Comparing ICICI Lombard Elevate and ManipalCigna Sarvah Health Plans: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

In today’s healthcare landscape, choosing the right health insurance plan can be a daunting task. With medical costs rising, a reliable insurance policy provides not only financial security but peace of mind. Among the array of options available, two prominent choices are ICICI Lombard Elevate and ManipalCigna Sarvah health plans. Both are designed to offer comprehensive protection with distinct benefits tailored to diverse needs. But how do these plans stack up against each other?

This article dives deep into the features, unique advantages, eligibility criteria, and premium structures of both plans to help you make a well-informed decision. Whether you’re seeking affordability, robust add-ons, or immediate coverage with zero waiting periods, this comparison will guide you in finding the best fit for your health and financial security.

Introduction to ICICI Lombard Elevate and ManipalCigna Sarvah

ICICI Lombard Elevate and ManipalCigna Sarvah (Uttam and Param) are both comprehensive health insurance plans designed to offer extensive coverage for a wide array of medical needs. Both plans include standard features like inpatient care, daycare treatments, and domiciliary (home) care, but they differ in their approach to riders, waiting periods, sum assured, and unique selling points. Let’s break down these differences in detail.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

ICICI Lombard Elevate

  • Power Booster: This unique feature offers an unlimited sum assured with no cap on annual bonuses, making it an attractive choice for those seeking limitless coverage.
  • CIBIL Discount: Customers with a high CIBIL score can enjoy a 15% discount on the first-year premium, a rare perk in the insurance market.
  • Infinite Care Rider: With this rider, policyholders can claim any amount for a single health incident, with no upper limit, ensuring complete protection against high medical bills.

ManipalCigna Sarvah (Uttam and Param)

  • Anant Rider: This feature provides infinite sum assured for major illnesses, ensuring policyholders have lifetime protection.
  • Gullak Benefit: For Uttam and Param, Gullak offers a 100% sum assured increase, with bonuses reaching up to 10x over time.
  • Zero Waiting Period (Param): Param eliminates the waiting period, covering all conditions immediately. This benefit is rare and valuable for those with pre-existing conditions seeking instant coverage.

Both plans provide flexible options, but their unique benefits are tailored to specific needs, which will help customers decide based on their health priorities.

Basic Details Comparison of ICICI Lombard Elevate and ManipalCigna Sarvah Plans

EligibilityICICI Lombard ElevateManipalCigna Sarvah (Uttam and Param)
Entry age18 years – 125 years
91 days – 30 years (Dependent)
18 years – No Limits
91 days – 30 years (Dependent)
Room Rent CoverageSingle Private AC Room
(Room modifier add on available)
Single Private AC Room
Sum Insured5 Lacs to Unlimited5 Lacs to 3 Crores
Tenure1/2/3 years1/2/3 years
Bonus20% and Maximum Upto 100%Can be added through Rider
Daycare TreatmentCovered upto Sum InsuredCovered upto Sum Insured
Domiciliary HospitalisationCovered upto Sum InsuredCovered upto Sum Insured
AYUSH HospitalisationCovered upto Sum InsuredCovered upto Sum Insured
Refill BenefitUnlimited number of times in a year for any illnessUTTAM : Can be added through Rider
PARAM : In Built – 100% of Sum Insured, Multiple times for related / unrelated illness
Emergency Road AmbulanceCoverd upto Sum InsuredCoverd upto Sum Insured
Emergency Air AmbulanceCan be added through a RiderCan be added through a Rider
Complimentary Wellness TestsCan be added through a RiderUTTAM : Can be added through a Rider
PARAM : In Built – once a year
Wellness BenefitsAvailable upto 30%Up to 20% as per steps taken every day (Wealthy App)
Pre / Post hospitalization90 days & 180 days90 days & 180 days
E-consultationCan be added through a RiderUnlimited E-consultation
Mordern treatments / Robotic SurgeriesCoverd upto sum assuredCoverd upto sum assured
OPD coverCan be added through a RiderNot Available
DeductibleNot AvailableCan be added through a Rider
Maternity ExpensesRider can be added for Maternity and new born baby coverageUTTAM : Maternity & New Born Hospitalization Expenses – 20% of Sum Insured, Max 5 Lacs, can be added through Rider
PARAM : Not Available
Global CoverNot CoveredNot Covered
Specific illnesses waiting period2 yearsUTTAM : 2 years
PARAM : Not Available
Pre existing waiting period3 yearsUTTAM : 3 years
PARAM : Not Available

Eligibility Criteria and Room Rent Coverage

1. Entry Age and Policy Tenure

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate has a minimum entry age of 18 years with no upper age limit, making it ideal for policyholders of any age.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah also has a minimum entry age of 18 years, with options for children starting at 91 days.

