GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Headaches are the most common but often ignored problem that people face. Having a headache can dampen your mood and affect your concentration levels. They can be different and range anywhere from moderate to excruciatingly painful. The treatments for headaches can differ depending on the type and intensity of the pain. Although most headaches can be cured with rest and over-the-counter medicines, it is best to consult a doctor if the pain persists.

If you suffer from headaches frequently, this article will be a complete guide to discussing the different types of headaches and their treatments.

1. Cluster headaches:
A cluster of short yet excruciating headaches is called cluster headaches. They tend to happen periodically over years or months, or days. These headaches occur due to an affected trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensations of pain and heat in the face. The pain is concentrated on one side of the face starting from the head and branching out to the eyes and jaws.
These headaches last only a couple of hours and can be treated with painkillers and other preventative medicines. If you tend to have these headaches often, it is best to talk to your doctor and get a prescription for preventive medications that you can always keep on you in case of emergencies.

2. Migraine headaches:
Migraine headaches can show symptoms differently for different people. Sensitivity to smell, light, and sound accompanied by nausea is one of the most common symptoms of migraine attacks. These headaches stem from the nervous system and can sometimes affect your eyesight for a temporary duration of time.
Other symptoms include blurred vision, tingling sensations, and numbness on one side of your body. Aspirin, caffeine, and ibuprofen are some of the common over-the-counter drugs that can help in the faster recovery of migraines. Some home remedies include resting in a dark, quiet room, an ice pack on the forehead, and ample fluid intake.

3. Tension headaches:
As the name suggests, tension headaches or stress headaches are caused by persistent stress. The symptoms are less complex as compared to migraine or cluster headaches. Uneasiness, mild pain in the temple, sleep deprivation, and fatigue are some of the common symptoms of tension headaches. Poor posture, overexertion, and emotional stress trigger this kind of headache. Painkillers and sufficient rest can help you cure the pain instantly. However, if you face the problem often, it is best to seek medical attention and get any tests done if the doctor recommends.

4. Thunderclap headaches:
This is one of those headaches that might need immediate medical attention and can cause fatalities if not taken care of. These shooting headaches, nausea, and vomiting can often result from internal bleeding in your brain. The pain develops rather suddenly and lasts for about five minutes. Suppose you experience severe shooting pains or experience a new kind of pain. In that case, it is best to talk to the doctor immediately, as these are often indications of an underlying fatal problem.

These are some of the most common kinds of headaches that you might come across. Remember that no matter what, if the pain lasts longer and you experience bouts of shooting pain, do not wait for the pain to worsen. Contact a doctor immediately and get the required medical attention. After a preliminary round of tests and diagnosis, the doctor might suggest surgeries as a solution.

Under these circumstances, the cost of treatment can be very expensive. To safeguard yourself against these expenses, you can opt for an affordable health insurance plan for yourself and your family. A quick search on the internet shows many affordable health insurance plans that you can choose from. Take ample rest, have your food on time, drink plenty of water, and do 10 minutes of exercise daily to avoid the majority of headaches.

Click HERE to know more about affordable health insurance plans.

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.

Covid-19 has taught us the importance of having a strong immune system that takes care of our health adversities. Many people have been severely infected, hospitalised, landed in emergency rooms, or have faced the unfortunate loss of their dear ones. The pandemic hasn’t been contained. But people have gotten a lot more immune to the virus.

Plus, the vaccine has been proving extremely helpful in such dire times and aid in developing a shield in your body against the virus. And many of these patients have had the privilege of holding medical insurance, which helped them and their family members cover the cost of the treatment without focusing on financial matters.

There have been multiple occasions where we all have been confused between health and medical insurance. While these terms are closely related, the benefits and coverage of these insurance policies differ. Are you someone who is confused between the two? This blog discusses all such significant pointers which will help you understand and differentiate between the two. So, let’s get started.

What does health insurance entail?
Health insurance covers all hospital costs alongside the pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses. This expenditure includes costs of ambulances, treatments, etc. It is considered a comprehensive insurance policy that acts as a massive benefit for the policyholders and caters to their needs in a customised manner.

What does medical insurance entail?
Medical insurance has restricted privileges one can avail of. It is directed towards specific ailments and accidents which have been specified earlier. There is an absence of options that can provide add-on coverages like health insurance. Medical insurance depends on the amount insured. You can claim the medical insurance policies in two ways: cashless and reimbursement.

1. Cashless insurance Policy: Health insurance defines a set of hospitals under its policy. Upon getting treatment in that hospital under proper supervision, the policyholders do not have to pay a single penny. The patient can avail the cashless treatment option of their health insurance against their policy number, and the hospital works things out with the insurance company directly.

