As healthcare costs continue to rise sharply across India, a new report by GOQii reveals how millions of families, both insured and uninsured, are being forced to delay or skip essential medical treatment

GOQii, a leading preventive healthcare company in India, has released its India Fit Report 2025, highlighting a serious problem—healthcare in India is becoming too expensive for most people. The report, titled “Beyond the Brink: Confronting India’s Healthcare Affordability Crisis,” shows that rising medical costs are now affecting millions of families, including those with health insurance.

The report is based on health data from over 6 million GOQii users and a national survey of 2,000 people. It reveals that:

• 71 per cent of people say medical costs have gone up sharply

• 36 per cent have reduced doctor visits even though they have insurance

• Nearly one in five Indians have avoided essential treatment because of money problems

Even Insurance Is Not Enough

According to the GOQii report, many people with insurance still struggle to afford treatment. This is because of issues like claim rejections, limited coverage and many hidden exclusions. As a result, families are paying out of pocket, which sometimes means selling personal belongings or getting into debt.

An expert from GOQii stated that the rising cost of healthcare is not just about numbers, but a hidden crisis affecting real people in their homes, and emphasized the need to ensure that good health is a right, not a luxury.

The report includes stories from across India—like diabetic patients using less insulin to save money, elderly people delaying surgeries, and parents skipping treatment for their sick children.

India’s Health Is Getting Worse

As per GOQii data, the number of people with poor health has increased by 3.84 per cent compared to last year. The gender gap in health is also widening. Around 64 per cent of women are now considered unhealthy compared to 40 per cent of men.

Lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol are becoming more common, especially among older people. About 48.7 per cent of senior citizens suffer from high blood pressure, followed by diabetes (39 per cent) and high cholesterol (24 per cent).

Public Wants Change

60 per cent of people surveyed believe the government needs to step in and control medical costs. The report clarifies that without strong rules and better insurance, healthcare will continue to be a big financial burden.

But there is hope. The report talks about the benefits of preventive healthcare and wellness-linked insurance. GOQii’s SAFE model (Sedentary, Active, Fit, Elite) is one such example. It rewards users for staying healthy with better insurance benefits. In fact, 54 per cent of people said they would choose such wellness-based insurance plans that include regular check-ups and health coaching.

People using these programs have seen fewer hospital visits and lower medical bills.

The Way Forward

India is at a turning point. According to the GOQii report, the country needs urgent action:

• Make insurance simpler and more inclusive

• Control the prices of treatments and medicines

• Promote preventive healthcare with regular screenings and digital health tools

• Use AI and wearable tech to improve access to affordable care

Without major changes, the burden of healthcare will keep growing. But with smart policies and a focus on prevention, India can build a healthcare system that puts people first—one that is fair, affordable and focused on long-term well-being.