NewKerala.com

Key Points

A new report shows over 90% of Indian employees feel confident about affording healthcare. However, financial barriers and long wait times still delay treatment for many. Employers are increasingly viewed as key providers of quality, affordable healthcare solutions. The findings highlight growing expectations for personalized benefits and preventive care in India's evolving workforce landscape.

Key Points: 90% Indian Employees Confident About Healthcare Affordability Report Finds

  • 92% Indian employees confident about healthcare affordability
  • Financial constraints and wait times delay treatment
  • Employers seen as trusted healthcare providers
  • Demand grows for personalized benefits and preventive care
2 min read

Over 90 pc Indian employees confident about affording healthcare needs: Report

Mercer Marsh Benefits survey reveals 92% Indian workers feel financially secure about healthcare but face delays due to costs and wait times.

"Employers have a profound opportunity to build trust by prioritizing long-term health planning and financial well-being – Sanjay Kedia, Marsh McLennan India"

New Delhi, June 26

More than 90 per cent of employees in India are confident that they can afford the healthcare needs for themselves and their families, according to a report on Thursday.

The Mercer Marsh Benefits report, based on a survey of over 18,000 employees across 17 markets, including in India, explores what employees value most from their workplace benefits, and how their expectations are evolving.

The findings showed that for Indian employees there are high levels of well-being and satisfaction. The report also highlights growing expectations around flexibility, personalisation, and long-term support, indicating a broader evolution in the Indian workforce – one that is becoming more rooted in long-term ambitions.

While the report showed that although 92 per cent of employees are confident about affording healthcare needs, the top two reasons for delaying healthcare are financial and anticipated long wait times.

This suggests that even with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and other financial considerations are still preventing some employees from getting the care they need.

Further, the report showed that employers have emerged as the most trusted source of affordable, quality healthcare.

It showed that more than 80 per cent of employees who could personalise their benefits packages felt their employer cared about their health and well-being.

For employers, this presents a timely opportunity to outpace their competition by adapting their benefits strategy and building affordable coverage by focusing on preventive care and early detection to primary care, through outpatient provisions (OPD), said the report.

"Our report provides a strategic blueprint for employers. Specifically for India, it is the growing emphasis on longevity and planning for the future. As life expectancy increases and careers extend, employers have a profound opportunity to build trust and commitment by prioritising benefits that support long-term health planning and financial well-being, ensuring their workforce thrives not just today, but well into retirement," said Sanjay Kedia, Chief Executive Officer, Marsh McLennan India President and CEO, Marsh India.

The report also suggested employers bolster quality and timely healthcare by exploring innovative care delivery models, such as telemedicine and partnerships with local healthcare providers.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
This is great news but I wonder if it covers all sectors equally? In my IT company we have excellent insurance but my cousin working in a small factory struggles with medical bills. Hope the benefits reach everyone! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While 90% confidence sounds impressive, the real test is when serious illness strikes. Many policies have hidden limits and co-payments. Companies should be more transparent about coverage details. Still, good progress!
A
Arjun K.
Telemedicine is a game changer! My company introduced it last year and it's saved so much time. No more taking half-day leaves just for doctor consultations. More employers should adopt this 👍
S
Sunita R.
The report mentions preventive care - this is so important! My office started free health checkups and yoga classes. Small investments like these make employees feel valued and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
V
Vikram S.
The 92% figure seems too optimistic. Maybe for metro cities, but in tier-2/3 towns, quality healthcare is still a challenge despite insurance. We need better hospital infrastructure across India, not just in big cities.
N
Neha T.
Mental health coverage should be included in all employee benefits! Stress and anxiety are growing workplace issues. Glad to see Indian companies finally focusing on holistic well-being beyond just physical health 💚

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50