2. Reimbursement: A properly planned comprehensive health insurance policy covers pre-hospitalisation charges, including ambulance costs, tests from the specified hospital, etc. This pre-hospitalisation coverage lasts anywhere from thirty to sixty days, based on the type of health insurance plans you have opted for.

Key differences between health insurance and medical insurance:

1. Medical insurance plans are pretty tunnelled and work only regarding the specified ailments. There is no pre or post-hospitalisation coverage benefit in medical insurance plans. The patient is supposed to bear the transportation charges and other expenses.

2. Health insurance policies give you several add-on coverage options like critical illness, disabilities due to accidents, etc. At the same time, no such choices are available when purchasing medical insurance plans. The critical condition includes diseases like cancer, heart attacks, etc., which carry a grave danger to your health, and their treatments can burn through your bank accounts.

3. Health insurance plans are pretty flexible compared to medical insurance policies. They provide you with the scope of reduction of the policy period, insurance premium amount after a specific duration, etc.

We hope this information gives you a basic understanding of the two types of insurance and the benefits you can avail yourself of. Given the current climatic conditions, lifestyle, sleeping patterns, environmental changes, and several other factors, health issues come without warning.

As the world progresses for the better in terms of technology, humans have backtracked when it comes to healthy living. To avoid any financial distress during such hectic and unfortunate circumstances, you must browse through various health insurance plans in India and choose the one which would suit your needs in the best ways. Health is wealth, and there is no second opinion about this.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of different health insurance plans 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.

The world is adapting to digitisation, resulting in convenience and efficiency with the power of technology. The insurance industry has adopted various new and technology-driven concepts to ensure better customer support. Most official activities turned digital during the last two years due to the pandemic.

But many people believe that the online service mode is not very bankable, be it shopping, online payments, or online insurance. Even today, people choose the physical method because they believe it is more reliable and effective.

In this article, we will bust some myths and talk about all the benefits of online insurance and why you should buy motor insurance online.

1. No third party or agent is required:
One of the most significant benefits of buying motor insurance online is that you do not need an insurance agent to facilitate the process. When you purchase insurance from an agency offline, the insurance agent helps you identify all the covers in your insurance policy or any additional add-ons you might require.
When you switch to online insurance, you eliminate the need for this third party as all the information you require is readily available online. You can also compare various insurance providers and their costs. The cost you save on paying your insurance agent can be used for buying add-ons on your premium.

2. Ditch the paperwork:
Online insurance companies are making completely paperless purchases with bare minimum paperwork. All your IDs are digitally scanned and uploaded to your insurance portal, and the proposal form is also filled digitally. The digital copy is later forwarded to you for future reference. When you buy motor insurance online, you skip the hectic paperwork and contribute to a greener environment.

3. Instant policy:
The process of buying motor insurance online is faster compared to the physical mode. One can achieve everything instantly, from evaluating the policy holder’s profile to resolving the claim if opting for online motor insurance. All the documents and forms can be filled out from the comfort of your home and get instant policy issuance.

4. Compare online:
Since evaluating every motor insurance policy can be cumbersome when done physically, opt for an online comparison. Various websites with good customer reviews will enable you to make informed decisions on the different kinds of insurance policies, their premium amounts, and the overall customer experience.
Not only will these websites help you in comparison, but there are insurance calculators on various websites that can give you an approximate estimate of the total insurance cost. Read through the company’s website thoroughly to choose a tailor-made insurance policy. When you compare prices online, you know more about different deals available in the online market.

These are a few ways an online insurance policy is a better option than a physical one. Irrespective of the kind of insurance you buy, it is essential to remember that all your needs are met with your current insurance policy. Add value to your bike riding experience by investing in good motor insurance. Motor insurance is an intelligent way to ensure that you are safeguarded against accidents and damages and all the other expenses that your vehicle's maintenance might require. For your next renewal, buy motor insurance online to save money and time.

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.

Plastic bags have become a necessary evil in today's day and age. Everything from the packaging of everyday items to utensils, we have seen a massive increase in plastic usage across households. However, plastic has dire effects on the environment. Polluted rivers, channel blockage, pollution, and animal choking are some of plastic's environmental hazards.
Looking at the various damaging implications of plastic usage, activists and other environmentalists have raised their voices against the excess and single use of plastics.

In response, many governments have banned the manufacturing and usage of plastic. Even after the ban on single-use plastic, the complete absence of plastic is impractical. The ease and efficiency of plastic packaging are seldom matched by anything else. This makes plastic an almost irreplaceable part of our lives.

