Product Innovation is coming in Health Insurance Industry in India

Max Bupa is expected to start their operations in near future and it is good to know that product to be introduced will come out with innovative features, which we have covered in our blogs from time to time. The company is starting with 6 metropolitan cities. Instead of focusing on too many hospitals, focus will be on treatment of policy holders in the best hospitals. We understand that 20 best hospitals have been empanelled in Delhi area.

Salient points of comparison between products available presently with that of Max Bupa are:

• Focus on metro cities
• Focus on upper segment or upper middle segment of society
• Use of smart cards
• Will not use TPAs
• For those opting for sum assured of Rs.15 lakhs – use of helicopter permitted for evacuation in case of emergency
• Max sum assured of Rs. 50 lakhs
• Reimbursement of medical tests cost incurred at the time of making proposal
• OPD coverage - yes
• Annual medical checkup
• A qualified doctor will be acting as your Relationship Manager – who will guide you on phone from time to time. He will even visit you when you are in hospital for serious ailment.

Indian Health Insurance to Touch $7700 Million (Rs 40000 Crores) by 2015

CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) estimates Health Insurance premium will touch figure of US $ 7700 Million (Rs 40000 crores) by 2015.

According to Dr. Pratap Reddy, Chairman CII National Health Care Council, Health Insurance premium has the potential to touch the figure of Rs 40000 crores by 2015. Last year the figure was Rs 5000 crores. This means that figure will go up by 8 times in 7 years. It is heartning to read such estimates.

Question before all of us is whether Indian Insurance companies or TPA's (Third Party Administrator) are prepared for this increase.