GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

In India, as in the rest of the world, countless single people and couples want to start a family. However, not everyone has the same level of luck, and natural conception may not be an option for certain men, women, or couples. Thus, surrogacy is viewed as an excellent option for resolving this issue.

However, there are several potential problems when deciding to go through with surrogacy. To safeguard intended parents' rights and surrogate moms, the Indian government has enacted new surrogacy legislation, which indirectly impacts online health insurance companies. Keep reading to find out what the law in India says regarding surrogacy.

The Surrogacy Regulation Act in India.

Surrogacy is a burning issue in many parts of the world, considering their complex surrogacy laws. Before commercial surrogacy was banned in 2015 in India, surrogates in India used to suffer victimisation due to the lack of protection by law. It means they had limited support from the law or any other form of government to protect themselves. Plus, they were to follow either the Supreme Court's lead or the advice of the Indian Council of Medical Research.

However, The Surrogacy Regulation Act came into force on January 25, 2022, ensuring fertility services' safe and ethical practices.

Who can get surrogacy?

A surrogate mother must be in good health and between the ages of 25 and 35. She must have been married at least once and raised a child alone. She must also be a close relative of the intended parents. A woman can only serve as a surrogate once in her lifetime under the new Indian surrogacy rules, down from a maximum of three times under the old law.

Regulatory framework for surrogacy in India.

There are two sorts of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational or host surrogacy. Artificial insemination with the father's sperm is the traditional method. It establishes the surrogate as the child's actual mother.

An embryo created via in vitro fertilisation is implanted into a surrogate mother in gestational surrogacy. It is widely held that gestational surrogacy is simpler than traditional surrogacy, which has led to increased cases involving gestational surrogacy.

Following is a summary of the recent legislation regarding surrogacy regulation, effective as of January 25, 2022.

1. Commercial surrogacy banned:
Commissioning parents in the legally permitted altruistic surrogacy arrangement are responsible for covering the surrogate's medical expenses and providing health insurance coverage. Initially, only commercial surrogacy was legal in India. Earlier, commercial surrogacy compensated the surrogate mother for her services.

2. Health insurance proof becomes mandatory:
Couples who choose surrogacy to have a child must pay for the surrogate mother's health insurance for three years. The IRDA must approve the insurer following the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act requirements. The sum insured must be sufficient to cover all costs incurred by the surrogate because of difficulties emerging during and after the pregnancy.

3. Additional protection for the surrogate mother:
The surrogate mother can end the pregnancy at any time during the surrogacy arrangement. The permission form format to be obtained from the surrogate has also been changed.
The couple must file an affidavit guaranteeing payment of expenses of the surrogate mother, including medical care in the event of illness or the surrogate mother's death and compensation for other losses.

The new surrogacy rules in India are intended to protect the rights of surrogate mothers by guaranteeing them access to online health insurance companies and policies if any difficulties arise during the pregnancy. While this is a positive development, India still has a way to go before we adequately safeguard the rights of surrogate mothers.

Click HERE to buy health insurance if planning for surrogacy.

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.

Health insurance policies are a useful tool to tide over any medical contingencies. It is essential for people of all ages, especially senior citizens, to purchase individual or family health insurance that can cover expenses incurred due to hospitalisation or any other allied medical costs. Its importance is only increasing as the medical inflation trends in India increase each year.

We know that age increases the risk of hospitalisation and medical expenses. This creates the necessity to purchase the best-suited comprehensive plan for senior citizens in the family. This article discusses the ideal period for filing a senior citizen’s claim and the time it takes to settle.

The ideal period for filing health insurance claims:

The period of filing the claim is essential in determining the time it requires for processing. Therefore, one must take all the necessary measures to facilitate a speedy claim settlement to benefit from the insurance policy.

Ideally, the insured should file their claim within two weeks for reimbursement claims. This is not a general time frame, as different policies have different time limits. However, claims filed after two weeks of hospitalisation are likely to be rejected or settled later, depending on the case.

