Surgeries in India have become significantly more expensive over the past decade, with costs rising by an alarming 250–300%, according to a recent report by Policybazaar. This surge in medical expenses is putting millions at financial risk when faced with health emergencies.
The analysis reveals that advanced treatments like cancer surgeries, heart and kidney transplants, and liver procedures now range from ₹18 lakh to ₹50 lakh — a dramatic increase from their 2013 costs. Even basic surgeries haven’t been spared. For example, a cancer surgery that cost ₹13.5 lakh in 2013 now costs nearly ₹50.8 lakh. The price of a heart transplant has jumped from ₹9.8 lakh to over ₹34 lakh, while a cataract operation, once ₹35,000 in 2016, has shot up to ₹1.26 lakh in 2025.
Policybazaar called this not just a financial strain, but a growing healthcare crisis. The sharp price hikes are attributed to several factors: soaring medical inflation, greater use of cutting-edge technologies, increased demand due to an ageing population, and a continued dependence on imported medical equipment.
“In today’s context, a ₹1 crore health insurance policy is the new standard — what ₹10 lakh used to be a decade ago,” the report said. With the costs of critical surgeries skyrocketing, many families are left with no choice but to delay treatment, deplete their savings, or take on debt. The emotional and financial burden of being uninsured has never been greater, Policybazaar stressed.
The report also highlighted that about 75% of Indians still pay for healthcare directly from their pockets, underscoring the urgent need for adequate insurance. A comprehensive health insurance policy offering ₹1 crore in coverage for a 35-year-old couple in Delhi now costs around ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per month, or ₹24,000 to ₹30,000 annually.
These policies cover major procedures including organ transplants, chemotherapy, robotic surgeries, and also offer services like outpatient care and mental health support through cashless hospitalisation.
“In a country where a single heart surgery can exceed a year’s income, having proper health insurance is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity,” the report concluded. Policybazaar also warned that with healthcare costs rising faster than general inflation, and with AI and robotic tools becoming more common in treatment, neglecting insurance could prove costlier in the long run.
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