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Last updated on: May 20, 2025
Chola MS Health Insurance and Royal Sundaram Health Insurance are both reputable providers in India, offering a range of comprehensive health plans. Chola MS is well-known for its broad hospital network, preventive healthcare benefits, and cashless facilities, making it suitable for families and individuals seeking robust coverage and value-added services. Royal Sundaram, on the other hand, stands out for its customizable plans, quick claim settlement, and features like maternity cover, annual health checkups, and wellness rewards. While both insurers offer tax benefits and 24/7 customer support, Chola MS tends to focus on hassle-free claims and family-centric plans, whereas Royal Sundaram offers more flexibility and additional wellness perks. Choosing between them depends on your specific needs—Chola MS is ideal for straightforward coverage, while Royal Sundaram is better for those seeking tailored plans and extra wellness benefits.
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Read BioThe selection of appropriate health insurance in India is essential because of the increase in medical expenses and risk of health. Chola -MS Health Insurance and Royal -Sundaram Health Insurance are two of the most popular ones in 2025. This guide contrasts the two side-by-side to assist you in making a choice.
The following are the main factors to be considered when comparing these insurers:
The insurance market is very competitive and this is driving both companies to be on a constant improvement. Thanks to online marketplaces, you can now compare benefits, exclusions, coverage amounts and customer reviews across multiple providers in a single location.
Fact: More than 65 percent of new health-insurance purchasers in India use online platforms to compare and buy policies in 2025.
Chola-MS is an alliance between the Murugappa Group and the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance of Japan. It is recognized by its digital-first strategy and product range.
Main Highlights
Royal sundaram belongs to Sundram Finance and Royal & SunAlliance plc (UK). It is applauded with innovation and customer centric plans.
Main Highlights
Insight: Royal Sundaram provides annual health check-ups to all its members who are insured including children under its Lifeline plan.
| Feature | Chola MS Health Insurance | Royal Sundaram Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 2003 | 2001 |
| Network Hospitals | 10,500+ | 12,000+ |
| Entry Age (Adults) | 18–65 years | 18–65 years |
| Entry Age (Children) | 3 months–25 years | 91 days–25 years |
| Day-care Procedures | 540+ | 550+ |
| Maternity Cover | Yes (select plans) | Yes (select plans) |
| No-claim Bonus | Up to 50 % | Up to 100 % |
| Pre-existing Wait | 2–4 years | 2–3 years |
| COVID-19 Cover | Yes | Yes |
| Telemedicine & Home Care | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Health Check-ups | Optional add-on | Most plans include it |
| Global Coverage | No | Yes (select overseas plans) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Claim Settlement Ratio (FY24) | 96 % | 97 % |
Fact: Royal Sundaram provides OPD add-ons and an uncommon global treatment benefit.
The premiums depend on age, sum insured, and add-ons. A family floater example (2 adults + 1 child, age 35, sum insured 10 Lakh rupees) is shown below.
| Insurer | Approx. Annual Premium | No-claim Bonus | Renewal Loading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chola MS | ₹16,000 – 20,000 | Up to 50 % | Nil |
| Royal Sundaram | ₹17,500 – 21,000 | Up to 100 % | Nil |
Check current rates on an online marketplace before buying.
In 2025, both insurers have simplified claim procedures.
Real-world Example:
Ritu, 42, Bangalore, underwent gall-bladder surgery in 2024 under a Chola MS Healthline Plus plan. Her claim of 3.2 Lakh was paid cashless in less than 24 hours through the online portal of the insurer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Broad selection of plans across all ages | Royal Sundaram has a lower no-claim bonus than it does |
| Fast cash-less settlement in 10,500 or more hospitals | Longer pre-existing wait on some plans |
| Low premiums and high-quality premiums vs peers in some countries | Low global coverage |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 12,000+ hospital network | Premiums slightly higher for similar coverage |
| No-claim bonus of up to 100 % | Base plans have less OPD covers options available |
| International coverage in premium plans | Room rent sub limit in entry level policies |
Expert tip: Royal Sundaram is used by financial advisers who deal with joint families or families that require overseas coverage.
The two insurers have 2025 aligned wellness benefits:
Royal Sundaram strengths
Chola MS strengths
Every insurance company offers complete online management:
They have one of the best apps to make quick claims and get assistance in 2025. Online platforms also facilitate the process of comparison and renewal to busy families.
Note: The two insurers are rated highly in ease of digital access.
| Category | Chola MS | Royal Sundaram |
|---|---|---|
| Family Plans | AYUSH coverage is budget-friendly | Wider coverage, with higher bonuses and yearly check-ups |
| Individual Plans | Affordable single-person Healthline plan | Flexible amounts, additional wellness options |
| Senior Citizen Plans | Lifelong renewal, special illness cover | Shorter pre-existing wait, larger network |
Case Study:
Vijay, 58, Pune, selected Royal Sundaram because he had verified that his local hospital was within their cash-less network and that the pre-existing wait was a mere 2 years.
Both are industry compliant, with the following significant exceptions:
Before purchasing, always read certain exclusions and optional riders. Use online comparison tools for clarity.
Both offer cash-less claims, telemedicine and online policy management.
In order to choose the right plan, the new premiums, the hospital lists, and the claim ratios should be compared on the reputable websites of the marketplace.
Claim settlement ratio?
Chola MS: 96 % | Royal Sundaram: 97 % (FY24). Royal Sundaram fades away a bit.
International coverage?
Royal Sundaram has international emergency and limited foreign cover; Chola MS is not a broad global cover.
Can I buy/renew online?
Both insurers, yes, allow online purchase, renewals, claims, and downloading of documents through their websites and apps.
COVID 19 hospital costs repaid?
Both, yes, cover COVID-19 hospitalization under IRDAI instructions.
Pre-existing condition coverage?
Yes. Royal Sundaram typically has a 2–3 year wait; certain Chola MS plans have up to 4 years.
How could we improve this article?
Written by Prem Anand, a content writer with over 10+ years of experience in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sectors.
Prem Anand is a seasoned content writer with over 10+ years of experience in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sectors. He has a strong command of industry-specific language and compliance regulations. He specializes in writing insightful blog posts, detailed articles, and content that educates and engages the Indian audience.
The content is prepared by thoroughly researching multiple trustworthy sources such as official websites, financial portals, customer reviews, policy documents and IRDAI guidelines. The goal is to bring accurate and reader-friendly insights.
This content is created to help readers make informed decisions. It aims to simplify complex insurance and finance topics so that you can understand your options clearly and take the right steps with confidence. Every article is written keeping transparency, clarity, and trust in mind.
Based on Google's Helpful Content System, this article emphasizes user value, transparency, and accuracy. It incorporates principles of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).
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