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General Insurance

Why A Health Plan?

Today technology is available to cure critical illnesses as well as basic health concerns. But, with this advancement comes the shooting prices of health care services which are beyond the reach of common man. Here, health insurance comes as a relief to rescue us in the difficult times of hospitalization. This includes in-patient treatments, pre and post hospitalization charges, day care procedures, domiciliary treatments, etc.

Top Reasons to Buy Health Insurance Plans

Corporate Health Cover is Insufficient

With rising medical costs, the importance of health insurance policy cannot be overstated. Check the cost of a two day's hospitalization for a regular ailment and then compare it with your company's insurance coverage. When you will retire or change a job, your corporate health plan will cease to exist. So it is worthwhile to buy an individual health plan.

Increase in Incidence of Life Threatening Diseases

Sadly, India is grappling with life threatening diseases. The effect of these diseases is felt on the productive workforce from 35-65 years. Also, heart diseases among Indians occur five to ten years earlier than in any other population around the world. Sedentary lifestyles lead to life-threatening diseases like cancer and heart diseases which are critical and impose heavy expenditure burden on families. It is therefore imperative to insure oneself timely. Moreover, health insurance policies offer annual health checks ups to encourage health awareness.

Young buyers get a more comprehensive deal

Buying health insurance at a young age ensures there is no scope for pre-existing diseases as you will be covered early, and any diseases diagnosed later will be covered automatically.

Tax Benefits

You can get exemption for paying the premium under Section 80D of the Insurance Act. This year, India's Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley has increased the limit of deduction in health insurance premium to Rs 25,000 from Rs 15,000. For senior citizens, the new limit is Rs 30,000.

Better Financial Planning

We often set goals and save regularly to meet those goals but a medical emergency may play havoc in an individual's financial planning. With Health Insurance policy, you may be rest assured of attaining your financial goals.

Value for Money

New health plan cover you for day care procedures and OPD, not just serious hospitalization. Depending on your level of cover, a health policy helps you pay for services such as ambulance, day-care procedures in addition to a number of non-hospital related services such as chiropractic, dental, physiotherapy, optical, dietary advice and some alternative therapies like Ayurveda and Homeopathy as well.

What types of Health Insurance are available?

health

Individual Plans

Health insurance covers medical expenses for illnesses, injuries and conditions. But, unlike a plan through an employer, individual health insurance is something you select and pay for on your own.

Family Floater

A family floater health insurance, as the name suggests is a plan that is tailor made for families. It is similar to individual health plans in principle; the only difference is that it is extended to cover your entire family.

Critical Illness

Life threatening critical illnesses like paralysis, cancer, heart diseases, brain tumours, not only leave the patient unable to earn but are also very expensive in nature. Many families get devasted financially and emotionally. A critical illness policy covers the insured in the event of such cases.

Senior Citizen Health Insurance

Senior citizen health insurance plan is a necessity, especially when you are planning to retire and live on pension or interest income from savings.

Better Financial Planning

We often set goals and save regularly to meet those goals but a medical emergency may play havoc in an individual's financial planning. With Health Insurance policy, you may be rest assured of attaining your financial goals. A sudden medical emergency can result in a financial crisis. To avoid this, it is prudent to take a comprehensive senior citizen mediclaim insurance policy. These senior citizen health insurance policies are for people aged between 65 years and 80 years.

Complete health protection for your family against expensive treatment costs

Company name

icici
  • Individual Health Insurance
  • Health Secure Plus Individual
  • Health Protect Individual Old
  • Health Protect Plus Individual Old
  • Health Smart Individual Old
  • Health Smart Plus Individual Old
  • Critical Illness Addon
  • I-Health Individual Old
  • I-Health Plus Individual Old
  • Health Booster Individual
  • Health Protect Individual
  • Health Protect Plus Individual
  • I-Health Individual
  • I- Health Plus Individual
  • Health Smart Individual
  • Health Smart Plus Individual
  • Hospifund Insurance
  • Hospi Cash
  • Health Protect Floater Old
  • Health Protect Plus Floater Old
  • Health Smart Floater Old
  • Health Smart Plus Floater Old
  • I-Health Floater Old
  • Health Secure Plus Floater
  • Health Secure
  • I-Plus Floater Old
  • Health Care Plus
  • Health Booster Family Floater
  • Health Protect Floater
  • Health Protect Plus Floater
  • I-Health Floater
  • I-Health Plus Floater
  • Health Smart Floater
  • Health Smart Plus Floater
  • Complete Health Insurance Floater
icici
  • Easy Health Individual
  • EH Critical Illness Addon
  • Optima Restore Individual
  • Optima Super Individual
  • Optima Vital
  • Optima Senior
  • Optima Cash Gold
  • Energy
  • Dengue Care
  • Day 2 Day Care Individual
  • Health Wallet Individual
  • Ican Individual
  • Easy Health Floater
  • Optima Restore Floater
  • Optima Super Floater
  • Optima Plus Top Up
  • Optima Cash Platinum
  • Day 2 Day Care Floater
  • Health Wallet Floater
  • Maxima

