GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

A health insurance plan is an effective investment instrument to protect your finances against severe illness or an unfortunate accident. But did you know that your health insurance covers pre-existing ailments such as hypertension or diabetes too? Yes, it does! However, this insurance plan has a higher premium and different waiting periods.

You need to ask your insurer about all the available insurance plans and tell them about your pre-existing conditions. However, if you fail to inform your insurance provider about your health condition at the policy purchase, you should learn what will happen at the time of claim.

What are the pre-existing diseases?
A pre-existing disease is a person's health condition or illness before the purchase of a health insurance policy. To simplify, a pre-existing disease is an illness that physicians diagnose within 48 months of buying the policy. Some of these diseases include cancer, asthma, diabetes, cardiac conditions, and hypertension.

Ask your insurance agent about all the pre-existing diseases they cover in their policy. Policies that cover pre-existing diseases have a waiting period depending on your age and plan. Remember that the policy will not cover your medical expenses if you fall sick due to your existing medical condition during the waiting period.

How can non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions lead to trouble?
Non-disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions can be one of the primary reasons for claim rejection. Suppose the insurance company finds out that the policyholder has been suffering from health conditions like sleep apnea over the past seven years. In that case, the company will reject the insurance policy even though they have never made any claim in the past 05 years of buying it.

If another family member is part of the insurance policy, they will also experience rejection or cancellation of it due to non-disclosure of your pre-existing medical condition. So, you need to be careful and transparent regarding sharing essential information with your insurance provider to avoid missing out on crucial benefits.

The insurer has a robust finding-out mechanism that helps them know about their customers' health conditions. A policy buyer may forget what they disclosed in the insurance plan, but understand that the insurer never forgets.

What to do if you fail to disclose your medical condition?
If you fail to provide information about your medical condition when buying the policy, you can rectify your error during the 15-day free-look period. However, suppose you miss this opportunity to correct your mistake. In that case, the company will treat your policy as void at the time of claim, and you will not get any compensation for medical expenses.

*Note
According to the moratorium rule of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, the insurance company will not cancel your insurance policy if you have paid premiums for eight or more years.

Suppose you are unaware of your pre-existing medical condition when purchasing a health insurance plan. In that case, the plan will cover your illness and hospitalisation expenses by default. However, the insurance company will consider any illness contracted within 03 months of taking the policy as a pre-existing disease.

So now you understand why disclosing all the health conditions clearly when buying a health insurance policy is necessary. Opt for insurance that has a short waiting period. It helps cover your pre-existing illness at an early stage. And we advise you to purchase a health insurance plan at a younger age to avail of coverage in case a disease occurs.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance for you and loved ones.

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.

Convenience is the need of the hour during the age of rapid growth. It is common to see newly developed inventions being phased out shortly after a better discovery is made that serves the purpose and facilitates the fast pace of human life. One exception to this general rule is the case of two-wheelers in the Indian automotive market.

Two-wheelers are inexpensive compared to cars, making them an obvious choice for the economically impoverished. On the other hand, with the increasing demand for convenience, vehicles on the road keep increasing every year, inevitably increasing traffic. The easiest way to navigate through traffic is by travelling on a two-wheeler, which makes switching lanes and parking relatively easier.

Even if you do not own a two-wheeler, it is an exciting product yet to reach its maturity and full potential. Until then, we can expect extensive developments to reform it into a futuristic commuting option. Simultaneously, as two wheeler insurance online gains popularity, enhanced safety of the riders can be ensured to minimise accidents and their financial burden.

If this is not enough to excite you about two wheelers, here are some interesting facts that will surely do the trick!

1. Rural areas drive demand:
Usually, urban demand for a product is expected to be greater than that from rural and semi-urban areas. However, while two-wheelers enjoy demand across the country, rural and semi-urban regions have continuous demand. About 50-60% of the 2-wheeler market is catered to rural areas. This demand is quite volatile as their income is comparatively low and susceptible to changes in prices of commodities like vehicles themselves or fuel rates.

