MAM
Magna revises Indian Adex growth in 2016 from 18.4 to +16.2 percent
MUMBAI: Going by the recently released half yearly Adex report by IPG Mediabrands India, the Indian advertising industry is growing at a rate of +16.2 percent in 2016. The size of the industry is expected to touch $ 9 billion or Rs 564 billion (Rs 56,400 crore) equivalents by this financial year. Magna Global, an IPG resource that puts together this industry recognized report has revised the rate from its earlier prediction of 18.4 per cent in 2015, to 16.2 percent in the current report. Magna also predicts that Indian Adex will see a slight dip in 2017 and grow at a rate of +15.7 per cent.
On revising the forecast, Magna Global – India director of intelligence practice EVP S Venkatesh said, “Basis our initial read of the emerging trends we had envisaged a stronger headwind across digital formats on the mobile platform while the real numbers for H1-2016 suggests a lesser significant acceleration”
From a global perspective, India has overtaken Italy and made space for itself in the top ten list of advertising markets, and estimated to move up 4 ranks to become the 6th largest advertising market by 2020.
On India’s performance as an advertising market, IPG Mediabrands CEO Shashi Sinha said, “The outlook is extremely positive as globally India remains one of the fastest growing markets. In fact, India is now one of the top ten advertising markets in the world.”
Breaking the report further into media sectors, Television with 42 per cent market share will grow +17 percent. The biggest revenue growth drivers in the sector would be the T20 World Cup, Indian Premier League (IPL) and non-cricketing leagues buttressed by E-commerce, Telecom, Auto and CPG advertising. Addressable television and expansion of the measurement into rural India equips advertisers to reach more consumers and broadcasters to monetize now counted audience. Measurement will evolve to include addressable TV audience and though connected TV currently doesn’t pose a threat to linear advertising, it will open doors for more on demand content access. Mushrooming of both domestic and international OTT (over-the-top) players will eventually fragment TV viewing time.
Print will continue to be the second biggest medium in India with 35 percent market share and ad sales growth of +8 percent. Conventionally print heavy advertisers in CPG, BFSI, Automobile and now E-commerce will contribute to the segment growth.
Digital formats continue to disrupt traditional with the highest growth at +40 percent and increasing its share of market by 2 points to 13 percent. Videos will be the fastest growing format driven by consumption on mobile devices. Screen time will only increase as smartphones get bigger with better displays and faster bandwidth. Trailing this trend expect advertisers to ear mark higher promotional budgets.
Radio through foot print expansion along with increase in volume is estimated to grow +18 percent in 2016, whereas OOH will grow +15 percent in 2016. Both these segments will hold onto their market share of 4 per cent and 6 percent respectively.
The report also shared that India will retain its position as the fastest growing economy with real GDP (gross domestic product) growth of +7.5 percent in 2016. According to International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is likely to maintain the same GDP growth in 2017 as well. Consumer inflation slightly outside of target will force the central bank to hold onto its policy rates.
However the earlier reduction in rates gave the much needed impetus to automobile, housing, durables and education sectors. The farm sector, if favoured with a good monsoon, will set to rebound its output. The report estimates private consumption to mirror the growth rates and push for higher marketing spends.
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.
