80% Indians with disabilities lack health insurance: Study
What's the story
A recent survey has found that nearly 16 crore people with disabilities in India are not covered by any health insurance. The study, conducted by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) across 34 states and Union Territories, found that a staggering 80% of disabled individuals do not have health insurance. The findings were released in a white paper titled Invisible in the Fine Print: Disability, Discrimination and Health Insurance in India, unveiled on November 20.
Insurance barriers
Survey highlights barriers to health insurance for disabled
The NCPEDP's survey, conducted between 2023 and 2025, included over 5,000 persons with disabilities. The study found that 53% of respondents were denied coverage by insurers, with no reason given for rejection in 60% of cases. The white paper also highlighted other barriers such as inflated premiums, discriminatory clauses, technical exclusions and inaccessible websites.
Financial impact
Disability-related expenses push families into poverty
The white paper further noted that families with disabled members spend nearly 20% of their monthly income on disability-related needs. It said 57% of these families face "catastrophic health costs," which are pushing many below the poverty line. The high premium rates and rejections by insurance companies are forcing people to opt for government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which provides health insurance to economically weaker families.
Scheme limitations
Ayushman Bharat scheme's limited reach and accessibility
However, the report said most people with disabilities don't get benefits under Ayushman Bharat. Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, questioned this exclusion, saying that if senior citizens above 70 can be included in the scheme, there's no justification for excluding persons with disabilities who face equal or greater health vulnerabilities. The survey also found that 41% of disabled people are unaware of the scheme. Additionally, there is widespread digital inaccessibility in banks and insurance companies.
Recommendations
NCPEDP's recommendations for improving insurance access
The NCPEDP has been advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities under Ayushman Bharat without any age or income criteria. The NGO also recommends expanding insurance coverage to include mental health, rehabilitation and assistive technologies. It suggests setting up a Disability Inclusion Committee within the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and standardizing premiums across insurance companies. Sensitization of insurance agents and healthcare staff to the needs of people with disabilities is also recommended by the paper.