Learn about local health insurance options in India
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How does healthcare work in India?
The healthcare system in India is a mix of public and private insurance.
The Indian government has introduced several health insurance schemes for its citizens, particularly for the underprivileged sections of society. These include:
Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) which provides health insurance coverage for workers in the unorganized sector that are below the poverty line.
Ayushman Bharat was launched to achieve Universal Health Coverage in India. It combined the creation of wellness centers with the introduction of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). PM-JAY is one of the world's largest government-funded healthcare programs, which aims to provide free access to healthcare to poor and vulnerable families.
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) was created for Indian government employees, pensioners and their families.
Aside from the government-sponsored schemes, many Indians opt for private health insurance. Private insurers offer a wide variety of policies, including family floater plans, senior citizen health insurance, critical illness plans, and individual health insurance plans.
Despite these systems, only 37% of Indians were insured by either public or private health insurance in 2018. Many Indians, especially those in rural areas, have limited access to quality healthcare services and the out-of-pocket expense for healthcare in India is relatively high compared to other countries.
🟢 India’s primary healthcare system typically covers:
Basic outpatient care for common illnesses like respiratory infections, malaria, diarrhea, and simple non-communicable diseases
Basic screening for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer, followed by basic management
Basic life support and stabilization of patients with emergencies
Immunization programs and disease prevention
Health education on various health and sanitation issues
Maternal care such as prenatal and postnatal care, safe delivery services, neonatal care and child health services
Family planning services related to contraception advice and devices, sterilization procedures, and reproductive healthÂ
🛑 Services and treatments outside the scope of primary healthcare include:
Access to specialists such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, etc., which typically require a referral
Advanced diagnostic procedures, such as MRIs, CT scans, complex laboratory tests, or certain types of biopsy
Surgeries requiring specialized surgeons or advanced surgical equipment
Complex management of chronic conditions requiring specialist interventionÂ
Advanced cancer treatments like complex surgeries, radiation therapy, and advanced chemotherapy protocols
Critical/intensive care services requiring advanced monitoring and life support
Specialized mental health services like those for severe mental illnesses, advanced psychotherapy, or certain psychiatric emergencies
Insurance for expats
Expats are not eligible for public health coverage in India. In fact, expats are strongly discouraged from seeking care in the public system, not only because the quality of the healthcare is very basic but also because they would be using some of the already very limited resources offered to underprivileged people in India.
If expats choose to seek public care, they would have to pay a registration fee in addition to the treatment cost. Those admitted overnight would also pay room charges.
The majority of people and employers in India opt for private health insurance rather than relying solely on government healthcare. Private health insurance offers a wider range of coverage options and allows individuals to choose from a variety of plans that suit their specific needs. It provides access to a larger network of hospitals and healthcare providers, shorter waiting times for treatments, and often includes additional benefits such as cashless hospitalization and specialized services.Â
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Laura Scott
Head of Marketing, Remote Health at SafetyWing
As the marketing lead in our Remote Health team, Laura specializes in product marketing, project management and lead generation.
Laura Scott
Head of Marketing, Remote Health at SafetyWing
As the marketing lead in our Remote Health team, Laura specializes in product marketing, project management and lead generation.
