GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

If you are buying a new house or renovating the existing one, having the perfect and attractive walls should be your focus. The most prominent part of your home is the walls. They capture many memories and provide a lot of scopes to try out new styles and give your home a refreshing touch.

Investing thought, time, and money in decorating the walls will turn your home into a more welcoming space. But how do you finalise the look of your walls? Would they look better with wallpapers, or would texture paints achieve the finish you attempted?

We will try to cover all your wall decor questions. Let's get started!

1. Types of texture paints:

Various forms of texture paints, including emulsions, distempers, etc., are available in the market. They can either be water or oil-based and are used for different purposes. You can use solid colours and texture paints to give your walls a bold look. Apply other techniques to create patterns and textures on your walls to give them a zing.

2. Wallpapers:

Wallpapers come with a variety of patterns and textures. Using the right tools and proper measurements, you can stick them on your walls. They come with a solid adhesive and are easy to paste. You can pick the wallpaper's designs as per your taste and the look you want to achieve for the walls.

Wallpapers and texture paint – how are they similar?

● Both are available with many options and shades

● Both have tailor-made options to match your usage and decor plans

● Both require some pre-preparation time to set things up

● Both help you achieve your decor goals

Wallpapers or texture paints: Which is the best for your home walls?

If you are starting from scratch (a blank wall), both wallpapers and texture paints require a similar time to set things up and get started. But removing any wallpaper or colour is a tedious job. After removing the previous coat, you must prepare the wall before pasting the wallpaper or starting with the primer for the texture paint.

Application of wallpaper takes less time as compared to texture paint. You need to apply at least two coats to achieve the texture and pattern you aim for, while it takes about twenty-four hours for the wallpaper to stick appropriately and achieve the best finish. Texture paints can take up to forty-eight hours or more.

Textured paints are your best bet in bathrooms and kitchens. High moisture does not gel well with adhesives. Hence, applying wallpaper in the bathroom and the kitchen would be a massive waste of resources, and there's a risk that it might come off or get wet and torn. Variations of textured paints can be used outdoors, while wallpapers are more appropriate for enriching the interiors.

You might need help from professionals during the application of wallpapers. Textured paints and wallpapers are both cost-effective, but wallpapers might get a bit expensive if you are looking for a specific design.

Now that we have discussed the significant aspects of the two options, you can make a decision. And while you are at it, consider protecting your home against unforeseen circumstances and tragedies. You would want your home to be safe from unexpected problems that take a massive toll on your finances and happiness.

Fret not! This is avoidable with the provision of purchasing home insurance. You can explore your options and buy the best home insurance in India which suits your needs. Carefully look at all the terms and conditions before finalising the deal. There are multiple home insurance options that can help you have the best premium and provide extended coverage.

Click HERE to know more about the best home 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.

While most of the country is still experiencing the summers, some parts are transitioning into the beginning of the early monsoon. This is when common ailments like fever, runny nose, sore throat, etc., take up pace. These illnesses last for only a brief period and can be controlled with over-the-counter medicines.

Monsoon brings along the shortcomings of several viral infections that lead to different health complexities. One such complexity is a sore throat. Having a sore throat can be irritating and a complete disgust at times. Everyday activities such as eating, drinking, or swallowing can be painful, and we end up looking for ways to heal our throat as soon as possible. The misery and the suffering will test your patience and tolerance level. It is important to find the remedies before the sore throat takes a toll on your peace.

In this article, we will look at a few ways in which you can soothe your throat and aid in the faster healing process right at home.

1. Gargle with saltwater:

This age-old technique of using salt water to gargle is the most common and efficient way of soothing sore throat. Salt and water help in pulling out the bacteria and viruses. Use one teaspoon of salt and add it to lukewarm water. Use this concoction to gargle at least two times a day to recover from the soreness.

2. Take turmeric milk:

Another recipe from grandma's kitchen! Turmeric as an ingredient is widely popular in the Indian kitchen. It has surprising healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass of milk and stir well.

