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Chennai is often called the “Healthcare Capital of India,” and it is home to some of the best hospitals and medical research centres. However, while the city is known for its world-class healthcare, the cost of medical care in private hospitals can be overwhelming. A single hospital stay or surgery can easily run into lakhs, leaving families struggling to manage the expenses. That’s where a health insurance policy in Chennai becomes important.
Buying health insurance in Chennai not only helps you handle rising medical costs but also ensures access to the best doctors and hospitals without worrying about your savings. Whether you’re protecting yourself, your parents, or your entire family, the right health insurance plan gives you peace of mind and financial security during any unexpected medical emergencies.
Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Chennai?
While the city, Chennai offers some of the best medical care, the costs of hospitalisation and treatment can be overwhelming. Here are some key reasons why health insurance is important in Chennai:
Rising Healthcare Costs
Chennai’s top private hospitals are known for their advanced care, but treatment is not inexpensive. A single day of hospitalisation can cost between ₹7,000 and ₹12,000, and critical surgeries such as cardiac bypass may go beyond ₹3 - 5 lakhs (1). Without insurance, these costs can use up your household savings.
Seasonal Illnesses and Infections
Every year during the monsoon, Chennai sees a spike in vector-borne and viral infections. As of July 2025, Chennai reported 522 dengue cases, an increase from 381 during the same period in 2024 (2), alongside a rise in respiratory infections during this season. Even a few days of hospitalisation for such illnesses can cost ₹30,000 - ₹60,000, making health insurance a necessity here.
Coastal Region Risks
Chennai’s coastal location makes it prone to waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and leptospirosis during monsoon floods. In December 2024 alone, the city reported over 400 cases of typhoid and 500 cases of diarrhoea (3). Health insurance helps residents manage hospitalisation and treatment costs during such seasonal outbreaks.
Why Healthcare is Becoming Costlier in Chennai?
Healthcare in Chennai is improving rapidly, with world-class hospitals and advanced treatments available across the city. However, these improvements have also increased the cost of medical care. Here are some reasons why healthcare is becoming costlier in Chennai day by day:
- High Hospitalisation Costs: Private hospitals in Chennai provide world-class treatment, but it comes at a price. Certain major surgeries and critical care procedures can cost you a fortune.
- Rise in Lifestyle Diseases: Lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are increasing in Chennai. Studies done in June 2024 found a 36% increase in diabetes prevalence among the younger population. (4)
- Medical Tourism Effect: Chennai attracts patients from all over India and abroad, resulting in high hospital pricing.
- Rising Patient Expectations: The demand for comfort, private rooms, and advanced treatment contributes to higher bills.
What is the Treatment Cost for Major Health Problems in Chennai?
The costs of healthcare in Chennai can vary highly, ranging from common illnesses such as dengue and respiratory infections to major surgeries for conditions like heart disease or cancer. By understanding the average treatment costs for these major health issues, you can better plan and select appropriate health insurance coverage to safeguard yourself and your family.
According to Digit, here are some of the major health issues affecting Chennai residents as per data of 2024-2025, along with their average treatment costs:
Disclaimer: The major health problems and costs presented above are based on internal health insurance claims from Go Digit General Insurance (FY 2024–25) and historical trends backed by data sources from research. Treatment costs may vary depending on factors such as the type of hospital, location, illness severity, and duration of care. For accurate diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage details, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or your insurance provider.
Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Treatment for Major Diseases in Chennai?
Yes, most of the major health problems in Chennai, such as kidney disease, dengue, heart disease, and bronchitis, are typically covered under standard health insurance plans with critical illness coverage.
However, coverage can vary depending on the condition, waiting period and the policy terms. Here is what is usually covered:
- Major Illnesses: Diseases like cancer, heart problems, kidney issues, and strokes are usually covered under most health insurance plans.
- Lifestyle Diseases: Common diseases in Chennai, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, are addressed. These need regular check-ups, medicines, and sometimes hospitalisation.
- Waiting Periods Apply: Coverage for major diseases often comes with a waiting period in health insurance, usually 1 to 3 years.
- Critical Illness Benefits: Some plans offer a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of a listed major illness, which can be used for treatment or recovery.
Which Health Insurance Policy is Right for You in Chennai?
Choosing the right health insurance in Chennai depends on your age, family needs, and the kind of medical facilities you prefer. With rising treatment costs in the city’s private hospitals, it’s important to compare different policy options carefully.
Here’s a breakdown of which type of policy may suit you best based on common scenarios in Chennai:
Note: The recommendations provided in the table are general guidelines based on typical healthcare needs and cost trends in Chennai. Actual requirements may vary depending on individual health conditions, age, lifestyle, and financial situation.