But if you are a responsible human being and want to make a small contribution to the environment, this article will help you reduce plastic waste in your home.

1. Use jute or cotton bags:
Plastic is one of the most convenient options when it comes to shopping. Opting for a plastic bag at the counter is more convenient than carrying cloth bags. By carrying your bags, you are not only saving the environment, but you are also avoiding the excess charge levied on plastic bags. Cloth bags or jute bags are better alternatives to plastic bags. They are reusable, washable, and durable. Consider carrying your carry bags for your next grocery run.

2. Avoid plastic utensils:
Want to carry a tiffin to your office or college? Are you reaching out for the fancy plastic containers? Then you need to reconsider your choice. Plastic utensils such as lunchboxes and water bottles release toxic chemicals into the food, and when consumed, these can cause serious health issues like cancer and heart problems. Storing food in plastic containers can have dire health effects on your body and affect the food's composition.
It is best to opt for steel tiffin to keep your food fresh for longer. People also use microwavable plastic dishes to reheat their food. This can be highly toxic. Switch out the plastic vessels for glass containers. Instead of storing the spices and pulses in plastic boxes, reuse the glass containers you already have. Various pickles, jams, and oils come stored in glass packaging. Remove the sticker and reuse it. This helps you save money and keep yourself and your family healthy.

3. Replace your bathroom essentials:
There are many options available in the market that are more eco-friendly. Opt for locally sourced soap and shampoo bars instead of purchasing a new bottle. Buy refill packs for handwashes and invest in ceramic soap dispensers instead of plastic bottles. Choose wooden toothbrushes and combs as these are eco-friendly and healthier options for your teeth and hair.

4. Change your grocery habits:
People find it more convenient to buy packaged food, be it fruits and vegetables or meat and other farm products. Most of these packaged foods are frozen and lose their nutritional value after some time. Instead, explore your nearest local markets and buy fruits and vegetables from local vendors. By doing this, you are helping the locals while reducing plastic use.

These are some ways in which you can ensure that your home reduces the use of plastic. Being mindful is a small step towards making the planet a better place for your children and the future generations to come.

The above measures can help your home get rid of plastic, but have you considered its safety? Safety is paramount, and when it comes to assets like home, then it is a necessity. To add more value to your homes, invest in home insurance India. Home insurance is a safety net against any expenses incurred due to damage, theft, and other accidents. In case of any mishap, you can be assured that your insurer can make up for your expenses and loss.

Click HERE to know more about home 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.

With today's working culture and daily hustle, travel is one way to unwind and relieve stress. Considering the various travel destinations and experiences, it is no surprise that people want to leave the comfort of their homes at least once a year to explore exotic places. However, you must have faced instances where you have fallen prey to common ailments on a trip, ruining your whole stay while your loved ones had the time of their lives.

It is very taxing to hunt for medicines in a place where you don't know the language and are a stranger. So, it is wise to make a medical kit where you keep medications for the most common ailments. This blog gives you a list of medicines you must consider carrying on a trip.

1. Antacid:
With a new, exotic cuisine to try, no one plans to walk around the trip with a stomach burn from acidity. So, an antacid is extremely important to carry on a trip to remain tension-free about all the new food you will savour.

2. Diarrhoea medicine:
Travellers often visit new and exciting places in remote areas to absorb fresh perspectives and quaint experiences. However, they face health issues while adapting to the food and water in these unfamiliar regions, creating an uncomfortable situation with diarrhoea. Carry anti-diarrhoea medicine in all of your travels to get rid of this problem.

3. Fever medication:
No tourist wants to lie in bed with a headache and fever instead of exploring a place's attractions, cultures, and heritage. Take a paracetamol pill and get going with your day as a quick fix to a jet lag-induced headache or joint pain.

4. Cough syrup:
Cough syrups are essential while going on a trip. No one likes a scratchy and congested throat while moving around the city, asking for directions, or ordering food. It's best to take one that does not make you sleepy to enjoy your trip to the maximum.

5. Laxative:
With all the new types of food you will be trying out, it's best to keep a laxative handy for the trip to avoid any complications with your digestive system.

6. Diabetic supplies, including insulin:
If you have diabetes, ensure to take all the medicines prescribed by your doctor along with you. It's best to make a separate package for all your medication for diabetes. If you take insulin subcutaneously, it is best to store it in a cold place.

7. Motion sickness medication:
Motion sickness is a problem that ails the majority of travellers. Take some over-the-counter medication with you just in case it decides to make an appearance.