Average health insurance claim settlement time:

As per the surveys and research done by the insurance industry, health insurance claims made by senior citizens take 28 days to settle compared to claims made by policyholders younger than 60 years, which take 23.2 days. These results have stirred up interest in the discussion to find the cause behind the delay.

The surveys also state that even the proportion of claim settlements is lower concerning specific conditions like diarrhoea, cancer, or prostate enlargement. However, it is the opposite when related to coronary heart disease. While this may seem alarming to those who have purchased health insurance in India for parents over 60 years, there are simple ways to avoid this.

1. What causes the delay in claim settlement for senior citizens?
The primary cause for the delay in claim processing is the delay in filing a claim. It is essential to ensure that the claim is filed and processed at the earliest opportunity. The findings state that senior citizens may take a while to file claims for numerous reasons, which may cause delays. To avoid late results, senior citizens must file a claim within a week or two and get assured of timely action.

2. A simple tip to ensure timely claim settlement:
It is often seen that young adults purchase health insurance in India for parents not just to protect them from bearing the burden of substantial medical bills but also to file for tax deductions.
However, to claim its primary benefit, it is essential to file claims on time. Since the elderly may require more time to do so, help from the hospital, staff, or relatives to file the claim in time will ensure that it is settled within 23.2 days instead of 28 days.

Carefully read the terms and conditions of health insurance in India for parents that specify information dedicated to senior citizens about the different inclusions and exclusions of the policy. Since medical bills and the risk of falling ill are greater at older ages, it is necessary to be fully aware of the benefits of different policies and file claims within the stipulated period. Help the senior citizens with a good life and healthy well-being!

Click HERE to buy the best 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.

We have discussed various types of insurance on this forum: health, personal accident, general, home, health, two-wheeler, motor, and many others. As a consumer, the most important role you need to play is to be aware of the purpose and the benefits of the insurance you are looking for or are ready to purchase. Have you ever wondered about what to do in case of burglary and theft of your possessions with a high financial value? Is there any insurance that helps you cover the costs of the properties or possessions against burglary, stealing, robbery, and other types of theft?

This blog will discuss everything you must know about theft insurance in India, including what kind of losses it can help you compensate for, the claims, benefits, etc. In this space, we will shed light on all the information you should know before you get in touch with an insurance provider or an insurance agent to purchase a theft insurance policy.

1. We are getting started with the basics:
Let the first point cater to the question- What is theft insurance? Theft insurance comes in handy against burglary, stealing/robbery, and other types of theft. It protects against the loss of your valuables in the points mentioned above.
Theft, which will be significantly used in this blog, refers to all kinds of stealing/robbery activities. At the same time, burglary indicates the act of trespassing on someone’s property forcibly and taking away their possessions illegally.

2. Why should you have theft insurance:
Now that you know what theft insurance is, you need to understand the more profound answer to why you need theft insurance. To attain protection against such incidents, it is a good idea to have a theft insurance policy in place. Apart from home, if you own a shop or an office space with items of high financial value, a theft insurance policy helps you recover losses caused by such illegal acts on your property’s premises.

3. A note for you to remember:
You need to be aware of the difference between theft and burglary. Both these illegal acts have their respective covers under theft insurance and burglary insurance plans. To claim theft, you need concrete proof of non-consensual/not forceful and non-violent entry/attempts into the premises of your home or other properties.
Meanwhile, to claim burglary, you need to have solid proof of violent and pushing/forceful attempts to enter the premises to accomplish the burglary. Insurance plans cover theft and burglary, so you can explore all your options with your insurance provider, keeping the difference between these two threateningly illegal activities in mind.

4. What type of coverage and benefits are we talking about:
Always read all the terms and conditions of the insurance policy carefully, which will help you analyse and get more insights into the benefits and coverage limitations.
Theft insurance covers the risks and losses due to damage done by theft in your home or other spaces that you own. The insurance premium is decided based on the history of the claims made, the type of possessions, and the security measures within the property.