Tips to Choose the Right Health Insurance Policy for You & Your Family in Chennai
Choosing the right health insurance policy in Chennai with the right sum insured can feel tricky, especially with so many options available in the market. To make things simpler, here are some practical tips you can follow:
Understand Chennai’s Healthcare Costs
As mentioned above, a private hospital in Chennai can cost anywhere between ₹7,000 to ₹12,000 for a single day of hospitalisation, while major surgeries or critical care treatments may go into lakhs.
Rising Health Risks
Being a coastal city, Chennai is prone to water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid during monsoon floods, along with seasonal outbreaks of dengue. Choosing a policy with hospitalisation and critical illness coverage is a smart way to stay financially protected.
Age & Lifestyle
As age and lifestyle significantly impact healthcare needs, consider opting for a higher sum insured if you plan to start a family or live with senior citizens.
Family Size
A family floater plan that covers all members is a cost-effective way to protect against unexpected hospital expenses.
Health Conditions
Find the right balance between good coverage and what you can afford yearly. Consider a super top-up plan to boost your coverage at a low premium.
How Much Ideal Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Chennai?
Choosing the right health insurance coverage in Chennai is important because medical costs in the city can be high, especially in private hospitals. A single day of hospitalisation or a major surgery can quickly run into lakhs. The ideal coverage should consider your family size, age, lifestyle, and the types of illnesses common in Chennai, like diabetes, heart disease, or seasonal infections.
Here's the ideal sum insured in Chennai, one must definitely consider:
Note: The recommended health insurance coverage provided by Digit is a general suggestion based on current healthcare trends and average medical costs in Chennai. These figures are intended for informational purposes only and may vary depending on individual health conditions, lifestyle, age, and financial circumstances.
Digit recommends having this coverage because:
- It covers the rising hospitalisation costs in chennai
- Protects against major surgeries, such as cancer, bypass procedures, etc
- Reduces out-of-pocket expenses during multiple hospitalisations
- Ensures peace of mind during medical emergencies
- Additionally, you must have a super top-up plan to cover the extra cost
Choose Health Insurance Coverage of Your Choice
Expert Recommendations for Choosing the Ideal Health Coverage in Chennai
Choosing the right sum insured in Chennai should be a balance between the city’s healthcare costs, your family’s needs, and medical emergencies. Given that a single day in a private hospital can start from ₹7,000 and critical procedures can reach several lakhs, it’s advisable to start with a base coverage of ₹10 - 15 lakh.
When deciding, consider:
* Family Size and Dependents
* Your Age and Health Problems (if any)
* Your Lifestyle and Occupation, such as Sedentary jobs
* Chennai-specific health problems like dengue, typhoid, etc.
To manage unexpected high medical expenses more effectively, starting with a base plan and then adding a super top-up policy can provide flexibility without incurring steep upfront premiums.
Shubham Sinha
Product Manager - Health
How Much Does Health Insurance Premium Cost in Chennai?
The price of health insurance in Chennai depends on factors such as your age, family size, chosen sum insured, and medical history.
As you age, the likelihood of health issues rises, which naturally affects the premium. To give a clear picture, here’s an example showing how the health insurance premium for Digit’s Infinity Wallet Plan with a ₹10 lakh sum insured changes at different age milestones for Chennai residents:
Disclaimer: The premium amounts listed above are indicative and based on publicly available data for Digit’s Infinity Wallet Plan with ₹10 lakh sum insured. Actual premiums may vary depending on factors such as the applicant’s exact age, location, medical history, lifestyle habits, and chosen add-ons.
What's Great about Health Insurance in Chennai by Digit?
Key Benefits of Health Insurance in Chennai by Digit
Your health insurance plan with Digit extends several exclusive benefits that enhance your coverage. Here are the key benefits:
Health Insurance Plans in Chennai
Enhance your health insurance policy with customisable add-ons at Digit. Here is the list of add-ons available that provide you with additional layers of protection beyond the basic coverage of your policy:
Double Wallet Plan
Get 100% Sum Insured Backup from Day 1 with no Exhaustion Clause and coverage for both Related and Unrelated Illnesses. Ideal for people who are looking for an affordable health insurance.
Infinity Wallet Plan
Get Unlimited Sum Insured Backup from Day 1 with no Exhaustion Clause. Ideal for people wanting comprehensive coverage and additional benefits.
Worldwide Treatment Plan
Ideal for people who want to get the best treatment anywhere in the world. Also, get 100% Sum Insured Backup (for treatment only in India) with no Exhaustion Clause.
What’s Covered in the Health Insurance Plans Offered by Digit in Chennai?
