What Can Change?
More gender-inclusive products: Some insurers have started offering women-centric plans that cover conditions like PCOS, breast cancer, and maternity. Wider adoption could bring down costs.
Regulatory push for transparency: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has already introduced simpler policy documents and standardised terms. This makes it easier to compare what’s included and excluded.
Consumers Asking the Right Questions: Bajaj points to the power of awareness. “When women carefully compare policies, check waiting periods, and question exclusions, it pushes insurers to respond with better-designed products. In a way, demand is the strongest driver of change,” he says.
Here are three questions every woman should ideally ask before buying health insurance
Does this plan cover maternity and what’s the waiting period?
Are women-specific conditions like PCOS, breast or cervical cancer included without extra loading?
What are the exclusions, and how often are claims for women’s health needs honoured?
The Bottom Line
For women, the issue isn’t about discounted premiums, it’s about fairness and peace of mind. A health insurance policy should cover the realities of women’s lives, not penalise them.
The good news? The conversation has begun, and insurers who step up with transparent, inclusive products won’t just win customers, they will trust.