GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Ever since Covid brought the world to a halt, we have seen a rise in demand for healthcare assistance and services. We all remember the mass fear of getting trapped into health complications, even if people were not infected by the Covid virus strain. Every other day, you read headlines about the demise of highly fit people who had a proper workout regimen and cared for their health. However, life has its ways. While we might be powerless in front of our destinies, the least we can do is to stay fit. We need to take proper care of ourselves physically, mentally, and economically by making intelligent decisions like purchasing health insurance policies to safeguard ourselves during tough times.

We all have heard and read about health insurance and its benefits. But we are always on the lookout for something more. Something which can grant us more confidence and coverage to face unforeseeable circumstances with zero financial stress. Have you heard about super top-up health insurance? And, what should you consider before purchasing super top-up health insurance? You might have several doubts. This blog will discuss the answers to these vital questions.

1. Understanding super top-up health insurance in detail.
Just like the top-up plans we opt for while recharging our phones, a super top-up health insurance plan is the top-up for your policies. In addition, the term "super" brings many benefits, which take health insurance the extra mile beyond the limitations of a top-up insurance plan.
A super top-up insurance plan expands the coverage beyond your regular health insurance plan. It covers the medical expenditure after the limit of your primary health insurance policy is exhausted. In addition to expanding the coverage provided by your health insurance, a super top-up health insurance plan offers you coverage for more than one claim over your initial policy limit.

2. Who requires super top-up health insurance?
Senior citizens come first in the order of a super top-up health insurance plan requirement. Their frequent need for healthcare services suits this type of insurance plan, which would allow them to avail the benefits with no financial stress. People with severe health risks of hospitalisation can opt for super top-up health insurance to expand their coverage and avail successive medical benefits. To augment the benefits of group health insurance, a super top-up plan proves helpful and allows the policyholders to redeem the benefits beyond their insurance plan.

3. What should you consider before purchasing super top-up health insurance?
While the benefits of super top-up health insurance sound amazing and worth considering, you also need to be on the lookout for certain factors before buying a super top-up plan. Always choose the correct deductible limit, indicating the maximum extent of your primary health insurance policy.
You also need to cross-check the list of network hospitals that come under the super top-up health insurance so that you have complete clarity and verify whether the hospitals are serving your medical concerns, which is the primary reason for you expanding your coverage. A super top-up insurance plan can be customised. Therefore, you need to make sure that you read more about it and ask questions to be clear about its benefits and features before you insure a particular sum of money.

4. Other benefits of a super top-up insurance plan.
Some other benefits of a super top-up insurance plan include paying deductibles just once despite making multiple claims a year, accessibility to cashless payments at the network hospitals, eligibility for reimbursement post payment, coverage of Covid-19 treatment, tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax act on the premium paid for the super top-up health insurance policy, etc.

While we discuss expanding the coverage of your base policy through this top-up insurance plan, you need to understand the necessity of purchasing health insurance to combat medical emergencies and distress without worrying about the funds. Explore all available options and choose the best health insurance that caters to your needs optimally.

Click HERE to learn more about health insurance and its benefits.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Safety is undoubtedly at the forefront of your mind when you plan to buy a new car. However, many other crucial factors come into play in this decision-making process. These factors include essential safety features, enticing designs, and performance. Remember also to consider purchasing online car insurance for added peace of mind.

To make your car-buying experience even more enjoyable and impactful, here's a list of these priorities, ranked in order of importance. Get ready to make an informed decision in 2023.

1. Price and budgets:
Every car buyer's #1 concern is cost. There is a set budget for everything, including purchasing a car or allied online car insurance. Everybody will work to maximise their car's potential while paying the least money. And because the transition to the BS6 emission standards resulted in a price increase. Carmakers know the purchasing power of their customers, hence offering the options of different variants and pricing accordingly.

2. Fuel efficiency:
When it comes to cars, mileage is a crucial factor, as any Indian car buyer would tell you. There have been old models that were strong and packed with best-in-class features but failed terribly due to their poor fuel efficiency. For Indian consumers, a low kilometre per litre is an absolute red sign.

3. Service and maintenance cost:
A buyer considers other factors outside of the car's initial cost. Adding to budget planning are the prices of routine services. Therefore, the car should become affordable over time. Because of their hefty service costs, certain brands lose their preferability. However, a reliable car care partner may help reduce those service fees.

4. Qualities and design:
For many Indians, cars remain an enviable luxury. Since cars double as a status symbol in India, regardless of their features or powertrain specifications, an unattractive vehicle will not sell. Despite the wide variety of aesthetic preferences, some people prefer their cars to be more understated and sophisticated, while others like them to be more showy and solid.

