- Putting ‘HealthFirst’: Chennai residents are willing to give up luxuries for better health insurance coverage, reveals the New Health Normal Report
- 62% of the respondents in Chennai have set aside enough money to use in case of medical emergencies as compared to 52% nationally
- 84% of respondents in Chennai would actively seek an employer that insured your family medical expenses as compared to 78.5% nationally
- 91% of the respondents in Chennai believe that mental health consulting should be included in the health insurance policy as compared to 88.6% nationally
NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, AUG 29
The global shift brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of prioritizing a health-conscious way of life. As a result, individuals are proactively exploring diverse channels, both in the digital realm and the physical world, to foster and sustain their commitment to well-being. Moreover, the pandemic has also impacted their behavior in many ways – the technology they use, how closely they monitor their diet, do they exercise regularly etc, reveals the New Health Normal report, published by Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Ltd (ABHICL), the health insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL), a significant non-bank financial services conglomerate.
Unlike pre-pandemic times, securing the financial capability to deal with health emergencies has become a part of the family’s financial planning. ABHICL’s New Health Normal report highlights some of the key insights related to how people in Chennai are adapting to the new reality. According to the report, 62% of the respondents in Chennai have set aside enough money to use in case of medical emergencies as compared to 52% nationally. Furthermore, 84% of respondents in Chennai would actively seek an employer that insured your family medical expenses as compared to 78.5% nationally.
One of the most thought provoking insights in ABHICL’s New Health Normal report is that 85% of the respondents in Chennai would trade a luxury item to purchase health insurance as compared 84.5% nationally in the ‘New Health Normal’. This demonstrates that people in Chennai are prioritizing their health and are willing to make sacrifices to ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage.
Speaking on the findings of the research, Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, said, “Due to the pandemic, in the ‘New Health Normal’, people are realising the importance of a health-focused lifestyle and are actively seeking avenues that can support it – both online and offline. It has impacted their behavior as well in many ways – the technology they use, how closely they monitor their diet, do they exercise regularly etc. However, as ever, adopting a new habit is a challenge for most, and the need of the hour is to motivate and encourage people to complete the last mile in their health journey.”
Chennai’s inclination and dedication towards exercise is the highest
ABHICL’s New Health Normal report has revealed that people in Chennai have a high inclination and dedication towards exercise, however more focus is required. According to the report, 77% of the respondents in Chennai believe that their awareness of health and wellness related issue has increased as compared to 84% nationally, post the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, 85% of the respondents in Chennai monitor their physical activity such as the number of steps you have walked, etc. as compared to 69.2% nationally.
The fitness buffs in Chennai have also switched to using home-based fitness equipment rather than the traditional way of consuming health centric content as 95% of the respondents in Chennai have searched for online fitness classes, YouTube videos, exercise/Yoga related shows on OTT platforms.
Mental Health awareness grows in Chennai, but stigma remains a barrier to seeking help
The rise in uncertainty and anxiety that came hand in hand with Covid-19 has brought about a strong focus on the issue of mental health. People are primed to talk about cause for stress, anxiety, and the solutions that are available, and where they can seek professional help.
The report further highlights the state of mental health awareness in the state of Chennai. As per the findings, 91% of the respondents in Chennai believe that mental health consulting should be included in the health insurance policy as compared to 88.6% nationally. Interestingly, 75% of respondents in Chennai are still hesitant about visiting a mental health expert, compared to 68% nationally as they would be very concerned about what people think. This hesitation is a reflection of the stigma surrounding mental health in the city, which is preventing many from accessing the care they need. ABHICL believes that by continuing to educate the public about mental health and reducing the fear and shame associated with seeking help, the city can create a more supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues.
