer — meaning it only sells health-related products, unlike general insurers that also cover cars, homes, and travel. It was founded in June 2012, originally promoted by Religare Enterprises Limited alongside two public sector banks, Union Bank of India and Corporation Bank, who came in as minority stakeholders.
Since then, the company’s ownership has shifted a few times. In 2017, a True North-led consortium acquired a large stake in the business. Over subsequent years, Religare Enterprises rebuilt its holding, and as of 2026, it once again holds a majority stake of roughly 63.2%, alongside Kedaara Capital’s investment vehicle Trishikhar Ventures LLP and Union Bank of India as other notable shareholders. It’s a genuinely complex ownership history for an insurance company, and if the finer details matter for your purposes, it’s worth checking the company’s latest annual report or investor disclosures directly.
A Recent Twist: Corporate Governance Changes at Religare Enterprises
Here’s something worth knowing if you’re researching Religare Health Insurance for anything beyond just buying a policy: in February 2025, after an 18-month ownership contest, the Burman family — the promoters behind Dabur — took control of Religare Enterprises, displacing the previous management. Since then, there have been reports of the company planning to list Care Health Insurance separately on stock exchanges, with a reported valuation of ₹16,000–17,500 crore. This is a developing corporate situation, and specific details should be verified through official company announcements or financial news sources before being relied upon.
Religare Health Insurance’s Claim Settlement Ratio Explained
If you’re evaluating any health insurer, the claim settlement ratio is the number that matters most — it tells you what percentage of claims actually got paid out in a given year. For Religare Health Insurance (Care Health Insurance), this figure has shown real improvement over time, though it does vary depending on which source and reporting period you look at.
| Reporting Period | Reported Claim Settlement Ratio |
|---|---|
| Q1 2025 (per IRDAI data, one source) | 92.77% |
| FY 2024–25 | 96.74% |
| 3-Year Average (FY22–25) | 93.13% |
| Older industry comparison (various years) | Ranges reported as high as ~93–100% depending on source |
The wide range here isn’t unusual for Indian insurers — claim settlement ratio calculations can differ slightly depending on the exact methodology and time period used by different comparison platforms. What’s consistent across sources, though, is that Religare Health Insurance‘s claim settlement has trended upward over recent years, which is a genuinely positive signal.
The Other Side: Complaint Volume
To keep this balanced, it’s worth mentioning that one recent industry analysis flagged Religare Health Insurance‘s complaint volume at 42 per 10,000 claims, which was reported as above the industry average. This doesn’t necessarily mean claims are being wrongly denied, but it’s a detail worth factoring in alongside the claim settlement ratio rather than looking at claim settlement numbers alone.
Types of Plans Offered by Religare Health Insurance
Religare Health Insurance (Care Health Insurance) offers a genuinely wide product range, covering different life stages and budgets.
| Plan Category | Example Plans | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Health Plans | Care Supreme, Care Advantage | Individuals and families wanting broad coverage |
| Newest Flagship Plan | Ultimate Care (launched January 2025) | Buyers wanting features like an infinity bonus and unlimited e-consultations |
| Government-Aligned Plan | Arogya Sanjeevani | Buyers wanting a standardised, IRDAI-mandated basic plan |
| Pandemic-Specific Plans | Corona Kavach, Covid Care | Buyers who purchased COVID-specific cover during the pandemic years |
| Group and Corporate Plans | Group Care 360 | Employers covering staff under a group policy |
| Add-Ons | Care Shield Add-on | Buyers wanting extra protection layered onto a base plan |
Religare Health Insurance vs Other Standalone Health Insurers
Here’s how Religare Health Insurance (Care Health Insurance) compares to a few other well-known standalone health insurers in India.
| Insurer | Approximate Recent Claim Settlement Ratio | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Religare Health Insurance (Care Health) | 92.77%–96.74% (varies by period) | Second-largest standalone health insurer in India; wide plan variety |
| Niva Bupa Health Insurance | Typically reported in the mid-90s% | Strong digital claims experience |
| Star Health Insurance | Typically reported in the low-to-mid 90s% | Largest standalone health insurer by market share |
| ManipalCigna Health Insurance | Typically reported in the low-to-mid 90s% | Strong wellness and preventive care focus |
What Changed for Buyers in 2025–2026: The GST Update
Here’s a genuinely useful, current fact for anyone comparing Religare Health Insurance premiums in 2026: starting 22 September 2025, the Indian government removed the 18% GST that was previously charged on individual health insurance premiums. This means policyholders buying or renewing plans, including those from Care Health Insurance, are now paying meaningfully less than they would have a year earlier for the same coverage, since that GST component no longer applies to the premium.
