With an estimated 100 million Indians living with diabetes, the need for comprehensive health coverage tailored to diabetic care is pressing. In the wake of World Diabetes Day, experts emphasise the role that health insurance plays in managing diabetes-related health expenses and promoting preventive care.

Policies and coverage options for diabetics

Rakesh Jain, CEO of Reliance General Insurance, highlights that comprehensive health plans often cover diabetes after a waiting period, generally two to three years.

“For those with diabetes or a family history, securing health coverage is critical for managing complications such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Retinopathy,” Jain notes.

Some policies offer optional riders to reduce waiting periods, allowing new policyholders quicker access to coverage.

Siddharth Singhal, Head of Health Insurance at Policybazaar.com, further points out that there are some plans which reduce waiting periods significantly, sometimes to as little as one month.

“Approximately 75% of policyholders with diabetes now opt for day-one coverage, enabling immediate access to blood sugar monitoring, consultations, and coverage for related complications,” Singhal states.

These plans often include wellness programs designed to support diabetes management and reversal.

A look at health insurance plans for diabetes:

Diabetes Health Insurance Plan	Sum Insured (₹)	Eligibility Criteria
Star Health & Allied Insurance, Diabetes Safe Insurance Policy	3/4/5/10 lakh	18 years to 65 years
National Varishta Mediclaim Insurance Policy	1 lakh -2 lakh	18 years to no limit
Aditya Birla Activ Health Enhance Diabetes Plan	6 lakh	60 years to 80 years
		Maximum Renewal Age: 90 years
Care Freedom Health Insurance Plan	3 lakh and above	Minimum entry age 90 days
		No upper age limit

Financial security and preventive care

Living with diabetes can bring significant costs, from medications and doctor visits to managing potential complications.

Mahesh Yelapure, Head of Health Underwriting & Health Claims at Go Digit General Insurance, says that “inclusive health plans cover hospitalisation and day-care treatments related to diabetes, offering security and a sense of reassurance to policyholders.”

For those managing chronic conditions, the right policy choice goes beyond coverage for hospitalisation.

“Telehealth options, annual check-ups, and wellness perks, such as discounted medications and health screenings, are now woven into insurance offerings,” Yelapure explains.

Such perks empower policyholders to proactively monitor and manage their health.

Addressing diabetes with collective responsibility

World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder of the broader role society plays in managing this health challenge. Gurpal Singh Dhingra, Joint Managing Director at Prudent Insurance Brokers, stresses the importance of a collective approach.

“Insurance solutions don’t just help treat diabetes—they support prevention, early diagnosis, and continuous management,” he says.

“Creating healthier ecosystems within workplaces isn’t merely an obligation; it’s an investment in well-being,” Dhingra adds.

Alok Rungta, MD & CEO of Future Generali India Life Insurance, notes the unique challenges for diabetics in obtaining coverage, with policies often reflecting higher premiums or specific exclusions.

“The surge in diabetes, now affecting over 100 million people in India, also raises risks for cardiovascular and kidney complications. These conditions affect health and life expectancy if unmanaged,” he says.

Onsurity’s Chief Claims Officer, Suman Pal, stresses the need for insurance plans that are more than just financial backups. “People need a healthcare partner, not just a policy,” Pal emphasises.

Considerations for choosing diabetes health insurance

For diabetics, choosing the right health insurance involves understanding several critical aspects. Waiting periods, coverage limits, network hospitals, and available add-ons can make a big difference.

Those who need regular diabetes management may benefit from plans with “OPD cover,” which provides for medication, monitoring, and consultations, ensuring comprehensive support without extra financial strain.