GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Quality sleep immensely affects your daily life and good health. Your sleep cycle determines everything from your mind to your physical well-being. If you lack adequate sleep, you can experience stress, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, headaches, and even depression. Things can sometimes get out of hand for you.

Lack of sleep can affect your personal as well as professional life. In a fast-paced world, getting sound sleep has become challenging. Adhering to a sleep schedule that works for you is even more difficult. There are many ways to get your sleep cycle back. From playing serene music to meditation and reading, anything can work out for you.

One such method is: sleep syncing. It is a comparatively new concept that has come in. It has been derived from sleep experts who have studied sleep patterns for decades now. With sleep syncing, you regain your regular sleep cycle. Let's learn more about sleep syncing here:

What is sleep syncing?
Sleep syncing refers to keeping your circadian cycle in check. The circadian cycle is the sleep-wake cycle of your body that takes place across the span of 24 hours. It is affected by various factors, including hormones like melatonin and even sunlight.

With sleep syncing, you give your sleep-wake cycle a gentle nudge. This way, your body will sleep when it's meant to. It will ensure better sleep, more energy, a good mood, and a healthy body.

How to practice sleep syncing?
There are many ways and means by which you can practice sleep syncing. They are as follows:

1. Fix a schedule
Having a timetable is necessary. You must set a designated time for sleeping and waking up daily. You can then align all your activities around the same. You can use a sleep tracker to find out your sleep length initially. Once you are sure, work out a schedule and set your alarm accordingly. You can also set a bedtime routine. It can include skincare, reading, meditation, light yoga, or even journaling.

2. Get sunlight
Sunlight plays a pivotal role in establishing your circadian cycle. When you wake up, ensure you get enough sunlight for your body. You can gently walk or stand in the sunlight after waking up. Pulling off your curtains and waking up to sunlight can be effective too. It helps fix your sleep cycle and even boost productivity.

3. Consume less caffeine
Do not incorporate a lot of caffeine in your daily routine. Caffeine can throw you off your circadian cycle and cause immense harm. Although caffeine effectively boosts energy, it can keep you up at night. If you consume tea or coffee late in the evening, it will keep you awake till late. You need to switch to decaf if you are addicted to caffeine.

4. Avoid gadgets
If you use your phone or laptop excessively before bed, you can find it difficult to fall asleep. It can disturb the production of sleep hormones in your body. It is advised not to use phones an hour before your sleep time.

Sleep syncing is one of the most effective tools to fix your sleep cycle. It has been proven effective for many people across the globe. You can try the aforementioned pointers for yourself to get the desired results. Also, remember you should always have online health insurance to keep you covered.

Click HERE to buy 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.

The Indian healthcare industry is one of the biggest sectors of the Indian economy in terms of revenue and employment. Investment in the public, as well as the private healthcare sector, has shot up multiple times in recent years. This sector comprises hospitals, medical instruments, research and development, outsourcing, and health insurance.

Let us look at the possible future of the Indian healthcare system, industry growth, and the major challenges.

Opportunities
Let us first assess the opportunities in the Indian healthcare industry.

1. Excellent growth rate
The Indian healthcare industry is witnessing a buoyant growth rate in recent years because of the increase in consciousness of the Indians towards health upkeep, especially after Covid-19. Also, a rise in income levels, increasing health awareness, and growing government support in the healthcare sector contribute to a double-digit growth rate. Since 2016, the Indian healthcare industry has grown at a staggering CAGR of 22%.

2. Increase in health insurance
Health insurance in India has seen an increased penetration in recent years. After the advent of Covid -19, even the population living in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, as well as rural areas, are rushing to get health insurance policies. More youngsters are joining the workforce, boosting their disposable income and spending power. This has helped in increasing healthcare spending and is only set to grow at a higher pace.

This presents tremendous opportunities to existing health insurance companies and new entrants. They can develop new and unique policies to capture the untapped health insurance market.

3. Self-sufficiency and export
The Indian pharmaceuticals sector has also witnessed a tremendous pace in research and development and production of crucial medicines. India has accomplished administering over 170 crores of Covid-19 vaccine doses. Moreover, it also exported over 5 crore vaccine doses to around 70 countries.

