GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

RT-PCR Means Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction. RT-PCR one of the type PCR which the RNA template is first converted into a complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcriptase. The cDNA is then used as a template for exponential amplification using PCR. Enabled sample amplification and eliminated the need for abundant starting material required when using northern blot analysis.

RT-PCR has been used to measure viral load with HIV and may also be used with other RNA viruses such as measles and mumps.

Advantages of real-time PCR test-

1. Amplification and detection occur in a single tube, eliminate post PCR manipulation.

2. An increased dynamic range of detection.

3. Ability to precisely measure the amount of amplicon at each cycle which allows highly accurate quantification of the amount of starting material in samples.

4. Ability to monitor PCR reaction in real-time.

Real-time PCR steps-There are mainly 3 steps involved in real-time PCR Reaction. Reactions generally run for 40 cycles -

1. Denaturation-High temperature incubation is used to melt double standard DNA into single standard DNA and loosen secondary structure in single standard DNA. The highest temperature use for Denaturation is 95 degrees.

2. Annealing-Complementary sequences have an opportunity to hybridize.

3. Extension-At 70-72ºc the activity of the DNA polymerase is optimal, and primer extension occurs at the rates of up to 100 bases per second.

TWO STEP qRT-PCR-Reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) starts with the reverse transcription of either RNA or poly (A)+RNA into CDNA.

ONE STEP QRT-PCR-First-strand cDNA synthesis reaction and real-time PCR reaction in the same tube, simplifying reaction setup and reducing the possibility of contamination.

WHAT IS RT-PCR FOR nCOVID-19

The Health Ministry has announced that the real-time reserve transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR is the gold standard frontline test for COVID-19.

One is more accurate called RT-PCR which is extracting RNA from the nasal or mouth swab. Because of Genome sequencing technology, we have the sequence of SARS-COV-2 and RNA of the swab is checked whether virus and RNA share the same sequence. Because of proper research and Genome sequence projects going around the world, RT-PCR tests are considered more accurate and reliable.

DISADVANTAGES OF RT-PCR-

RT-PCR Technology is a relatively expensive method. It requires RNA extracting machines, a laboratory and trained technicians. Minimum of 30 samples is needed to make it economically viable.

You’re driving safe. You’ve got your eyes on the road, and your seat belt on. But even if you do everything right, accidents well, they simply happen. While we know you’re doing your best to avoid accidents, here’s a list of essential tips to keep in handy in case you’re in an emergency:

• If you or any of your passengers are injured, medical help is priority. Get first aid immediately.
• Observe the site of the accident and note down all the details you can – from the location, to important number plates and names.
• If there are eye-witnesses to the accident, make sure you note down their contact details, so you can follow up with them later.
• Take pictures of the place where the accident happened. In times like these, every detail helps!
• If the police have registered a case, remember to note down the case number.
• Keep track of all the expenses you’ve had to undergo due to the accident. That means, don’t throw a single bill or receipt away!
• Lastly, make sure you file your insurance claim as soon as you can! Because the sooner your Insurance Company knows about the incident, the sooner they can help you out.

In case of an unfortunate incident on the road, our no. 1 tip for you is the simplest: don’t panic! Stay calm, and keep a level head.
No matter where you are, always keep the accident no. on speed dial
Here’s to many safe, stress-free road-trips!

Started from the province of Wuhan in China, COVID-19 has spread all around the world, leaving behind the massacres. First reported on 30th January 2020, India has recorded a total of 1.44 million active cases and more than 32 thousand people have lost their lives as reported till 27th July 2020. Yet, till the current date, no verified vaccines have been launched in the market leaving behind a massive matter of concern for the common masses. In incurring medical care, what comes up to our mind first, does health insurance in India cover the COVID-19 or not?

What expenses does the health insurance cover?

Current Coronavirus health insurance in India covers hospitalization expenses including in-patient hospitalization, pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses. But it's always better to get our immunity system to act as the main barrier to trust, and for that, we need a stone-hard immunity.

What do you need for better immunity?

To get better immunity, we must focus on our nutritional well being and good food habits. To boost your immune system, you need the essential macro and micronutrients like proteins, good fats, carbohydrates, inorganic elements, and essential vitamins, apart from looking at the health insurance in India.

