Archive · 19 Jul 2026
63% of Indian policyholders unable to switch health plans
A recent study by CoverSure found that 63% of Indian health insurance policyholders who want to switch to better plans can't do so.
Many people, especially those over 50, have insurance that doesn't cover enough for their needs.
About 49% of people who could upgrade their plans still have basic insurance because they don't know they should.
This is a problem because healthcare costs are going up, and people's health needs change over time.
Younger people are more likely to be proactive about their insurance, which is a good sign.
The study shows that it's important for people to review their insurance regularly to make sure it still fits their needs.
63% of Indian policyholders who want to switch to better health plans can't due to barriers like pre-existing conditions.
49% of policyholders with no pre-existing conditions still hold basic, non-comprehensive plans due to lack of awareness.
A majority of policyholders aged 50 and above have coverage below ₹5 lakh, which is inadequate for hospitalisation costs.
35% of policyholders have medical conditions, with 69% of those with lifestyle-related ailments aged between 30 and 54.
Younger policyholders (aged 30-40) are more proactive in managing their insurance, comprising 41% of those analysed.
- Who
- Indian health insurance policyholders
- What
- Difficulty in switching to better health plans due to various barriers
- When
- Current situation as per CoverSure's analysis
- Where
- India
- Why
- Factors like pre-existing conditions, lack of awareness, and inadequate coverage
- Percentage of policyholders unable to switch plans
- 63%
- Percentage of policyholders with basic plans
- 49%
- Percentage of policyholders aged 50+ with coverage below ₹5 lakh
- Majority
- Percentage of policyholders with pre-existing conditions
- 35%
- Percentage of policyholders with lifestyle-related ailments aged 30-54
- 69%
- Percentage of policyholders aged 30-40
- 41%
- Percentage of policyholders under 30
- 10%
- Percentage of policyholders with sum insured around ₹10 lakh
- One-third