According to the study conducted by Pristyn Care Data Labs between August 1 and 25, 2022, a vast majority of people want alternative treatments such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, homeopathy, and naturopathy to be covered under health insurance. The survey showed that around 60% of the people have been delaying treatment due to a lack of health coverage, while 67% of those who have medical insurance find it difficult to understand. Mr. Harsimarbir Singh, Pristine Care co-founder, stated that India has the lowest rates of health insurance penetration, and COVID-19-induced medical inflation has caused people to delay surgeries. Elective surgeries are not life-threatening, but any delay can impact the overall quality of life. 

The survey reports were based on inputs received from over 1,100 people and the internal data of more than 4 lakh patients. The survey showed that 24% of the patients find the deduction of money at the time of making a claim very challenging. Also, 17% of people find the paperwork involved in the process complex. 

Mr. Singh added that out of all the healthcare pain points, the long waiting time for claim approval is the biggest pain point. The study revealed that as per industry reports, 27.5 million couples in India suffer from infertility, with experts believing these numbers will increase. Mr. Singh stated that 20% of survey respondents believed that IVF and infertility procedures should be covered under insurance given the rising cost of treatment. 

(Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/sixty-per-cent-people-delaying-treatment-due-to-lack-of-health-cover-survey/articleshow/93904726.cms )