Some foods that you must include in your diet

1. Milk: One of the most common and cheap nutrition-rich liquid food is milk. A cup of dairy milk contains almost 8 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 2.4 grams of fats along with Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. It is also a good source of Calcium(Ca) and Potassium(K). Due to the high complete protein content, it helps in lean muscle building and keeps bones healthy too. Having one cup of milk a day could help us keep us on track with the daily macros and micro required to boost up our immunity.

2. Egg: A whole egg contains approximately 13 grams of protein, 1.1 gram of carbohydrates, 11g of good fats along with Vitamin A, VItamin B2, B5, B6, B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. The high-quality proteins and Essential Amino Acids in egg make it a complete source of protein. It is also a great source of Calcium, Zinc, and Iron. It raises HDL, which reduces the risks of heart disease.

3. Chicken: With a protein content of 27g, good fats of 14 grams, chicken is one of the best low-fat protein sources. It maintains muscle mass, strengthens bones, and reduces appetite. Though fried chickens might not be too good for our health, preferably grilled or boiled chicken, should be consumed for better outcomes.

4. Fruits: A variety of foods must be consumed regularly. Different fruits have different useful nutrient facts.
I. Banana: It has a high source of good carbohydrates. It also contains the right amount of Iron, Potassium, and Vitamin C. It is also a good source of fibres that keep our intestine healthy.
II. Lemons: The most famous citrus fruit, Lemons are highly rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, and fibres. Vitamin C helps in reducing heart disease risk, and the citric acid in lemons reduces kidney stones.
III. Grapes: Grapes packed with nutrients, especially Vitamin C and K are an excellent antioxidant that may prevent chronic diseases. It may reduce cholesterol and also might decrease blood sugar levels.

A balanced and well nutritious diet can help you increase your immunity to combat COVID-19 effectively. With healthy food, a bit of proper exercise will enhance your metabolism. Different health insurance in India promotes self-awareness so that the policyholders stay away from medical help.

It’s time we shorten the time to Claim.

You know what’s the worst part about making a claim? THE WAITING! That uncertain period of time between you submitting your case, and your insurance company responding with a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. We have all been through the ordeal, and we have all resigned to the bitter fact that there’s nothing you can do to change the situation.
Well, we decided we could do something about it! And we did!
Here’s how we manage to deliver seamless claims.

No waiting

You don’t have to wait for a third-party inspection, which may take days. Just do a quick self-survey using your smartphone camera by clicking pictures of the damage and send it to us. That’s it, your inspection is done in minutes!

No hard-copies

We don’t ask you for hard copies. We live true to our name and make everything ‘digital’. Which means, for any documentation or proof, just send us a soft-copy over email.

Our Customer Care works 24x7, making sure your claims are approved faster

Unprecedented times ask for unprecedented measures !! Many such measures and changes were enforced on our “way of life” due to COVID 19 crisis.

One such major change also for us Magmaites was WFH or "Work From Home". WFH became the new normal for us over the course of time, however this transmission has not been easy to many of us.

Once it was declared critical to put restrictions on physical movements to contain the spread of deadly virus - technology came to our rescue. This has been to ensure continuity of 'Work' even if it happens from the “safe” corners of our 'Homes'.

The vivid transition in our work lives -

1. To start with, it has evidently erased the physical boundaries of Home and Office

2. Those grapevine discussions over a 'Chai’ break' sound like a thing of past

3. Zoom has virtually intruded in to the Meeting spaces across all offices. One age-old proverb calling 'Man': a social animal, sounds meaningful and valuable now.

4. The very definition of “office time” has erased and one cannot see official and personal time differently as the office settings sometime tries to evade the personal or leisure settings. Perhaps, a reason, why Psychologists believe that separation from office-space would certainly have a toll on mental wellbeing of most of the people.

5. However, there are reasons to smile too. For, people are able to save a lot of travel-time - eventually adding to their overall productivity and happiness. They are able to give more time and attention to their loved ones as well. Almost everyone is trying their hands at long lost talents and hobbies - that is again adding to their mental wellbeing and creativity.

6. We were able to connect with our family members more and it has opened various possibilities in our relationships. This has definitely added immense value in our personal lives

At the end of the day, what we can look forward to is to have more disciplined and balanced approach to deal with these challenges and opportunities posed by our newly adopted WFH practices, and we can hope to get the better of this deadly virus soon enough, so as not to miss out on our beloved office tea breaks any longer !!

