Report

India Health And Medical Insurance Market Analysis

The India health and medical insurance market is valued at USD 14.64 billion in 2025 and is forecast to touch USD 21.63 billion by 2030, translating into an 8.12% CAGR over the period. Medical inflation climbed to 14% in 2024 and now outpaces general inflation, a gap that pushes households, employers, and state agencies to widen formal health-risk cover. Government reforms such as the removal of age limits for new policies, shorter waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, and the steady expansion of Ayushman Bharat are widening the eligible pool of customers. Private carriers are leveraging artificial intelligence underwriting and claim bots to keep operating expenses under control as average claim sizes continue to rise. In parallel, digital marketplaces, particularly the National Health Claims Exchange, are compressing transaction costs and shortening settlement cycles, bolstering customer confidence as well as insurer liquidity positions.

India Health And Medical Insurance Market Trends and Insights



Rising Healthcare Costs Elevating Demand for Financial Protection

Medical inflation hit 14% in 2024, and households currently finance 62% of health spending out of pocket. One in four hospital bills required borrowing in 2024, an affordability gap translating directly into higher policy uptake. Average premiums rose 25-50% last year, yet lapse rates remained stable, reflecting the perceived necessity of coverage. Employers now treat comprehensive group policies as a retention imperative, and many are increasing sum-insured ceilings. Private hospitals continue to add high-end diagnostic and robotic surgical capacity, a trend that raises reimbursement benchmarks for insurers.

Government Programmes and Tax Incentives

Ayushman Bharat now insures more than 580 million citizens and, since October 2024, covers every Indian aged 70+. Section 80D tax deductions reach USD 1,205 for families that support senior-citizen parents, trimming effective premium costs for higher-income households. The Centre's approval of 100% foreign direct investment has already lured two global carriers to apply for greenfield licenses, heightening product innovation. However, large states such as Delhi and West Bengal continue to opt out of the federal scheme, leaving room for private carriers to fill protection gaps.

Low Rural Penetration and Trust Deficit

In rural India, insurance coverage lingers below 15%. Factors like erratic cash flows, a sparse presence of insurers, and intricate documentation hinder widespread adoption. Many rely on extended family networks as informal safety nets, diminishing the perceived necessity for commercial insurance. While micro-insurance plans, beginning at USD 602, offer some relief, a significant protection gap remains, especially concerning severe illnesses. Additionally, the lack of awareness about the benefits of insurance and the absence of customized products further exacerbate the issue. However, initiatives like financial literacy programs and premium schedules tailored to crop cycles are paving the way for a more profound rural outreach. These measures aim to address the unique challenges faced by rural populations, fostering greater trust and participation in the insurance market.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

Growing Middle-Class Income and Health-Risk Awareness / Digital Distribution Platforms Expanding Reach / High Claim Ratios and Medical Inflation Pressure /

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

Critical Illness Cover is on track for a 17.50% CAGR, fueled by heightened awareness of oncology and cardiac risks. Family Floater and Group contracts still dominate with a 43.6% share because employers and nuclear families favor bundled economics. Senior-Citizen Plans gained fresh momentum after the April 2024 removal of age caps. The Indian health and medical insurance market size for Critical Illness policies is projected to nearly double between 2025 and 2030.

Women-centric plans and benefit-based payouts, designed to limit open-ended liabilities, are at the forefront of product innovation. These plans cater specifically to the unique healthcare needs of women, offering tailored coverage options and financial security. Middle-income families can now access substantial protection against catastrophic medical bills through Top-Up and Super Top-Up riders. These riders provide additional coverage beyond the base policy, ensuring families are safeguarded against high medical expenses. Importantly, these innovations achieve this without a corresponding spike in premiums, thereby broadening the appeal of India's health and medical insurance market across diverse segments and income groups.

Inpatient hospitalization commands a dominant 58.1% share of premiums. However, outpatient department (OPD) and day-care covers are witnessing a robust acceleration, growing at an impressive 18.34% CAGR. This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for comprehensive health coverage that extends beyond traditional hospitalization. Insurers are evolving from mere payers to proactive health-management partners, thanks to the rising prominence of wellness riders and preventive-care bundles. These offerings are enabling insurers to engage more actively with policyholders, fostering long-term relationships. By 2030, the market size of health and medical insurance in India, particularly linked to OPD benefits, is set to see a threefold increase, reflecting a significant shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Post-COVID-19, there is a noticeable shift towards home-care normalization, evident from the rising popularity of domiciliary treatment and telemedicine add-ons. These services cater to the growing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare solutions, especially among urban populations. Furthermore, insurers are enhancing their value propositions by bundling AYUSH and maternity benefits, thereby extending their reach beyond just acute episodes. These additions address diverse healthcare needs and play a crucial role in bolstering customer retention, especially among younger demographics who prioritize holistic and preventive healthcare solutions.

The India Health and Medical Insurance Market is Segmented by Policy Type (Individual Health Insurance, Family Floater & Group Health, and More), Coverage Type (In-Patient Hospitalization, Out-Patient & Day-Care, and More), Demographic (0-18, 19-45 Years, and More), Provider Type (Public, Private Sector, and More), Distribution Channel (Agents & Brokers, and More), and Region. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Value (USD).

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

New India Assurance Co. Ltd. / Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. / ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd. / HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd. / Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd. / Care Health Insurance Ltd. / Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Ltd. / ManipalCigna Health Insurance Co. Ltd. / National Insurance Co. Ltd. / United India Insurance Co. Ltd. / Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. / SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd. / Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd. / TATA AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd. / Future Generali India Insurance Co. Ltd. / Acko General Insurance Ltd. / Go Digit Insurance Ltd. / Max Bupa Health Insurance Co. Ltd. / Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Co. Ltd. / Edelweiss General Insurance Co. Ltd. /

Additional Benefits:

The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format /
3 months of analyst support /