The role of insurance in health care management in India

Abstract

Purpose

Health insurance in India has shown little development. It has not been able to evoke enthusiasm among Indian insurers. Consequently, several reports on Indian health care insurance have been produced. The purpose of this paper is to offer a review of this matter.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical review of related published and grey literature.

Findings

Almost 79 per cent of health expenditure is borne by private bodies and the rest by the public. Authors argue that to stimulate private health insurance growth, the Indian government should recognize health insurance as a separate line of business and distinguish it from other non‐life insurance. Particular emphasis is placed on the present health care scenario in India and international field generally. A global comparison of selected Asian countries, regarding their national incomes and health expenditure in public and private sectors, generates insights. Third party administrators (TPAs) facilitate a cashless health services for their customers and offer back‐up services to the insurance companies. Desired strategies and ways of furthering the role of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority in acting as a regulator for the purpose of ensuring the industry's smooth functioning is an issue for India's health services.

Originality/value

Information about the present complexities in the health insurance market has been gathered from various sources and summarized.

Citation

Gupta, H. (2007), "The role of insurance in health care management in India", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 20 No. 5, pp. 379-391. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526860710763307