Soaring healthcare costs in India are pushing even insured individuals to forgo essential treatments and doctor visits, according to a new report by smart preventive healthcare firm GOQii. The “India Fit Report 2025”, based on data from 6 million users and a survey of 2,000 people, paints a grim picture of an emerging health emergency driven by unaffordable care.
The report warns that healthcare in India is becoming a luxury, not a necessity. Nearly one in five respondents admitted to skipping essential treatments due to financial constraints, while a staggering 71% said healthcare costs have skyrocketed. Even among those with medical insurance, 36% said they had reduced doctor visits because of the high out-of-pocket expenses.
“The rising cost of healthcare is not just a statistic—it’s a silent emergency unfolding in households across India,” said Vishal Gondal, Founder and CEO of GOQii. “We must rewrite the rules to ensure health is a right, not a privilege.”
The report titled “India Fit Report 2025 Raises Red Flag: Healthcare Affordability Crisis Spirals Into National Emergency,” highlights stories of patients delaying surgeries, rationing insulin and even selling assets to afford treatment.
Key findings of the report here –
- According to the report, a significant 71% of respondents expressed that medical expenses in India have surged to alarming levels, making it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to manage routine and emergency healthcare needs.
- Despite having insurance coverage, 36% of people admitted to reducing the frequency of their doctor visits, indicating that even insured individuals are feeling the financial strain of escalating healthcare costs.
- Nearly one in five participants revealed that they have been forced to skip essential medical treatments solely due to affordability concerns, underscoring the severity of the healthcare access crisis.
- The report also highlighted a noticeable decline in overall health outcomes, with women and the elderly being the most adversely affected by delayed or forgone medical care.
- Reflecting a growing sense of urgency, 60% of respondents voiced strong support for increased government regulation to rein in spiraling healthcare costs and make medical treatment more accessible and affordable for all.
- Around 12.3% of survey participants said they had postponed medical care because of financial pressures.
- The crisis is not only economic, it’s also impacting public health. The report found a 3.84% increase in the number of people classified as unhealthy over the past year.
- The gender disparity is striking: 64% of women were deemed unhealthy compared to 40% of men.
- Lifestyle diseases continue to dominate, with 48.7% of respondents reporting high blood pressure, 39% with diabetes, and 24% with cholesterol issues.
- As healthcare costs continue to surge, the report highlights the urgent need for policy intervention and innovation to ensure access to quality care remains within reach for every Indian.
Mistrust in health insurance
The survey also reveals growing mistrust in health insurance, with many citing denied claims, limited coverage and unclear exclusions. This has led to greater dependence on personal spending, deepening healthcare inequality.
Amid the growing concern, six out of ten respondents called for stronger government regulation of healthcare pricing. However, there may be a silver lining. The report notes growing interest in wellness-linked insurance plans, which tie benefits to preventive care and healthy behaviors.
54% of those surveyed said they would consider such plans, which offer incentives like digital health coaching and routine screenings. GOQii claims users of these programs have seen fewer hospital visits and lower medical costs.
