Despite India’s universal health care system, many Indians remain without adequate medical coverage. Despite attempts to use health insurance to increase accessibility, most Indians lack insurance.

Although India has a universal health care system, lack of coverage and infrastructure in the public sector means that many Indians turn to the private sector for healthcare needs. The higher costs of the private sector, however, are out of reach of many Indians, generating demand for private health insurance in India. Those who can afford to purchase private insurance to help pay for the costs of private health care.

Employers, particularly large private companies and the government, are major providers of health insurance in India. General health insurance in India is also available, but is too expensive for most people. Consequently, over 90% of the population lacks any sort of health insurance. The government-operated General Insurance Company and its subsidiaries are the main providers of medical insurance in India.