2. Expected YoY growth:
Before the pandemic, the market for 2-wheelers was expected to grow at least by a prudent 10% each year. However, when comparing the sales of September 2019 and 2022, an evident exponential jump in sales has been noticed, proving its utility.

3. Hike in prices:
Since the pandemic, supply shortages have led to increases in raw materials prices, which have ultimately been passed on to the customers in the case of most consumer products. In addition, the consistently increasing production costs and the rising inflation rates have left two wheeler makers with no choice but to hike up vehicle prices.
This has been a significant factor that has made buyers hesitant to purchase two wheelers, as current prices are up by almost 15-20% compared to the pre-pandemic rates.

4. Gearless scooters see equivalent demand:
The ease of maintenance, relative inexpensiveness, and convenient usage make gearless two wheelers a popular option in India. It is common to see more and more gearless scooters on the roads, which speaks for its popularity.

5. Growth of electric scooters:
While the market is presently dominated by vehicles that run on fuel, a slow transition to electric vehicles has been noticed in cars and scooters. The total share of electric two-wheelers in the Indian market was around 3.5% as of July 2022, and the government has a vision of achieving 100% penetration by 2027. Although the numbers are minimal now, it shows the interest of the Indian consumer and the possibilities of the future.

The Indian two wheeler sector continues to grow despite all odds, some years at a slower pace than usual. While the vehicle provides convenience, it is essential to emphasise one’s security when riding a two wheeler and follow all necessary safety precautions. It is critical to purchase two wheeler insurance to prevent the financial strain any mishap may cause.

Two wheeler insurance online is a trending option that simplifies the process without having to leave the comfort of your home and provides an easy comparison between alternatives. With two wheeler insurance online, you get the advantages of affordable premiums, great deals, continuous customer support, and a seamless experience.

Click HERE to buy two wheeler insurance online.

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.

Fire in a house can be devastating and bring the entire house down to ashes in just a few moments. You need to be very cautious with the flammable items in your home as they can threaten your life, including your family and valuable assets.

A fire outbreak can be due to several reasons, most of which are beyond our control. Still, we can control the spread of fire, douse it with the help of fire safety equipment, and recover the damages with the benefits of buying fire insurance online.

Let’s first go through a few flammable items in our house that we must be careful about.

1. Hand sanitiser:
Hand sanitisers have become very popular in every household after the onset of Covid-19. People have started using it extensively at home and even advise their children to use it frequently.
However, very few people know sanitisers are highly flammable because they contain alcohol. You should never use sanitisers near a gas stove. Also, you should not carry a lighter with a sanitiser bottle in your bag as it can be dangerous and can catch fire.

2. Nail polish and nail polish remover:
We can find nail polish and its remover in almost every household in India. They are easily available in the market, and even children can access them. However, we must know that they consist of acetone, a highly flammable substance.
Even the vapour that they produce is highly flammable. Hence, we should keep both of them away from any source of flames, such as a candle or a matchstick at home.

3. Flour:
Surprised? Yes, the flour we use daily in our kitchen is flammable, especially flour dust in the air. Flour can burn easily from all sides. It allows flames to pass through it quickly because of its large and flat surface area. Hence, we should be careful when we use flour near the gas stove in the kitchen.

4. Grooming products:
Many beauty products we use frequently are flammable and can cause a fire in our house. Products like hair mousse and hair spray can ignite fire very quickly. Moreover, the fancy deodorants and air fresheners we use daily come in aerosol cans. Avoid exposing such cans to a naked flame, as they can quickly catch fire. You should also avoid keeping these cans at high temperatures as they can combust because of temperature and pressure.

5. Ghee and cooking oil:
Cooking oil has a low flash point, making it highly flammable. Similarly, ghee can catch fire easily, too, if overheated. You must be careful while using both in the kitchen.

6. Oranges:
Our favourite fruit, “Orange,” consists of an extremely flammable chemical called limonene. It is used as a fire starter for campfires and fireplaces. Hence, it can cause a big fire if exposed to an open flame.