India has made a mark for itself by achieving this feat in so little time. Vast opportunities lay ahead for Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers to take their production to global levels and cater to the world’s growing demand for medicines and healthcare equipment.

Make in India is becoming a reality. Indian companies have also started manufacturing CT scanners, ultrasound machines, ventilators, and MRI machines, which were fully imported until some time ago.

4. FDI and PPP model
India is inviting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to develop hospitals, healthcare centres, and medical equipment manufacturing. The foreign community is witnessing India as the next big investment destination because of the mix of skills and cost-efficiency of the Indian workforce.

To boost this sector, the government is also actively launching programs such as credit incentives, aggressive expansion through the PPP model (Public-Private partnership), setting up of new medical colleges, etc.

Challenges
Let us now look at some of the challenges in the Indian healthcare industry.

1. Doctor-patient ratio
A wide gap still exists in the doctor-patient ratio in India. Only 01 doctor is available for every 834 patients in India, which poses a huge challenge in providing medical services in a cost-effective manner.

2. Innovation and implementation of AI
The Indian healthcare industry is in a nascent stage. Innovating and producing high-quality medical equipment and medicines in India at low prices is a challenge. Also, AI-based software in various processes must be implemented as fast as possible as in other developed nations. Covering smaller cities and towns with such software can be a daunting task.

The future of the Indian healthcare industry is bright and shining, with more opportunities in view than challenges. Much is still needed to bring world-class medical services and products to India, especially in smaller cities and towns.

The Indian healthcare industry is growing rapidly, which is excellent news for health insurance as well. With increased awareness of health and fitness in the Indian population after the pandemic, health insurance in India is going through its golden phase. It is penetrating its reach across the length and breadth of the country at a rapid pace, providing ample opportunities for growth in the sector.

Click HERE to buy 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.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed several sectors, and the insurance sector is no exception. AI has proven its value in the insurance sector, from speeding up claims processing to providing personalised policy recommendations. However, its potential extends far beyond claim settlements. This blog will provide insights into how AI can do much more than claim settlement for the insurance sector, especially in buying insurance policies online.

1. Chatbots for personalised recommendations
Buying an insurance policy online has become a preferred option for many people. It is fast, convenient, and often cheaper than buying a policy through a traditional agent. However, it can be overwhelming for customers who are unfamiliar with the insurance industry. This is where AI can play a crucial role in simplifying the process and making it easier for customers to find the right policy for their needs.

Chatbots are computer programs that use AI to automate customer conversations and address their queries via text or text-to-speech. They can answer questions, provide recommendations, and help customers purchase policies. For example, if a customer is looking for car insurance, the chatbot can ask them questions about their vehicle, driving habits, and other relevant information. Using this data, the chatbot can recommend policies tailored to the customer's needs. Chatbots can be integrated into insurance company websites and mobile apps, making them easily accessible to customers.

2. AI for risk assessment
AI can also help with risk assessment, a crucial part of the insurance industry. Traditional risk assessment methods rely on historical data and statistical models. While these methods are effective, they are limited in predicting future risks. AI can help overcome this limitation by analysing various data sources, including social media, weather reports, and satellite images.

For example, AI can analyse social media data to determine if a customer is at risk of a health issue. Suppose a customer frequently posts about unhealthy eating habits or lack of exercise. In that case, AI algorithms can flag them as high-risk customers and recommend health insurance policies that provide coverage for preventative care. This benefits the customer by providing them with the right policy from the best insurance companies by reducing the risk of costly claims.

3. Fraud detection with AI
Traditional fraud detection methods rely on manual processes and statistical models, which can be slow and ineffective. AI can analyse customer data and identify behaviour patterns consistent with fraudulent claims. This could include a customer who frequently submits claims for the same type of damage or a customer with a history of submitting claims at the end of the policy term. By flagging these patterns, AI can help insurance companies identify potential fraud and take action to prevent it.

