GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

In recent years, the necessity of health insurance has become unavoidable. We have found a cure to many of the earlier incurable diseases with the advancement of medical technology.

However, most of the major surgeries in India cost several lakhs. This is where a health insurance policy shows its magic. Investing in reliable health insurance can give you the confidence and strength to focus on your health without worrying about expenses. But there are several misconceptions about health insurance policies that discourage people who are forced to have a second thought before buying them.

But, what's the reality? Let us look at six major myths about health insurance and debunk them.

1. Health insurance is expensive:
No, it is not! Many think paying a few thousand rupees as a premium every year for a health insurance policy makes it expensive. Have you ever imagined how much major medical treatments cost in India? The average cost of cancer treatment has shot up to INR 10 lakhs. The cost of angioplasty or bypass surgery in case of heart diseases ranges between 2-4 lakh rupees. Similarly, other major surgeries such as hip replacement, knee replacement, or kidney transplant also cost over 4 lakh rupees. Hence, it is wise to pay a few thousand rupees as a premium every year and get a health insurance policy that will cover all your above medical costs than to pay such hefty amounts upfront in one go.

2. Rejection of claims:
Often, the insured does not read the complete terms and conditions of the policy and faces rejection. They may omit necessary information or fill incomplete information in the application form. Some hide information about their pre-existing diseases. Also, a few claims before the waiting period is over and therefore face rejection. You need to understand that claims do not get rejected on baseless grounds. But, it is crucial to investigate the true reasons for rejecting your claim.

3. Processing of claims is time-taking:
The processing of claims does not take much time if a proper system is followed. Cashless settlement is very fast. The bill is settled right at the authorised hospitals at the time of discharge as per the terms and conditions of the insurance provider. Even the reimbursement facility does not take much time for repayment nowadays. The insured must submit proper bills and support documents, and the claims are processed in a few days.

4. Health insurance does not cover pregnancy or day procedures:
A myth is that health insurance policies do not cover pregnancies, maternity care, or day procedures such as chemotherapy. There are specific policies with some terms and conditions to cover such medical treatments. There may be a waiting period before the policy provides cover. Some policies allow the patient to avail the policy benefits even if they are not hospitalised for 24 hours or more.

5. People with pre-existing diseases or senior citizens cannot get a health insurance policy:
Insurers nowadays cover most diseases after some waiting period, usually four years. The insured should tailor specific policies for their situation in such cases. Also, insurers offer health insurance coverage even to senior citizens over 65 years of age. As per IRDAI, health insurance policies can be renewed lifelong. Insurers cannot deny renewing the policy on the grounds of the policyholder's age if the premium is paid in time.

6. Health insurance policies are not "portable":
It is possible for an insured to "port" or change his insurance service provider in case he is dissatisfied with it. Also, he can change from one plan to another with the same insurance provider if he meets the required terms and conditions.

A health insurance policy is necessary for individuals in fast, modern life. If you have a family, you can get a cover for all of your family members under one policy. There are many more myths associated with health insurance policies. But like the above myths we just debunked above, we need to debunk them rather than outrightly shunning these policies. After all, it's your life, and you must take care of it, right? Make health insurance policy a part of it.

Click HERE to buy health insurance to secure your health with the best protection.

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.

Motorcycle fires are horrific sites to bear. With the recent rise in the usage of electric vehicles, there is a greater possibility of fires leading to vehicle damage and burn injuries. Electric vehicles use renewable energy sources, making them sustainable, but they come with the drawback of being more flammable.

Electric vehicles use a lightweight lithium battery that has a longer lifespan than regular lead-acid batteries. However, a lithium battery consists of two electrodes and an electrolytic fluid running between them. The electrolytic fluid is highly flammable and causes fires when the battery is overheated or damaged.

Even combustion motorcycles are at risk of catching fire if something goes wrong in the bike's engine or fuel tank, or there is a sudden short circuit.

Bikes are the love of their owners' lives. Although it might be horrific to think of even a situation when this happens, it's always better to keep knowledge handy when you need it.

