Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Health Insurance Demand Rises Amid Reforms, HDFC ERGO Says
HDFC ERGO says more people are buying health insurance.
Its new retail health insurance sales more than doubled compared with the same period last year.
The company says recent reforms are making insurance more affordable and transparent.
Customers want policies that cover more hospital expenses and are easier to use.
They are also interested in cashless treatment, outpatient care and wellness benefits.
HDFC ERGO says one of its policies can increase a ₹10 lakh base cover to ₹1 crore after 10 years under its structure.
The company is investing in online systems and technology, including a quiet mode that prevents unwanted calls.
Its chief executive believes India can achieve insurance for all by 2047.
He also says digital platforms and government schemes can help reach people who currently lack adequate coverage.
HDFC ERGO reports new retail health insurance business grew by more than 100% year over year from October 1.
Overall retail health insurance, including renewals, grew about 52% in the past three months, while motor premiums rose 55%.
Parthanil Ghosh says reforms targeting affordability, transparency and accessibility are strengthening customer confidence.
Consumers increasingly want comprehensive health coverage, cashless services, OPD benefits and wellness features.
Ghosh says technology investments, digital platforms and initiatives such as Bima Sugam could help achieve insurance for all by 2047.
- Who
- Parthanil Ghosh, managing director and chief executive officer of HDFC ERGO General Insurance, discussing the company and the insurance industry.
- What
- Insurance reforms are increasing customer interest in health and other insurance products, while insurers invest in affordability, transparency and technology.
- When
- Ghosh referred to reforms introduced over the last four years, business growth from October 1, and performance during the first quarter and previous three months.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The reforms are intended to improve awareness, affordability, accessibility, accountability and transparency, while insurers seek to expand coverage and customer confidence.
- Company
- HDFC ERGO General Insurance
- New retail health growth
- More than 100% year over year from October 1
- Overall retail health growth
- About 52% over the previous three months, including renewals
- Motor insurance premium growth
- 55% over the previous three months
- First-quarter overall growth
- 20.6%, described by Ghosh as about twice the industry growth
- Health claims payout ratio
- 98.3% in the first quarter
- Insurance-for-all target
- India’s goal is to achieve insurance for all by 2047