Mr. Antony Jacob, CEO, Apollo Munich Health Insurance, recently appeared on an interview with Shaili Chopra on ET Now. A chartered accountant by qualification, Mr. Jacob is focused whether it comes to Apollo Munich’s foray into health insurance or a simple game of golf. Golf is one of his greatest passions.

In the Interview, he spoke about the impact made by the insurance sector on healthcare. Mr. Jacob said that the onset of the insurance industry about 10 years ago was one of the best things that could happen to the healthcare sector. Now, most people recognize healthcare as a fast growing industry. However, at the same time the cost of the same is also rising. He also added that eventually, health insurance would be the best means of financing medical expenditure.

Mr. Jacob also spoke about the changes that would come up in the next few years in the industry. According to him, the industry has the scope of growing to about $20 billion which is 10 times the current size. He added that the industry is set to become far more competitive and the prime focus would be on growth.

When asked whether playing golf helps in business, Mr. Jacob’s reply was that it indeed did. “Golf is a very relaxing game and I do make a lot of friends” was his reply. When people play, they tend to meet people from different companies. When you start meeting them off-course, it leads to networking and business.

Mr. Antony Jacob is known to be quite a driver. He has been playing a lot of corporate tournaments. Mr. Jacob said that when he played, he took it seriously. In his words, “If it’s one hole which has got the prize for the longest drive, I surely try hard to hit a long shot.” When he was asked about the one lesson that he would like to share with fellow golfers, his prompt reply was to never give up. He would like his fellow players to ‘continue the fight’.

The main course in Emirates Golf is Mr. Jacob’s favorite golf course. It is one of the best courses, according to him where he has had the chance of meeting and watching some of the greatest golf players. When asked who he would take as a mentor when it came to golf, his reply was “In terms of golf, I will stick to Tiger Woods.”