In 2024, on an average, health insurance renewal premiums rose 10-15 percent. Senior citizens, in particular, saw far steeper hikes of up to 100 percent. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in January 2025 took cognisance of the sharp spikes and directed insurers to limit annual renewal premium hikes to 10 percent for senior citizens. In addition, there is considerable discontent with respect to health insurers’ claim settlement record as well. A survey conducted by social media portal and survey firm LocalCircles found that either five in ten policyholders had experienced partial or complete rejection of their claims. The IRDAI, too, has identified rising hospitalisation costs as one of the reasons for the steep premium hikes. The regulator has only acted to contain the premium hikes forSenior citizens by imposing a cap. It also prohibited insurers from withdrawing existing health insurance products issued to senior citizens and replacing them with newer, more expensive products without prior regulatory approvals. While the intent is positive, independent consumer activists do not see the move bringing any lasting relief to policyholders.