August 2025: NFHS-5 insights on disparities in health insurance coverage
The NFHS-5 (2019–21), conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), reveals significant disparities in household health insurance coverage across India. Rajasthan (87.8%), Chhattisgarh (71.4%), and Andhra Pradesh (70.2%) record the highest coverage, while Andaman & Nicobar Islands (1.6%), Jammu & Kashmir (12.7%), and Manipur (14.2%) rank at the bottom.
Southern states generally perform well, with the exception of Karnataka (28.1%). In the North-East, results are mixed — Meghalaya (63.5%) performs strongly, whereas Manipur (14.2%) is among the lowest. Union Territories also show variation, from Lakshadweep (60.1%) to Andaman & Nicobar Islands at the lowest.
Interestingly, economic strength does not guarantee high coverage — for example, Maharashtra (20%) and Gujarat (39%) lag far behind top performers. Overall, only about one-third of states and UTs have more than 50% of households covered. These findings underscore the need for stronger health schemes, greater public awareness, and simplified enrollment processes under programs such as Ayushman Bharat.
