Cigna’s India business, Cigna TTK Health Insurance, recently released the results of its 2018 Cigna 360° Well-Being Survey – Future Assured. The findings reveal that stress levels are high in India when compared with other developed and emerging countries including the United States, the UK, Germany, France, China, Brazil and Indonesia.
About 89 per cent of the population in India say they are suffering from stress compared to the global average of 86 per cent. In addition, one in eight people have serious trouble in dealing with stress, with millennials suffering more than other groups. Nearly, 75 per cent of respondents in India do not feel comfortable talking to a medical professional about their stress — cost is one of the biggest barriers to seeking professional help.
India takes the top spot in the overall global well-being Index for the fourth year running. The country only showed slight declines in physical, social and family wellness this year, while respondents remain optimistic about work and financial well-being.
The largest percentage falls are in the physical area were seen in weight and nutrition management, followed by sleep-related challenges. In the social pillar, over 50 per cent of people from India said they are not spending sufficient time with friends or have enough time for hobbies. The dip in family well-being is mostly due to growing concerns about the ability to financially support parents and children.
Workplace wellness scores high
Work and finances are the key reasons people gave for their high level of stress. However, workplace wellness overall scored high, with about half the respondents saying they have received support and are participating in a workplace wellness programme. The majority, 87 per cent, said that workplace wellness programmes are important in choosing between two potential employers.
While current workplace wellness programmes are making stress marginally more manageable, it seems there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Financial preparedness a major concern
The findings show that one in two respondents in India plan to finance their medical expenses from their savings in old age, followed by insurance.
Four in 10 people in India have purchased health insurance for themselves. The people who claim to be ready for older age are better at planning; they do regular health checks and own insurance. They are also more likely to be married with children, and a high proportion have full time employment and are more affluent.
High willingness to share health care data
In India, private health care is perceived to be superior to public care on every aspect, except cost, by a resounding majority. As a result, there is a huge preference for private health care in India, with the majority utilising this system across all medical conditions.
There is also a high willingness to share data in India. Almost 90 per cent of those surveyed said that they would be open to sharing their health care data, as they see the benefits for better treatment and lower costs. Being clear about how data will be used is crucial, with about half of the respondents saying they would want to know how their data is being utilised.