The report, based on a survey of over 2,400 respondents across more than 35 urban and rural centres in India, introduces the Health Protection Score (HPS), a composite index that assesses preparedness for medical emergencies based on lifestyle, family health history, preventive healthcare practices and financial readiness. Individuals are classified as "Very Vulnerable", "Somewhat Vulnerable" and "Safe & Secure" based on their scores.
According to the report, 32 per cent of Chennai's young consumers own personal health insurance, more than double the national average of 14 per cent. However, the city's Health Protection Score stands at 4.0, lower than the national average of 4.54. Only 18 per cent of respondents from Chennai fall under the "Safe & Secure" category, compared to 24 per cent nationally.
The study found that while insurance adoption is high, the average sum insured among Chennai respondents is only ₹3 lakh, which is below the national average of ₹3.6 lakh and the South Indian average of ₹3.5 lakh. This suggests that many policyholders may not have sufficient financial protection against rising healthcare expenses.
Financial preparedness also remains a concern. Respondents said they would be able to arrange only around ₹1.75 lakh during a medical emergency, significantly lower than the national average of ₹2.63 lakh. In addition, they estimated that a medical emergency would cost around ₹44,000, far below the actual cost of hospitalisation and treatment. Niva Bupa estimates that individuals aged between 24 and 34 years should ideally have at least ₹3 lakh readily available in the absence of insurance.
The report also highlighted that perceived good health remains one of the biggest reasons for not purchasing health insurance. It noted that insurance agents, banks and family members continue to play a significant role in influencing buying decisions. Awareness of family medical history among Chennai respondents was also found to be lower than the national average.
Commenting on the findings, Nimish Agrawal, Director – Digital Business Unit and Chief Marketing Officer, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, said Chennai presents an interesting paradox where health insurance adoption is high but coverage adequacy and financial preparedness remain areas of concern. He said improving awareness about the actual cost of healthcare and ensuring adequate insurance coverage would be crucial for strengthening health security among young consumers.
The report concluded that Chennai has the potential to improve its Health Protection Score by complementing high insurance adoption with better financial planning, adequate insurance coverage, greater awareness of healthcare inflation and improved understanding of family medical history, thereby building a stronger health protection ecosystem for the city's youth.