According to a recent YouGov survey, nearly one in five (18%) respondents in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region consider mental health coverage essential when selecting a health insurance plan. An additional 41% view mental health coverage as important but not a deal breaker, while 32% would choose a plan with or without it. Only 9% do not regard mental health coverage as necessary.

Consumers in Indonesia are most likely to consider mental health coverage essential (28%), followed by Australians at 21%. The survey revealed that 63% of APAC consumers are likely or very likely to pay higher premiums for insurance plans that offer comprehensive mental health coverage. However, high premiums were cited as the topmost barrier to comprehensive coverage of mental health services in health insurance plans by 52% of respondents across APAC.

Coverage for both inpatient and outpatient treatments ranks as the most influential factor that would make one choose an insurance provider (37%), followed by comprehensive mental health screenings (35%) and inclusion of preventative mental health programs (31%).

The survey also found that 37% of consumers in APAC believe insurance companies should proactively promote mental health coverage alongside physical health. Over half (55%) of consumers in APAC have health insurance. While 14% do not have insurance but intend to obtain it, a notable 26% neither own insurance nor plan to purchase it in the next 12 months.

The data is based on surveys of adults aged 18+ years in four markets with a combined sample size of around 5000 for all markets. All surveys were conducted online between September 26 and 30, 2024.