8. Antihistamines:
Allergies can spring up on you at the worst of times, leaving you with itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. It's better to be safe than sorry and pack mild histamine for these issues.

9. Sleeping pills/mild sedative:
If you have trouble falling asleep in new places, consider taking some mild sedatives with you just in case. Ending up sleep deprived on a trip certainly reduces the magic of it, so it's best to have your beauty sleep and be active during the day.

Sickness during a trip is highly uncomfortable and can significantly spoil the trip's fun. And there might be complications that can leave everyone frustrated. Carry the medicines above with you and avoid health ailments affecting your vacation.

These were a few ways to keep your health sound, but what about the safety of your belongings during travelling? It's best to research travel insurance and get general insurance online quote to be stress-free during the trip and protect your travel with the best protection.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance online quote.

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.

Cycling is not just a sport. It is also one of the healthiest habits one can develop, to keep one's mind and body in good shape. It's no wonder that cycling is a prevalent pastime among people after all these advantages. This way of travel is steadily gaining popularity among people of the new generation.

It is also a feeling that gives us nostalgic moments from our childhood. Cycling is an excellent way to spend time with yourself. Who doesn't want to cycle through the beautiful, frosty Himalayas, Meghalaya's lush green forests, or Udaipur's rich cultural city?

This blog has curated the perfect list of cycling tours in India to give you information on planning your next cycling trip!

1. Mangalore to Goa:
This scenic stretch of road along the coast of the Arabian Sea is one of the most breath-taking sites to see in the world. The quaint villages of the south will amaze you with the beauty in their simplicity, the waterfalls, temples, and national parks in the area are a bonus. Don't stop when you reach Goa. Visit all the key tourist sites on your bicycle to get the full experience of the trip.
This 350-kilometre trip might seem difficult, but with the right company for motivation, it will prove to be one of the best experiences of your life. This trip, on average, takes 06 days to complete.

2. Puducherry:
Going further south, there's nothing like cycling through the picturesque city of Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry). Dotted with the best of the post-colonial architecture of the French, this vibrant city has beautiful cathedrals, coffee shops, and, most importantly, the famed town of Auroville. Don't forget to book your ticket to Auroville in advance to gain a different perspective on spirituality in this renowned town of devotees from all around the globe.

3. Manali to Leh:
The stretch between Manali and Leh is the perfect route if you're looking for more of a challenge and less of a holiday. This endurance test will give you one of the most life-altering experiences. Manali is a charming city, popular among nature and adventure lovers alike. The way to Leh is the famed Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13000 feet. The majestic mountains and the scenic lakes are something to experience once in a lifetime. It is imperative to know that this trip pushes your limits and will require your full physical fitness. These are difficult roads to take, and it is best to research general insurance companies in India before planning your trip.

4. Shillong to Cherrapunji:
Moving to the beautiful northeast, Meghalaya is a mesmerising monsoon destination. With the drizzling rain pattering on the rich flora and fauna of the forests, it's a nature lover's dream come true. Meghalaya is a gorgeous yet primarily unexplored part of the northeast that should be on every cyclist's list. It is the perfect ride for the curious traveller with bountiful greenery and terrains. This 60-km journey might be difficult, but it is worth.

These cycling trips will surely be enjoyable and eye-opening experiences for individuals. It is worth riding up the hills, the jungles, and the cities' interiors. Before hopping on the seat, it is essential to wear all necessary safety gear like helmet, knee and elbow guards, and most importantly, do the servicing and maintenance of your bicycle.

It is stressful when there is uncertainty of an accident. Research the best general insurance companies in India for buying a travel insurance cover to stay protected and enjoy your trip without any worries of mishaps. You are now all set to get the wheels moving.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance companies 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.

It is highly inconvenient to face water leakage in the home, be it a major one like a burst pipe or a steady drip from the tap. If not controlled in time, water leakage is expensive damage to deal with at home. It can waste gallons of water, but the maximum damage occurs if water seeps into the ceiling and destroys the walls and the paint job.

Our homes even face significant damage due to water leakage during monsoon. Heavy rainfall leads to leakages that get frustrating over time. This blog provides practical ways to deal with such leakages at home before calling an expert.

How to prevent a water leak:

Prevention is always better than cure. A few annual regular check-ups can prevent the hole in your pocket. Keeping this in mind, here are a few ways to check-up on your water pipes and supply to avoid massive repair work.

1. Keep your spidey senses on and feel around your home for areas with moisture or mould that might leak the plumbing. Inspect the most vulnerable parts of your home, including the roof and the walls, to check for any dampness.