7. Home mattresses:
We often light a candle on our bedside or even on the mattress. Smoking a cigarette while sitting on our bed is also very common. You should be aware that mattresses are highly flammable. They can result in the fast spreading of fire in a room because of their flat nature and big size.

We have seen that many items of our daily use are flammable and can spread fire in the house if exposed to even a small flame. The loss of property and lives can be irreversible and completely shatter our world. Fire insurance protects us against losses and damages to property caused by a fire at our house.

The cause of the fire can be electrical short circuits, gas leakage, or other reasons such as those mentioned above. Most policies will provide coverage even if the fire originates outside your house. Hence, think no further. Protect your house and property by buying fire insurance online today and enjoy complete peace of mind.

Click HERE to buy the best fire insurance online.

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.

Headaches are the most common but often ignored problem that people face. Having a headache can dampen your mood and affect your concentration levels. They can be different and range anywhere from moderate to excruciatingly painful. The treatments for headaches can differ depending on the type and intensity of the pain. Although most headaches can be cured with rest and over-the-counter medicines, it is best to consult a doctor if the pain persists.

If you suffer from headaches frequently, this article will be a complete guide to discussing the different types of headaches and their treatments.

1. Cluster headaches:
A cluster of short yet excruciating headaches is called cluster headaches. They tend to happen periodically over years or months, or days. These headaches occur due to an affected trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensations of pain and heat in the face. The pain is concentrated on one side of the face starting from the head and branching out to the eyes and jaws.
These headaches last only a couple of hours and can be treated with painkillers and other preventative medicines. If you tend to have these headaches often, it is best to talk to your doctor and get a prescription for preventive medications that you can always keep on you in case of emergencies.

2. Migraine headaches:
Migraine headaches can show symptoms differently for different people. Sensitivity to smell, light, and sound accompanied by nausea is one of the most common symptoms of migraine attacks. These headaches stem from the nervous system and can sometimes affect your eyesight for a temporary duration of time.
Other symptoms include blurred vision, tingling sensations, and numbness on one side of your body. Aspirin, caffeine, and ibuprofen are some of the common over-the-counter drugs that can help in the faster recovery of migraines. Some home remedies include resting in a dark, quiet room, an ice pack on the forehead, and ample fluid intake.

3. Tension headaches:
As the name suggests, tension headaches or stress headaches are caused by persistent stress. The symptoms are less complex as compared to migraine or cluster headaches. Uneasiness, mild pain in the temple, sleep deprivation, and fatigue are some of the common symptoms of tension headaches. Poor posture, overexertion, and emotional stress trigger this kind of headache. Painkillers and sufficient rest can help you cure the pain instantly. However, if you face the problem often, it is best to seek medical attention and get any tests done if the doctor recommends.

4. Thunderclap headaches:
This is one of those headaches that might need immediate medical attention and can cause fatalities if not taken care of. These shooting headaches, nausea, and vomiting can often result from internal bleeding in your brain. The pain develops rather suddenly and lasts for about five minutes. Suppose you experience severe shooting pains or experience a new kind of pain. In that case, it is best to talk to the doctor immediately, as these are often indications of an underlying fatal problem.

These are some of the most common kinds of headaches that you might come across. Remember that no matter what, if the pain lasts longer and you experience bouts of shooting pain, do not wait for the pain to worsen. Contact a doctor immediately and get the required medical attention. After a preliminary round of tests and diagnosis, the doctor might suggest surgeries as a solution.

Under these circumstances, the cost of treatment can be very expensive. To safeguard yourself against these expenses, you can opt for an affordable health insurance plan for yourself and your family. A quick search on the internet shows many affordable health insurance plans that you can choose from. Take ample rest, have your food on time, drink plenty of water, and do 10 minutes of exercise daily to avoid the majority of headaches.

Click HERE to know more about affordable health insurance plans.