5. Limitations you must be aware of:
You will not be compensated for the theft insurance policy under the conditions which have been mentioned below:

● Silver, gold, and other high-value metals

● Hard cash

● Items stolen by members of the family

● Share certificates and possessions stolen by employees and house help

● Thefts that occur during stressful periods like wars, riots, natural disasters, calamities, terrorist attacks

● Absence of security or leaving the possessions uncared for/unlocked on your premises

● Forged theft acts

You must purchase the right theft insurance policy by exploring your options, talking to the insurance provider, and finalising the policy that caters to your needs in the best way possible. Reliable insurance will protect you against monetary stress in light of such unpredictable and dangerous activities.

Click HERE to learn more about purchasing a theft 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.

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.

A comprehensive bike insurance policy protects you in case your bike gets stolen. It ensures the receipt of the total insured value or the IDV of your bike from the insurance company. This way, two wheeler insurance will reimburse you when you raise an insurance claim.

But what happens to your expensive belongings kept in the bike, such as your bag or wallet, that have disappeared along with your two-wheeler? Worry no more! You can now buy an add-on theft cover while purchasing two wheeler insurance online or offline to protect your personal belongings.

The benefit of theft add-on.

A theft add-on feature for your bike’s comprehensive insurance policy enhances its value by covering your personal belongings’ value. You can purchase this add-on cover while buying new two wheeler insurance online India or renewing the existing policy. The insurance company becomes liable to pay the amount mentioned in the add-on cover. The depreciation amount is deducted to date for your personal belongings in case your bike gets stolen.

Documents required.

You must provide the following documents to raise an insurance claim:

1. An FIR filed with a police station immediately after your bike is stolen

2. Original invoice of the items for which you are staking a claim or proof of ownership of the belongings stolen

You must inform the insurance company of the theft within 30 days of the bike being stolen. The insurance company will not entertain any claim post this period. Also, insurance companies will not accept claims for items not meant for personal use. It means the lost item should not be for trading or commercial purposes. Also, the item you are claiming should be inside or on the bike when it gets stolen.

Advantages.

Opting for a theft add-on to your bike insurance has several advantages:

1. Only this add-on assures you of reimbursement for the loss of your personal belongings present in your bike in case it is stolen.

2. This add-on protects your hard-earned money. You can have complete peace of mind and leave behind your belongings on your bike without worrying about their loss.

Limitations.

There are a few limitations of theft add-on to your bike insurance too.

1. Depreciation:
Insurance companies charge high depreciation for your valuables. The minimum percentage of depreciation charged is 20% which can go up to 80% for items over four years old. Hence, you may get a minimal amount for your lost personal belongings.

2. Documentation:
The formalities required to support your insurance claim for your personal belongings are cumbersome. For example, you may not have proof of ownership of all the items stolen with the two-wheeler and may not get the claim passed for them.

The theft of your bikes is not in your control. A standard insurance policy will only provide compensation for your bike and not your valuables. Opting for a theft add-on to your bike insurance is an intelligent choice. It has more advantages than limitations and will protect the valuables in your bike.

Similarly, opting for two wheeler insurance online India is a great choice. It minimises paperwork, saves time, and is much more convenient than buying an insurance policy through conventional channels. You can make an informed choice by comparing similar policies of all the service providers and choosing the best amongst them. Hence, ensure your peace of mind by buying your two wheeler insurance online India policy.

Click HERE to buy two wheeler insurance India 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.

Irrespective of age, health is easily one of the most overlooked aspects that are ironically detrimental to the quality of one's life. A few decades ago, maintaining health was not a matter of discussion as it is now, mainly because of the outbreak of viral infections, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits.

People of all age groups face health issues, the old due to their age and the young due to stress. The inconsistent lifestyles have become an open invitation to several health problems. And, as the severity of health conditions increases, it impacts your finances.

In unforeseen situations where you or your family may require to be hospitalised, a health insurance policy for family protects you from the rapidly rising medical cost. Managing finances during health emergencies can be daunting, but with the right insurance plan, you can handle everything well.

While it may seem complicated, keeping these factors in mind can help you buy the best-suited health insurance policy for family!

