GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Over the past decades, the emphasis on conventional methods of living has reduced with the monotonous nature of life. The desire to explore the unconventional and experiences that are out of the box has become the trend. While in the past, stability and ordinary lifestyles were chased after, it has been replaced by the desire to gain offbeat experiences.

One such changing trend is the demand for discreet and unusual travel experiences. Today, most travellers opt for unordinary travel itineraries focused on living in the present rather than run-of-the-mill standard tourist programs that showcase popular destinations.

As travel focuses on self-growth, the houseboat experience has seen a drastic increase in demand. Since India has ample water bodies, there are multiple places to experience this leisure activity that delivers a luxurious and rejuvenating feel.

However, since it is a unique activity, purchasing general insurance plans to protect your travel is ideal. Here are some of the best locations in India to experience living in houseboats.

1. Alleppey, Kerala:
Also known as God’s own country, the backwaters of Kerala are often discussed when talking about peaceful locations in India. With its lush greenery, dependence on fishing and allied activities and relaxed pace of life, Kerala is an ideal location for a stay in the houseboat. The local cuisine, pleasant weather and hospitable hosts make the experience unforgettable.

2. Sundarbans, West Bengal:
The Sundarbans are known to be the largest mangrove in the world. A houseboat stay in these mangroves is in stark contrast to the experience in any other location in India. This is the only region to showcase natural swampy habitats. Unlike others that focus on self-sustenance and peace amidst lush greenery, a houseboat stay in the Sundarbans is thrilling. A holiday on the houseboat is like a wildlife safari through the forest swamps. Since it is an unconventional travel experience, it is best to purchase general insurance plans in case of unforeseen mishaps during your travel.

3. Pondicherry:
The first thought that comes to mind at the mention of Pondicherry is the slow-paced life and quaint towns with picturesque architecture. Take a different route to explore the beauty of the location by opting for a houseboat and enjoying the impact of French and Tamilian culture in its architecture, people, and arts with scenic nature in the backdrop.

4. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir:
It is unlikely to talk about houseboats without citing Kashmir. Most popular on the Dal Lake and the Nagin Lake, a houseboat stay in Kashmir is unique as the houseboats are anchored at a spot. However, they are the embodiment of luxury and peace.
The wooden structure has adequate supplies to provide warmth in contrast to the cold outside. Waking up to the magnificent view of the snow-covered mountains, clear sky, and cold weather is unparalleled. The floating market and restaurants are other exciting activities that you can enjoy.

5. Tarkarli, Maharashtra:
Located in the serene Konkan belt, this is the only location in Maharashtra where one can enjoy a houseboat stay. Tarkarli is known for its clean beaches and sees lesser footfall than famous beaches in Goa, making for a peaceful getaway. A houseboat stay can be coupled with adventure sports like scuba diving or visits to the long beaches to make the most of the trip.

With time, houseboat stays have become a favoured option for a brief vacation for much-needed peace to escape the hectic lifestyle. While it is an excellent retreat, it is essential to consider the risks associated with the activity and purchase adequate cover in the form of general insurance plans to cover the burden of accidents during your travel.

Click HERE to browse different general 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.

Air, a life luxury or a biological necessity, is something no one can live without! But what about the quality of air that we breathe? Is it safe? An AQI, or Air Quality Index, measures air quality around us. AQI values around 100 or less are satisfactory and do not adversely affect our health. Higher AQI values can adversely affect us in the long run, whether we are sensitive or not.

Poor air quality can result from various reasons, such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, pollutants, smoke, dust from roads, harmful chemicals and gases, etc. It is usually caused by the irresponsible acts of humans for their own benefit and greed.

Let us see how exposure to poor air quality adversely affects us all in the present era of rapid commercialisation and industrialisation.

1. Respiratory diseases
Poor air quality affects our lungs. It causes asthma and several other respiratory diseases, such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and chronic bronchitis. Rapid urbanisation and rising air pollution are resulting in an increase in asthma, mainly among children.

It has been proved that people living in urban areas are more prone to respiratory diseases than those living in rural areas. This is because of higher air pollution in urban areas. Also, children who play more outdoor sports and live in high-pollution zones have a higher chance of respiratory diseases. Hence, sensitive or not, poor air quality results in causing respiratory diseases.

2. Cancer
Studies have shown that people living in high pollution zones such as roadsides, along major roadways, and near industrial zones are more susceptible to several forms of cancer. This is because of the poor air quality they are exposed to and inhale each day of their lives forcibly.

Airborne toxic substances such as chemicals used in paints, paint removers, and aerosol products can also cause cancer. Hence, workers in such factories and those residing near such factories are susceptible to cancer because of inhaling such toxic substances.

3. Cardiovascular diseases
Pollutants in the air can impair the functioning of our blood vessels. It can cause dangerous changes in blood pressure in pregnant women, causing hyperactive disorders. This results in preterm birth, low weight at the time of birth, maternal and fetal illness, and sometimes, even death.

4. Neuro problems
Studies have also shown that children's brain development is altered and impacted if they breathe PM 2.5 regularly, even at low levels. This can cause cognitive and emotional problems in them when they grow old. It slows down the brain's processing speed and causes Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Exposure of women to high levels of pollutants during pregnancy increases the risk of the child being born with autism. The children may have high blood pressure problems early in their life too. Studies have also shown that exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, or nitrogen oxide during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy significantly raises the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects. Such children may end up having lower IQ scores than other children too.

Poor air quality is very dangerous for all of us and can cause irreparable damage and loss in the long run. Hence, we need to immediately work together to improve the air quality around us for the social good, whether we are sensitive to it or not.

