MAM
One in two urban Indians have access to quality healthcare: Ipsos Global Health Service Monitor 2023
Mumbai: According to the Ipsos Global Health Service Monitor 2023, a global 31 country study conducted among 23,274 adults, at least 1 in 2 urban Indians (53 per cent) and 48 per cent global citizens polled, claim to have access to good quality of healthcare. Markets where more number of citizens rated their healthcare facilities high and of good quality were Singapore (71 per cent), Switzerland (68 per cent) and Malaysia (66 per cent). On the other hand, markets where citizens rated their healthcare lowest in quality of healthcare were Poland (14 per cent), Hungary (15 per cent) and Peru (16 per cent).
Overstretched Healthcare System
Interestingly, there was a consensus across markets of their healthcare system being overstretched, with at least 2 in 3 urban Indians (68 per cent) and 6 in 10 global citizens agreeing (62 per cent). Markets claiming to be more pressured were France (82 per cent), Great Britain (81 per cent), Hungary (79 per cent) and Sweden (79 per cent). The markets that claimed to be least burdened were Japan (24 per cent), South Korea (24 per cent) and Poland (27 per cent).
Healthcare – how does it stack up
Interestingly, 71 per cent of Indians polled believe we have Equality of Healthcare (highest globally) while in comparison only 41 per cent of global citizens held this view about their nations. Malaysia (65 per cent), Spain (64 per cent) and Singapore (61 per cent) were the other countries with high ratings on Equality of Healthcare. While Hungary (14 per cent), Poland (23 per cent) and Chile (24 per cent) had low ratings.
On ease of getting a doctor appointment in the local area, India again was placed at the top at 70 per cent (highest globally), followed by South Korea (64 per cent), Malaysia (61 per cent), South Africa (61 per cent) and Singapore (60 per cent), with their citizens claiming it was easy to get the doctor’s appointment. Only 46 per cent of global citizens polled said it was easy to get a doctor’s appointment in their local area. Markets at the bottom of the heap with least ease of obtaining a doctor’s appointment in their area were France (32 per cent), Peru (32 per cent), Germany (33 per cent) and Canada (33 per cent).
For Trust in Healthcare that provides the best treatment, India once again was placed at the top with 75 per cent urban Indians endorsing this view. The other top markets with trust in their healthcare system were Singapore (69 per cent), Spain (69 per cent) and Malaysia (68 per cent). The markets with least Trust in Healthcare were Hungary (15 per cent), Peru (27 per cent) and Poland (32 per cent).
77 per cent urban Indians and 59 per cent global citizens polled believe Vaccinating against serious infectious diseases should be compulsory.
Areas of discontent in Healthcare
Waiting time to get an appointment with the doc was seen to be a perpetual problem across most markets polled with at least 67 per cent of global citizens polled agreeing. Even 70 per cent of urban Indians polled seemed miffed with the waiting time taken to see the doctor. The markets most unhappy with the waiting time taken to see the doctor were Hungary (86 per cent), Poland (81 per cent) and Brazil (81 per cent). Markets with least waiting time were Switzerland (38 per cent), South Korea (43 per cent) and the United States (47 per cent).
Notably, the cost of healthcare was seen to be a sore point across most of the markets polled, with at least 6 in 10 global citizens (61 per cent) and at least three in four urban Indians polled (74 per cent) seemed to be baffled by the enormous cost of healthcare, believing many people cannot afford good healthcare in the country.
Top health concerns
Urban Indians say they are most concerned about cancer (59 per cent), heart disease (39 per cent), diabetes (35 per cent), covid19 (27 per cent), alcohol abuse (26 per cent) and smoking (20 per cent).
Across all markets polled health concern for cancer was the highest in India.
Global citizens were seen to be most concerned about mental health (44 per cent), cancer (40 per cent), stress (30 per cent), obesity (25 per cent), drug abuse (22 per cent), diabetes (18 per cent), alcohol abuse (17 per cent), heart disease (15 per cent), covid19 (15 per cent) etc.
Challenges facing the healthcare system
For urban Indians some of the challenges faced in the healthcare sector included, poor quality treatment (30 per cent), cost of accessing treatment (29 per cent), low standards of cleanliness (27 per cent), not enough staff (26 per cent), poor safety (21 per cent), lack of choice (21 per cent) etc.
Summarising on the findings of the report, Ipsos India country service line leader, healthcare Gauri Pathak said, “India has world class healthcare systems especially in the private sector thereby making it an attractive destination for medical tourism.The government’s efforts in making healthcare accessible to the lower socio-economic stata through Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) may be instrumental in driving perceptions around equality. High trust levels healthcare may reflect the confidence in the superior talent pool India has in the medical profession. Healthcare costs continue to be a sore point for Indians, as they do in many other countries, despite the fact that India offers access to high quality affordable pharmaceutical products.”
Methodology
These are the results of a 31-country survey conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor online platform and, in India, on its IndiaBus platform, between Friday, July 21 and Friday, August 4, 2023. For this survey, Ipsos interviewed a total of 23,274 adults aged 18 years and older in India, 18-74 in Canada, Republic of Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey, and the United States, 20- 74 in Thailand, 21-74 in Indonesia and Singapore, and 16-74 in all other countries. The sample consists of approximately 1,000 individuals each in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, and the U.S., and 500 individuals each in Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and Turkey. The sample in India consists of approximately 2,200 individuals, of whom approximately 1,800 were interviewed face-to-face and 400 were interviewed online. Samples in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.S. can be considered representative of their general adult populations under the age of 75. Samples in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey are more urban, more educated, and/or more affluent than the general population. The survey results for these countries should be viewed as reflecting the views of the more “connected” segment of their population.
