Policy review · HDFC Ergo
Optima Secure
Layered, always-on cover that doesn't lean on yearly bonuses — doubled from day one, no room cap, no co-pay. Here's the detail.
Expert rating
4.54
★★★★★
The verdict
Optima Secure is a solid recommendation for anyone seeking genuine peace of mind. The plan's layered, "always on" coverage suits families, young buyers, and seniors alike — offering strong early benefits, growing protection, and reliable features without depending on yearly bonuses.
Where it wins
Wide range of features with genuine usability.
Premiums are relatively well priced for the coverage.
Solid insurer track record — 97% CSR.
2× Secure Benefit from day one.Standout
No room rent restrictions — pick any room.
Good Restoration Benefit adds significant value.
Where it stings
Maternity not included — requires add-on.
Doctor consultations not covered — need add-on.
Waiting periods
No cover except for accidents.
Gallbladder, kidney stones, arthritis, etc.
Customisable — can be reduced to 30 days for ABCD conditions.
Expert take — excellent: the policy allows reducing PED to 1–2 years for all diseases and to 30 days for ABCD conditions via add-on.
Claims snapshot
HDFC Ergo, latest IRDAI disclosure year — how the insurer behind the plan actually performs.
Approved by number of claims.
Claims paid vs premium collected.
How quickly claims are paid.
On overall claims — lower is better.
Key features
Buy ₹10L cover, get ₹20L from day 1. Your sum insured is automatically doubled.
Insurer bears the entire cost of treatment up to sum insured. Zero out-of-pocket.
Single, shared, deluxe — pick any room. No restrictions on room rent.
Claim full amount up to sum insured for any covered disease. No disease-wise caps.
Protect Benefit covers consumables like gloves, masks, PPE — often excluded by others.
100% of cover restored for subsequent hospitalizations in the same policy year.
Add-ons
Restores cover unlimited times up to 100% of sum insured for any illness.
For Asthma, BP, Cholesterol, Diabetes: PED waiting reduced from 3 years to 30 days.
Unlimited tele & in-clinic GP consultations, free home sample collection, fitness classes, mental health counselling.
Choose deductible ₹25K–₹5L for premium discount.
Maternity expenses ₹50K–₹2L covered after 2-year waiting period.
PED waiting reduced to 1 or 2 years for all diseases. (Not live yet)
₹1,000–₹2,000/day for up to 30 days if hospitalized at least 1 day.
Lump sum of 500% SI for accidental death/disability, up to ₹1 Cr.
Unlimited coverage without upper cap for a specified number of claims during policy lifetime.
Common exclusions
Admissions primarily for diagnostics and evaluation purposes.
Diagnostic expenses not related to current diagnosis/treatment.
Admissions primarily for bed rest, not treatment.
Custodial care at home or facility for daily activity help.
Hospice/palliative services addressing non-medical needs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — 30-day initial, 2-year specific illness, and 3-year PED (customisable via add-on).
No. You can choose any room — single, shared, or deluxe.
Yes — 100% of cover restored for multiple hospitalizations in a policy year.