2. Room Rent Coverage

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate provides a single private AC room as standard, ideal for those who prefer privacy during hospitalization.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah also includes a single private AC room in both Uttam and Param. A room rent modification rider allows upgrades or downgrades based on preference, offering flexible options for room selection.

The entry age and room rent flexibility are essential criteria, especially for those considering family plans or looking for budget-friendly room modifications.

Also see: Comparison of ICICI Elevate vs ACKO Platinum Plans

Coverage Highlights and Sum Assured

Sum Assured

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate has a minimum sum assured of ₹5 lakh, with no cap on the maximum sum assured, thanks to the Power Booster rider.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah offers a minimum sum assured of ₹5 lakh and provides multi-tenure discounts on policies of 1, 2, or 3 years, an attractive feature for those who prefer to lock in coverage.

Bonus and Refill Benefits

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate offers a cumulative bonus that can reach 100%, and this bonus remains intact even if claims are made.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah provides a restoration benefit in Uttam and an unlimited 100% refill option for related or unrelated illnesses in Param, with no restrictions on frequency.

Daycare and Domiciliary Treatment

  • Both plans cover daycare treatments where hospitalization isn’t mandatory, and domiciliary treatments for cases that require home care. This provision is particularly beneficial for minor procedures or home-bound patients.

AYUSH and Ambulance Coverage

  • AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) are covered up to the sum assured in both plans.
  • Road ambulance expenses are covered up to the sum assured, and air ambulance can be added as a rider in both plans, making them suitable for both routine and emergency transport needs.

Also see: ManipalCigna Sarvah Plan Benefits

Wellness and Preventive Health Benefits

Wellness Benefits

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate offers a 30% wellness benefit discount that can reduce the overall premium for policyholders who maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah provides a 20% discount through the Wealthy App, rewarding customers who actively manage their health.

E-Consultation and Wellness Tests

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate offers annual wellness tests and e-consultations as optional riders, enhancing preventive care.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah offers unlimited e-consultations in the Uttam plan and includes an annual wellness test in Param, providing a comprehensive preventive care package for policyholders.

These preventive features support proactive health management, a key factor for those who value long-term health maintenance.

Also see: Comparison of ICICI Lombard Elevate vs Star Health SuperStar Plans

Optional Riders and Customization Options

RidersICICI Lombard ElevateManipalCigna Sarvah UttamManipalCigna Sarvah Param
1. Durable Medical EquipmentAnnual Health checkup,Pratiksha
2. Dependent Accomodation BenefitAnant-Infinite cover for listed illnessesSurplus BenefitAdditional 100% of Sum Insured available from 1 st claim of each policy year
3. Annual Health CheckUpsMaternity and new born hospitalisation expensesPersonal Accident Cover 10 lacs – 3 crores
4.Claim ProtectorRestoration of Sum insuredCoverage for Non Medical Expenses and Durable Medical Expenses
5. Power BoosterGullak – 100% of Sum insured per Annum, 1000% of Sum insured Guaranteed bonusAir Ambulance
6. Infinite CareSarathi – Reduction of PED- Diabetes, Obesity, Asthma, Blood Pressure & Cholestrol to 30 daysRoom Rent Modification (Any Room and Twin Sharing options available)
7. Domestic Air Ambulance CoverSurplus BenefitAdditional 100% of Sum insured available from 1 st claim of each policy yearVoluntary Copayment – Co- payment10%/20%/30%
8. Network AdvantedgePersonal Accident Cover 10 lacs – 3 croresDeductible – Aggregate deductible 10K-10 lacs, Per day Deductible – 1k to 5k per day deductible on all claims
9. Nursing at HomeCoverage for Non Medical Expenses and Durable Medical Expenses
10. Compassionate VisitAir Ambulance
11. Inflation ProtectorRoom Rent Modification (Any Room and Twin Sharing options available)
12. Convalescence BenefitVoluntary Copayment – Co-payment10%/20%/30%
13. Critical IllnessDeductible – Aggregate deductible 10K-10 lacs, Per day Deductible – 1k to 5k per day deductible on all claims
14. Personal Accident
15. JumpStart
16. Room modifier
17. Co-Payment
18. Befit (OPD)

ICICI Lombard Elevate Riders

  • Extensive Choice of 18 Riders: Elevate offers customization through riders such as Claim Protector, Power Booster, Inflation Protector, and Befit (OPD).
  • JumpStart Rider: Unique to ICICI Lombard, this rider covers pre-existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension from day one, a highly attractive feature for those with chronic conditions.

ManipalCigna Sarvah Riders

  • Highlighted Riders: Include Anant (infinite cover for listed illnesses), Gullak (cumulative sum assured), and Sarathi (30-day waiting period reduction for chronic illnesses).
  • Co-payment and Deductible: The option for a co-payment (10-30%) and deductible helps reduce premiums, providing a budget-friendly alternative for price-sensitive buyers.

