Nearly seven in ten cardiac claims received by Universal Sompo General Insurance originate from non-metro locations, according to the insurer’s claims experience. The figures indicate that cardiac care is increasingly extending beyond major metropolitan centres, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities accounting for a growing share of cardiac-related hospitalisations.
The trend underscores the need to look beyond the traditional metro-centric approach to cardiac healthcare. Improved access to diagnostic facilities, greater availability of specialised treatment, rising health awareness and increasing healthcare utilisation in smaller cities may be contributing to more cardiac conditions being diagnosed and treated outside major urban centres.
The insurer’s claims experience also highlights the potential for cardiac conditions to involve prolonged treatment and substantial healthcare expenditure. Conditions such as rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease and congenital heart diseases may require regular monitoring, medication and, in some cases, repeated medical intervention. Timely diagnosis and appropriate long-term disease management therefore remain important aspects of cardiac care.
The financial implications of cardiac treatment can be significant even as access to specialised healthcare expands. Indicative treatment costs range from approximately Rs. 1-2.5 lakh for coronary angiography and medical management to Rs. 2.5-4 lakh for coronary angioplasty. Bypass surgery can cost Rs. 4.5-6.5 lakh, while aortic valve replacement may cost Rs. 12-16 lakh.
Actual treatment expenses can vary depending on the hospital, location, complexity of the procedure and individual clinical requirements. These costs can place considerable financial pressure on households when a cardiac emergency arises unexpectedly, adding an economic challenge to the medical concerns faced by patients and their families.
Adequate health insurance can provide financial support against eligible hospitalisation expenses, helping individuals and families access appropriate treatment without having to bear the entire cost of a major medical event themselves.
Varsha Gujarathi, Chief Customer Officer, Universal Sompo General Insurance, said, “We are seeing cardiac care needs increasingly emerge from smaller cities and towns, reflecting the changing healthcare landscape in India. While improved access to diagnosis and specialised treatment is encouraging, it also reinforces the need to focus on prevention, regular health screening and early intervention. Equally important is financial preparedness. Adequate health insurance coverage can help families manage the financial impact of a serious cardiac event and focus on recovery without the added burden of unexpected medical expenses.”
The insurer’s observations highlight the growing importance of cardiac healthcare and financial preparedness beyond metropolitan India. As Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities account for a substantial share of cardiac claims, prevention, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and insurance coverage remain important considerations for households managing the health and financial risks associated with cardiac conditions.
Universal Sompo General Insurance is a joint venture of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Dabur Investments, and a global insurer SOMPO. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company has 132 offices nationwide, with representation through its digitally enabled employees across over 300 cities.
The company has a distribution network comprising agents, point of salespersons, bank branches, automobile dealers, brokers, common service centres, and digital platforms/e-commerce players. Its portfolio includes 183 products and 2,127 add-on covers, serving retail, SME, and corporate customers through solutions spanning motor, health, property, marine, engineering, liability, employee benefits, and other specialized insurance lines of business.
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