80% of Disabled People in India Excluded from Health Coverage

A sobering new survey from the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) reveals that 80% of India’s 160 million disabled citizens are currently excluded from the country’s health insurance system. The survey, conducted between 2023 and 2025 and involving over 5,000 disabled participants from across India, uncovers systemic discrimination that prevents many from accessing vital healthcare services.

The survey, titled "Inclusive Health Coverage for All: Disability, Discrimination, and Health Insurance in India", highlights the barriers disabled individuals face when attempting to obtain health insurance coverage. A shocking 53% of those who apply for health insurance are rejected without clear explanation, demonstrating the prejudice embedded within the underwriting process of insurance companies. This is especially prevalent among individuals with disabilities such as autism, intellectual disabilities, and blood disorders like thalassemia, who are often denied coverage due to their medical conditions.

The findings of the survey show that the process of applying for health insurance is fraught with obstacles, beginning with discriminatory policies from insurance companies. Many insurers continue to categorise disabled people as ‘high-risk’, leading to automatic rejection or unreasonable exclusion from coverage. The insurance industry's practices appear to be out of touch with modern inclusivity standards, reinforcing a cycle of vulnerability for disabled individuals.

The issue extends beyond just the application process. Disabled individuals, particularly those with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments, often encounter major difficulties with digital insurance platforms. Websites and mobile applications designed to provide information about health insurance schemes are frequently inaccessible, with limited or no support for screen readers. The result is that many disabled people are left in the dark about their rights and available options.

In addition to the technological barriers, the survey also identified a lack of awareness and understanding of available insurance schemes among disabled citizens. Factors such as linguistic challenges, insufficient communication of information, and a lack of accessible support systems make it even harder for disabled people to navigate the health insurance landscape.

Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, has called attention to the stark contrast between the legal commitments made under India’s Constitution and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, and the reality faced by disabled citizens when it comes to health insurance. Despite policies intended to ensure equality, the exclusion of disabled individuals from healthcare and insurance benefits continues to persist, demonstrating deep-seated institutional failure.

The report also critiques the government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to provide health insurance coverage to low-income families. While the programme recently expanded to include citizens over the age of 70, the survey argues that disabled people should be given higher priority in such schemes due to their greater vulnerability. Disability-related health risks often outweigh those associated with old age, and yet the disabled population remains largely overlooked in national health policies.

In response to these findings, the survey makes several key recommendations for reform. It advocates for the immediate inclusion of all disabled individuals in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, removing all income, age, and documentation barriers that prevent access to health coverage. The report also calls for a broader inclusion of mental health services, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies within the scope of health insurance coverage, as these are essential for the well-being and independence of disabled individuals.

Moreover, the survey suggests the establishment of a Disability Inclusion Committee within the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to oversee the development of more inclusive policies. It also recommends that all stakeholders in the healthcare and insurance sectors, from insurance agents to healthcare workers, undergo mandatory disability sensitivity training to better serve the needs of disabled clients.

The findings highlight a clear need for India to rethink its approach to health insurance, ensuring that disabled individuals are provided with the same opportunities and protections as any other citizen. By addressing these issues, India can build a more inclusive healthcare system for all.