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 indicate that over 50% of vehicles on Indian roads are uninsured, of which two-wheelers make the majority. This is alarming considering the lack of safety features in two-wheelers and poorly maintained Indian roads, which lead to the ever-increasing number of road fatalities.

Despite making two wheeler insurance India mandatory, a vast majority continue to undermine its importance. This may be attributed to the financial product's complexity and uncertainties concerning the claim settlement process. While two wheeler insurance India protects against financial losses and damages from riding accidents, it is contingent on the claim's approval. Insurance providers have recognised the fear of potential policy buyers and have further simplified the process of raising a claim to increase penetration rates in the country.

Follow these tips to ensure the successful two wheeler insurance claim settlement.

How to raise successful claims?

This may come as no surprise, but the best way to raise a successful claim is to follow the insurance company's claim settlement process correctly. It is ideal for complying with the settlement procedure stated on the insurer's website to ensure favourable results. Most insurers have similar processes, which are reasonably straightforward to follow.

However, here are some tips to make sure that your claims are viewed favourably and settled at the earliest.

1. Early reporting:
Inform your insurer immediately after the accident. If you delay the process, you may forget the essential details required to validate your claim. Visit the insurer's website or call their toll-free number to raise a claim. If not possible, initiate the process within a week of the accident.

2. Proper surveying:
It is understood that an accident is a traumatic event to witness or be a victim of, irrespective of its scale. However, to successfully receive a complete settlement, you need valid and comprehensive proof to support your account. While details like the number plate of the other vehicle, pictures showing the damage, etc., are essential, any minute details can help solidify your stance.

3. Maintain precise post-accident records:
The most commonly accepted record by insurance companies is an FIR filed at the nearest police station to the accident site. Any medical expenses or bike servicing costs should also be recorded and submitted to the insurer for compensation.

4. Gather proof of following standard driving protocol:
An accident is an unfortunate event that cannot be entirely blamed on either party. While insurance companies look at the overall picture before passing a judgement on the case, you must ensure that you followed appropriate driving guidelines at the time of the accident. Here are a few reasons that can get your claim rejected:

● Riding without a valid driver's licence

● Riding with a lapsed two-wheeler insurance policy

● Riding under the influence of substances

● Reckless riding

● Use of two-wheeler for commercial or unauthorised use

5. Check your policy's inclusions:
Raising a claim requires knowing your policy's coverage to avoid rejection. You must know essential details like the authorised geographical region, active policy period, etc. Before raising the claim, ensure that you do not fall under any exclusions. Do not make false claims that you cannot support with evidence, as it automatically leads to rejection.

6. Provide all the requisite documents:
In case of incomplete submission of documents, you will have to duplicate efforts and submit the records until you satisfy the insurer's requirement. Usually, the list includes

● Copy of valid two wheeler insurance India

● Contact details of the policyholder

● Copy of FIR filed with the nearest police station

● Claim settlement form

● Copy of driver's licence and registration documents

● Original bills as proof of medical expenses and repairs

Two wheeler insurance India is a prudent mechanism to ensure protection against financial losses and damages to third parties due to your two-wheeler. Despite the general notion of the tedious nature of the claim settlement process, you can raise claims successfully by following above tips and simply complying with the insurer's requirements!

Click HERE to purchase hassle-free two wheeler insurance India 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.

Health insurance policies now come with the portability feature in which you can transfer your current health insurance policy to a new service provider, subject to certain terms and conditions. You may look to port your policy for several reasons, such as poor service quality, a slow claim settlement process, higher premiums, and room rent restrictions.

Your NCB (No-claim bonus) amount accrued to date is also transferred along with the policy. Moreover, the waiting period served to date with the existing insurance provider is also considered and adjusted with the new company.

Here’s a complete guide to making the portability of health insurance policies clearer.

1. Eligibility and charges:
Individuals with an active indemnity-based health insurance policy are eligible for the portability process. But the porting can be done only with a similar health insurance policy.
For example, we can port a top-up insurance plan to another similar plan only. There are no additional charges for the portability feature in a health insurance policy.

