MAM
Indian TV AD EX to grow at 12 .3 per cent in 2016: Carat report 2016
MUMBAI: Based on data received from 59 markets across the Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA, Carat’s latest global forecast highlights that advertising spends will reach US$538 billion in 2016, accounting for a +4.5 per cent year-on-year increase. The report also forecasts India growing begun on a positive note with a forecast growth rate of +12.0 per cent in 2016. Carat’s first forecast for worldwide advertising expenditure in 2017 also predicts India’s ad spends will leapfrog to a growth of 13.9 per cent by 2017.
Unlike growth in the other BRIC markets – Brazil, Russia and China – advertising expenditure in India would continue to accelerate in this year, supported by the India T20 Cricket World Cup and the state elections. TV advertising revenues are forecast to grow by +12.3 per cent in 2016, supported by strong spending from e-commerce companies and FMCG brands.
While TV is expected to remain dominant for many years to come, advertisers are increasingly utilising online video as an invaluable complement. In spite of the much talked about digital marketing drive in the country, the overall share of total digital advertising spends in India is still relatively low at 8.9 per cent (2016).
Whereas the global ad spends on news paper are declining in markets like North America and Latin, India shows a positive newspaper advertising spend at +10.5 per cent in 2016, primarily due to investment from e-commerce, automotive and a small contribution from government spending. Retail advertisers also continue to spend on print.
Carat’s first forecasts for 2017 predict continuing strong growth for the advertising market in India with an estimated increase of +13.9 per cent and expected favourable economic conditions in which advertisers vie for the consumers’ attention.
The report makes it clear that while TV will continue to dominate the lion share of advertising spends, digital is the real growth driver. Powered by the upsurge of mobile (+37.9 per cent), online video (+34.7 per cent) and social media (+29.8 per cent) in 2016, the strength of digital is expected to continue to grow at double digit prediction levels of +15.0 per cent this year, and a further +13.6 per cent in 2017.
Overall, Carat predicts the upsurge of digital to account for 27.0 per cent of advertising spends in 2016 and extend significantly to 29.3 per cent in 2017, reaching US$161 billion globally.
Whilst digital is constantly closing the gap, TV continues to command the majority of market share with a steady 42 per cent. In 2015 ad spends is predicted to grow by +3.1 per cent this year as the Olympic Games and US elections are predicted to generate significant TV viewership across various markets. In addition, Carat’s forecasts reconfirm the steady decline in Print* in 2016 and into 2017 with Newspapers declining by -5.4 per cent and Magazines by -1.7 per cent in 2016 whilst highlighting positive year-on-year growth in 2016 for all other media, including Outdoor (+3.4 per cent),
Radio (+2.2 per cent) and Cinema (+2.8 per cent), with the latter expected to grow further at +5.0 per cent in 2017.
When you plan to buy medical insurance for your family, the first question is often about savings. You may assume that buying online automatically means paying less, but that is only part of the picture. The real issue is not just whether the premium looks lower, but whether the policy gives you suitable family health insurance without adding avoidable costs later.
Buying online can sometimes appear more budget-friendly because you can compare plans, review features, and complete the process without depending entirely on offline assistance.
Still, a lower visible price does not always mean better value. To understand whether you can truly save more, you need to look at the full buying experience and the policy terms together.
Why Online Purchase Can Look More Economical
When you explore family health insurance online, you usually get access to plan details in a more direct and organised way. This can make the buying journey feel simpler and more transparent.
A few reasons online purchases may seem cost-effective include:
● Easier comparison of policy features
● Direct access to premium details
● The ability to review inclusions and exclusions at your own pace
● Fewer chances of making a rushed decision
● More control over the plan selection process
This does not mean every online option is automatically cheaper. It simply means the online route may help you assess choices more carefully, and that itself can influence how much value you get from the policy you choose.
Saving Money is Not Only About a Lower Premium
A lower premium often catches your attention first, but that should not be the only measure of savings. If you buy medical insurance based only on what looks affordable at the start, you may overlook conditions that matter later.
A family health insurance policy should be judged on overall value, including:
● The scope of cover
● Waiting period terms
● Exclusions
● Room eligibility conditions
● Sub-limits, if any
● Claim-related terms
● Renewal conditions
If the premium is lower but the policy has stricter internal conditions, the apparent saving may not feel meaningful when you actually need hospitalisation support.
So, the better question is not only whether online purchase costs less, but whether it helps you select a plan that remains financially sensible over time.
Comparing Plans Online Can Prevent Overspending
One clear advantage of the online route is that it allows you to compare different options without pressure. This can help you avoid paying for features you may not need or missing features that matter for your family.
Before you buy medical insurance online, look closely at:
● Who can be covered under the plan
● How the sum insured works for the family
● Whether day care procedures are included
● How pre-existing illness rules are explained
● Whether add-ons are optional or built in
● How clearly the policy wording is presented
This level of comparison can support better decision-making. In many cases, savings come not only from the premium itself but from choosing a policy with fewer surprises.
Online Discounts Should be Viewed Carefully
Online discounts can make a plan look attractive, but they should always be read alongside the policy details. A discount may reduce the upfront cost, yet the true worth of the policy depends on what it covers and how it responds during a claim.
When reviewing discounted online plans, check whether the policy has:
● Treatment-specific limits
● Room rent restrictions
● Co-payment clauses
● Disease-wise waiting periods
● Claim deductions linked to the hospital category
● Limited cover for selected benefits
These points are important because a policy that looks cheaper at purchase may involve more out-of-pocket spending later. That is why discount-led buying should be replaced with detail-led buying.
Final Thoughts
Yes, buying online can sometimes help you save more when choosing family health insurance, but only if you look beyond the headline price. The online route may give you better visibility, easier comparison, and more time to review the policy terms.
That can support smarter choices and may reduce the chances of paying for a plan that does not suit your family well.
If you want to buy medical insurance online, treat savings as more than a discount. The real advantage lies in choosing family health insurance that balances affordability, clarity, and meaningful coverage for your household.
