Rising treatment costs for dialysis, hospitalisation, and transplants are prompting insurers and individuals to focus on early detection, preventive care, and comprehensive coverage.
CKD growth and cost implications
“CKD is growing at a rate of around 30% annually,” said Saurabh Arora, Co-founder, Plum.
While it isn’t as high as cancer or cardiovascular diseases, CKD is one of the fastest-growing cohorts among chronic conditions.
Treatment, including prolonged dialysis, can cost a median patient over ₹2 lakh per year.
Experts highlight that many CKD cases remain asymptomatic until later stages, making early screening crucial. “Regular health check-ups—at least twice a year for individuals with metabolic conditions such as diabetes—are essential,” Arora noted.
Key biomarkers like creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) help detect early kidney damage, enabling timely intervention.
Preventive care and wellness programs
Insurers are embedding preventive benefits and wellness programs into health plans.
“Annual kidney screenings, digital health tracking, and lifestyle nudges empower policyholders to manage their risk effectively,” said Vineet Gupta, Head – Product Development, ManipalCigna Health Insurance.
Nochiketa Dixit, Managing Director – Industries, EDME Insurance Brokers, emphasised the financial angle.
“Wellness-focused policies not only improve health outcomes but also reduce the likelihood of costly interventions like dialysis or transplant, easing long-term financial pressure on both insurers and policyholders.”
Insurance challenges and timing
CKD and other pre-existing conditions remain major hurdles for coverage.
“Pre-existing CKD is often grounds for rejection when applying for insurance, and even risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension can lead to 10%-50% premium loading,” Arora explained.
Experts agree that purchasing insurance early is critical. Waiting until after a diagnosis can make it difficult or expensive to obtain coverage, limiting financial protection when it is needed most.
Individuals are advised to ensure policies cover daycare procedures, critical illness, and preventive wellness benefits, in addition to regular hospitalization coverage.
“Integrating preventive screenings and comprehensive insurance planning is the most effective way to safeguard both health and finances,” Dixit added.
Why this matters
CKD risk is both a health and financial concern. With medical inflation nearly double the consumer price index in India, early detection, preventive care, and robust insurance coverage are essential tools to manage the disease, avoid catastrophic costs, and secure long-term financial stability.