Health Insurance glossary you should know:

TPA - Third Party Administer

Insurance claims throughout are settled by the insured or third party administrator. In case of hospitalisation, whether cashless or reimbursement, your TPA would be your point of contact. Always contact your service provider for any claim request.

Network Hospitals

These are hospitals listed area wise, which are empanelled with your insurer to provide cashless hospitalization should the need arise.

Pre and Post Hospitalization

Before and after hospitalization, depending on the no. of days mentioned in the policy, the expenses are covered by the insurer.

Cashless Hospitalization

Your insurer will have a list of network hospitals which are covered to provide cashless treatment should there be hospitalization. The insured need not pay hospital bill once approved, as it is already covered.

No Claim Bonus

If the policy holder does not register any claims in the whole year, he is entitled to No Claim Bonus (NCB). This is provided to insured as a deduction in renewal premium amount or increased sum assured.

Health Check-up

Free Health Check up facility is offered by some insurers if there are no claims registered, depending on the policy type.

Health Insurance FAQ's

A health card is a card that comes along with the Policy. It is similar to an Identity card with details like your policy no., policy validity, TPA nos. which can be very useful in case of medical emergency. This card entitles you to avail cashless hospitalisation facility at any of our network hospitals.

The following are basic documents required for filing a claim:

  • Duly completed claim form
  • Original bills, receipts and discharge certificate/ card from the hospital
  • Original bills from chemists supported by proper prescription
  • Receipt and investigation test reports from a pathologist supported by the note from attending Medical practitioner / surgeon prescribing the test.
  • Nature of operation performed and surgeon's bill and receipt.

All health insurance policies are eligible for the Income Tax Exemption under Section 80D.

(Need to verify this)

Yes. But each company will pay its rateable proportion of the loss, liability, compensation, costs or expenses. E.g. If a person has Health Insurance from company X for Rs. 1 Lac and Health Insurance from company Y for RS. 1 Lac, then in case of a claim, each policy will pay in the ratio of 50:50 up to the Sum Insured.

By Pre-existing Condition we mean any condition, ailment or injury or related condition(s) for which you had signs or symptoms, and / or were diagnosed, and / or received medical advice/ treatment, within 48 months prior to the first policy issued by the insurer

Pre- and Post-hospitalization expenses cover all medical expenses incurred within 30 days prior to hospitalization and expenses incurred within 60 days post hospitalization provided the expenses were incurred for the same condition for which the Insured Persons hospitalisation was required.

The cashless facilities are available only at the hospitals which are in our network.

In a Family Floater plan all insured members are covered on floater sum insured basis. The sum insured for a family floater is our maximum liability for any and all claims made by all the insured members.

With rapidly changing demographics and lifestyles prevalence of critical illness is on the rise in India. With rise in life expectancy and chronic nature of critical illness there is a requirement of additional funds to afford high medical costs for treating such critical illnesses. The insured member is compensated by a lump sum payment if there is a diagnosis of critical illness.

The appropriate cover amount ought to be determined on the basis of the following factors:

  • Your age : Age is a critical factor for determining the cover since health risk increases with age.
  • Pre-existing / hereditary diseases : Pre-existing diseases are covered subject to sub-limits and waiting period. For example: A person whose parents suffer from Diabetes is more prone to the disease, so we recommend a higher cover at an early age so that the pre-existing disease also gets covered.
  • Moreover, also consider your financial status and lifestyle before selecting the coverage amount.

