Health insurance in India

Health insurance in India is a growing segment of India's economy. The Indian healthcare system is one of the largest in the world, with the number of people it concerns: nearly 1.3 billion potential beneficiaries. The healthcare industry in India has rapidly become one of the most important sectors in the country in terms of income and job creation. In 2018, one hundred million Indian households (500 million people) do not benefit from health coverage. In 2011, 3.9%[1] of India's gross domestic product was spent in the health sector.

Policies are available that offer both individual and family cover. Out of this 3.9%, health insurance accounts for 5-10% of expenditure, employers account for around 9% while personal expenditure amounts to an astounding 82%.[2] In the year 2016, the NSSO released the report “Key Indicators of Social Consumption in India: Health” based on its 71st round of surveys. The survey carried out in the year 2014 found out that, more than 80% of Indians are not covered under any health insurance plan, and only 18% (government funded 12%) of the urban population and 14% (government funded 13%) of the rural population was covered under any form of health insurance.[3]

Health Insurance Coverage in India:Stats from NSSO survey

Presentation

India's public health expenditures are lower than those of other middle-income countries. In 2012, they accounted for 4% of GDP, which is half as much as in China with 5.1%. In terms of public health spending per capita, India ranks 184th out of 191 countries in 2012. Patients' remaining costs represent about 58% of the total.[4] The remaining costs borne by the patient represent an increasing share of the household budget, from 5% of this budget in 2000 to over 11% in 2004-2005.[5] On average, the remaining costs of poor households as a result of hospitalization accounted for 140% of their annual income in rural areas and 90% in urban areas.

History

Launched in 1986,[6] the health insurance industry has grown significantly mainly due to liberalization of economy and general awareness. According to the World Bank, by 2010, more than 25%[7] of India's population had access to some form of health insurance. There are standalone health insurers along with government sponsored health insurance providers. Until recently, to improve the awareness and reduce the procrastination for buying health insurance, the General Insurance Corporation of India and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) had launched[8] an awareness campaign for all segments of the population.

Types of policies

The health insurance sector hovers around 10% in density calculations. India is a country with one of the lowest health insurance penetration, with only 18% of people in urban areas and 14% in rural areas covered under any kind of health insurance scheme.[9] One of the main reasons for the low penetration and coverage of health insurance is the lack of competition in the sector. IRDAI which is responsible for insurance policies in India can create health circles, similar to telecom circles to promote competition.[10]

Cost and duration
  • Policy price range: Insurance companies offer health insurance from a sum insured of ₹5,000[11] for micro-insurance policies to a higher sum insured of ₹5 million (US$63,000) and above. The common insurance policies for health insurance are usually available from ₹100,000 (US$1,300) to ₹500,000 (US$6,300).

Tax benefits

Under Section 80D of the Income-tax Act the insured person who takes out the policy can claim for tax deductions.[12]

References
  1. "WHO South-East Asia Region: India statistics summary (2002 - present)". World Health Organization. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  2. "Health Insurance and Telecom Markets – A Comparative Study". 23 March 2015.
  3. Ambrish Singh. Current Situation of Health Care Coverage in India, ISPOR, News Across Asia, Volume 5 Number 1 April–July 2016. Available at: https://www.ispor.org/consortiums/asia/NewsAcrossAsia_Spring2016.pdf
  4. "Études économiques de l'OCDE : Inde 2007". Études économiques de l'OCDE: Inde. 2008-11-26. doi:10.1787/eco_surveys-ind-2007-fr. ISBN 9789264033535. ISSN 2223-5108.
  5. Ladusingh, Laishram; Pandey, Anamika (2013-05-23). "High inpatient care cost of dying in India". Journal of Public Health. 21 (5): 435–443. doi:10.1007/s10389-013-0572-9. ISSN 0943-1853. S2CID 26116408.
  6. "4 factors that impacted health insurance industry in 2013". Financial Express. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  7. "Government-Sponsored Health Insurance in India: Are You Covered?". World Bank. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  8. "4 factors that impacted health insurance industry in 2013". Financial Express. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  9. "Indian Brand Equity Foundation - Insurance" (PDF).
  10. "Health Insurance and Telecom Markets – A Comparative Study". 23 March 2015.
  11. "Handbook on Health Insurance" (PDF). Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  12. "Section 80D provides tax benefits for mediclaim premium". Live Mint. 24 June 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
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