GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Summer is a time for fun and outdoor activities, but allergies can become a spoilsport for many people. Various allergens can thrive in higher temperatures and humidity levels, causing people to experience allergic reactions. Pollen, mould, insect stings, food, and sun allergies are among the most prevalent summer allergies. Sneezing, runny nose, and more severe reactions like anaphylaxis are just a few of the symptoms that these allergies can produce.

Here's something you must know for your relief. Buying a health insurance policy for family covers various medical costs, including those incurred because of allergies. Depending on the policy, doctor visits, prescription drugs, diagnostic tests, and hospitalisation may all be covered.

Here, we'll go into detail on the symptoms of the most prevalent summertime allergies. Understand these symptoms so that you can work out the remedies to prevent the situation from getting worse.

1. Mould allergies
Mould is a fungus that grows well in warm, moist places like restrooms, basements, and air conditioners. The summer months bring higher humidity levels, perfect for mould growth.

Inhaled mould spores have the potential to cause following allergic responses.

● Runny nose
● Itchy eyes
● Skin rashes
● Coughing
● Wheezing

Mould allergies occasionally result in respiratory issues or sinus infections that can disrupt your routine.

2. Sun allergies
Sun allergies are common during summer. The most common cause of sun allergies is an immunological response to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation that results in an allergic reaction.

Sun allergy signs and symptoms include:

● Itching
● Swelling
● Burning sensation
● Redness, rash, hives, and blistering on the skin
● Headache

Sun allergies may occasionally result in fever and chills. Covered skin, a hat, an umbrella and sunscreen can be effective when heading out in the sun.

3. Pollen allergies
Hay fever and allergic rhinitis are additional names for allergies to pollen. During the reproductive process, plants release pollen. It can trigger an allergic reaction in certain people when inhaled. Symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual and the type of pollen that causes the reaction.

Pollen allergies can cause these symptoms:

● Congestion
● Itchy and watery eyes
● Sneezing
● Fatigue
● Runny nose
● Throat irritation
● Headache

Pollen allergy episodes and breathing difficulties might occur in extreme situations. If
you are susceptible to pollen allergy, wear a mask when heading out.

4. Food allergies
Food allergies can occur during the summer, a season for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor dining.

Food allergies can cause these symptoms:

● Abdominal pain
● Diarrhoea
● Nausea and vomiting
● Anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction)
● Itching, swelling, and hives
● Difficulty breathing

Those with food allergies must remain cautious to prevent unintended exposure to allergens.

5. Insect sting allergies
Bug stings are common in summer months as Insects like bees, wasps, and hornets are more active.

Among the signs of an allergy to bug stings are:
● Dizziness
● Difficulty breathing
● Nausea and vomiting
● Diarrhoea
● Swelling, itching, redness, and pain around the sting area
● Hives

Preventing summertime allergies
You should take precautions to lower the risk of allergy reactions. Consider the following tactics:
● Verify the pollen count: Daily pollen counts for your location are available on many weather websites and apps. Before scheduling any outdoor activities, check the pollen count. Try to stay inside during periods of high pollen.
● Utilise air conditioning: The air conditioning in your house might help filter out allergies. Use a HEPA-filtered air conditioner to keep allergens out and close the windows and doors.
● Know what triggers you: Determining which allergens cause your symptoms is the first step in preventing summer allergies. This can apply to meals, pollen, mould, bug stings, etc. When you are aware of your triggers, you can take precautions to prevent them.
● Maintain a spotless home: The number of allergens in your home can be decreased with routine cleaning. Keep the carpets and upholstery clean, and wash your bedding and curtains frequently.
● Putting on protective clothes: Wear long sleeve shirts and slacks when you're outside to shield your skin from bug bites and sunburn. Pollen exposure can also be decreased by donning a hat and sunglasses.
For many people, having allergies in the summertime can be unpleasant. Sneezing and a runny nose are subtle symptoms. Anaphylaxis is a more severe symptom. It's essential to know your triggers, take precautions, and consider immunotherapy to prevent summertime allergies. Also, speaking with a healthcare professional about allergy prevention and treatment is essential. It is also crucial to have an appropriate health insurance policy for family. A comprehensive health insurance plan can help you and your loved ones stay protected from the financial adversities that may arise due to health emergencies.