Network Hospitals:The company ties up with hospitals for cashless claim process. When you avail of a cashless treatment in any of these network hospitals, the company would settle the claim with the hospital directly. For a complete list of network hospitals, log on to Service Provider's or TPA's website. Hospital network list of each Service Provider or TPA may vary. Non-network Hospitals Non Network Hospitals: are the ones with which the company does not have a cashless tie up. When you avail treatment here, you first settle the bills yourself and then submit the relevant documents and bills to the service provider or TPA. The amount, consequently, is reimbursed to you based on policy terms and conditions.

Pre-authorisation is basically an authorisation issued either by the insurance company or the service provider, specifying the value of the medical treatment that can be claimable under their insurance policy. To receive a pre-authorisation, you need to submit duly fill in the Pre-authorisation form.

The cheques are sent to the hospital to whom approvals for cashless are given.

Why A Health Plan?

Today technology is available to cure critical illnesses as well as basic health concerns. But, with this advancement comes the shooting prices of health care services which are beyond the reach of common man. Here, health insurance comes as a relief to rescue us in the difficult times of hospitalization. This includes in-patient treatments, pre and post hospitalization charges, day care procedures, domiciliary treatments, etc.

While minor accidents can cause temporary hurdles, major ones can lead to disability for life or even demise. With a view to providing certain relief, insurance companies have devised various policies that serve as true life savers when met with an unfortunate circumstance.

Advantages of Personal Accident Policy:

Give yourself a minute to think about what will happen to your dependents if you were disabled because of an accident? There will be no monthly income, no cash inflows but expenses will continue to rise. In such case, an accident insurance policy will help you bring these expenses under control.

Additional advantages are:

  • Substantial coverage offered with low premium
  • World wide coverage
  • Easy claim process
  • Highly customized plan available
  • Can be bought for individual & family
  • Child education advantage
  • No requirement of medical tests & documentation
  • Double indemnity for disability for mishaps occurred while traveling in public transport
general

What does the policy cover?

Accidental Death

Accidental death coverage gives compensation on the policyholder's death caused by bodily injury resulting out of an accident. The nominee will receive entire sum assured offered by the insurer.

Permanent or Total Disability

If the accident causes permanent or total disability, then 100% of the sum insured is payable to the policyholder.

Accidental Dismemberment

If policyholder's body part has been dismembered or severed in the accident then the person can claim the sum insured.

Additional Benefits

Funeral expenses can be claimed in case of accidental death. Expenses incurred for transportation of policyholder's dead body from the accident spot to the residence place is covered.

Daily Hospitalization Expenses

Monetary relief offered to the patient on daily basis on hospitalization.

Burns

A certain amount of the policy sum is payable, when an accident results in hospitalization & the victim is being treated for burn injuries.

Bonuses

Some policies may offer bonuses to the dependent kids of the policyholder. This becomes helpful in case of the death of the policyholder or extension of treatment period.

Some Facts Of The Grim Picture Of Road Related Incidents:

  • About 50 % of road mishaps are of motorized vehicles, cyclists & pedestrians
  • Its reported that more than 50 million people are injured in road accidents & most of these accidents result in permanent or temporary disability
  • As per a report from WHO (World Health Organization), road related accidents cause over 1.24 million fatalities worldwide with over 90% occurring in low & middle income countries
  • According to other reports, road accidents are to become 5th leading cause of death worldwide by 2030
  • India witnesses around 145000 road accidents in a year. That makes about 207 deaths per 100000 vehicles
mutual

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Traveling has become an integral part of our modern society. We could be traveling for reasons like a business trip or much awaited vacation. But one cannot deny the fact that there are several things that could go wrong when one travels. Disruptions like cancellation of flights, loss of baggage, medical emergency- are some of the unforeseen events that could catch you off guard. So whether you are off to your favorite destination for a holiday or going on a business trip - an adequate & complete travel insurance is a must have.

Types of Travel Insurance

Various plans are available according to every individual's travel needs.

Corporate Travel Insurance

Under this plan, employees of an organization can receive coverage for both domestic and international trips.

Domestic Travel Insurance

In this type, coverage is offered for death, medical emergencies, permanent disability, personal liability, delays, and lost/theft of checked-in luggage.

International Travel Insurance

It gives a comprehensive coverage for medical costs overseas, trip delays, loss of travel documents besides the regular coverage.

Senior Citizen Travel Insurance

This plan covers people in the age group 61-70 years. Besides providing general advantages, it also gives cashless hospitalization coverage and dental treatments.

Student Travel Insurance

This comprehensive cover is suitable for expenses incurred because of medical treatment, study interruptions and passport loss.