4. Improving customer service with AI
AI can also help insurance companies provide better customer service. By analysing customer data, AI algorithms can identify customer behaviour and preference patterns. This information can be used to personalise customer service interactions and provide a more positive experience for customers.

5. AI as a tool to enhance human expertise
Suppose a customer frequently contacts customer service with questions about their policy. In that case, AI algorithms can identify this pattern and recommend that the customer be transferred to be contacted by a human agent for a more in-depth conversation. Doing this makes the customer feel heard and understood, while the human agent can provide more personalised assistance.

Overall, the potential of AI in the insurance industry is vast, and the benefits are clear. By embracing AI and incorporating it into their operations, insurance companies can stay ahead of the curve and provide better customer service. The process of how you can buy insurance policy online may have seemed daunting in the past, but with the help of AI, it can become a fast, convenient, and personalised experience for everyone involved.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can buy insurance policy 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.

Hill stations are among the most loved destinations for peace-loving and nature-friendly travellers. The sight of hills, lush greenery, and clouds surrounding us amid the freshness and chill of the mountains is always breathtaking. The roads leading to the hills are also ornamented with scenic beauty and visual delights to die for.

However, the roads to the hills are often long and winding and can cause nausea and motion sickness. Our stomach starts to crunch, and our head starts spinning. We start feeling unwell, gloomy, and dull, and the fun soon fades away.

But wait, we've got a fix for this issue! Let us go through some effective tips to deal with nausea due to long winding roads.

1. Eat light
Make sure you eat light food before you start for a long ride up the hills. Avoid dishes with excessive ghee, butter, and oil. You don't have to stuff up until you are full. Take a basic, light meal so that it gets digested easily.

It is also not advisable to skip a meal before such a journey. An empty stomach can disturb you during your journey and trigger motion sickness. However, avoid drinking too much fluid, such as milk or fruit juice, before you start.

2. Take the front seat
Take the front seat while you travel on long winding roads if you are prone to nausea and motion sickness. You will look straight at the road in front of you while sitting in the front seat and not just focus on the steepness of the hills and the zipping scenery on your sides.

Also, you will have the door handle to hold, which can be comforting. You will be in control of yourself, and your body will not flip with every turn your car takes, helping you to avoid motion sickness and nausea.

3. Talk and distract yourself
Nausea and motion sickness often come when we continuously think about it due to fear and concern. One of the best cures for it is to indulge in constant talking and chit-chatting with your fellow passengers. It will keep you busy and distracted and take your attention away from the treacherous and winding roads.

Play good music in the car to keep your mind engaged and jovial. Do anything that makes you forget about the journey uphill on the winding roads, and you will triumph.

4. Fresh air
Make sure your car is well-ventilated on long, winding roads. Roll down your windows every now and then and allow fresh air to come in. It will take care of your nausea. Do not rely much on your car AC. It will not allow the stench to pass if someone has already puked, making you feel worse.

5. Medication

There are several medicines available in the market that help to reduce nausea. Take it before you start your journey, and it will block your urge to vomit. These medicines also contain sedatives that will help you to doze off during your journey and help you to tackle motion sickness and nausea.

The only way to reach the highest of hill stations is to take that terrifying journey across the long, winding roads, as no train or flight will take you there. Hence, follow the above tips if you are prone to nausea and motion sickness during such journeys, and you should do well.

It is equally important to buy good car insurance that will protect you from financial trouble if your car meets with an accident, suffers any damage, or worse, is stolen during such a trip. Do your research well, and choose the best car insurance that meets your requirements and comes at the best price tag. Safeguarding your car is paramount. Thoroughly research before making a final purchase.

Click HERE to find a reliable car insurance policy.

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.

Inflation is a consistent and significant rise in the prices of goods and services over a long period in an economy. As the prices of goods in our consumption basket rise with time, so do our homes' construction and repair costs.

Inflation may also affect your home insurance policy in the event of a disaster. Besides the regular increase in raw materials prices, the labour cost also increases with time. Hence, we may find our house underinsured when making a claim. Our house insurance India policy should be adjusted according to the current construction costs at regular intervals.

