Rise of early-onset chronic illness press traditional insurance models

The median age for cardiology consultations has dropped to 33.

Early-onset chronic diseases and rising mental health issues reduce productivity across corporate India, driving pressure on traditional insurance models, revealed Plum's Employee Health Report 2025.

According to the report, based on analysis of 100,000 telehealth consultations, 25,000 insurance claims, and over 2,000 employee health check-ups, chronic conditions are hitting Indian employees at much younger ages. 

The median age for cardiology consultations has dropped to 33, whilst diagnoses of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are now common by the mid-30s. 

These conditions are contributing to a loss of up to 30 days of productivity per employee each year.

Despite this trend, only 20% of companies currently offer regular health check-ups. Plum’s data shows that 71% of employees are at moderate risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with 5% requiring urgent medical attention. 

High blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, and prediabetes were amongst the most common conditions found during company-sponsored health camps.

Mental health is another growing concern, with 40% of employees taking at least one sick day per month for related issues. 

Mental health consultations now make up 20% of Plum’s telehealth services, with anxiety being the most reported concern. 

Yet mental health coverage and access remain limited across many corporate plans.

Insurance data also revealed gender disparities in access and engagement. 

Whilst men are more likely to use general health benefits, they are less likely to seek mental health care until symptoms become severe.

Women in the 50 to 59 age group accounted for the highest benefit utilisation, often due to delayed treatment after years of deprioritising their health.

Only 34% of companies offer benefits aligned with what employees say they value, and one in three employees say they lack the time to prioritise their health. 

The report calls for a shift toward preventive, personalised, and flexible healthcare models that move beyond insurance coverage alone.

With the cost of employee health directly tied to productivity and retention, the report concludes that investment in preventive care could yield significant returns. 

For every ₹100 spent on health initiatives, companies could save up to ₹296 in long-term healthcare costs.