2. Portability time:
The option of portability of your health insurance policy is only available at the time of the renewal. The policy must be running continuously over time, without any break-in period.
Moreover, any insured should apply for portability of his policy at least 45 days before the premium gets due for renewal. Also, he cannot apply earlier than 60 days from the renewal date of the premium of his existing health insurance policy.

3. Portability benefits:
Portability of time-bound exclusions and the waiting period already served with the current insurance service provider gets transferred to the new policy. Other benefits, such as accrued NCB (No-claim Bonus), also get ported.

4. Pending acceptance:
Suppose the health insurance portability acceptance is pending with the new insurance service provider, and your policy expires with the current insurance provider. In that case, the new insurer can request the previous one to renew the policy for a few days. They will charge a pro-rata premium for that period to extend the policy validity.
Your current insurer cannot cancel your policy until the new service provider confirms the issuance of the new policy or a specific request to your current insurer is made to cancel your policy.
If you raise a claim in this extended period, your existing health insurance company can agree to settle the claim after you pay the balance premium for that full year. Also, you will have to continue with that insurer for that year.

5. Higher SI (Sum Insured):
Opting for a higher SI or sum insured is permitted when porting your health insurance. However, the existing benefits, such as the NCB, will be the same as per the terms of the existing service provider when porting the policy.

6. Waiting period:
You need to be careful with the waiting periods offered by the new insurance company. All the terms and conditions of the new insurance company are applicable to the policy after you make the shift, including additional waiting periods, if any. However, the waiting period served under the current insurance policy will count and be adjusted with the new insurance company.

7. Group health insurance policy:
Suppose you are a part of a group policy and intend to change the service provider. In that case, you can do it by migrating to an individual health insurance policy with the same insurance company. You can then start the porting of your policy to another insurance company.

The portability of health insurance policies is a favourable option provided by the IRDAI. Being a valued customer, you have the right to receive the best services from your insurance provider. You can always port your health insurance to a better insurer if your current insurance company fails to provide adequate services.

Browse through all the available options and substitutes for your existing policy. It is preferred to opt for online health insurance, understand the terms and conditions of different options, and choose the best one for you!

Click HERE to buy online health 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.

Covid-19 has taught us the importance of having a strong immune system that takes care of our health adversities. Many people have been severely infected, hospitalised, landed in emergency rooms, or have faced the unfortunate loss of their dear ones. The pandemic hasn’t been contained. But people have gotten a lot more immune to the virus.

Plus, the vaccine has been proving extremely helpful in such dire times and aid in developing a shield in your body against the virus. And many of these patients have had the privilege of holding medical insurance, which helped them and their family members cover the cost of the treatment without focusing on financial matters.

There have been multiple occasions where we all have been confused between health and medical insurance. While these terms are closely related, the benefits and coverage of these insurance policies differ. Are you someone who is confused between the two? This blog discusses all such significant pointers which will help you understand and differentiate between the two. So, let’s get started.

What does health insurance entail?
Health insurance covers all hospital costs alongside the pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses. This expenditure includes costs of ambulances, treatments, etc. It is considered a comprehensive insurance policy that acts as a massive benefit for the policyholders and caters to their needs in a customised manner.

What does medical insurance entail?
Medical insurance has restricted privileges one can avail of. It is directed towards specific ailments and accidents which have been specified earlier. There is an absence of options that can provide add-on coverages like health insurance. Medical insurance depends on the amount insured. You can claim the medical insurance policies in two ways: cashless and reimbursement.

1. Cashless insurance Policy: Health insurance defines a set of hospitals under its policy. Upon getting treatment in that hospital under proper supervision, the policyholders do not have to pay a single penny. The patient can avail the cashless treatment option of their health insurance against their policy number, and the hospital works things out with the insurance company directly.

