What are the Medical insurance scenario in India? Check it out!!
India is a country where medical insurance has become increasingly important in recent years. With the rising costs of healthcare, it has become crucial for individuals and families to have access to affordable medical insurance. The government of India has recognized this need and has taken several initiatives to ensure that every citizen has access to such insurance.Currently, medical insurance in India is still in its early stages.
According to the National Health Profile 2020, only 27% of the population has some form of medical insurance. This means that a vast majority of citizens have to pay for their medical expenses out of their own pockets, which can be financially burdensome.
One such initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), also known as Ayushman Bharat. This scheme aims to provide health insurance coverage to economically vulnerable sections of society, covering up to 5 lakhs rupees per family per year. This has helped millions of Indians gain access to medical insurance and receive quality healthcare services.
Important Aspects of medical insurance
- medical insurance in India is the role of Third-Party Administrators (TPAs). These entities act as intermediaries between the insurance companies and the policyholders. They help in the processing of claims, providing cashless hospitalization facilities, and offering other support services to policyholders. TPAs play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient operations of medical insurance policies. While the government’s efforts and initiatives have undoubtedly improved the state of medical insurance in India, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed.
- Another challenge is the high cost of medical insurance premiums. While the government has introduced schemes to make insurance more affordable, there is still a need for further reduction in premiums to make it accessible to a larger population. This can be achieved through innovative approaches, such as the use of technology to streamline processes and reduce administrative costs.
Steps regarding medical insurance
- Increasing Awareness: One of the major hurdles in achieving widespread medical insurance coverage is the lack of awareness among the general population. Many people in India are still unaware of the benefits of medical insurance and how it can financially assist them during medical emergencies.Therefore, there is a pressing need to educate and raise awareness about the importance of medical insurance.
- Expanding Coverage: While schemes like PM-JAY and Ayushman Bharat have made significant strides in providing medical insurance to the economically vulnerable sections of society, there is still a large segment of the population that remains uncovered. The government should consider expanding the coverage to include the middle class, who currently do not qualify for these schemes.
- Improving Healthcare Infrastructure: An essential aspect of enhancing the effectiveness of medical insurance is improving the overall healthcare infrastructure in the country. By investing in upgrading and expanding healthcare facilities, the government can ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible to all citizens.
- Promoting Preventive Healthcare: Another crucial step in improving medical insurance in India is focusing on preventive healthcare measures. By promoting preventive care, such as regular check-ups, vaccinations, and health screenings, the burden on insurance companies can be reduced.Preventive care not only helps in early detection of diseases but also reduces the need for expensive treatments.
- Strengthening Insurance Regulations: To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of medical insurance, it is crucial to have strong regulations in place. The government should enforce stricter guidelines for insurance providers, ensuring transparency, fair pricing, and prompt claim settlements.Additionally, efforts should be made to streamline the insurance claim process, making it simpler and more accessible for policyholders.