Open floor plans are increasingly trending in modern interior design. This layout combines two or more traditional spaces, such as a kitchen, dining room, and living room, into one large, open area. While there are many benefits to an open floor plan, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Are you considering open-floor interiors for your home? We will discuss its pros & cons in the blog, so you can decide whether this layout suits your home. So, without further delay, let's get started with the pros.

Pros:
1. Increases natural light
Opening up walls and combining spaces allows natural light to flow freely throughout the entire space, brightening the room and improving the look and feel of the home.

2. Enhances social interaction
Open floor plans allow for easy social interaction between family members and guests. Parents can watch children while cooking or doing other activities, and hosts can mingle with the guests while still taking care of other activities.

3. Makes smaller spaces appear larger
An open floor plan can create an impression of a larger space, even if the square footage is small. The area can feel more spacious by removing walls and creating a seamless flow.

4. Easy to entertain
Hosting a dinner party or social gathering with an open floor plan becomes effortless as everyone can move freely without feeling cramped or disconnected.

5. Adds value to your property
Open floor plans are currently prevalent in the real estate market, and having one in your home can increase its value, which can be beneficial when you sell your property.

Now let's have a look at the cons.

Cons:
1. Noise pollution
With an open floor plan, noise from one area can easily travel to another, which can be troublesome when hosting guests or trying to relax.

2. Lack of privacy
Privacy can become a concern with an open floor plan, mainly when multiple people occupy the same space. This can disturb others when they need privacy to take a phone call or want to work quietly.

3. More challenging to decorate
Open floor plans can be more challenging to decorate as no natural dividers between spaces exist. Creating distinct zones in the same area may require more creativity and effort.

4. Messes are more visible
With an open floor plan, messes in one area can be seen from other parts of the room. This can be challenging and time-consuming as you need to clean it up regularly to have a tidy home.

5. Higher rates of house insurance India
Insurance companies may charge higher rates for homes with open floor plans as they may be riskier due to the potential for more significant losses in a disaster.

6. Requires more cooling and heating
While an open floor plan can reduce heating and cooling costs in some instances, it can also require more heating and cooling in others. This is particularly true for larger spaces, which may require additional heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Open floor plans offer many benefits, including increased natural light, enhanced social interaction, and the feeling of a larger space. However, as they also come with their share of challenges, consider your lifestyle, family size, and how you plan to use the space when finalizing an open floor plan. With careful consideration, proper process, and planning, you can make a thoroughly informed decision about the house insurance India you should buy that will serve your needs optimally and provide you with a functional and beautiful living space for years to come.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of purchasing house 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.

During our growth and working years, there comes a stage where we all usually start thinking of our post-retirement life. We all wish to be well-prepared for our retirement before it heads up. But what kind of retirement do we expect? We often hear a majority of people categorically saying, “We want to get rid of this hustle and bustle of a city and find peace in a place amidst nature and indulge in activities that imbibes positivity.” So, to sum it all, we all want a healthy and happy retirement life.

Do you wonder how you can make your retirement life worth living? Following tips on an ideal retirement plan can help you attain what you expect!

1. Propose yourself a purpose

It is a misconception that retirement is all about sitting idle on the rocking chairs in verandas, sipping warm tea or coffee with newspapers in hands. Don’t ever fall to these false theories, as they can be devastating if they don’t satisfactorily address your question of why did you retire? Inactivity can lead to boredom and infuse stress into one’s lifestyle. Have an aim and utilize your retirement to check the boxes of the things you always wanted to do but couldn’t get time.

2. Be a wanderlust, think before downsizing

The majority of us skip a couple of our travel plans due to busy work lives. Retirement is the time you bring those plans into reality. Invest your time and savings into travelling and exploring the places because the intrepid in you wants to feel YOUNG!

3. Health is the most important wealth that matters

Never consider money before your health;

you already worked your heart out during your younger days. Retirement is when you repay your debts that you had taken from your bodies by keeping them fit. Design a proper diet plan and follow it. Have regular medical check-ups, practice meditation, yoga, and other physical activities that keep those bones and muscles perfect. Laughter therapies can be a blessing, also try to go on nature trails or simply go for a walk in the park to breathe in the fresh air.

Also, don’t stop working. Yes, if you can work, be it an easy job, consultancy or volunteer work, then continue to do so as it helps you in staying physically and mentally healthy. Also, passive income is always welcome, so count them too.