2. The pipes exposed to the elements should be adequately insulated to prevent their material from eroding. Insulating material comes cheap, so this method is highly cost-effective.

3. A stopcock can stem the flow of the water supply around the house. Make sure to know the exact location of your stopcock to prevent flooding in the house due to a sudden burst pipe.

4. Install a water leak detection device at home.

Know how you can detect a leak:

To fix a water leak, you need to accept and inspect that it’s happening. The easiest way to check up on your plumbing is to check your water usage. If it has significantly increased, there might be a probability of a water leak. If this method seems too unsure for you, you can turn on the water supply without using water for an extended amount of time, say 02 to 03 hours and check if any water has been consumed. This is a sure sign that there is a leakage somewhere.

Ways to fix the water leak:

1. Turning off the water supply: The first step to prevent further damage to your home is to stop the water supply to the house and perform a thorough inspection.

2. Turning on the faucets to drain: If there is a significant leak in the house, the next best step is to drain all the water in the pipes and faucets. Start with the garden hose if you have one, and let the water run out.

3. Locate the problematic area: Go around the house checking for leakage, whether major or minor, and get it fixed.

4. Applying epoxy putty: Before this step, it is essential to wear latex gloves to protect your hands because hot epoxy putty can end up burning them. Epoxy putty is readily available in all hardware stores and can be a temporary fix to a leakage. Mound the epoxy putty well and apply a generous layer over the leaking pipe or tap.

Although epoxy putty is a helpful fix to many problems, it is ultimately beneficial if you can get a professional to fix this issue. If it’s a major plumbing problem, it might damage the ceiling or walls and can be extremely expensive to repair. Reliable house insurance India is always the best way to prevent these expenses from emptying your wallet. You cannot risk your belongings at the cost of water damage. Invest in the best house insurance and get advantages that will help you reap good returns on your investment.

Click HERE to know more about 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.

If you are suffering from health issues and other illnesses, health insurance is crucial in covering the expenses for treatment and medicines. A safety net in the form of health insurance can take a significant load off yourself and your family. However, it can be nerve-wracking if your health insurance claim does not go through. An insurance claim can be rejected for various reasons, and depending on your insurance provider, they may or may not provide clear reasons why the claim was denied.

So, if you are worried about claim denials and want to know the next steps that need to be done, this article is for you.

What are the reasons for claim denial?
There can be many reasons why the insurance company may reject your claim. Upon receiving a claim, the insurance company cross-checks every document from the policyholder to verify the policy's validity and the claim's authenticity. Some of the significant reasons for claim denial are issues with the cover. There is a list of illnesses and treatments that insurance doesn't cover. If your claim falls under such a category, the insurance company can reject your claim. Other reasons could be missing information, expired validity, and lack of supporting documents.

How can you rectify and reapply?
If you are eligible to reapply, you should thoroughly go through every document and ensure that there is no missing information and that all the supporting documents are attached. After providing these documents, you can reapply for your insurance. However, if the reason for prior rejection was an expired policy, then you cannot reapply for the insurance. The validity period of your policy is the only contract holding the insurance company accountable to you. If a claim was made without an active policy, the insurance company is authosied to reject the claim.

How to write a letter of appeal to the insurance company?
This is probably one of the easiest and most effective ways to undo claim rejection. Write an appeal letter to the insurance company stating facts and attach supporting documents to strengthen your case. Papers such as treatment plans, medical bills, etc., are some examples of the supporting documents that you can use. If your claim looks valid to the insurance providers, they will approve them immediately.

Who is an ombudsman, and how can they help?
If none of the steps mentioned above works, you should consider going to an ombudsperson to review your claim. An ombudsman is an officer appointed by the government for the policy holders' fair disbursement of insurance money. Any grievance against an insurance company can be made to an insurance ombudsman. If your insurance claim was rejected or the company has not responded to your appeal, then the ombudsman is responsible for resolving the issue.
After careful consideration, the ombudsman recommends a settlement or an award that must be complied within the next fifteen to thirty days.

These are a few things you can do to ensure that your health insurance claim is approved. Health insurance claim rejection is not something that you need to stress about. Understanding why the plea was rejected and rectifying the issues will help you reapply for health insurance. Insurance companies must be careful against fraudulent claims, which is why they have stringent policies to disburse the insurance amount to the rightful people.

Before buying your health insurance in India, read all the papers carefully. Understanding the terms and conditions before purchasing your policy ensures that you have no trouble at the time of claiming the insurance. Analyse your requirements and opt for a tailor-made policy for you to reap the benefits of health insurance.

Click HERE to know more about 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.