Mumbai — Preventive healthcare, increased digital adoption, and growing participation from senior citizens are shaping health insurance purchasing behaviour in India, according to a 2025 trends report released by Care Health Insurance.
The report notes a more than 27% increase in the number of insured members between underwriting years 2023–2024 and 2024–2025, indicating greater awareness of health insurance amid rising medical costs. It also highlights higher-value claims related to cardiac conditions and cancer, reflecting increasing medical complexity.
According to the findings, consumers across age groups are opting for higher sums insured. The average sum insured for children aged 0–17 rose by over 7% between 2024–2025 and 2025–2026. First-time buyers aged 18–35 accounted for more than 30% of policyholders in 2025–2026, while the share of senior citizens aged 60 and above increased to nearly 14%.
Claims data showed common illnesses such as dengue, malaria and flu, alongside lifestyle-related conditions including respiratory and heart ailments, cancer and arthritis. The report suggests this reflects both the prevalence of lifestyle diseases and healthcare needs among older populations.
Digital engagement has also increased significantly. Website visits with high purchase intent in the first half of the current financial year more than doubled compared with three years ago. The report notes a 2.5-fold rise in customers using app-based step-tracking features linked to renewal discounts.
Online channels are now the most common method for policy renewals, with nearly a 10% increase in customers paying renewal premiums digitally. App-based services are also growing, with about 30% of claims filed and over 15% of renewals completed through the company’s mobile application in the past year.
The report indicates that consumers are increasingly considering add-on benefits such as top-up coverage, outpatient care, wellness services, teleconsultation and home care when purchasing health insurance.
