The Silent Crisis:  Less than 2% of senior citizens hold health insurance coverage: Plum

Plum, India’s leading insurtech platform offering group health insurance and business insurance solutions to over 3500+ corporations, has observed that 98% of India’s senior citizen population remains devoid of health insurance coverage. With the increasing cost of healthcare services, the need for comprehensive health coverage for senior citizens has become more apparent; however, the penetration continues to be a challenge.

Bengaluru, August 24, 2023: Plum, India’s leading insurtech platform offering group health insurance and business insurance solutions to over 3500+ corporations, has observed that 98% of India’s senior citizen population remains devoid of health insurance coverage. With the increasing cost of healthcare services, the need for comprehensive health coverage for senior citizens has become more apparent; however, the penetration continues to be a challenge.

As per census reports, India has 138 million elderly persons and is further expected to increase by around 56 million elderly persons in 2031. Yet, only 25% companies (out of Plum’s 3500+ customer base) have parental covers. This leaves a yawning gap in coverage for senior citizens; who include parents and in-laws. There has been a steady demand from employees around the need for coverage for the elderly, and one way to approach this is through super top-ups (in addition to increased parental coverage).

Plum  surveyed around 300 customers and learned the following:
●      29% of employees feel that the organisation-sponsored health insurance is inadequate in terms of the sum insured
●      13% of employees availed super top-up as organisation-sponsored insurance doesn’t cover parents and family

Plum recently launched its super top up health insurance that includes multiple benefits: portability despite one leaving the organisation being the most unique and innovative, other benefits ranging from tax advantages to cost-effectiveness, etc. These plans assure a holistic approach to health security, making them a prudent choice for families and individuals.

Abhishek Poddar, co-founder and CEO of Plum, said, "In the face of the silent crisis gripping our senior citizens, Plum is committed to confronting this challenge head-on. The 98% of uninsured senior citizens is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities they face. It will always be our endeavour to innovate and come up with solutions that simplify access and availability of health insurance towards the underinsured.  Our goal is to contribute to the larger vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047', ensuring that every individual, regardless of their age or circumstances, can access the protection they deserve.”

As Plum moves ahead to bridge the gap in insurance coverage, the company is dedicated to reshaping the narrative surrounding senior citizens’ care and health security. Plum’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility fuels its dedication to providing solutions that empower individuals and families to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.