#dataview Health insurers like ICICI Prudential point out that insurance coverage in India remains extremely low, and there is significant potential for growth in this sector as Indians increase their spending on medical care. So how much money do Indians spend out of pocket on their health today?

The interactive map shows that the largest out of pocket medical expenses are in Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi and Punjab. The lowest spends are in the North East (with Nagaland at the lowest at less than Rs. 100 per person per year) and Bihar, Rajasthan.  

Research has shown a correlation between your level of education and the amount you spend on healthcare, especially preventive. The existing tendency to visit the doctor only when you have no choice - when there is pain or advanced stage of disease - is slowly moving towards the mindset of regular checkups, but as can be seen from spending variations on the map, this shift will take time. A 'prevention of disease' attitude is linked to increased insurance rates, so the growth that private insurers like ICICI Prudential and HDFC MaxLife are seeking will take years to build up. and a lot hinges on insurer ability to provide coverage on an affordable basis.