Health insurance premiums in India surged by over 27% in January 2026 on a year-on-year basis and registered a premium income of INR54.15bn ($600m).
This boost is assumed to be on the back of making health insurance covers with zero Goods and Services Tax (GST) on individual health insurance covers and better awareness about health insurance.
According to data available on the website of the General Insurance Council, general insurers scored 20.4% year-on-year growth and garnered health insurance premiums of INR21.88bn, while standalone health insurers grew at 32.3% on a year-on-year basis and registered a premium income of INR32.26bn.
The health insurance segment’s growth was also largely propelled by government schemes, with premium income of INR24.80bn in January 2026 compared to INR18bn in January 2025.
Also, during January 2026 the health insurance premium for private insurers grew by 17% on a year-on-year basis to INR17.4bn, while public sector players reported a 3% year-on-year decline.
Standalone health insurers continue to benefit from GST exemption with premium income growth of 23% on a year-on-year basis.