Click HERE to buy a health insurance policy for family.

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.

Wellness is one of the most important priorities in life. It revolves around the complete well-being of mental, physical, and emotional states. Through wellness, the needs of the body and mind are met completely. It helps you achieve a state of rejuvenation. It is essential to experience a sense of solitude once in a while to fully detoxify your mind and body.

When you work excessively, your body gets tired after a point. It can lead to burnout or emotional breakdown. You need to take a detour and calm yourself down to avoid this. This can be achieved by escaping city life's hustle and restoring energy and enthusiasm at some peaceful locations. Wellness retreats with the abundance of nature, serenity, and greenery have a calming effect on you.

In this article, we recommend some of the popular wellness retreats in India that you should visit at least once a year to enjoy a digital detox and revitalise yourself. Before you go on your vacation, get the best personal accident insurance India to protect yourself from financial loss due to accidents during the trip.

Now, let's look at the destinations to enjoy a wellness retreat.

1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Known as the spiritual capital of India, Rishikesh is full of nature and positive vibes. There is a sense of tranquillity that surrounds this place. The riverbeds, ashrams, and valleys provide breath-taking sights and perfect locations to practise yoga and meditation. You can also attend the morning and evening aarti by the riverbank. This life-enriching experience immerses you in a deep sense of positivity.

2. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Once the capital of the Bundel state, Orchha is an underrated wellness destination in India. It has a collection of royal and eloquent monuments. The Orchha Fort is the main attraction, allowing you to relax and unwind. Spend the evening strolling by the side of Betwa river and behold the amazing sunset. If you are an adventure seeker, don't miss the river rafting or board the jungle safari for an exciting wilderness expedition.

3. Kovalam, Kerala
Famous for its Ayurvedic treatment, Kovalam is worth visiting in Kerala. There is a rich spice and team plantation that makes Kovalam a paradise. Surrounded by green vegetation, backwaters, and sea, it is a perfect setting for a never-like-before healing experience. Rejuvenation seems a sublime luxury here. You can do yoga or meditate and try stress and weight reduction treatments at some world-renowned Ayurvedic centres.

4. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Known as the "Queen of the Hills," Darjeeling should be on your wellness retreat's wishlist. The greenery of this place will give you the much-needed comfort. With hills all around and rustic villages, Darjeeling is a perfect place to discover happiness. The tea plantations and the scenic view of the Himalayas are to die for!

At least once a year, you need a definite break from your monotonous life to immerse in moments of joy. You can visit these picturesque destinations to experience the much-needed comfort and warmth you crave. While planning a relaxing break from the tiring city life, buy the best personal accident insurance India to protect you financially against mishaps.

Click HERE to buy the best personal accident insurance 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.

Alternative forms of medicine have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their holistic approach toward healthcare. India's traditional and complementary medical systems are Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH). These systems have been practised for centuries and aim to provide natural remedies for ailments, emphasising the use of herbs, natural products, and traditional practices.

AYUSH treatments are not only affordable but also have fewer to no side effects as compared to conventional medicines. These treatments focus on an individual's overall well-being and help prevent illness recurrence in the long run. Does your health insurance cover AYUSH treatments? Let's discuss this in detail in this blog.

The following are some aspects of AYUSH treatments:

1. Ayurveda
Ayurveda combines herbal medicines, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to treat various ailments. It helps maintain a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. It emphasises that the root cause of most diseases is an imbalance in the body, which can be corrected through natural remedies.

2. Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice. It is a very active way to channelise your energy and combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote overall health and wellness. It helps in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. It also helps in improving flexibility, strength, and balance. You'll strengthen your core with the right yoga practises.

3. Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a medicine system that believes in the body's natural ability to heal itself. It uses natural remedies such as herbs, diet, and lifestyle modifications to promote wellness. Naturopathy aims to identify the root cause of an illness and treat it rather than just fixing the symptoms.

4. Unani
Unani medicine is a medicine system that finds its roots in ancient Greece and later developed in Persia and India. It focuses on the balance of bodily fluids. To treat illnesses, Unani medicine uses natural remedies such as herbs, diet, and lifestyle modifications.