Coverages
Double Wallet Plan
Infinity Wallet Plan
Worldwide Treatment Plan
Important Features
All Hospitalisation - due to Accident, Illness, Critical Illness or COVID
This covers for all hospitalisation expenses including due to an Illness, Accident, Critical Illness or even pandemics like Covid 19. It can be used to cover for multiple hospitalisations, as long as the total expenses are up to your sum insured.
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Initial Waiting Period
You need to wait for a defined period from the first day of your policy to get covered for treatment related to any non-accidental illness. This is the Initial Waiting period.
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Wellness Program
Exclusive Wellness Benefits like Home Healthcare, Tele consultations, Yoga and Mindfullness and many more available on our App.
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Sum Insured Back Up
We provide a back-up Sum Insured which is 100% of your Sum Insured amount. How does Sum Insured Back Up work? Suppose your policy Sum Insured is Rs. 5 lac. You make a claim of Rs.50,000. Digit automatically triggers the wallet benefit. So you now have 4.5lac + 5 lac Sum Insured available for the year. However, one single claim, cannot be more than the base Sum Insured as in the above case, 5 lac. .
Once in a policy period; Related and unrelated illness; No Exhaustion Clause; Same person also covered.
Unlimited Reinstatement in a policy period; Related and unrelated illness; No Exhaustion Clause; Same person also covered.
Once in a policy period; Related and unrelated illness; No Exhaustion Clause; Same person also covered.
Cumulative Bonus
Digit Special
No claims in the Policy year? You get a bonus -an additional amount in your total sum-insured for staying healthy & claim free!
10% of Base Sum Insured for every claim free year, up to max 100%.
50% of Base Sum Insured for every claim free year, up to max 100%.
50% of Base Sum Insured for every claim free year, up to max 100%.
No Room Rent Capping
Different categories of rooms have different rents. Just like how hotel rooms have tarrifs. Digit plans give you the benefit of having no room rent cap, as long as it is below your Sum Insured..
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Day Care Procedures
Health insurance covers medical expenses only for hospitalisations exceeding 24 hours. Day care procedures refer to medical treatments undertaken in a hospital, requiring less than 24 hours due to technological advancement such as cataract, dialysis etc.
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Worldwide Coverage
Digit Special
Get a world class treatment with the Worldwide Coverage! If your doctor identifies an illness during your health examination in India and you wish to get a treatment abroad, then we’re there for you.You’re covered!
×
×
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Health Check-up
We pay for your health check-up expenses upto the amount mentioned in your Plan. No restrictions on the kind of tests! Be it ECG or Thyroid Profile. Make sure you go through your policy schedule to check the claim limit.
0.25% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 1,000 after every two years.
0.25% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 1,500 after every year.
0.25% of SI up to ₹ 2,000 after every year.
Emergency Air Ambulance Expenses
There may be emergency life-threatening health conditions which may require immediate transportation to hospital. We absolutely understand this and reimburse for expenses incurred for your transportation to a hospital in airplane or helicopter.
×
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Age/Zone Based Co-payment
Digit Special
Co-Payment means a cost sharing requirement under a Health Insurance Policy that provides that the Policyholder/Insured will bear a specified percentage of the admissible claims amount. It does not reduce the Sum Insured. This percentage depends on various factors like age, or sometimes also on your treatment city called zone based copayment. In our plans, there is no age based or zone based Co payment involved.
No Co-payment
No Co-payment
No Co-payment
Road Ambulance Expenses
Get reimbursed for the expenses of road ambulance, in case you are hospitalised.
1% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 10,000.
1% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 15,000.
1% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 10,000.
Pre/Post Hospitalisation
This cover is for all expenses before and after hospitalisation such as for diagnosis, tests and recovery.
30/60 Days
60/180 Days
60/180 Days
Other Features
Pre-Existing Disease (PED) Waiting Period
The disease or condition that you are already suffering with and have disclosed to us before taking the policy and has been accepted by us has a waiting period as per plan opted and mentioned in your Policy Schedule.
3 Years
3 Years
3 Years
Specific Illness Waiting Period
This is the amount of time you need to wait for, until you can make a claim for a specific illness. At Digit it is 1-3 years and starts from the day of policy activation. For the full list of exclusions, read Standard Exclusions (Excl02) of your policy wordings.
1-3 Years
1-3 Years
1-3 Years
Inbuilt Personal Accident Cover
If You sustain an Accidental Bodily Injury during the Policy Period, which is the sole and direct cause of Your Death within twelve (12) months from the date of accident, then We will pay 100% of the Sum Insured as mentioned in Policy Schedule against this cover and as per plan opted.
₹ 50,000
₹ 1,00,000
₹ 1,00,000
Organ Donor Expenses
Digit Special
Your organ donor gets covered in your policy. We also take care the pre and post hospitalisation expenses of the donor. Organ donating is one of the kindest deeds ever and we thought to ourselves, why not be a part of it!