1. Effect of inflation
While issuing a home insurance policy, insurance companies assess the probable cost required to rebuild a house. This is based on several assumptions. But they cannot consider the effect of inflation on the rebuilding cost in the coming years. It is a thing of the future and is uncertain.

Suppose your home insurance policy issuer has estimated the cost of rebuilding your house at 15 lakhs rupees in 2015 and provides coverage accordingly. By the time we enter 2023, the cost of rebuilding the same house has shot up to 30 lakhs rupees. This is because of the rise in building prices, construction materials, and labour wages over the years.

If your home insurance policy is not adjusted for inflation and your complete house is destroyed, you will get a reimbursement of only 15 lakh rupees from the insurance company. You must pay the remaining 15 lakh rupees for reconstruction from your pocket. This will prove very costly and cause mental and financial stress at the time of claim settlement.

2. Inflation rider
You should always add an inflation rider or inflation guard clause to your home insurance policy. With this rider, the insurance company will automatically adjust your policy's coverage limit, which is a fair reflection of the current cost of construction at the time of renewal. Thus, your home insurance coverage limit will grow with time and take into account the effect of inflation.

You will not be underinsured anymore and will be reimbursed in full according to the current cost of reconstruction if any mishap occurs.

3. Cost of inflation rider
Insurance companies increase the annual premium of your house insurance India policy when you add the insurance rider to it. However, this rise is usually lesser than the rate of inflation.

Hence, you should always opt for an inflation rider, even if you have to pay an extra premium. This will give you peace of mind and prevent you from suffering any significant financial losses later.

4. Exclusions
The inflation rider will not consider any value addition to your house because of renovations and other improvements. You have to first inform the insurance company about any such value additions to enhance your policy coverage. For such cases, the insurance company may increase the annual premium of your house insurance India policy.

Inflation is a persistent problem in any economy across the globe, and you need to take care of it. It can result in a sharp increase in the cost of restoration and renovation of your house in the event of a disaster.

Hence, you should be cautious about it from the start and regularly review your house insurance India policy. You can estimate the replacement costs, inform the insurance company, and purchase an insurance rider. This will come at a slightly increased premium, but it is absolutely worth it and will give you complete peace of mind.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Imagine going on an outstation vacation in your car with your spouse and kids, and your car breaks down midway. You come to an abrupt halt, worried and looking for immediate help to safely get you back to your home or desired destination. Things can be worse when your car breaks down in an emergency.

A car breakdown is always a stressful and harrowing experience. It can be disturbing, especially when you are on a highway. It can leave you helpless and stranded, with usually no assistance in sight for a long distance.

Does this thought scare you? Fret not! Let us go through a few steps you must follow while dealing with a car breakdown. By implementing them, you can rescue yourself from the chaotic situation safely.

1. Pull off the road
If you feel that your car is taking jerks, or is not responding to acceleration or braking, immediately try to pull your vehicle to the side of the road, away from the running traffic. Do the same if you see smoke from the bonnet or inside your car.

Pulling on the side will ensure you are not stuck in the middle of the road with a broken car. It will provide you with some space to look into the breakdown and get it repaired. Also, it is the best action for your safety and your co-passengers.

2. Put on the emergency brakes
Put on the parking or emergency brake when your car is stationary on the side of the road. This will prevent your vehicle from moving forward or backward while repairing it. Be extra careful while parking your car on a hill or a slope. You should turn the steering, so the wheels turn away from the road. Place some bricks or a similar barrier to prevent your car from rolling forward or backward.

3. Switch on your hazard lights
As soon as you have pulled up on the sides, switch on your car's hazard lights. The vehicles approaching the road will know you are stationary and will not line up behind you.

Turning on the hazard lights is extremely important if your car has broken down on a highway. There may not be proper streetlights, and the other vehicles on highways move at high speed, causing a risky situation for you. The hazard lights will announce your stationary position on the road.

4. Use reflective triangles
Your car has reflective triangles in the back for such emergency use. Take them out and keep them at the back or sides of your vehicle. This will make your car visible in the dark and alert the moving traffic.