5. Transmission and performance:
While performance isn't a top concern for most car buyers, Indians want their cars to be quick enough. Because people love the power of such vehicles, turbocharged engines have recently become increasingly popular.

6. User protection:
Safety is essential when considering cars, especially since India experiences many fatal traffic accidents. Safe driving and general awareness regarding standard driving guidelines can help resolve this problem and minimise the risk of accidents and fatalities.
While the auto industry recognises the need for high-quality cars, it does not respond to such demand immediately since Indians are price sensitive and do not wish to extend their budget to factor in their safety. We must realise that the cost of cars will need to go up because of increased protection. A strict set of safety rules and regulations is utmost required in India.

7. Reduced wait period:
It is challenging to be patient when making a significant investment in a car that is not just a means of conveyance but a measure of comfort and a sign of material wealth. Post the global pandemic, supply chain disruptions led to shortages of highly customised components, stopping assembly operations of various goods, including cars. With more car manufacturing factories opening up across India, car buyers can expect some relief from long waiting periods to get their hands on the keys to take their new cars for a spin at the earliest!

An overview of the top 7 priorities for Indian car buyers shows that price and features continue to take primary importance in the checklist. The addition of safety characteristics indicates a shift towards safer cars. We encourage you to purchase online car insurance after careful consideration and comparison while purchasing your car to ensure that you have safe, stress-free driving experiences!

Click HERE to buy the best online car insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

If you are interested in skincare, you may be familiar with collagen production. Those serious about their skincare routine make significant financial investments in items that address their skin problems. One such skin problem that haunts people is ageing.

Skincare aficionados utilise treatments containing collagen to fight the effects and symptoms of ageing. Let's understand the different effective ways of boosting collagen production in the body that can promise you a dazzling look.

What is collagen?
The body's most plentiful protein is collagen, which is also a vital component of skin. Muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and the digestive system are just a few of the tissues that contain them. It is important for a variety of biological processes, including wound healing.

Ways to boost collagen.

1. Vitamin C is crucial:
Low collagen levels brought on by a vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy, a potentially dangerous illness. Best food sources for Vitamin C include citrus fruit, red or green peppers, strawberries, and broccoli. A doctor might suggest supplements if a patient's vitamin C levels are too low. Skincare businesses frequently use vitamin C in their barrier creams.

2. Consume egg whites:
Egg whites, which are high in proline, one of the amino acids that make up the majority of collagen, should be a regular part of your diet. In addition to egg whites, foods rich in proline include wheat, barley, and salmon.

3. Aloe vera gel:
Aloe vera gel is frequently used to soothe rashes and heal sunburned skin. Patients who take aloe vera sterols regularly tend to get their skin more hydrated, have less severe creases, and have almost quadrupled the amounts of collagen than before. According to the study's findings, aloe vera promotes the development of skin-friendly cells. Aloe-containing goods can be taken orally or applied topically as creams or gels.

4. Reduce your consumption of processed carbs:
Limiting processed carbs is also a good idea. Refined carbs get converted to sugar in the body. The collagen fibres' connections are then harmed by sugar, making it challenging to repair them.
Advanced glycation end products, often known as AGEs, are produced as a result of this process and may aid in the early ageing of the skin. It happens even more quickly when blood sugar levels are raised in the body over an extended period. So, if you crave sweets, consider turning to other foods like fruit, dark chocolate, or toasted coconut flakes.

5. Light therapy:
In addition to reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity, red light treatment may promote collagen formation. Researchers discovered that this treatment encouraged the synthesis of collagen.

6. Avoid exposing your skin to UV rays:
Too much UV radiation is the greatest risk for collagen formation and skin health in general. Free radicals are unstable because they lack an electron. As they hunt for electrons, these free radicals can adversely interfere with collagen's fundamental properties.

These were the methods for boosting the body's production of collagen. Just as you take care of your skin, especially as you age, it is crucial to value your overall well-being. The best way to achieve this is by investing in the best health insurance policy in India. Medical costs associated with an illness or damage are covered by health insurance. A health plan also offers several benefits, including cashless hospitalisation and free medical check-ups. Make the right choice today and say yes to a healthy life!

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance policy in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Telematics in car insurance is used by integrating telecommunications and informatics to understand a driver's risk profile and help create insurance plans in which the premium is charged according to the usage of the car.

Insurance companies consider several factors, such as the distance covered, frequency of vehicle use, average speed, driving style, etc., to arrive at the appropriate premium to charge for the respective customer. Let us understand telematics car insurance in detail.

How does it work?

