Only 20% of women in India have adequate health insurance cover, survey finds

New Delhi: Only about one in five women in India has adequate health insurance coverage, according to a recent survey, highlighting a significant gap in financial protection against medical expenses.

The findings show that while women account for nearly 47 percent of the insured population, a large majority remain underinsured when it comes to coverage for serious illnesses. Nearly 80 percent of women do not have health insurance exceeding ₹20 lakh, an amount often considered necessary to manage the costs of major treatments such as cancer care or cardiac procedures.

Experts say the gap reflects broader social and financial priorities within households where women’s health needs are often placed behind family expenses. Many women continue to rely on policies taken in the name of other family members rather than purchasing independent health cover.

Industry data also indicates that although women are increasingly participating in the insurance ecosystem, awareness about adequate coverage remains limited. Rising healthcare costs and longer life expectancy among women make financial preparedness through health insurance particularly important, analysts say.

The survey has renewed calls from health and insurance experts for stronger awareness campaigns and targeted policy initiatives aimed at improving women’s access to comprehensive health insurance, especially as healthcare expenditure continues to rise in India.