Health insurance companies need to work on new business models to expand the demand for health cover, according to a white paper on health insurance released by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) and India Health Progress. Presenting the main recommendations in the paper, Sujay Shetty, Leader, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, PwC India, said health insurers should provide tailor-made policies for people at affordable price points.

“There are 23 community health insurance schemes being run by various State Governments in India. Public, private participation models should be designed,” he said. New policies that cover preventive check-ups and out-patient treatment should also be introduced, as pre-hospitalisation and post-discharge costs form a big chunk of medical expenditure.