India:Huge majority say they should buy health cover before age of 30

A high percentage, 85%, of respondents to a health and insurance survey believe they should get health insurance before the age of 30. Despite this, 20% of the respondents still don't have a health insurance policy, says GOQi which provides health and lifestyle solutions.

According to the 5th edition of the GOQii India Fit Report 2019, 90% of people believe healthier people should pay lower premiums on their insurance policies. 70% are willing to share health data with insurance companies to get a discount on premiums.

The common notion that continues to prevail is that insurance is confusing to understand, a prime reason that discourages people from buying a policy. The high cost of insurance also deters them.

What consumers want?

Cashless hospitalisation (87.9%) is the most sought-after health insurance benefit followed by medical bill reimbursement facility (67.7%) and better treatment in the best hospitals (59.0%), the survey findings show.

Respondents at large feel that ideal health insurance should cover medical check-ups, cost of medicines, ambulance charges, dental treatment, post-surgery follow-up charges and preventive medicines. The other benefits they look for include accident coverage, good afterlife benefits, benefits for nominees, complete coverage / maximum cover, easy claim settlement, sum assured benefits and term insurance benefits.