Obesity, Diabetes Rise: Why Your Health Insurance May Need A Serious Review

The National Family Health Survey 2023-24 (NFHS-6) data showing a sharp rise in obesity and high blood sugar levels among Indians highlights a growing lifestyle disease burden and the financial risks linked to long-term treatment.

Obesity, diabetes, and many other lifestyle-based diseases have become more common than ever before, and this is leading to a higher number of chronic disease claims being submitted to the healthcare system. Chronic conditions usually require ongoing medical care, numerous doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and sometimes hospitalisation for complications such as a heart attack, kidney failure, or stroke.

Rising Chronic Illness Burden May Push Up Healthcare Costs 

From an insurance perspective, the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases may produce an increase in total utilisation of healthcare services and claims paid out on those claims over time. Premiums for health insurance are based on a variety of factors, including the insured person's age, the amount of medical care provided, where they live, as well as their past claims history. If chronic disease continues to rise over time, it will place additional strain on many forms of healthcare financing.

“This reinforces how essential it is for individuals to have access to preventative health services, timely diagnosis, and regularly monitor their health in order to reduce their risk of both illness and financial loss associated with illness,” says Arun Ramamurthy, co-founder, Staywell.Health.

Check If Your Health Cover Is Enough 

As the incidents of lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise, consumers need to evaluate health insurance plans on the basis of their long-term healthcare needs and not just short-term affordability.

One of the important things to consider is the adequacy of the sum insured.

“Accumulation of medical costs over time for chronic health conditions may result from hospitalisation, diagnostic investigations, procedures, and follow-up treatment. Therefore, people should ask themselves if they have enough coverage for comprehensive financial security,” says Manish Dodeja, executive director & chief business officer, Care Health Insurance.

Besides this, customers should also check waiting periods, policy exclusions, restoration benefits, co-payment clauses, room eligibility conditions, and specific disease provisions, among others, that can impact claim eligibility.

It is equally important to understand the policy terms & conditions thoroughly before making a purchase decision. “Additionally, it is recommended that one should periodically review their coverage that has been purchased. A policy that might have been adequate a few years ago may not provide the same level of financial security today,” says Dodeja.

Buy Early, Review Regularly

There is a rising trend towards lifestyle-related illnesses being reported at younger ages. Sedentary behavior, poor nutrition, and high levels of stress combined with little physical activity have all been contributing factors in the increase of lifestyle-related illnesses among younger people. This trend is concerning since chronic conditions that develop earlier in life may require long-term medical care, resulting in increased healthcare expenditures over time.

A younger person purchasing health insurance may also be able to purchase it earlier than someone who has developed significant health issues, and be able to complete any waiting periods sooner. “The greater prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases is evidence that we must place more of an emphasis on preventive healthcare, routine screenings, and living healthier lifestyles in order to minimize future health and financial risks for society,” says Ramamurthy.

FAQs

How can rising lifestyle diseases affect health insurance costs?

A rise in obesity, diabetes, and related illnesses may increase healthcare utilisation and claims, which could eventually lead to higher health insurance premiums over time.

What should policyholders check in their health insurance plans?

Consumers should review sum insured adequacy, waiting periods, co-payment clauses, room rent limits, exclusions, and restoration benefits to ensure long-term financial protection.

Why is buying health insurance early becoming more important?

Purchasing health insurance at a younger age can help individuals complete waiting periods sooner and secure coverage before developing major lifestyle-related health conditions.