ICICI Lombard variety of riders gives policyholders extensive control over their policy, while ManipalCigna Sarvah riders add powerful benefits for chronic condition management.

Maternity and Global Cover

Maternity Expenses

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate offers maternity coverage after a two-year waiting period, which includes coverage for the newborn.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah covers maternity as an add-on in Uttam, with coverage up to ₹5 lakh, making it suitable for families planning to expand.

Global Cover

  • Currently, neither ICICI Lombard Elevate nor ManipalCigna Sarvah offers global coverage.

Maternity benefits make these plans appealing for growing families, though the lack of global coverage may limit options for those seeking international protection.

Waiting Periods and Pre-Existing Conditions

Waiting Periods

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate has a 30-day initial waiting period, a two-year wait for specific exclusions, and a three-year waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah (Uttam) follows a similar structure, but Param offers zero waiting periods for all conditions, a major advantage for those needing immediate comprehensive coverage.

Specific Exclusions

  • Both plans have exclusions for certain slow-growing conditions, although Param zero waiting period eliminates the need for exclusions.

ManipalCigna Sarvah Param plan is particularly attractive for those with pre-existing conditions or immediate health needs, whereas ICICI Lombard Elevate requires a more standard waiting period.

Premium Structure and Cost Comparison

ICICI Lombard Elevate

  • Zone 1 Premium: ₹16,901
  • Zone 2 Premium: ₹15,211

ManipalCigna Sarvah

  • Uttam Premium (Zone 1): ₹25,732, Zone 2: ₹20,698
  • Param Premium (Zone 1): ₹37,250, Zone 2: ₹31,365

Conclusion on Premium: ICICI Lombard Elevate has a more affordable premium, especially in lower-risk zones. In contrast, ManipalCigna Sarvah Param plan, though pricier, offers a rare zero waiting period, making it highly valuable for customers needing instant coverage.

Choosing Between ICICI Lombard Elevate and ManipalCigna Sarvah

Choosing between ICICI Lombard Elevate and ManipalCigna Sarvah depends largely on personal priorities:

  • ICICI Lombard Elevate is cost-effective, with a broad range of customizable riders, making it ideal for those who value affordability and flexibility.
  • ManipalCigna Sarvah is best for customers needing instant coverage with no waiting periods (in Param), high cumulative bonuses, and lifetime coverage for chronic illnesses.

In terms of unique selling points, ICICI Lombard Elevate Power Booster and CIBIL discount are appealing, while ManipalCigna Sarvah Gullak and Anant benefits make it suitable for those seeking long-term growth and security.

Important Links

ICICI Lombard ElevateBrochure
POLICY WORDING
ManipalCigna SarvahBrochure
Official link

Conclusion

Both ICICI Lombard Elevate and ManipalCigna Sarvah have their strengths. ICICI Lombard extensive riders and flexible coverage make it suitable for budget-conscious buyers, while ManipalCigna Sarvah offers more robust benefits with no waiting periods in Param, ideal for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Before making a choice, consult an insurance advisor to ensure the selected plan meets your health, budget, and long-term needs.

FAQs

What makes ICICI Lombard Elevate Power Booster unique compared to other health insurance plans?

The Power Booster feature in ICICI Lombard Elevate offers an unlimited sum assured with a guaranteed 100% bonus each year, ensuring no cap on your coverage amount. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking maximum financial protection without limitations on claim amounts.

How does the Gullak Benefit in ManipalCigna Sarvah work?

ManipalCigna Sarvah Gullak Benefit allows policyholders to accumulate their sum assured by 100% annually, up to a maximum of 10 times the base coverage. This unique feature enables long-term policyholders to see their coverage grow significantly over time.

Are there any waiting periods for pre-existing conditions in these plans?

ICICI Lombard Elevate has a standard waiting period of three years for pre-existing conditions, while ManipalCigna Sarvah Param plan has no waiting periods, offering instant coverage for pre-existing and other medical conditions from day one.

What wellness benefits are offered in both plans?

ICICI Lombard Elevate offers up to a 30% discount on wellness activities, while ManipalCigna Sarvah provides a 20% discount through the Wealthy App, encouraging policyholders to maintain a healthy lifestyle and potentially lower their premiums.

Which plan is more cost-effective for families with maternity needs?

Both plans offer maternity benefits through riders; however, ICICI Lombard Elevate has a two-year waiting period for maternity expenses, while ManipalCigna Sarvah Uttam option covers maternity up to ₹5 lakh. Families should consider their specific maternity coverage needs and waiting periods when choosing between these plans.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Readers should consult with a licensed insurance advisor to understand the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions of any health plan. Plan details, premium rates, and benefits may vary based on personal eligibility and may be subject to change by the insurance providers.

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