India’s sample represents a large subset of its urban population — social economic classes A, B and C in metros and tier 1-3 town classes across all four zones. The data is weighted so that the composition of each country’s sample best reflects the demographic profile of the adult population according to the most recent census data. “The Global Country Average” reflects the average result for all the countries and markets in which the survey was conducted. It has not been adjusted to the population size of each country or market and is not intended to suggest a total result. When percentages do not sum up to 100 or the ‘difference’ appears to be +/-1 percentage point more/less than the actual result, this may be due to rounding, multiple responses, or the exclusion of “don’t know” or not stated responses. The precision of Ipsos online polls is calculated using a credibility interval with a poll where N=1,000 being accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points and of where N=500 being accurate to +/- 5.0 percentage points. For more information on Ipsos’ use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website. The publication of these findings abides by local rules and regulations.
If we think about how many times you visited a paediatrician during the year for your child’s fever, or went to the pharmacy for cough syrup, antacids, or prescription cream; how many physiotherapy appointments your spouse had throughout the year, or how many routine diabetes check-up appointments you had; most families would say that the ongoing healthcare cost to their family isn’t necessarily the sudden expense of a grown adult being admitted to the hospital, but rather the ongoing and regular expenses of running the household. Because of this, the search for the best family health insurance plans in India have evolved to include OPD covering as a significant factor in their decision making process.
As someone who has reviewed countless policies for families, I’ve seen a clear shift. Families are no longer satisfied with a plan that only activates during a hospital crisis. They want a partner for everyday wellness, and that’s what modern, comprehensive Health Plans for Family aim to be.
OPD Cover: The Game-Changer in Family Health Insurance
OPD, or Outpatient Department, cover handles expenses incurred outside of a hospital admission. This includes:
- Doctor consultation fees (General Physicians and Specialists)
- Diagnostic tests (blood work, X-rays, MRIs)
- Pharmacy bills (medicines prescribed)
- Minor procedures (dressing, injections)
Without OPD coverage, all these costs come directly from your monthly budget. A comprehensive Health Insurance with OPD Cover absorbs these shocks, transforming your policy from a seldom-used safety net into an active, year-round health management tool. For a family with children or aging parents, this isn’t a luxury; it’s a practical necessity.
Identifying the Best Family Health Insurance Plans In India with OPD
Not all OPD covers are created equal. When comparing Health Plans for Family, you must dig into the specifics. Here’s what separates the good from the truly valuable:
Integrated vs. Add-on Cover: Some of the Best Family Health Insurance Plans In India bundle OPD within the base plan (e.g., HDFC Ergo’s Optima Restore). Others offer it as a paid add-on rider. Integrated covers are often more seamless, but add-ons allow you to customize. Compare the sub-limits and overall value.
Realistic Sub-Limits: OPD coverage always has limits. Look for plans that offer a dedicated annual OPD sum insured (e.g., ₹10,000-₹25,000 per family) rather than a tiny per-consultation limit. This gives you flexibility, you can use it for a few major diagnostics instead of just small consultations.
Cashless OPD Network: The true convenience of health insurance with OPD cover is cashless access. Leading insurers have tied up with pharmacy chains, diagnostic centers, and clinic networks. You can walk in, show your card, and walk out without paying upfront. Check the insurer’s network partners in your locality.
Simplified Claims Process: For reimbursements outside the cashless network, the process should be digital and straightforward—via an app with document upload. Cumbersome OPD claim processes defeat the very purpose.
Key Players and What to Look For
Several insurers have pioneered strong family floater plans with OPD benefits. While new products emerge, plans like HDFC Ergo’s Optima Restore, ICICI Lombard’s Health Advantage Plus, and Niva Bupa’s ReAssure 2.0 have been notable for their structured OPD components. Star Health’s Family Health Optima also offers a comprehensive package.
However, the plan name is less important than its architecture. Your checklist for the Best Family Health Insurance Plans In India with OPD should verify:
Adequate In-patient Sum Insured: This is your core cover. Don’t compromise this for OPD. Start with at least ₹15-20 Lakh for a family of four.
Restoration Benefit: Crucial for families. It restores your main sum insured if exhausted, often including the OPD cover.
No Claim Bonus (NCB): Your reward for a healthy year should protect your OPD benefit too, often by increasing your overall sum insured.
Preventive Health Check-ups: A sign of a wellness-oriented insurer. Many top Health Plans for Family include free annual check-ups, complementing the OPD benefit.
Making the Smart Choice for Your Family
Choosing the right plan requires a simple audit. Tally your family’s average annual spend on doctor visits, tests, and medicines. You’ll likely find it’s a significant amount. Then, compare the premium of a comprehensive Health Insurance with OPD Cover against a basic plan plus your out-of-pocket OPD expenditure. The difference is often negligible, but the value is monumental.
For families, the Best Family Health Insurance Plans In India will be those that acknowledge the fact that the “real” journey for your family’s health occurs daily and not just during emergencies. By choosing a Family Health Insurance plan with meaningful OPD coverage, you will not only be insuring against your family getting sick, but also investing in your family’s ability to see their doctors or other healthcare providers on a more frequent basis for non-emergency issues and providing your family with a significant degree of peace of mind with regards to their financial and physical well-being. The shift away from reactive insurance to proactive insurance by families is now essential; it has become a necessity for the modern family that is living with intention.
