Let’s be honest, over the past few years, conversations around mental health have become more open. Companies talk about it, leaders speak about it, and insurance policies now include it. But are people actually using the support available to them?
In fact, despite half of Indian insurers providing mental health support under their health plans, employee utilisation stands below 20%, according to Aon’s 2025 Insurer Wellbeing Benchmarking Report.
DIGITAL GROWTH ACROSS THE SECTOR
India’s health insurance market is changing quickly. Many insurers now offer telehealth services, online doctor consultations and digital claim processes. Around 83% of insurers surveyed provide telehealth support.
However, digital expansion does not automatically mean better outcomes. The report shows that although services are available, measurable impact remains limited in several areas, including mental health.
Simply offering counselling or therapy sessions is not enough. Employees must feel comfortable using them, and employers must actively promote them.
EMPLOYERS WANT BETTER WELLBEING OUTCOMES
The report reveals that employers are placing greater focus on workforce wellbeing. They want benefits that improve health, reduce stress and deliver real results.
Susan Fanning, Head of APAC Wellbeing Solutions at Aon, said India’s health insurance market is at a key moment. Expectations from both employers and employees are rising. Insurers will need to innovate and work more closely with companies to deliver meaningful results while managing costs. “By aligning more closely with employer priorities of workforce health, cost sustainability and measurable outcomes, insurers can play a significant role in building a resilient, future-ready health benefits ecosystem for their workforce,” said Fanning.
SUPPORT IS GROWING, BUT AWARENESS MAY BE LOW
The report studied six insurers in India and reviewed more than 600 data points across ten wellbeing areas, including telemedicine, mental health, employee assistance programmes and health screenings.
While it is encouraging that mental health cover is becoming more common, the low usage rate raises questions. Are employees fully aware of what is available to them? Do they know how to access these services? Or are they still hesitant to seek help?
Experts believe that social stigma and lack of clear communication may be key reasons behind the low uptake.
A GAP BETWEEN INTENTION AND ACTION
The findings show a clear gap. Mental health support is being added to insurance plans, but usage remains low. This suggests that awareness, accessibility and trust still need work.
As workplace pressures increase and conversations around emotional wellbeing become more common, insurers and employers may need to focus less on simply adding services and more on encouraging people to use them.
For now, the message is simple: mental health support exists in many insurance plans, but until more employees feel able and willing to use it, its true impact will remain limited.