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Domiciliary Hospitalisation
Hospitals can go out of beds, or the patient’s condition may be rough to get admitted in a hospital. Don’t panic! We cover you for the medical expenses even if you get treatment at home.
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Bariatric Surgery
Obesity may be the root cause of so many health issues. We absolutely understand this, and cover for Bariatric Surgery when it is medically necessary and advised by your doctor. However, we DONOT cover if hospitalisation for this treatment is for cosmetic reasons.
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Psychiatric Illness
If due to a trauma, a member has to be hospitalised for a psychiatric treatment, it will be covered under this benefit, upto INR 1,00,000. However, OPD consultations are not covered under this. The waiting period for Psychiatric Illness Cover is same as Specific Illness waiting period.
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Consumables Cover
Before, during & after hospitalisation, there are many other medical aids & expenditures such as walking aids, crepe bandages, belts, etc.,which need your pocket’s attention.This cover takes care of these expenses that are otherwise excluded from the policy.
Available as an Add-On
Available as an Add-On
Available as an Add-On
What’s Not Covered in Your Health Insurance Policy in Chennai?
Add-on Options with Health Insurance by Digit in Chennai
Enhance your coverage with add-ons in health insurance policy at Digit that provide you with additional layers of protection beyond the basic coverage of your policy:
Consumable Cover
By paying a small additional premium, you can get coverage for non-medical expenses like gloves, masks, and other consumables during hospitalisation, once your base claim is approved.
Infinite Cumulative Bonus
Pay a small additional premium and receive 100% of your base sum insured as a bonus every year, regardless of claims. This add-on can grow infinitely, offering enhanced coverage year after year.
Smart Save
Pay a lower premium by opting for Smart Save, where specific treatments like cataract, knee replacement, angioplasty, etc, come with sum insured capping.
How to Buy a Health Insurance Policy Online in Chennai?
Buying health insurance online is simple and hassle-free. If you're planning to purchase a policy from Digit, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Enter Basic Details
Visit the Digit app or website. Enter your PIN code and mobile number, select your preferred health insurance plan and provide age details, family members covered, etc.
Choose Plan & Add Member Details
Compare & select the plan, sum insured, add-on covers and apply any available discounts to get the final premium amount. Further provide the member details for everyone you’re covering.
Make Payment & Submit KYC
Once done, proceed to make the premium payment and submit your KYC documents to complete the purchase process.
Final Review & Processing
Now, your application undergoes a brief review process. Digit may request a health declaration, lifestyle information, or medical details & reports if required. Now, based on your medical underwriting, your policy will be issued and sent to your email. You can also access it anytime through the Digit app.
What are the Benefits of Purchasing Health Insurance in Chennai?
Having medical insurance in Chennai not only protects you financially but also ensures timely access to quality care for you and your family. Here are the main benefits:
- Financial Protection: Covers hospitalisation, surgeries, and treatments without draining your savings.
- Access to Quality Care: Enables cashless health insurance treatment at top network hospitals near your location, ensuring timely and hassle-free medical attention.
- Coverage for Pre-Existing & Lifestyle Diseases: Protects against chronic conditions like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, which are common in Chennai after the waiting period.
- Protection from Seasonal Illnesses: Covers costs related to dengue, typhoid, and viral fevers that spike during monsoon seasons.
- Tax Benefits: Premiums paid are eligible for tax deductions on health insurance under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, saving money while staying protected.
What are the Things to Consider Before Buying Health Insurance in Chennai?
Before purchasing a health insurance policy in Chennai, it’s important to evaluate several factors to ensure you get the coverage that best suits your needs and budget. Key things you must consider include:
- Sum Insured & Coverage: Ensure the policy covers hospital expenses in Chennai’s private hospitals, where a day’s stay can cost more.
- Network Hospitals: Check if reputed hospitals near your location are part of the insurer’s cashless network.
- Waiting Periods: Review waiting period for pre-existing conditions or critical illnesses to avoid surprises later.
- Premium & Affordability: Choose a plan that balances good coverage with a premium you can comfortably afford every year.
- Add-ons & Riders: Consider riders such as consumable cover, critical illnesses, room rent waivers, or daily hospital cash benefits to handle rising costs.
- Renewal Flexibility: Pick a policy that allows lifetime renewals so you can stay covered well into old age.
- Review of Insurer: Review the insurer’s claim settlement ratio and local service support in Chennai for peace of mind.
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Healthcare in Chennai offers access to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country, but quality care comes at a cost. From seasonal illnesses like dengue and viral fevers to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions, medical expenses can quickly add up.
By choosing a health insurance policy in Chennai that is suited to your family size, age, and city-specific health needs, you can stay prepared, safeguard your finances, and access quality care when it matters most.