2. Reimbursement: A properly planned comprehensive health insurance policy covers pre-hospitalisation charges, including ambulance costs, tests from the specified hospital, etc. This pre-hospitalisation coverage lasts anywhere from thirty to sixty days, based on the type of health insurance plans you have opted for.

Key differences between health insurance and medical insurance:

1. Medical insurance plans are pretty tunnelled and work only regarding the specified ailments. There is no pre or post-hospitalisation coverage benefit in medical insurance plans. The patient is supposed to bear the transportation charges and other expenses.

2. Health insurance policies give you several add-on coverage options like critical illness, disabilities due to accidents, etc. At the same time, no such choices are available when purchasing medical insurance plans. The critical condition includes diseases like cancer, heart attacks, etc., which carry a grave danger to your health, and their treatments can burn through your bank accounts.

3. Health insurance plans are pretty flexible compared to medical insurance policies. They provide you with the scope of reduction of the policy period, insurance premium amount after a specific duration, etc.

We hope this information gives you a basic understanding of the two types of insurance and the benefits you can avail yourself of. Given the current climatic conditions, lifestyle, sleeping patterns, environmental changes, and several other factors, health issues come without warning.

As the world progresses for the better in terms of technology, humans have backtracked when it comes to healthy living. To avoid any financial distress during such hectic and unfortunate circumstances, you must browse through various health insurance plans in India and choose the one which would suit your needs in the best ways. Health is wealth, and there is no second opinion about this.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of different health insurance plans 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.

Most people are familiar with motor insurance, its benefits, and its exclusions. It is an efficient financial instrument that supports us when our insured vehicle encounters an unfortunate incident. Motor insurance comes with many optional coverages that may be useful to you. Did you know about the Return to Invoice or RTI coverage? Choosing this coverage while you buy motor insurance online can be a great help. Let's learn more about RTI coverage, its benefits, and its functionality.

What is "Return to Invoice" in motor insurance?

Return to invoice is an optional coverage for your car insurance. It lets you get money equal to the car's original value, also called the invoice value. This coverage is not required by law, so you can buy motor insurance online and include RTI coverage as an add-on. It is an application you use when your car faces total loss, such as if someone steals it or it gets fully damaged by fire or a natural calamity.

How does it work?
In normal car insurance coverage without an RTI add-on, you can get the maximum claim amount as your car's "insured declared value" (IDV). IDV is always less than the invoice value of the car.
However, with car insurance having RTI coverage, you can get the maximum amount of claim on the invoice value of your car. In simple words, when you have RTI coverage in your car insurance, you can get the road value of your car when it is stolen.

How is it calculated?
You can easily determine the amount of insurance that comes with RTI by looking at the car's total price when you buy it. The return to invoice includes the total car price, such as road tax paid, ex-showroom price, and registration cost.

What is covered in Return to Invoice?
If your car gets stolen or damaged beyond repair, you can raise a claim against the RTI. Let's look at the different circumstances when this coverage can benefit you:

● When you don't have secured parking

● Living in an area where car thefts are common

● Living in an area prone to natural calamities such as floods, landslides, and more

What does not apply in the Return to Invoice?

Sometimes, the RTI cover may not work, and you can't claim the insured amount. Here are some situations when this cover is not applicable, including:

● Damage to your car when someone else is driving

● You can't avail RTI add-on if your car is older than 3 years from the buying time

● You can't avail of the RTI cover for minor dents and grazing on the car body

● You must submit a copy of the FIR to process the return-to-invoice claim

Benefits of Return to Invoice in motor insurance.

Some benefits of RTI in car insurance include:

● It increases the scope of your car insurance coverage

● It is beneficial when you live in an area where car thefts are common

● It is available for new cars. Hence, you can give your new car more care with this cover

● It is available with a comprehensive car insurance policy

Once you understand everything about the Return to Invoice, consider adding this optional cover. RTI can help you when your car is damaged beyond repair. If you live or park your car in a place where theft, natural calamity, or fire is common, you should add RTI to your policy when you buy motor insurance online.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance online.

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.