Care Health Insurance Flags Rising Liver Health Crisis in India; Calls for Greater Financial Preparedness on World Liver Day
Mumbai, April 17: Care Health Insurance has highlighted a growing but underrecognised liver health crisis in India, urging individuals to strengthen financial preparedness alongside increased awareness and early detection, on the occasion of World Liver Day.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease affects between 9% and 32% of the population, impacting nearly one in three individuals and increasingly being recognised as a “silent epidemic.” Liver-related conditions already account for over 66% of total deaths, with rising treatment costs adding to the financial burden on households.
While India has integrated NAFLD screening into its NP-NCD (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases), the company emphasised that policy-level efforts must be complemented by individual financial readiness.
Drawing from its internal data, Care Health Insurance reported that liver-related insurance claims have doubled over the past three years, with treatment costs rising nearly 100% during the same period. The analysis suggests that a minimum health insurance cover of ₹15 lakh or more is increasingly necessary to manage liver disease-related expenses.
The findings also reveal a concerning demographic shift. There has been a 5–10% year-on-year increase in liver diseases among younger policyholders, a 10–15% annual rise in claims from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and nearly a 10% yearly increase in claims among female policyholders. These trends indicate that liver disease is no longer confined to older, male, or metro-based populations.
Commenting on the findings, Manish Dodeja, Chief Operating Officer, Care Health Insurance, said,
“Liver diseases are no longer confined to a narrow risk pool but are expanding in ways that are increasingly concerning. Cases are rising sharply, younger populations are getting impacted, and the financial burden on households is becoming significantly heavier. This is not just a clinical issue—it is increasingly an economic one as well.”
He added, “It is critical for individuals to periodically review their health coverage and ensure their sum insured keeps pace with evolving risks. Unless awareness, early detection, and financial preparedness move in tandem, the gap between risk and readiness will continue to widen.”
The company noted that these findings align with broader clinical trends. Emerging data suggests that fatty liver disease is becoming a leading cause of chronic liver disease in children, particularly those with obesity and metabolic risk factors. According to the World Obesity Observatory, approximately 1.19 crore Indian children could be living with liver disease by 2040 if current trends continue.
With rising treatment complexity and costs, liver disease is becoming one of the most financially demanding health conditions for Indian families. On World Liver Day, Care Health Insurance urges individuals to prioritise regular screening, adopt healthier lifestyles, and review their health insurance coverage proactively.