The need for family health insurance:

While most look at a health insurance policy for family as a means to claim tax deductions, it serves a far greater purpose. Medical emergencies are not preplanned, and without a comprehensive health insurance policy, you will have to pay for the expenses out of pocket.

These medical bills are almost in large amounts that are sure to vent your savings massively. Instead, upon paying a comparatively minimal premium annually, you can protect your spouse, children, parents, and parents-in-law under the same policy that covers any possible medical expenses.

How to decide on policy coverage:

While a health insurance policy for family is a one-stop solution to cover the entire family, it may not be enough based on your situation. If you are newlyweds or a young family, a family floater plan may suffice for your case.

Since medical emergencies are relatively infrequent at a young age, the premium is lower, and the cover is adequate. With time, as your family grows and the insured members' age increases, it is essential to take out individual insurance specifically catering to their health needs.

How much should your policy be for?

As medical inflation continues to rise, adjustments need to be made to these figures to accommodate any potential situations where a claim may need to be made. A cover of 5 lakhs should be the minimum for families with young adults. Since risks are fewer at this stage, premiums are also lower, and the amount is adequate to cover general medical bills.

With the increase in the insured members' age, the policy amount and premiums also increase. However, they do not rise proportionately, making it easier to purchase a higher-value plan at a relatively low increase in the annual premium amount. It is also necessary to factor in living costs and adjust these figures accordingly.

What is covered, and what is excluded?

While they are a convenient means of protecting your entire family without having to pay individual premiums for every member, there are certain exclusions to a health insurance policy for family that you must be aware of.

They generally include psychiatric medical expenses, provide annual health check-ups to all covered members, and even cover maternity-related costs. However, babies younger than 91 days and children over the age of 18 years cannot be included under family floaters. It also excludes any pre-existing medical conditions for which a separate cover needs to be purchased. Health insurance policy for family also has a waiting period, during which the insurance providers do not compensate for any expenses incurred.

A health insurance policy for family is a straightforward tool that protects your entire family at a low premium value from any medical contingencies. By attentively checking the inclusions and exclusions of the policy, one can ensure comprehensive cover for their family to combat health emergencies without any worries about finances.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance policy for family.

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.

As we progress, we are moving towards better options in all aspects of life. Advancements in medical science over the last few decades have resulted in ground-breaking discoveries and the latest med-tech developments. The constantly evolving world of medicine has resulted in innovation in the dental industry. This discovery came in the form of clear aligners, which are the latest trend. Orthodontists globally suggest them as they are better suited for many reasons, making them preferred over traditional braces. But why are they so popular? What makes them different? We will discuss them all in this article.

Clear aligners are still an upcoming trend that many may not know. Due to this, we will help you walk through these unique orthodontic devices and how they straighten your teeth. Regardless of your dental problems, you should always have the best health insurance policy in India to cover all your medical expenses. Now, let's understand the benefits of clear aligners.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners can fix misaligned or unorganised teeth placements. After conducting an intraoral scan, orthodontists can determine the problem with your teeth and possible solutions. Made with cutting-edge 3D technology, each aligner is customised according to the patient's needs. The aligners move the teeth into place gradually without causing pain. The time taken to do so depends on the unique condition of every individual.

What are the benefits of clear aligners?

1. Maintains oral hygiene:
With clear aligners, you can maintain your dental hygiene without any hassles. You can remove them as per your will and then brush your teeth meticulously without fear. On the other hand, you need to clean carefully when you have your braces on. Braces can cause dental problems as you cannot brush your teeth well. It can lead to other oral problems like bad breath and cavities.

2. Freedom to eat or drink anything:
Braces bring several dietary restrictions and place constant pressure on your teeth. However, you will feel nothing with aligners, as they are removable. You can eat or drink to your liking.

3. Practically invisible:
It is very difficult to spot clear aligners. They are almost entirely invisible. This means that you need not inform anyone about your orthodontic treatment. In stark contrast, metal braces are easy to notice. This can be a matter of embarrassment for many adults and teens.

