In India, a **No Claim Bonus (NCB)** (also called **Cumulative Bonus**) is a reward for completing a policy year without making a claim. The bonus usually increases your sum insured at renewal without a corresponding increase in premium, though some newer products may offer a premium discount instead. ### How NCB typically works in 2026 - After each claim-free year, your sum insured may increase by a fixed percentage (commonly 10%–50%, depending on the policy). - The bonus accumulates over multiple claim-free years, often up to a maximum limit such as 50%, 100%, or even higher in some plans. - If you make a claim, some policies reduce the accumulated bonus while others may reset it, unless they include NCB protection features. ### Health insurance plans known for strong NCB / bonus structures (2026) Examples often discussed by insurance experts and industry sources include: | Type of benefit | Examples | |----------|----------| | High cumulative bonus growth | Niva Bupa plans with Booster-style benefits, certain plans from HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, and Care Health Insurance | | Bonus regardless of claims (selected products) | Some plans such as HDFC ERGO offerings include renewal-linked cover increases that are separate from traditional NCB. | | Very high cumulative bonus caps | Recent products such as Shriram General Insurance's Shri Health Suraksha 2.0 advertise cumulative bonus up to 250% of the base sum insured. | ### What to look for besides NCB NCB is useful, but it should not be the primary reason for choosing a health insurance policy. More important factors are: 1. Room-rent restrictions. 2. Waiting periods for pre-existing diseases. 3. Claim settlement experience. 4. Restoration benefits. 5. Network hospitals in your city. 6. Co-payments and sub-limits. 7. Premium stability over time. ### My recommendation If you're buying a health insurance policy in 2026, prioritize a plan with: - ₹10–25 lakh base cover (depending on family size and city), - unlimited or multiple restoration benefits, - short waiting periods, - good hospital network, - and a cumulative bonus of at least 50% per claim-free year or a strong booster benefit. If you tell me: - your age, - individual or family floater, - city, - any pre-existing diseases, - and budget, I can suggest specific health insurance plans with the best NCB structures and overall value in India for 2026.
Sources cited · 5
- FAQs on Health Insurance Regulations - IRDAIirdai.gov.in/faqs-on-health-insurance-regulations
- No Claim Bonus (NCB) in Health Insurance | Star Healthstarhealth.in/health-insurance/no-claim-bonus-ncb-in-health-insurance
- Renewal Bonus In Health Insurance: Explainedjoinditto.in/articles/health-insurance/renewal-bonus-in-health-insurance
- Shriram General Insurance unveils upgraded 'Shri Health Suraksha 2.0'timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/shriram-general-insurance-unveils-upgraded-shri-health-suraksha-2-0/articleshow/129510103.cms
- Health Insurance Plans with No Claim Bonusjoinditto.in/articles/health-insurance/health-insurance-plans-with-no-claim-bonus