Once a telematics device is installed in the car, it makes a complete note of the car’s movement and distance covered, when, and how it was driven. The device also tracks acceleration style and habits, braking patterns, average speed maintained, etc. The insurance companies analyse all this data and create the driver's risk profile. They then arrive at the fair premium that a particular person should be charged.

A boon for the insured?

Two cars purchased in the same month or a gap of a few days command the same premium for the regular insurance policies, even if the driver's driving style differs. Some drive cautiously and efficiently, while others may drive rashly and negligently. There is a need for rewarding good driving style. Insurance companies have developed a genius idea of telematics car insurance in which we have to pay the insurance premium according to our driving style.

Usage-based car insurance is a boon for the insured as it motivates the users to drive efficiently. They become aware of their driving habits and realise how they can improve.

Good driving behaviour is rewarded in such car insurance, and car users enjoy lower premiums on their policy. A good driving style will also help to achieve higher fuel efficiency, lesser wear and tear on the car, and lower maintenance costs for the owner. Moreover, a cautious driver is less likely to get into a car accident.

Telematics car insurance is a boon for the insured who use their car less and still have to pay high premiums. This helps them to pay a lesser premium as the premium also depends upon the distance covered under such policy.

A boon for the insurer?

Telematics makes the drivers drive at appropriate speeds and avoid indulging in high-speed and rash driving. This means that car accidents should go down considerably, resulting in a much lesser number of car insurance claims.

Therefore, the insurance company will stand to benefit from such car insurance. Lesser claims mean lesser expenses, resulting in higher profits for them. Also, such insurance will provide a lot of driving data to the insurance companies. They can analyse it and offer customised insurance policies to their clients. This will help them create an improved clientele and increase their market share and profits.

Car owners should consider several questions, such as the frequency of their car usage, driving style, and premium amount compared to their existing car insurance policy.
Such car insurance is a boon for both the insurer and the insured. Time is not far when technology, combined with telecommunications, will take over, and telematics car insurance will become the best choice among all the available options in the market.

*Telematics car insurance is not much prevalent in India as of now. It is just in the introduction stage, and the concept is new to most users. Hence, it will take some time to evolve and spread. Therefore, contact your insurance provider for further details.

Click HERE to buy a reliable car insurance policy.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Recent studies indicated a 0.4% penetration rate of health insurance in India in 2022. The true gravity of the situation is not felt when viewed in isolation but when compared to the 4.1% penetration rate in the US. Experts pin this lag on inaccessible insurance products and a general lack of awareness in the country.

Misinformation is undoubtedly the most significant concern that the insurance industry faces. An excellent example of misconceptions leading to losing out on benefits is unawareness regarding the restoration benefit offered under health insurance in India. If you have ever wondered about what happens when you need additional coverage after raising a claim and exhausting the insured sum within the policy period, here are all your answers about the restoration benefit, its advantages, and the types.

What is the restoration benefit?

A restoration benefit may be the most significant inbuilt feature insurers offer when purchasing the best health insurance policy in India. It is a benefit that is of greater significance in the case of family floater policies.

According to widespread misinformation, most policyholders believe they can no longer raise a claim in case of a second instance of hospitalisation against the same policy during the policy period. However, if your health insurance provides restoration benefits, you are insured for a greater sum than the insurance policy states. Your best health insurance in India offers a refill benefit, allowing you to claim up to 100% of the insured sum even after it is exhausted.

And, if your policy does not provide this feature, you can purchase a restoration benefit add-on to act as a security net in case of multiple occurrences of the event you are insured against during the policy tenure.

Types of restoration benefit.

1. Partial exhaustion:
As the name suggests, upon partial exhaustion of the insured sum, the restoration feature comes into play, renewing the insured sum to the maximum amount stated in the policy. If you have to purchase the add-on feature, it is preferred to have this type of restoration benefit.

2. Complete exhaustion:
The restoration feature only activates upon using the entire insured sum. Commonly, health insurance providers offer this type of benefit to policyholders since it minimises their exposure to risk by making restoration only applicable after the whole insured sum is exhausted.

Critical attributes of restoration benefit.

While the feature offers excellent benefits, you must not blindly purchase it or rely upon it without being aware of some of its essential characteristics:

1. The restored insured sum is not eligible for utilisation in the renewed policy period, irrespective of whether or not it is used in the relevant period.

2. Depending on your policy’s fine print, the restored amount may be up to 100-150% of the insured sum, depending on the cause for raising a claim.

3. The benefit does not apply to the first claim during the policy period but becomes applicable from the second claim onwards.

4. In the case of individual or family floater plans, multiple policyholders cannot enjoy the benefit of the restored insured sum simultaneously.