3. Honey – a sweet retreat:

Honey has various healing and therapeutic abilities. This makes it perfect for treating soreness. Honey acts as a superficial seal between the cracked throat tissues and prevents further accumulation of bacteria.
You can either consume honey directly or mix it with hot water or other herbal teas for best results.

4. Steaming – a warm therapy:

The tissues lining the inner wall of the throat produce mucus. However, they become dry and itchy when they are swollen or sore. Steaming can help retain the moisture levels by loosening the mucus layer in your throat.
Remember not to use steaming too often as it can cause difficulty in breathing, cause distress to the eyes and even cause coughing spells. Fill a vessel with boiling water and keep the container on a flat surface. Hold your mouth over the vessel and use a cloth over your head to prevent steam from escaping. You may even use a vapouriser machine to take the steam, but the traditional way has its own magic.

5. Give your voice good rest:

Giving your throat some rest is the best way to heal sore throats. Talking can put pressure on your vocal cords, further worsening the pain. Try sticking to lower volumes when talking till the soreness subsides. Sometimes, due to congestion, people tend to clear their throats. This heavily irritates the vocal cords and can strain the throat. Use gargling instead to clear out all the congestion.

If all the remedies mentioned above do not work for you and the pain prolongs, you must visit the doctor. Doctors can help you with the proper diagnosis and the necessary treatment. Sometimes, prescription drugs are the only way to fix prolonged soreness and irritation of the throat.

Look out for recurrent throat problems, difficulty breathing, earache, lumps in the throat, etc. These can be symptoms of severe health conditions and should not be taken lightly. Compromising your health can have severe long-term implications, and one must do everything to ensure the best health. One way to do that is by opting for the best health insurance policy in India. Health insurance adds value to your life and acts as a safety net for all your medical checks and treatment expenses. When you invest in your health, you indirectly invest in your life. Go ahead and choose what's best for you and your loved ones.

Click HERE to know more about the best health insurance policy 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.

Be it the wealthiest man in the world or a celebrity singer of all time, we have heard influential and successful people talk about the importance of a good night’s sleep. Several studies have proved it humans need to rest for the mind and body to work at full potential the next day. The ignorance of sleep is not a healthy sign, yet, we are so caught up in the rat race that we end up compromising sleep.

A sound sleep is important to your personal and professional well-being. This article will highlight how and why a consistent sleep routine is necessary and what we can do to achieve the same.

1. Maintaining the body clock or the circadian rhythm:

A regular sleep routine is one way of ensuring the proper functionality of your body. The body’s heart rate and blood pressure follow the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioural changes the body follows in a twenty-four cycle. When you sleep on time, your body automatically recognises the need to rest.
When you do this over a period of time, you start noticing changes such as more active brain activity in the morning, sleeping easily at night, and better digestion. Research has shown that people who stick to a sleep schedule perform better tasks and have better cognitive skills.

2. Better overall health:

People with erratic sleep schedules often find it challenging to go to rest and eventually oversleep. This is because the body fails to recognise the difference between exhaustion and sleep. Staying up late can leave the body and the brain exhausted. To combat this, the body overcompensates with sleep.
Midnight snacking is another unhealthy habit that people develop over time. Ideally, one should go to bed after two hours of dinner. Allow your body to have ample time to digest the food. We have often heard people talk about burning sensations in the morning. This happens when you lie down immediately after dinner, allowing the digestive juices to flow back up the oesophagus, causing an acid reflex.

Now, let us take note of a few ways to develop a consistent sleep routine for healthy living:

1. Set aside 8 hours from your schedule for an undisturbed night’s sleep. Going off to sleep and rising up at the same time is the first step to maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Avoid snoozing the alarm. The extra five minutes after hitting the snooze will make you tired and lazy. Instead, wake up at the first ring of the alarm to feel fresh and rejuvenated.