Poor air quality is not in our immediate control. However, we can control the financial implications of diseases caused by poor air quality by opting for insurance from the best health insurance company in India for ourselves and our families. It will take care of our medical emergencies and provide us with full protection and support.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best health insurance company 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.

Every year, millions of new bikes are registered in India, the fourth-largest automotive industry in the world. According to the World Bank, India is also responsible for 11% of all road fatalities worldwide due to the country's rapid automobile population growth and congested roads. So, everyone in the community must be responsible for obeying the traffic rules.

This post looks at the consequences that can happen when people break the law and drive on the wrong side of the road.

1. The dangers of wrong-side driving:
Wrong-side driving is a common violation in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the Motor Vehicle Act because traffic laws are often broken. As per the amendment in Motor Vehicle Act 2019, the penalties are INR 500-1000 and/or jail for 03 years.

2. Ensure no traffic violations:
It's important to remember that while driving, you are accountable for your safety and for other vehicles plying on the road. Say no to traffic offences and prevent wrong-side driving.

3. The potential danger of head-on collisions:
It is well known that drivers who cross the centre line or make a wrong turn onto an exit on a highway are the primary perpetrators of head-on collisions. Head-on and wrong-way driving crashes account for more than 10% of all bike accident fatalities.

4. Frequent crashes in the night:
Night-time is the most dangerous time for head-on collisions when visibility is reduced, and driver weariness is high. Due to the weather, motorists are more likely to drift into oncoming traffic lanes without realising it until it's too late.

5. Greater numbers of moving vehicles:
There are several valid reasons to avoid driving on the wrong side of the road. An increase in traffic volume can be one reason. For instance, the number of vehicles passing decreases by half when going with the flow from 30 mph to 15 mph, whereas it increases by 150% when going against traffic flow at the same pace. It results in a threefold rise in the volume of traffic.

6. Shorter reaction times:
The motorist and rider have less space and time to respond when the biker is on the wrong side of the road. Even the rider from the wrong direction diminishes his safety options from incoming vehicles. This can lead to confusion and possible collisions.

No matter how urgently you need to reach your destination, skipping the traffic by riding on the wrong side of the road is not a wise and legal thing to do. You will only invite accidents and unwanted problems for yourself by doing so. Rather stay in your lane and patiently wait for the traffic to get cleared than take risks and put others' lives at stake too. Follow the traffic rules and wear a helmet and safety gear for additional protection while riding.

As a responsible biker, you must know all the traffic rules and carry your driving licence and insurance policy before driving your bike. Also, consider getting bike insurance covering everything to protect your bike as much as possible from theft, accidents, and financial loss. You should compare different plans by visiting the websites of different insurance providers and buy the best bike insurance online India that is the right choice for you.

Click HERE to buy reliable bike insurance online 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.

Medical tourism is evolving rapidly in India. Previously a hub only for cultural and religious purposes, many Indian destinations have advanced their medical services with excellent infrastructure, world-renowned doctors, and a guaranteed standard of services at about 1/10th of the cost in other developed countries. India has also been the heart of many alternative medicines, and with growing interest in the field, people are flocking to the country.

The government has also made accessing the country for medical purposes much more effortless. A distinct category of visa, made especially for this situation (a medical visa), has also been introduced. Although medical tourism is primarily concentrated in some parts of the country, there are a lot of unexplored places to be added to the list.

This blog intends to introduce you to some medical tourism destinations in India that you may have yet to hear about.

1. Alleppey, Kerala
Alleppey is the centre of Ayurvedic treatments in the country. This is the best place to visit for rejuvenation through various ayurvedic treatments from skilled Ayurvedic doctors. Along with this, Alleppey in itself is a marvel to behold.

Often called the 'Venice of the East,' this place has the famous backwaters of Kerala, where several houseboats with comfy rooms are at your service. These houseboats have been modernised to provide the comforts of a basic hotel with air conditioners, western toilets, and balconies for viewing the lush greenery dotted with coconut trees. The beaches are also must-visits when you're here for various medical treatments.

2. Ahmedabad
Another city that is quickly emerging as one of the best destinations for medical tourism is Ahmedabad. With state-of-the-art facilities, it is surprising that this city is chosen less often for medical treatments.

There are some swoon-worthy places to visit in this beautiful city as well. You can register for various sightseeing tours to get a closer look at this mesmerising city. Whether it is strolling through the Modhera Sun Temple or getting to know the full history of Mahatma Gandhi in Sabarmati Ashram, there is something for everyone here. You can even visit Gir National Park if you're a wildlife enthusiast.

3. Goa
Although Goa is the gregarious party capital of India, the hospitals are constantly upgrading their infrastructure and equipment, which helps in making it another one of the most underrated places in India for medical tourism. Doctors are well-versed in English as well as Hindi, and this makes it much more accessible than a lot of places around the country.

4. Vellore, Tamil Nadu
With the Tamil Nadu government actively promoting medical tourism in Vellore, this city has promising alternative medical options. The variety of alternative medicine in this place makes it attractive for a select group of people interested in fields like acupuncture, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani.

5. Mumbai
The "City of Dreams" is becoming a popular choice of visitors approaching for various treatments - thanks to the city's advanced medical and research centres. People visiting Mumbai for medical reasons enjoy a fun time exploring the vibrant hotspots and getting adapted to the fast-paced life. Places like Marine drive, Victoria terminus, Haji Ali Mosque, Elephanta caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and others are among the top picks to dive into the city's culture, heritage, and abundant nature.

Medical tourism in India is cost-effective and can be an excellent instrument for promoting the local economy. The above destinations make perfect packages of premium medical services and pleasant places to enjoy and boost positivity. Once you feel positive, you heal faster! With the rapid globalisation of services, getting an online health insurance plan suited to your specific requirements is equally important.

Click HERE to know more about 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.