This blog aims to give you an insight into what to do to protect yourself and your loved ones in the unfortunate case of your bike catching fire.

1. Turn off the ignition and get away from your bike:
Imagine that you're cruising down the highway at a comfortable speed when your bike suddenly shows signs that it might catch on fire. If you notice a spark or a fire, immediately kill the ignition and park at the side of the road. Avoid places with many people and other vehicles, electric poles, etc.
Dismount and get away from the bike as quickly as possible using the stop-drop-roll method. If you've left something vital on the bike, avoid going near it unless it is worth dying for. This is to ensure you're least affected if your motorcycle explodes.

2. If it's a small fire or just smoke, try to extinguish it:
If you absolutely have to go and try to save the vehicle and your items with it, do it smartly. If there's a fire extinguisher around you, or you can arrange it, try putting out the fire yourself. Also, you can use drinking water you might have bought along with you on the ride or soil you pick up off the side of the road to stop the fire from spreading immediately after you first sense it. Ensure a safe distance between you and the vehicle to protect yourself.

3. Contact emergency services:
If it's a busy road, ask for help from experienced people in the traffic. If you're stuck in an isolated place, immediately call fire control and tell them about your situation. Your instinct might tell you that you can put out the fire on your own, but it's best to leave it to the professionals to avoid risking your own life.

4. Alert people in advance:
This is not a scene from a movie where you'll barely escape a fire without a scratch. So if the fire seems big, steer clear of it. Raise an alert to help other vehicles and pedestrians get out of the way.
Be sure to put a device named an Emergency Warning Device (EWD). This puts out an alarm that helps inform other pedestrians or vehicle owners to get out of the way in case of a fire. If the fire becomes too overwhelming, all you can do is get out of the way and wait for emergency services.

A motorcycle fire is a traumatic experience to go through. But as long as you are safe, there's no harm done. Having the basic knowledge of fire safety and about the different parts of the bike can be helpful for you during such emergencies.

In such unfortunate incidents, you are responsible for protecting yourself and others, but for protecting your bike, you need special coverage. Here's when insurance comes into the picture. Buy motor insurance online and avail various benefits if your bike faces severe damage due to fire. All the repair and maintenance of the bike will be covered under your insurance cover, and you won't have to worry about the finances.

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.

India has a long and rich history of its fight for independence. Most stories leave us with admiration and respect for that time's freedom fighters and activists and their sacrifice for India to breathe free. There's a sense of pride in knowing that we belong to the same country where many of these acts of bravery took place. The culture and heritage that we celebrate today is a blessing that we have received from the iconic stories of numerous Bravehearts. India has preserved this history for future generations to absorb the feelings of patriotism and cherish the diversity of our nation.

As we recently celebrated 75 years of our independence, the Indian Government launched an endeavour called "Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" with a motive to celebrate the golden 75 years of freedom. So, pack your bags and head out to see these destinations that will surely fill you with patriotic fervour.

1. Cellular jail:
Situated in Port Blair of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Cellular jail is reminiscent of the horrors cast upon the freedom fighters. This jail can be visited by the public and has a famous light and sound show in the evening to remember the freedom fighters, especially the brave story of Veer Savarkar and his courageous escape from the jail.

2. Jhansi fort:
Jhansi fort in Uttar Pradesh is a symbol of strength and bravery of the highest degree. This place engraves the history of Rani Lakshmi Bai bravely fighting the British and eventually defending the fort with her last breath. Go to Jhansi fort to remember the brave acts of Rani Lakshmi Bai and the scenic views of the fort situated high on the hilltops.

3. India gate:
Located in the heart of the capital city, a few km from the Rashtrapati Bhawan, India gate was built to pay homage to the 82,000 soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the First World War. The martyrs' names are inscribed on the walls of this beautiful monument. Locals and tourists crowd this area to pay their respects to these soldiers and enjoy the beautiful lights and delicious street food near this historical monument.