2. Stick to light and non-greasy food options to avoid discomfort. Having dinner at least two hours before you sleep is ideal. Stick to light and non-greasy food options to avoid discomfort. Hot herbal tea is an excellent way to calm your body before bed.

3. Avoid using laptops, mobiles, or other electronic gadgets in the bedroom. The blue light from screens makes it difficult for people to fall asleep. A well-made bed, dark curtains, and night lights can help ease your sleep faster.

These are a few techniques that you can try out to maintain a disciplined sleep cycle. The important thing to remember here is that sometimes lack of sleep can result from inappropriate lifestyle choices or other latent health problems. Under such circumstances, it is best to visit a doctor.

Your doctor might suggest some medications or tests to help you with your concerns. A thorough full body check-up might help with the diagnosis of the problem. Invest in a health insurance policy with the best health insurance company in India to avoid losing your sleep over the expenses of check-ups and medicines.

Click HERE to know more about 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.

What can be more exciting than travelling internationally for the first time? No matter how much you have travelled within your country, crossing the borders to explore a new nation, its culture, lifestyle, and cuisine is always an exciting experience to cherish.

The number of outbound travellers flying out to foreign destinations has shown significant growth after the ease of global travel restrictions post Covid-19. The travel ecosystem is again flourishing with inbound and outbound tourism, leading to re-establish the harmony in travel relations among various countries.

However, as a first-time traveller, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to make your experience more hassle-free and less daunting. This article will look at a few tips to help you have a successful first international trip.

1. Sort your passport:

The most important document that you need to have is a passport. Ideally, get your passport work done before you even begin planning your trip. However, the Indian government has facilitated “Tatkal” passports if you require a passport urgently. Under this scheme, you can get a passport between two to four days. Remember to keep a digital and a physical copy of your passport with you.
You must present your passport at security checks, immigration, and even at various hotels for identification purposes.

2. Visa process:

Make sure to check the visa requirements of the visiting country before booking tickets. Several countries offer visa-free access or visas on arrival to Indian passport holders. Visa on arrival is a procedure where a visa is provided to people upon arrival in the destination country rather than applying for it before flying.
Countries such as Maldives, Hong Kong, and Mauritius do not require visas for Indian passports. While, countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, etc., have a visa on arrival facility for Indian passport holders.

3. Money and Currency:

Many banks offer you international transactions and withdrawal facilities. Check your bank and understand their requirements, such as international fees, currency exchange rates, and ATM withdrawal fees. Carry some physical money during your trips. Withdraw a significant amount of cash from the airport to skip ATM fees.

4. Accommodation:

We have always heard people talk about the exorbitant rates of hotels and local transportation. Booking your accommodation at the last minute can be expensive. Instead, book at least a couple of months before your trip to get the best deals on good properties. Look for hotels that provide complementary services such as breakfast and Wi-Fi for maximum benefits.
If you are travelling with a group, your ideal choice would be to book a dormitory. You can stock the fridge here with food and groceries from nearby supermarkets, thus significantly cutting your accommodation and food expenses.

5. Transport:

Avoid booking taxis and rentals beforehand. After reaching your destination, download local transport and rental apps to avoid swindling. Travelling on local buses and trains is an excellent way to interact with the locals and other travellers.

6. Safety first:

It is highly important to keep yourself safe, be in your hotel or while travelling. Do not leave your bag and wallets lying around in cafes or public spaces. A crossbody bag is a must for passports and wallets. Keep the emergency contact details in your bag, especially when you're travelling with kids and aged people.
To have an extra layer of safety, look for a general insurance company that provides you with a comprehensive travel cover. This will safeguard you against expenses you might face because of theft, delayed flights, overbooked hotels, etc.

These are a few ways to make your first international trip successful and enjoyable. Do thorough research on the places you want to go, the cost, and your flight timing to avoid long queues. And as mentioned, do not forget to look for a general insurance company that suits your needs for that extra guarantee of a safe trip. First-timers’ trips are always special, and you, too, might want your first international trip to be your best memory.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance and its benefits.

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.