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Last updated on: September 19, 2025
The HDFC Ergo Optima Restore Plan and the ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic Plan are both popular health insurance policies, but they differ in key areas. The Optima Restore Plan is known for its unique “restore benefit,” which automatically reinstates the sum insured if it gets exhausted in a policy year, along with coverage for a wide range of treatments, including maternity and day-care procedures. On the other hand, the Max Protect Classic Plan offers a higher sum insured (up to ₹1 crore), includes features like unlimited sum refill, health check-ups, and coverage for modern treatments. While Optima Restore is ideal for individuals or families seeking affordable premiums and comprehensive restoration benefits, Max Protect Classic suits those looking for higher coverage limits and broader benefits. The best choice depends on your sum insured needs, budget, and desired add-on features.
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Health insurance is no longer a formality, but it is a necessity in any Indian family. It may become difficult to decide between premium health plans like the Hdfc Ergo optima restore plan. and ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic Plan.. in 2025 when medical costs are rising. The two plans provide a range of features, elements of protection, and value adds. This article will give you a clear cut and well balanced comparison to enable you choose the best mediclaim policy that is befitting to you and your loved ones.
Both Hdfc Ergo optima restore plan. and ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic Plan are well-known health insurance plans in India that are aimed to be available to everyone, including individuals and families. Both will cover all major illnesses, hospitalisation and wellness benefits. They can be similar at first sight, but their differences and advantages address various healthcare requirements and lifestyles.
The Hdfc Ergo Optima Restore Plan is famous due to its automatic sum insured restoration and modern treatment cover. ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic Plan is unique in terms of large network of hospitals and international covers.
Q: Does Hdfc Ergo and ICICI Lombard have any difference in payment process?
A: They are both cashless and reimbursement but according to the recent customer feedback, ICICI has been observed to have a remarkably quicker claim processing.
According to industry observers, buyers in the year 2025 will be more attracted to plans that would have lifelong renewability, digital claim settlement and reduced sub-limits, and both the two plans currently offer.
| Attribute | Hdfc Ergo optima restore | ICICI max protect classic |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Age | 91 days - 65 years | 91 days - 65 years |
| Hospital Network (2025) | 12000+ | 7500+ |
| Sum Insured Range | Rs 5 lakh to 50 lakh | Rs 5 lakh to 1 crore |
| Restoration or Reset | 100 per cent, indefinitely | 100 per cent, once a year |
| Pre Hospitalisation | 60 days | 60 days |
| Post Hospitalisation | 180 days | 180 days |
| Day Care Procedures | 586 | 800+ |
| Critical Illness Cover | Optional add-on | Included on 12 illnesses (global). |
| Room Limit Rent Limit | Up to single private | No restrictions to sum insured. |
| Wellness and Rewards | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Health Checkup | Yes, once a year | Yes, once in a year to all insured. |
According to Dr. Priya Sharma, Health Insurance Advisor, the Indian families, which might undergo several health occurrences in a year, have better policies scoring highly in terms of day care coverage and flexible restoration benefits.
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Q: Which are the better plans in case of parents aged more than 60.
A: Both are subject to only 65 years of adult entry. Unlimited restore by Hdfc Ergo is beneficial to older adults whereas no room rent limit by ICICI Lombard provides additional freedom of choice of treatment.
Prices of premiums are determined based on the amount insured, age and family covered. The premium of Hdfc Ergo Optima Restore (Rs 10 lakh) of a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) will fall in the bracket of between Rs 18,000 and Rs 21,000 in 2025. ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic of 10 lakh rupees will be around 20000-24000 and it will come with value additions such as global critical illness cover and tele consultations on wellness.
Thus, Hdfc Ergo will be of affordable value to a variety of claims in the domestic market, whereas ICICI Lombard will support its premium with global advantages and a reduced number of limitations on treatment.
ICICI Lombard has one of the highest returns in claim settlement ratio of more than 98 percent in FY 2024-25, which means that it is one of the best private insurers in India in terms of consumer confidence.
The base plans do not cover maternity benefits, OPD, dental, and vision but can be offered as an addition.
Q: Do the two policies carry preventive health benefits?
A: Yes, the annual health check and wellness rewards are provided by both plans to encourage preventive behavior, and the consultations with the doctor are provided in the app or on the site without the use of cash.
In case, you would wish to have continuous coverage alone or with your family in India, and wish more than one person covered with the same policy, Hdfc Ergo Optima Restore will normally suit well as there are no limitations to restorations.
ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic Plan is more attractive in case you are prone to traveling or going overseas or would not like to be restricted by the kind of treatment offered, room charges, or hospitals within the network.
They both permit family floater and individual choices, and it is up to individual priorities and lifestyles in 2025.
Families having children or the aged should take into consideration floater plans having huge restoration limits and having no sub-limits. International coverage is an advantage and is not necessarily necessary unless one travels frequently, says insurance consultant Ravi Vaidya.
Customers complain that response is quicker and less paperwork with ICICI, but Hdfc Ergo has broader links with hospitals in Indian metros.
Q: Is it possible to purchase these health insurance plans in 2025 online?
A: Yes. Both companies have the option of 100 percent online purchase of policies, digital KYC, renewals and paperless claims submissions.
Hdfc Ergo Optima Restore Plan suits well to the individuals who attach importance to unlimited restoration within India and have a number of family members to cover. Coverage is strong except room rent which is pocket friendly in terms of premiums.
ICICI Lombard Max Protect Classic Plan is appropriate to persons, who prefer large amount of sum insured, no capping on room rent, global sickness cover, and contemporary fitness amenities. It is slightly higher in price, and it suits the international lifestyle demands.
Add personal healthcare requirements, network hospitals, digital experience, and price to make a decision in 2025.
Q1: What plan will benefit parents with senior citizen health better?
A1: The Hdfc Ergo is usually more appropriate as a result of unlimited restore. The premium rooms or international treatment of older parents would be suitable in ICICI.
Q2: Is it possible to claim under these plans of COVID19 in 2025?
A2: Yes, COVID19, and treatment associated with it are included, according to IRDAI regulations, in both base plans.
Q3: Does both plans qualify as tax benefit under Section 80D?
A3: Yes, they give the same tax benefit according to Income Tax Act in India.
Q4: Are there wellness rewards?
A4: Yes, the two plans have wellness benefits, healthy behavioral discounts, and incentive plans on preventive checkups.
Q5: Is it possible to change or port between two plans?
A5: Yes, the port is permitted under policy terms and continuity as per the IRDAI regulations.
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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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