Hospitalization costs in India have surged by 11.35% over the past year, according to a report released by ACKO on Thursday. The report is based on 60,000 health insurance claims filed during the fiscal year 2023-24. The average claim size has risen to Rs 70,558, up from Rs 62,548 the previous year. This increase reflects a medical inflation rate of 14%, placing a heavier financial burden on Indian families.
The costs of medical procedures have also escalated significantly. For instance, angioplasty costs have doubled from Rs 1-1.5 lakh in 2018 to Rs 2-3 lakh in 2024, with projections indicating they could reach Rs 6-7 lakh by 2030. Kidney transplant expenses have similarly risen, now ranging from Rs 10-15 lakh and expected to exceed Rs 20 lakh by the end of the decade.
The report highlights age-specific health vulnerabilities. Children under 18 are particularly affected by respiratory conditions, which account for over 11% of claims in this age group. As individuals age, there is a notable increase in hospitalizations related to neoplasms (tumors) and heart conditions. Hospitalization rates for neoplasms have jumped nearly threefold from ages 31-40 (3.81%) to ages 41-50 (10.61%).
Similarly, claims for heart and circulatory diseases have increased threefold between these age groups.
Regional disparities in health issues are also apparent. Kolkata and Mumbai report the highest rates of circulatory system disorders, including heart attacks and strokes, at 7.03% and 7%, respectively. The Delhi-National Capital Region leads in kidney-related claims, accounting for 35.3% of total claims in that area.
In terms of maternity care, the report reveals that 69% of maternity claims were for C-section deliveries, while normal deliveries made up only 31% of claims in private hospitals.
Rupinderjit Singh, senior vice president of health at ACKO, stated, “The ACKO India Health Report 2024 highlights the increasing need for personal health insurance amid rising medical costs. Understanding these trends will help stakeholders collaborate to make healthcare more affordable for everyone.”
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