Health Insurance Awareness and its Socio Demographic Correlates among Fishermen of Dakshina Kannada District, Southern India

Abstract

Background: Fishing is a substantial contributor to the Indian economy and Fishermen are subjected to a variety of occupational risks and are at high risk of injury. Health insurance (HI) is a strategy for reducing out-of-pocket expenses during times of illness. Fishermen are subjected to a variety of occupational risks and are at high risk of injury. People with limited resources often lack access to quality health care. Most people obtain healthcare from private providers. This results in catastrophic healthcare costs and the impoverishment of low- and middle-income people. Lack of information about health insurance schemes, budgetary restrictions, and the unavailability of suitable insurance plans customized to their individual needs, the fisherman community frequently struggles to secure health insurance coverage.Methodology: Community-based interventional research among fisherman in the field practice area of medical college in Dakshina Kannada District in Coastal Karnataka. The data was gathered from consented individuals.Results: The majority of the study participants 248 (75.2%) were men between the ages of 40- 50 years 101 (30.6%). A large part of study population belonged to nuclear households 260 (78.8%), with a monthly income of less than or equal to INR 10,000/- among 209 (63.3%) participants. Intervention on health insurance led to increase in awareness and entitlement among the participants.Conclusions: Enrolment in any health insurance plan would be a tool for reducing the family's financial burden and accessing appropriate treatment when needed. This may be accomplished by educating communities about the need for health insurance.