A new report by smart preventive healthcare company GOQii has revealed a deepening healthcare affordability crisis in India, where even insured individuals are increasingly skipping essential treatments and doctor visits due to soaring medical costs. Based on data from 6 million users and a survey of 2,000 people, the “India Fit Report 2025” paints a sobering picture of an emerging public health emergency.
Healthcare Turning into a Luxury
According to the report, 71% of respondents believe medical expenses have reached alarming levels, making routine and emergency healthcare increasingly unaffordable. Nearly one in five participants admitted they had skipped essential medical treatments solely due to financial constraints. Alarmingly, 36% of insured individuals reported cutting back on doctor visits because of high out-of-pocket costs.
A Silent Emergency in Indian Households
“This isn’t just a statistical trend—it’s a silent emergency unfolding across homes in India,” said Vishal Gondal, Founder and CEO of GOQii. “We need to change 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 real-life stories of patients delaying surgeries, rationing life-saving medications like insulin, and even selling personal assets to pay for treatment.
Declining Health Outcomes and Widening Inequality
The report also found a 3.84% increase in the number of people classified as unhealthy over the past year. Women and the elderly have been hit hardest, with 64% of women categorized as unhealthy compared to 40% of men. Lifestyle diseases continue to surge, with:
- 48.7% reporting high blood pressure
- 39% living with diabetes
- 24% managing high cholesterol
As reported by financialexpress, this worsening health trend reflects the real-world consequences of unaffordable care and delayed treatment.
Public Backs Government Intervention
Amid rising costs, 60% of respondents voiced strong support for greater government regulation of healthcare pricing. Additionally, 12.3% admitted they had postponed medical care due to financial pressures, further underscoring the urgent need for reform.
Trust Issues in Health Insurance
The report uncovered growing mistrust in health insurance. Many individuals cited denied claims, limited coverage, and unclear exclusions, which has led to a heavier reliance on personal spending. This shift is widening healthcare inequality and undermining the safety net insurance is supposed to provide.
Hope in Preventive Care and Wellness Plans
Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining. The report notes increasing interest in wellness-linked insurance plans, which offer benefits tied to preventive care and healthy lifestyle habits.
Encouragingly, 54% of those surveyed said they would consider such plans, which include perks like digital health coaching and routine screenings. GOQii claims users of these programs have seen fewer hospital visits and reduced medical expenses.
Conclusion: A Call for Immediate Action
As healthcare costs continue to spiral, the India Fit Report 2025 underscores the urgent need for policy intervention, innovative insurance models, and greater regulation. Without timely action, the affordability crisis threatens to push quality healthcare further out of reach for millions of Indians.