5. While it provides a backup in emergencies, it does not suffice as a replacement for increasing the insured sum in case of critical diseases or high-risk family members covered under the policy.

While purchasing the best health insurance policy in India, it is essential to check if the policy offers restoration benefits within the policy framework. Although it may not be a substitute for the need to increase your insured sum in your individual or family floater plan, it certainly provides a backup option to rely on in case of emergencies to cover insurance claims.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance policy in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Back pain is a common condition among older adults and can significantly impact their quality of life. Chronic back pain can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and participate in physical activities, leading to a sedentary lifestyle and other health problems. While there are several treatment options for back pain, such as medications and physical therapy, stretching is an effective and natural way to manage and prevent back pain.

As we age, we may experience back pain for various reasons, such as poor posture, lack of physical activity, arthritis, or injuries. One of the most systematic and effective ways to manage and prevent back pain is by regularly stretching the back muscles. Here are a few top back pain stretches for older adults to improve mobility. Practice these poses and stretches daily to stay on top of your health. Let's get started.

1. Child's pose stretch
The child's pose is a gentle stretch that can relieve tension in the lower back. To perform this stretch, firstly, kneel on the floor. Your toes should touch, and your knees should be hip-width apart. Lower your hips onto your heels and stretch your arms out before you. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute and breathe deeply.

Benefits:
● Removes tension in the lower back and hips
● Calms the mind
● Reduces stress and anxiety
● It improves digestion and helps with constipation

2. Cat-Cow stretch
The cat-cow stretch targets the upper and lower back muscles, promoting flexibility and mobility. Start on your hands and knees. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Arch your back towards the ceiling, tucking your chin to your chest (cat pose). Then, lower your back towards the floor and lift your head and tailbone towards the direction of the ceiling. This is the cow pose. Alternate between the two postures for 1-2 minutes.

Benefits:
● Increases flexibility and mobility of the spine
● Relieves tension in the neck and shoulders
● Improves posture
● Revitalises the organs in the abdomen, thus improving digestion

3. Seated forward bend
The seated forward bend is an excellent stretch for the hamstrings and lower back muscles. Sit on the floor. Your legs should be straight before you. Next, hinge forward from your hips, reaching towards your toes. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then slowly return to a seated position.

Benefits:
● Stretches hamstring and lower back muscles
● It helps with anxiety and stress
● Relieves tension in the neck and shoulders

4. Knee-to-chest stretch
The knee-to-chest stretch targets the muscles in the lower back and hips. Lie on your back. Your knees should be bent. Along with this, your feet are supposed to be flat on the floor. Pull one knee towards your chest using your hands. Hold in this position for twenty seconds to half a minute. Release. Next, you must repeat the same procedure with your other leg to benefit from this posture.

Benefits:
● Stretches the lower back and hips muscles
● Improves posture
● Aids in digestion
● Improves flexibility in the knee and hips
● Eradicates tension and pain in the lower back

If you're over 55, incorporating stretching exercises into your daily routine can significantly reduce back pain and improve mobility. The stretches mentioned in this blog effectively reduce stiffness and promote flexibility. Do not assume things when it comes to your health. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise regimen, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.

Furthermore, as older adults are more susceptible to health issues, it is crucial to have the best health insurance in India for parents. Good health insurance can provide financial security and access to quality healthcare services essential for older adults. By caring for your health, you can enjoy your golden years with peace of mind and maintain an active lifestyle.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of purchasing the best health insurance in India for parents.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Most investments are made to reap future benefits or protect yourself from contingent liabilities that may arise. Buying health insurance is one investment you must make to protect yourself financially in the present times. Even though several online health insurance companies deliver their services to your doorstep, buying health insurance has never been simpler. Surprisingly, about 30% of Indian households still do not have any health insurance coverage.

Experts believe that mass misinformation, complex policy wording, and the rising cost of premiums are to blame for the low figures. This requires the intervention of online health insurance companies to clarify and spread awareness among the public.

However, if the increasing cost of health insurance makes you think before purchasing or renewing your policy, read on to learn about the factors influencing the premium rates and whether you can manage them.

1. Inflation:
Unless you have been living under a rock, there is no way you could have missed out on the discussions regarding the skyrocketing rates of medical inflation globally.
The increased prices of healthcare services and consumables and an imbalance in demand and supply of equipment and professionals are also responsible for the rising costs of hospitalisation. This has directly increased premiums to minimise the risk online health insurance companies bear. But this trend is unlikely to settle, making premiums inevitably pricier each year.