5. Siddha
Siddha medicine is a system that originated in South India. It functions on principle: the human body comprises five core elements - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Siddha medicine uses natural remedies to combat health problems and boost the body's immunity.

6. Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy is a branch of medicine that believes in "like cures like." It uses natural remedies, primarily diluted in water, to stimulate the body's natural healing process. Homoeopathy intends to provide treatment for the fundamental reason of an illness rather than just the symptoms.

It's essential to have the best health insurance in India that covers AYUSH treatments for several reasons:

1. AYUSH treatments are often more affordable than conventional treatments, making them a viable option.
2. AYUSH treatments are based on natural remedies and have little to no side effects.
3. AYUSH treatments focus on the overall well-being of an individual, which means that they can prevent the recurrence of illnesses in the long run.

When searching for the best health insurance in India, consider the ones that provide coverage for AYUSH treatments to reap its benefits. It's important to note that AYUSH treatments should not replace traditional medicine and its conventional ways but as complementary treatment options. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any AYUSH treatment.

Also, coverage for AYUSH treatments may vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider. Some policies may only offer coverage for specific treatments, while others may have a limit on the amount of coverage available. It is, therefore, important to carefully review the policy terms and conditions to understand what is covered and what is not. Choose the best health insurance in India which serves your needs and avoids venting your pockets during an emergency.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of purchasing the best health 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.

One of the most significant decisions an individual makes while buying a car is the kind of gear transmission. This confusion between opting for an automatic or manual transmission is valid, as both have their list of advantages. But did you know this decision also predominantly affects the premium you pay for your motor insurance? Car insurance is an important factor when deciding on a vehicle. Here is some crucial information about car insurance before considering the type of transmission to buy.

Automatic transmission v/s Manual transmission
First and foremost, knowing the difference between automatic and manual cars is essential. Manual cars require more driver input than automatic cars. Manual cars have five to six gears and one reverse gear, which the driver must manually operate with a gear stick and clutch. This is to enable the car to move forward or backward.

Under normal driving conditions, a car with automatic transmission requires little to no driver input to change its gears equipped with the ever-evolving ECU (Electronic Control Unit). It is a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Some people prefer manual cars as they are more fuel-effective and cheaper, giving the driver a budget-friendly output. But these days, with the growing traffic and difficulty in driving, many individuals have started preferring automatic transmission cars.

Another factor to consider when weighing the pros and cons of the matter is that the insurance premium of an automatic car is slightly higher than a manual car premium. However, car premiums are affected by several other factors as well.

1. Complexity in structure
While manual transmission requires changing the gears by operating the gear stick, the automatic transmission uses an ECU. The ECU changes the gears intelligently using fluid pressure. This greatly simplifies the process of driving but complicates the gearbox. Since the repair and replacement cost of the transmission components is relatively high, the car premium is also higher. Therefore, the complexity of the gearbox is one of many factors affecting car premiums.

2. Location
People in metropolitan cities generally prefer automatic cars over manual cars, but manual transmission cars are a top choice in smaller towns.

Also, there were more cases of theft and accidents in larger cities. This affects car insurance premiums, as an automatic car would require more premium in a bigger city than in a smaller city, owing to the high risk of accidents and theft.

3. Cost of the car
The price of the vehicle and its components directly affects the insurance premium. As automatic cars are more costly in the market than manual car transmission options, it is reflected in the premium for your car insurance.

4. Factoring the model, age, and brand

The car's manufacturer, model, and features also count when deciding on the premium. Luxury cars' premiums will undoubtedly cost more than regular cars. Also, you may spot a difference in the car premium based on the multiple automatic variants of the cars. You need to acquaint yourself with the right knowledge while purchasing car insurance.

Once the decision of the type of gearbox is finalised, you can quickly proceed to plan your car insurance. One way to look at all options is to look at comprehensive car insurance online. Browse through various sites, compare policies, and find multiple offers. Purchase car insurance that fits your requirements and budget. Don't make any decisions in a hurry. Do proper research and then invest in the best.

Click HERE to know more about 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.