What is the story about?
A new nationwide survey has found that a large majority of Indians see healthcare costs as a major threat to their financial future, highlighting deep anxieties around medical inflation, emergency preparedness, and environmental health risks.
The findings come from the Nishchit Index 2.0, commissioned by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance (ABSLI) and data-validated by Drshti Strategic Research Services, which maps perceptions of health, risk, and financial security across urban and semi-urban households.
Rising medical costs top concerns
The survey shows that 82% of respondents worry that rising healthcare expenses will become a serious future challenge, reflecting concerns over hospital bills, treatment costs, and long-term medical inflation.
An equal share — 82% — also fears sudden medical emergencies, indicating that health shocks are no longer seen as rare events but as likely financial disruptions that can strain household budgets.
Insurance confidence gap persists
Despite growing awareness about health risks, preparedness remains weak. Nearly 79% of Indians are unsure whether their existing insurance cover would adequately protect them against a serious illness, the survey found.
This uncertainty means many families may still depend on personal savings or emergency borrowing during medical crises, potentially derailing long-term financial goals.
Emergency savings remain inadequate
Financial buffers appear fragile. Around 80% of respondents lack confidence in their emergency savings, suggesting that even short hospital stays could create significant financial stress for many households.
Financial planners say this highlights the need for dedicated medical emergency funds separate from regular savings.
Pollution adds to health fears
Environmental concerns also shape financial anxieties. 81% of respondents believe pollution will worsen, and many link this directly to higher future medical costs and increased health risks.
Experts note that this perception may push more households to prioritise preventive healthcare, insurance, and medical savings.
What households can do
Based on the findings, the Index suggests a three-pronged approach to strengthen financial resilience:
Together, these steps can help families address the five key anxieties flagged by the survey — cost inflation (82%), emergency risk (82%), insurance adequacy (79%), liquidity gaps (80%), and pollution-linked health threats (81%).
About the study
The Nishchit Index 2.0 is based on perception-based responses collected at a specific point in time and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Respondents were surveyed across multiple cities, with findings validated by Drshti Strategic Research Services.
The findings come from the Nishchit Index 2.0, commissioned by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance (ABSLI) and data-validated by Drshti Strategic Research Services, which maps perceptions of health, risk, and financial security across urban and semi-urban households.
Rising medical costs top concerns
The survey shows that 82% of respondents worry that rising healthcare expenses will become a serious future challenge, reflecting concerns over hospital bills, treatment costs, and long-term medical inflation.
An equal share — 82% — also fears sudden medical emergencies, indicating that health shocks are no longer seen as rare events but as likely financial disruptions that can strain household budgets.
Insurance confidence gap persists
Despite growing awareness about health risks, preparedness remains weak. Nearly 79% of Indians are unsure whether their existing insurance cover would adequately protect them against a serious illness, the survey found.
This uncertainty means many families may still depend on personal savings or emergency borrowing during medical crises, potentially derailing long-term financial goals.
Emergency savings remain inadequate
Financial buffers appear fragile. Around 80% of respondents lack confidence in their emergency savings, suggesting that even short hospital stays could create significant financial stress for many households.
Financial planners say this highlights the need for dedicated medical emergency funds separate from regular savings.
Pollution adds to health fears
Environmental concerns also shape financial anxieties. 81% of respondents believe pollution will worsen, and many link this directly to higher future medical costs and increased health risks.
Experts note that this perception may push more households to prioritise preventive healthcare, insurance, and medical savings.
What households can do
Based on the findings, the Index suggests a three-pronged approach to strengthen financial resilience:
- Upgrade health insurance to match current treatment costs, including critical illness and hospital cash riders.
- Build a dedicated medical emergency fund covering at least 6–12 months of expenses.
- Regularly review coverage as lifestyle, income, and health risks change.
Together, these steps can help families address the five key anxieties flagged by the survey — cost inflation (82%), emergency risk (82%), insurance adequacy (79%), liquidity gaps (80%), and pollution-linked health threats (81%).
About the study
The Nishchit Index 2.0 is based on perception-based responses collected at a specific point in time and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Respondents were surveyed across multiple cities, with findings validated by Drshti Strategic Research Services.