2. Claim history:
Suppose you have raised frequent claims over the years. In that case, you are classified as a high-risk policyholder since renewing your policy will likely result in more significant payouts for the insurer. However, this does not apply to all online health insurance companies. Ensure you check the fine print of alternative policies and choose one that does not include a clause of increasing your premium with each claim you raise.

3. Age:
With age, one’s immunity weakens, making one susceptible to illnesses. Older people are at greater risk of diseases and hospitalisation, making them high-risk clients for health insurance companies, which is why they are charged higher premiums. Paying a higher premium means better coverage and a greater insured sum. Do not compromise on protecting your future by skimping on the premium, and ensure your policy provides comprehensive coverage against various illnesses and a sizable insured sum.

4. Policyholder’s medical history:
Online health insurance companies ask for a complete medical record of potential policyholders to assess the risk of insuring them. A health check-up before approving your policy informs them of general well-being and any pre-existing conditions that may lead to frequent hospitalisation, making you a high-risk client.

5. Add-on covers:
Depending on your age and medical history, you may purchase add-on covers that protect you against specific conditions or events. While they make your policy more comprehensive, they inevitably make it pricier.
However, it is best not to compromise your health needs and skimp on your health insurance coverage. Ensure you check your policy wording to purchase an add-on only when necessary.

Insurance buyers are advised to be alert and responsible while investing in health insurance. The rising premium is a concern, but a little alertness and awareness today can help in the long run. Here are a few key takeaways for managing rising health insurance premiums in India:

• Choose a comprehensive health insurance plan.

• Compare policies and opt for the best online insurance companies with the required features.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and use cashless facilities.

• Review coverage annually and look for discounts and special offers.

• Seek advice from a financial advisor.

Health insurance is an essential investment for your physical and financial well-being. While renewals may get pricier annually, a prudent policyholder can always get the most significant value from his premium payment by doing due diligence. Ensure that you initiate the policy renewal process before it is slated to lapse. Review the offerings of multiple online health insurance companies before choosing to renew or porting it.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance plan with an attractive premium.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Insurance is an umbrella that protects you from the financial burden resulting in the aftermath of the event you are insured against. In recent times, the insurance penetration rate in India has significantly grown with the increasing base of new policyholders. This may be attributed to raising awareness, the increased purchasing power which has resulted in the improved ability to purchase policies, and the steadily growing inflation rates that increase the burden of such financial stress.

Over the years, motor insurance has become a popularised offering by insurance companies. If you are looking for the best two wheeler insurance in India, there are multiple options with various features and price ranges. However, it all boils down to the insurance claim settlement procedure. If the claim settlement is fair and speedy, it is the natural choice for consumers. It is also the most confusing part of insurance that you must consider before purchasing two-wheeler insurance.

How many times can you file a claim annually? What are the required documents? Read on to find the answers to questions similar to these related to two-wheeler insurance claims.

Can you file for a biannual two-wheeler insurance claim?

Yes! The paperwork does not restrict policyholders to specific maximum claims you can file annually. Therefore, you may apply for two or more claims in the same year.

Effect of raising multiple claims within the year.

While there are no restrictions on claim filing, it may not be a good idea to do so frequently for the reasons mentioned below:

1. No claim bonus:
This is an incentive provided by the insurer to the policyholder at the time of renewal in case no claim has been filed within the insured period. In case of multiple claims in the year, the discount rate, usually between 20-50%, is lost with each claim. Therefore, by making a claim, or multiple ones, the insured loses the benefit of a discount at the time of renewal.

2. Increased premiums:
Since the insured person files multiple claims, they are seen as a greater liability than an asset to the insurance company. Therefore, they charge a greater premium from the person when compared to other insured parties that file fewer or no claims at all.

3. Inadequate compensations:
In case of minor damages and losses, it may be best to avoid filing a claim. Deductible items are removed from the repairs bill to compute the allowed damages. If such an amount is minor, we recommend not filing a claim since the compensation will be inadequate and only result in the loss of the no-claim benefit.

4. Limitations on zero depreciation insurance add-on:
This is an add-on facility to a comprehensive two wheeler insurance policy that restricts the number of claims you may file.

Necessary documents to file a claim.

Irrespective of the result of your search for the best two wheeler insurance in India, most insurance companies ask for the following documents for filing a claim:

● Claim form

● Two-wheeler registration

● Tax receipt

● Owner’s driver’s licence

● Insurance proof

● Copy of FIR

With insurance companies striving to make claim filing simpler than before, it may seem logical to claim compensation for even the most minor damages. However, even with the best two wheeler insurance in India and requisite add-ons, that is not the case. You must purchase bike insurance and file claims only after careful consideration.

Click HERE to buy the best two wheeler insurance in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.