Non-life insurance companies are considering introducing a co-payment of 10% from insured individuals for retail health insurance policies, starting from January 1, 2027. The patient's contribution will be capped at an amount of 5 lakh rupees per visit.
In exchange for this change, clients will receive a reduction in annual insurance premiums. The proposal is currently under review by the General Council of Insurance.
Health insurance expert Shriraj Deshpande noted that purchasing insurance implies reimbursement of costs. He considers it unfair that clients willing to pay a higher premium for a larger sum insured still have to bear part of the expenses. He added that this could reduce the willingness to purchase high-cost policies.
Although the industry seeks to address issues it perceives as healthcare cost distortions, some fear that such a mandatory requirement could be anti-competitive. One industry leader warned that if the industry collectively decides that no one will offer a fully covered policy, it could attract the attention of the Competition Commission.