A new white paper has called for reforms in India’s insurance framework to improve access to fertility treatments, including the inclusion of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) coverage under government healthcare programmes such as Ayushman Bharat.
The report highlights that infertility is emerging as a significant healthcare concern in India, but the high cost of assisted reproductive treatments often prevents many couples from accessing advanced fertility care.
The white paper recommends expanding insurance coverage to include fertility treatments and developing structured guidelines for insurers, healthcare providers and policymakers. It suggests that broader coverage could reduce the financial burden on families seeking medical assistance for infertility.
Currently, many health insurance policies do not provide comprehensive coverage for fertility treatments, leaving patients to bear significant out-of-pocket expenses. IVF procedures can involve multiple cycles, diagnostic tests, medicines and specialised medical consultations, resulting in substantial financial costs.
The report also calls for greater awareness among consumers regarding fertility insurance options and stronger collaboration between insurers, hospitals and government agencies to design suitable products.
Including fertility treatment within public healthcare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat could improve access for economically weaker sections and support wider healthcare inclusion.
Experts believe that insurance reforms in this area should balance affordability, medical necessity and long-term sustainability for insurers. Clear eligibility criteria, treatment guidelines and cost-management mechanisms would be important for effective implementation.
The discussion reflects a broader shift in health insurance from covering only traditional hospitalisation expenses towards addressing wider healthcare needs, including preventive care, specialised treatments and reproductive health services.
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