Health Insurance Industry Trends
The Indian health insurance industry is growing rapidly. In 2020, COVID-19 had an enormous impact on healthcare and, consequently, the health insurance industry. The industry has evolved, offering new products and steadily increasing revenue. Remote work and video conferencing became the new normal for an industry that previously relied on face-to-face interaction. Here are a few trends expected to impact the health insurance industry:
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Introducing New Insurance Policies
Since the pandemic, awareness about the need for health insurance has increased. Health insurance has become essential, leading more people to invest in it. Insurance companies have launched several new health insurance policies to meet customer needs. For instance, specialized plans like the Corona Rakshak Plan were introduced to address specific health crises.
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Digitalization
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health insurance companies realized that selling products through digital platforms was essential, as in-person interactions became limited. Consequently, they adopted digital processes to sell health insurance products. They also promote e-KYC processes for customer verification, enabling purchases from the comfort of home. Digital channels simplify the buying process and offer customers a wide range of options to choose the best health insurance plans according to their needs.
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Value-Added Services
The health insurance sector is continuously transforming, with major insurance companies adopting a comprehensive approach to attract more customers. They are rapidly expanding their network of hospitals and enhancing services with value-added options like lifelong renewability, maternity cover, day-care treatment, regular health check-ups, and 24/7 customer care.
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Coverage for Makeshift Hospital Setups
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) announced that makeshift or temporary hospitals should be treated as network hospitals to settle claims by insurers. Makeshift facilities are temporary medical setups created by the government for urgent patient treatment during shortages of beds and other medical amenities. With this inclusion, coverage for makeshift hospitals is likely to become a standard part of underwriting, and treatment for other natural disasters will also be considered valid by insurance companies. This move positively impacts the health insurance industry and raises awareness about health insurance among the public.
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Cost Transparency and Artificial Intelligence
As health insurance costs vary based on the provider, location, and other factors, customers need access to this valuable information. This gap can be addressed with tools that help customers find suitable plans. Consequently, the use of Artificial Intelligence has increased in the health insurance industry, with companies suggesting best-suited plans based on personal information to aid in selection. Insurance companies have introduced cost estimator tools that provide pricing information and help customers compare plans.
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Telemedicine Coverage
Insurance companies began covering telemedicine consultations from October 2020. Telemedicine is a convenient and affordable option for customers to reduce the cost and time associated with traveling. This also helps prevent customers from being infected by COVID-19. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has instructed insurance companies to settle claims related to telemedicine.
Latest Developments
Some of the latest developments in the health insurance industry are:
- Max Bupa Health Insurance was renamed as Niva Bupa Health Insurance.
- HDFC Ltd. bought a 50.80% stake in Apollo Munich Health Insurance, which was subsequently renamed HDFC Ergo Health.
- Religare Health Insurance rebranded itself into Care Health Insurance.
- Bharti AXA General Insurance has merged with ICICI Lombard General Insurance.
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has announced a set of notifications regarding the underwriting of health insurance.
- Niva Bupa launched a comprehensive cancer plan for just ₹5/day.
As customer health remains a priority for health insurance companies, these trends will help them overcome obstacles and provide simple, affordable, and high-quality care.
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