5. Look for an assistance
After ensuring that you and your car are safe, call the Roadside Assistance number. If you have bought an RSA membership plan, the company will send help to you immediately. You can contact any paid RSA service providers who will also tow your car to the nearest service station for some charges. You can also look for a good car mechanic nearby, ask for his help and get your car started if the glitch is minor. This can be a time-saving and simple solution.

A car breakdown can happen anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. Hence, we should always be mentally prepared for it and take action accordingly. Getting nervous and making hasty decisions can worsen your situation rather than improve it.

You can buy a roadside assistance top-up along with your motor insurance policy which can be immensely helpful in such situations. Choose the motor insurance company that can provide reliable services at the most economical cost and stay tension-free on your drives. Lastly, thoroughly service your car before planning a long-distance journey.

Click HERE to buy coverage from the best motor insurance company.

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.

Most people may have experienced a burning sensation in their chest at least once. Associated with discomfort and heaviness, the feeling may not appear severe but can be life-threatening. Typically, it is a symptom of gastrointestinal issues and lung problems. Considering the frequency and ubiquitous occurrence of this issue, it becomes essential to buy health insurance online.

There are several reasons for the burning sensation, like stomach ulcers and panic attacks. The likelihood of experiencing a burning feeling in your chest can rise because of reduced blood flow and lung inflammation. But if you feel discomfort in your chest, consult your doctor as soon as possible because it can be related to other severe issues.

But did you know that acid reflux can also be a cause of experiencing discomfort in your chest? Acid reflux is caused by heartburn, a burning sensation mainly because of stomach acid. It can affect people of all ages. Hectic lifestyles and poor health management habits are the contributors to this condition. Many risk factors cause acid reflux, some of which can be serious. It may occur due to smoking, pregnancy, low physical exercise, obesity, etc.

Let's dive deeper to understand acid reflux.

Why does acid reflux happen?
The stomach contains hydrochloric acid, a chemical that reacts with the food and breaks it down. This helps in preventing bacterial growth in the stomach. The ring of the muscle usually acts as a valve that lets food to the stomach but does not back up into the oesophagus. If this valve fails, the stomach content regurgitates into the oesophagus, forming acid reflux. And by this, a person may feel a burning sensation in the chest.

What are the risk factors of acid reflux?
Sometimes, acid reflux happens for absolutely no reason. But there are several risk factors that you should know.

● Active smoking
● Low level of physical exercises
● Pregnancy
● Obesity
● Excessive consumption of caffeine
● Consuming spicy and fatty foods
● Drinking multiple acidic juices
● Eating fast foods

How does acid reflux feel?
Heartburn is the primary symptom of acid reflux. It's a horrific burning sensation that starts in the oesophagus and leads to discomfort in the chest too. It gets worse while lying down and can last for several hours. Sometimes, the stomach fluid can reach the back of the throat, producing a bitter taste and a disturbed peace of mind.

Symptoms of acid reflux
● Heartburn
● A sour, bitter taste in the mouth
● Bloating in the stomach
● Vomit with blood
● A feeling that fluid is stuck in your throat
● Nausea
● Constant weight loss
● Dry cough or sore throat
Causes of acid reflux
Several reasons cause acid reflux, some of which are:
● Eating larger meals at a time and immediately lying down
● Drinking a large amount of alcohol, caffeine, tea, or any acidic juices
● Eating citric foods such as tomatoes, mint, garlic, and spicy foods
● Pregnancy changes

Treatments for acid reflux
There are several ways to avoid acid reflux, including:
● Quit smoking
● Eat smaller meals throughout the day and modify your food types
● Try to sleep in a chair in the daytime for small naps
● Do not wear tight clothes
● Lose weight and change your diet
● Indulge in physical activity

If you have had an acid reflux problem for over a week, you must consult your doctor for medications. It may happen due to several lifestyle changes. It is a common concern but cannot be brushed off, as it may be life-threatening sometimes. In mild cases, simple medicines may resolve your issue. However, for recurring problems, doctors may recommend surgery to cure acid refluxes. Considering the increasing medical inflation and health-related expenses, it is essential to buy health insurance online for your safety against hospitalisation expenses.

Click HERE to buy health 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.