How to Buy or Renew a Religare (Care) Health Insurance Policy
- Decide your cover amount — Consider your age, dependents, and existing medical history.
- Compare plans — Look at Care Supreme, Ultimate Care, or Arogya Sanjeevani depending on your budget and needs.
- Check the current premium — Remember, GST no longer applies as of September 2025, so older quotes may not reflect current pricing.
- Verify hospital network coverage — Confirm that hospitals near you are part of the cashless network before buying.
- Disclose medical history honestly — This affects both premium calculation and future claim approval.
- Complete KYC and payment — Most purchases and renewals can now be completed entirely online.
- Register nominee and family details clearly — This step is often overlooked but matters significantly at claim time.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make With Religare Health Insurance
- Searching only for “Religare” and missing that policy documents now say “Care Health Insurance” — This can cause confusion when verifying policy authenticity.
- Relying on a single claim settlement ratio figure — Given how much these numbers vary by source, it’s worth checking two or three platforms before deciding.
- Ignoring the complaint volume data — A high claim settlement ratio alone doesn’t tell the full service-quality story.
- Comparing pre-September 2025 premium quotes to current ones — The GST removal means older quotes are no longer accurate for comparison.
- Not checking the specific plan’s hospital network — Cashless network coverage can vary by plan tier, not just by insurer.
Conclusion
Religare Health Insurance — now officially Care Health Insurance — remains one of India’s most recognisable standalone health insurers, even if the branding shift has understandably caused some confusion among long-time searchers. The company has shown a generally improving claim settlement ratio in recent years, offers a genuinely wide range of plans (including the feature-rich Ultimate Care plan launched in January 2025), and benefits from the recent removal of GST on health insurance premiums starting September 2025. That said, buyers should go in with open eyes: claim settlement figures vary by source, complaint volumes have been flagged as above average in at least one analysis, and the company’s ownership structure is still evolving following the 2025 change in control at Religare Enterprises and its announced IPO plans. If you’re considering Religare Health Insurance in 2026, compare current plan features and pricing directly on the official Care Health Insurance website, check a couple of independent claim settlement ratio sources, and when in doubt, speak with a licensed insurance advisor before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Religare Health Insurance still called that?
No. Religare Health Insurance was officially renamed Care Health Insurance in 2020. It’s the same company and policies, just under a new brand name.
2. Who owns Religare Health Insurance now?
As of 2026, Religare Enterprises Limited holds approximately 63.2% of Care Health Insurance, with other shareholders including Trishikhar Ventures LLP (managed by Kedaara Capital) and Union Bank of India.
3. What is the claim settlement ratio of Religare Health Insurance?
Reported figures range from approximately 92.77% to 96.74% depending on the reporting period and source, with a generally improving trend in recent years.
4. Is Religare Health Insurance a good option in 2026?
It’s widely regarded as India’s second-largest standalone health insurer with a solid claim settlement trend, though buyers should also weigh its above-average complaint volume and check current plan features before deciding.
5. What is the newest plan from Religare (Care) Health Insurance?
The Ultimate Care plan, launched in January 2025, is the company’s newest flagship product, featuring an infinity bonus and unlimited e-consultations.
6. Did GST removal affect Religare Health Insurance premiums?
Yes. Since 22 September 2025, the 18% GST previously applied to individual health insurance premiums in India was removed, effectively lowering the out-of-pocket cost for policyholders.
7. Why is Religare Enterprises in the news alongside its health insurance business?
In February 2025, the Burman family took control of Religare Enterprises after an ownership contest, and the company has since announced plans to separately list Care Health Insurance on stock exchanges — a developing corporate situation worth following if it matters to your decision.
Thank you for reading, Samajho Bima.
If you found this helpful, check out our previous blog on:
