Prudential HCL Health commences operation with 12000 hospital network

​Prudential HCL Health Insurance launched in India, targeting the $16 billion health insurance market.

MUMBAI: Prudential HCL Health Insurance, a standalone health insurance 70:30 joint venture between Prudential plc and HCL Group, has commenced operations after receiving its Certificate of Registration on July 1, 2026, as it seeks to tap India’s health insurance market.The company enters a market estimated at around $16 billion in gross written premiums in FY26. It has a network of more than 12,000 hospitals and will use an omnichannel model that combines an agency network with an AI-enabled direct-to-consumer platform.Amit Dave, MD and CEO designate of Prudential Health India, said the company aimed to go beyond the traditional role of an insurer and support customers throughout their health journey.According to Naveen Tahilyani, regional ceo for Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, India and Africa, and group agency and health at Prudential plc, India offers scope for growth in healthcare and customer experience. “By combining Prudential’s insurance and health capabilities with HCL Group’s technology and healthcare expertise, we aim to make more accessible and help more Indian families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence,” he said.Tahilyani said the company would combine proactive support and insurance solutions before, during and after a health issue. It also supports the Govt’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.The venture combines Prudential’s insurance and health capabilities with HCL’s technology, digital transformation and healthcare businesses. The companies said they aim to build a customer-centric and technology-enabled health insurance business with simpler and more personalised products and services.According to Shikhar Malhotra, executive director at Vama Sundari Investments (HCL group), HCL’s entry into health insurance extends its capabilities in healthcare technology, digital transformation and innovation. “As healthcare becomes increasingly consumer-led and technology-enabled, we see a significant opportunity to bring these strengths to an area that is fundamental to the health and financial security of millions of Indians,” he said.