4. Sabarmati Ashram:
Located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on the peaceful banks of the Sabarmati river, this heritage site is famous for being one of the epicentres of the freedom struggle. Made by a friend of the Mahatma, this was where Gandhi Ji resided for nearly 12 years, training activists to join his 'Ahimsa' movement. This Ashram also had schools and health centres and was a whole community of patriotic people. Visit this Ashram to feel the peace, and captivate your heart with the values of Bapu.

5. Wagah-Attari border:
Visit the Wagah-Attari border near Amritsar to get a rush of patriotic fervour. A famous flag lowering ceremony has been happening every day since 1959, where the BSF and the Pakistani Army lower their flags just before sunset. This is sure to leave you in awe. The soldiers' energy creates an electrifying atmosphere with the crowd anticipating with continuous chants of "Vande Mataram" and the tricolour waving with pride. This ceremony is worth an experience of a lifetime.

6. Kargil War Memorial:
India has been rigorously battling to preserve its liberty long after independence. Our fierce border security forces are relentlessly serving their duties to protect the nation from external threats. The Dras War Memorial in Kargil is one such place that reminds us of the iconic 'Operation Vijay' of Indian soldiers to keep the country safe during the Kargil war of 1999. Be here to pay your respect to those who gave our lives for us and salute the soldiers' dedication to protecting the nation at all times and in every situation.

Independence Day is the perfect way to learn more about our country's freedom struggle. Plan a heritage trip to these places and dive deep into the archives of Indian history. While celebrating the glorious 75 years of independence, ensure that you secure your trip with the best online general insurance to make your travel hassle-free.

Click HERE to know more about online general 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.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins and minerals and help the body to develop immunity and resistance against several chronic diseases.

You can lose weight by making fresh fruits and vegetables an integral part of your diet because they are low in calories. We can use them as a substitute for other high-calorie food. Moreover, they can be used for munching in between meals. We will not feel hungry quickly and eat the next meal lightly.

Despite so many advantages of fresh fruits and vegetables, we often avoid making them a part of our daily routine. Let us go through the best hacks that can help us include fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet without apprehension.

1. Substitute:
Substitute the unhealthy junk food on your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables. First, fill at least 10% of your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables. Increase this percentage as you develop an appetite and taste for them.

2. Top up your junk food:
Top up your junk food like burgers and pizzas with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables. We can easily add chopped vegetables to the burger stuffing. We can add loads of tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, etc., to pizzas, toppings, and even pasta. They will taste great and especially your children will love them!

3. Be innovative:
Bring Innovation to your food preparation by adding fresh fruits in yogurt, curd, custard, and cereals. Quietly add strawberries or blueberries to muffins and pancakes, advertise them as something special to your children and see how they will gobble them. Make innovative sandwiches and omelets by putting in extra veggies.
Make meals by using something like a sweet potato. Even the children will love it, which will be a great source of carbohydrates. We do not eat large portions of vegetables such as broccoli, no matter how nutritious they are. But we can increase its intake by adding them to our soups, curry, or even pasta.

4. Clean out or hide your junk stock:
We eat what we see. This is true, especially with kids. If they find them at home, you cannot stop them from eating junk food like chips, biscuits, wafers, noodles, etc. Completely clear away your junk food cabinet so your children cannot get hold of them and be tempted to eat them. If there is no junk food at home, they will have time to develop an appetite for fresh fruits between meals. Also, they will have space for eating fresh vegetables during meals.

5. Try making new purchases:
Never shy away from trying a new fruit or vegetable that you see in a store or supermarket. Do your research before buying them. Experimenting with fruits and vegetables can surprisingly be a good adventure.

6. Start having a fruit milkshake or smoothie:
Shakes and smoothies are one of the best alternatives to consuming fruits. Start having fresh fruit juice, shake, or a smoothie of loads of fruits. You may even add a few dry fruits and nuts to enhance the taste and nourishment.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for our health and fitness. The above hacks can help us to increase their intake in our diets. This will result in better health and lower your risk of developing inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Just as a good diet is essential for healthy living, good health insurance is crucial for efficient management of finances involved in health management. As health insurance improves your quality of life, invest in the best health insurance in India that is tailor-made for your special needs!

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance in India best suited for your needs.

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.