On March 25, 2026, at 07:39:26 GMT, Nithin Kamath, the founder of Zerodha, sounded the alarm. Don’t rely on corporate health insurance alone. According to a report by The Economic Times, Kamath stated that salaried professionals should consider additional health insurance coverage beyond what their employers provide. And that’s a concern for many. India’s health insurance market is expected to reach ₹2.5 lakh crore by the end of 2026, with the sector growing at a pace of 15% per annum.
The demand for health insurance is rising. But many Indians are still underinsured. A recent survey revealed that only 30% of the population has some form of health insurance. That’s a problem. It’s more pronounced in rural areas, where the number of insured individuals is as low as 15%. Dr. Indu Bhushan, the CEO of the National Health Authority, notes that 70% of Indians still rely on out-of-pocket expenses to cover their medical bills. Which is unusual, given the growing awareness about health insurance.
The Indian government has taken steps to increase health insurance penetration. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched on September 23, 2018, aims to provide health insurance coverage to over 100 million families. It’s had an impact. The scheme has already benefited over 20 million people, with the government allocating ₹6,400 crore for the scheme in the 2022-2023 budget.
But it’s not enough. Many Indians still lack adequate health insurance coverage, with the average health insurance premium in India being around ₹15,000 per year.
Since 2022, there’s been a shift towards digital health insurance platforms. Companies like Policybazaar, Max Bupa, and Apollo Munich have launched online health insurance platforms. Policybazaar, for example, has seen a significant increase in health insurance sales, with over 50% of its customers opting for online health insurance policies. It’s making a difference.
But the lack of awareness about health insurance is still a major concern. Nithin Kamath’s warning serves as a reminder that having adequate health insurance coverage is crucial. No ifs or buts. In an interview with The Economic Times, Kamath stated, “While corporate health insurance is a good starting point, it may not be enough to cover all medical expenses. It’s essential for individuals to have a separate health insurance policy to ensure they have adequate coverage.” That’s a rare admission from a industry leader.
For those looking for additional health insurance coverage, there are options. The finance news category on our website provides information on various health insurance policies and schemes. You can also check out our previous articles, such as Preventive health check-ups in India still hit ₹1, which provides valuable insights into the Indian health insurance market.
It’s time to act. India’s health insurance market is expected to reach ₹2.5 lakh crore by the end of 2026. Don’t get caught off guard. Assess your health insurance needs and consider additional coverage options. By doing so, you can ensure you have adequate protection against medical expenses and can focus on your health and well-being, without worrying about the financial burden of medical bills.