4. Be smart and invest smartly

Give importance to build a comprehensive investment plan, set your investment milestones, and develop strategies to achieve them. Focus on making rational decisions regarding your finances and assets. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking the taxes, as taxes can give an edge as compared to returns expected from your investments. Cut down your unnecessary expenses and try to save wherever you can.

The smart investment includes investing in Health Insurance , life, and accidental covers of you and your beloved. Old age comes with a risk factor of increased health aliments so as a responsible person, you should prepare yourself beforehand. It is also recommended to get

financial assistance from a good financial advisor as it can help you organize yourself when it comes to planning for the future.

5. “Love” can do wonders

Love here is more in a general way; you must continue to love every small thing that you used to do at your younger age. If you love road trips, pack your bag and go on one. If you love to own a pet, get one. There are several clubs and organizations that you can join to live your dreams and enjoy every inch of it. In all this, always extend your love and spend quality time with your family or partner to keep the spark ignited in your life too.

On a conclusive note, age is just a number; everyone is going to retire someday. Leave the concerns behind. Instead, show excitement about your retirement life by simply following the aforementioned tips. Wish you a healthy and happy retirement!

Health is wealth’, perhaps one of the most commonly used phrases that stand true for all of us. This phrase stands more relevant for elderly people present in our lives. As our body ages to its physical peak, there are increased chances of rising disorders and diseases that come with high costs.

Thanks to the presence of effective senior citizen health insurance policies; today, effective healthcare is no longer associated with heavy medical bills & expenses. This article guides you through senior citizen health insurance so that you won’t disrupt your life-savings & budget. Let’s get started!

Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

It is necessary for everyone to have health insurance but it becomes even more crucial in the case of senior citizens who are prone to falling sick due to the age factor. If you do not have a health insurance policy for the elderly, a simple health issue could turn into a big financial problem. Therefore, it is important to secure the future of the elderly with a good senior citizen health insurance policy.

What to Expect From This Article?

In this article we will discuss the reasons why one should buy health insurance for the elderly who are over 60. This article will also navigate you through the basic features to look out for, to help you find the best health insurance company in India.

Basic Characteristics and Benefits of Senior Citizen Health Insurance

Taking care of the elderly is our responsibility and buying a senior citizen Health Insurance policy is one of the best ways to fulfill it completely. However, things get confusing when you search for the ideal health insurance (the market is filled with a variety of insurance options). Even a simple query on the internet with ‘best health insurance company in India’ yields a number of results which could make it daunting for a first time consumer to choose from.

Well, it won’t be the situation anymore! Listed below are the basic characteristics to help you streamline the search process:

● Tax reduction due to the payment of insurance premiums

● Higher insured benefits

● Coverage of the OPD expenses

● Coverage of daily hospital expenses while admitted and receiving treatment such as usage of equipment like dialysis machines, chemotherapy, etc.

● Free annual health tests and medical check-ups

● Coverage of ambulance fees

● Cashless hospitalization benefits

● Coverage of the doctor’s fees

● Coverage of room charges

● Coverage of medical bills for more than 24 hours’ hospitalization

● Pre and Post hospitalization charges

● Full coverage of declared illnesses/ diseases

● Coverage of Pre-existing illnesses

● Seamless and quick financial settlements

● Hassle-free claim fulfilment

Things to Keep in Mind before Selecting a Health Insurance Policy for Senior Citizens:

1. Medical history: Formulate a well-documented medical history with age, risk factors, pre-existing illnesses et al. This helps in identifying a specific plan since there exist specific plans for specific illnesses. This also helps in availing the maximum benefits.

2. Declare correct information: It is important to disclose all the information and give correct details prior to the purchase of a plan. This is because incorrect or incomplete information can create trouble at the time of filing a claim.

3. Conduct proper market research and make comparisons: It is necessary to search for different types of policies that are out there to find the perfect fit for your elderly parents. Making a comparative analysis is the best way to conduct this search and select the perfect health insurance provider.

4. Insurance premium should not be the only criterion for comparison: While everyone wants to get the maximum benefits with minimum premium rates, it is not right to keep it as the sole criterion while selecting a policy.

Conclusion

Now that we have had a walkthrough of all the basics, we hope that this article will make your work easier while searching for a good health insurance policy.

Tips:

● Look out for a plan that provides value for money in terms of benefits.

● These benefits should also exist within your budget limit.

● Create a clear set of expectations so that you know what to search for.