HEALTH INSURANCE IN INDIA

INFORMATION EXPATRIATION

Capital City: New Delhi
Total area: 342,000 km2
Population: 3,768,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +91 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia India

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      India has a mixed public-private system where the government provides basic services to the poor while others use private providers.

·      Public health spending is around 1.5% of GDP, resulting in underfunded and inadequate public healthcare infrastructure.

·      Primary care is provided through thousands of rural health centers and urban primary health centers under the Ministry of Health.

·      Secondary and tertiary hospitals are run by central/state governments and private organizations.

·      Majority of Indians rely on expensive private providers and significant out-of-pocket spending due to low quality public options.

·      Only around 30% of the population is covered under any form of health insurance.

·      There are major disparities in healthcare access and quality between richer urban and poorer rural communities.

·      India faces challenges of doctor/hospital bed shortages, high infant/maternal mortality, and prevalence of communicable/non-communicable diseases.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical insurance before arrival that provides options within India as well as medical evacuation.

·      Utilize the high-quality private healthcare options available in major cities, such as hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International.

·      Avoid dependence on the severely limited and low-quality public system except in emergencies.

·      Bring any necessary prescription medications as availability/quality locally can be inconsistent.

·      Learn basic medical terms in Hindi and local languages for areas outside English-speaking regions.

·      Be very cautious of food/water hygiene in urban and rural locations due to risk of tropical diseases.

·      Know locations of recommended clinics for annual health checks and vaccinations.

·      Monitor advisories on health issues like air pollution spikes in northern cities that increase risk.

·      Have a plan in case of emergencies or being affected by infectious outbreaks given stretched healthcare capacity nationally.