4. No operational hassles:
The whole process of getting metal braces done can be tedious. It requires regular monitoring and tightening to keep you comfortable. If any wire is left unopened, it can lead to ulcers in your mouth. With clear aligners, this is not a problem. It does not require any tightening during doctor appointments.

5. No obstruction to teeth whitening:
Metal braces can force you to compromise on your dental hygiene. This can lead to the loss of a pearl-white smile. You may also notice plaque formation as a result of bacteria growth. If left untreated, you may have decayed teeth, bleeding gums, and other problems. To avoid this, switch to clear aligners, which pose no threat to your white teeth in any way. You can brush them whenever you want and not fear being cautious around metal wires.

Clear aligners are the future of dental science. They are highly effective, consume less time for fitting, and show results sooner than metal braces. With advancing times, most people will switch towards clear aligners to treat their teeth. In any medical situation, purchasing the best health insurance policy in India may help you cover the procedure's cost.

Click HERE to invest in 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.

Many of us feel shoulder pain when we try to remove our wallet from the back pocket or reach for something overhead. If you experience pain or stiffness in your shoulder joint while moving or resting, you most likely have a frozen shoulder.

Many treatment options, such as pain control medication and simple exercises, are available for frozen shoulders. If you diagnose a frozen shoulder early, you can treat it more quickly with the appropriate care.

Let's first understand the frozen shoulder and its symptoms for an early diagnosis and treatment!

In the shoulder, three bones named the scapula, clavicle, and humerus join together to form a ball and socket joint. These bones are surrounded by tissue that holds everything together. When a person suffers from a frozen shoulder, the tissue thickens and hardens, causing mobility loss. It also causes scar tissue formation, further restricting the shoulder's movement.

Frozen shoulders, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, can cause discomfort in the arms, making simple activities such as taking a shower or getting dressed almost impossible. More symptoms of a frozen shoulder include stiffness and loss of freedom of movement. Depending on the severity, these symptoms may last from 18 months to three years. In some cases, people with frozen shoulders regain their mobility after three years without needing treatment.

However, it is best to see a specialist and get some relief from the pain. You can use several treatment methods and tips for fast recovery.

What causes frozen shoulders?

Knowing the cause helps you reduce the chance of developing a frozen shoulder. The main causes include inflammation, scarring, shrinkage, and thickening of the shoulder tissue that encloses the joint.

People with medical conditions such as chronic shoulder arthritis, diabetes, and who have recently undergone breast surgery are at more risk of frozen shoulders. Some shoulder injuries also cause frozen shoulders. Did you know that inactivity of your shoulder can result in frozen shoulders? Women are more likely to experience frozen shoulders than men.

If you think you are at risk of a frozen shoulder or suffering from it, you should get health insurance to cover your medical treatment in the future. You can instantly find and choose the best health insurance policy among several online health insurance companies.

Treatment for frozen shoulder.

The effective treatment options for a frozen shoulder include;

● Physical therapy:
It involves the stretching of the shoulder joint to regain lost movement. You need to exercise daily for a few weeks to nine months to experience a full recovery.

● Medication:
Doctors recommend taking painkillers and steroid injections to reduce joint inflammation and pain. You should consult your doctor before taking painkillers, as not all painkiller medications suit everyone.

● Home care:
Getting adequate care at home is necessary for quick recovery. You can use a hot or cold compression pack to relieve pain.

● Surgery:
If your condition does not improve with the above treatment methods, your doctor may suggest surgery. Surgeons use manipulation surgery to stretch and release the stiff tissue of the joint.

Frozen shoulders are a painful condition, and their treatment needs adequate care. Understanding the frozen shoulder and its cause is crucial to reduce the risks. Moreover, recovery from a frozen shoulder can take less time with proper treatment but can be expensive for most people. You can save yourself from paying hospital bills and other treatment costs with the help of health insurance. Several online health insurance companies offer insurance policies that provide specialised coverage for critical illnesses and surgeries.

Click HERE to purchase the best plan from the online health insurance companies for you and your family.

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.