Individual Travel Insurance

Under individual travel plan, insured is covered against trip curtailment, trip cancellation and theft

Family Travel Insurance

It covers baggage loss, hospitalization expenses and other incidental costs. The claim disbursement is not difficult with less paperwork involved.

Multi Trip Insurance

This type of travel insurance is offered to frequent travelers so that they don't have to apply for insurance every-time they travel.

Single Trip Insurance

As the name suggest, this type of cover is provided only for the duration of the trip. It also covers medical & non-medical emergencies along with baggage loss situations.

travel

Key Features of Travel Insurance

  • Coverage offered for medical expenses.
  • Coverage for expenses related to trip delays
  • Coverage for loss of passport and luggage
  • For contingencies related to personal possession

Exclusions

  • Pre-existing conditions resulting to hospitalization
  • Damage or loss of keys
  • Trains or flights missed because of civil war/local protests
  • Luggage delay Expenses incurred because of civil unrest or local protests Customers should note that exclusions vary from one policy to policy.

Benefits of Travel Insurance

The basic worries of travellers include stolen baggage, lost passports, cancelled flights and trip delays. These mishaps can spoil perfectly planned vacations. Do not let such incidences ruin the entire journey.

Travel Insurance FAQ's

From infants aged 6 months to 70 years old can avail of travel insurance

No, there is no medical examination required upto the age of 70 years.

Travel Insurance is not mandatory in India. However it is mandatory in UK and countries like Austria, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands. However for a safe and peaceful trip, it is recommended that you take a Travel insurance policy even if you are travelling to countries apart from these.

Yes, passport loss is covered in the policy. It is covered under the benefit of loss of Baggage and Personal Documents. The assistance provider helps in contacting the consular authorities in case of the loss or theft of an Insured Personal's passport, and arranging for its replacement.

This covers the insured person for the amount spent as cost of replacement of articles if checked in baggage is lost or demaged. The insured must keep the bills of such expenses for reimbursement

Depends on the duration and your age. Longer stay abroad needs higher cover. Higher age would also demand a higher cover.
car

What is Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance policy is mandatory for vehicle owners as per Indian Motor Vehicles Act 1988. This Plan is designed to give coverage for losses which insured might incur in case his gets stolen or damaged. The amount of Auto insurance premium is decided based on the Insured Declared Value of a car. The premium will increase, if you raise the IDV limit and vice versa.

Why do I need to insure my vehicle?

Auto insurance is mandatory for all vehicles that ply on roads-like car, trucks, etc. The prime objective of this type of insurance is to provide complete protection & coverage on physical damage or loss from man-made & natural disasters. According to Indian Motor Act 1988, an auto insurance policy is mandatory for every automobile owner in the country. Hence, purchasing an auto insurance is not just a necessity, it is mandatory by law.

Key Features of Auto Insurance

  • Policy protection against loss or damage to the covered vehicle
  • Coverage against financial liability caused due to injury or death of a third party or damage to the property.
  • Personal Accident Coverage.
  • Auto Insurance protects you for the below mentioned damages, should they occur:-
Accident Self-Ignition Earthquake
Fire Transit by Rail, Road, Air & Elevator Riot & Strikes and / or Malicious Acts
Lightening Theft Flood, Cyclone
Explosion Terrorism Inundation
auto

Types of Auto Insurance

Car Insurance

This insurance gives coverage against accidental damage or losses to the holder's vehicle or third party. The amount of premium depends upon the make of the car, manufacturing year, value & state of registration.

Two Wheeler Insurance

This type of insurance is for scooters, bikes & features are similar to that of four-wheeler insurance.

Collision Coverage

It financially protects the policyholder against damage of insured's own car. Collision coverage pays the policyholder for damage caused because collision which generally occurs due to an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

This type of coverage offers complete package policy wherein any damages to the vehicle will be covered up to the Insured Declared Value. Any third party property damage or third party injury/death can be covered. Policyholders feel less stressful as it gives end-to-end coverage.

Third Party Liability Coverage

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, third party liability coverage is legally mandatory. This type of auto insurance offers coverage against all legal liabilities to a third party caused when insured vehicle owner is at-fault. It insures injury/damage caused by policyholder to third person/property

Add-On Riders

Add-on riders doesn't take the depreciation value of the parts & allows you to receive the entire claim amount. It is generally available for cars under three years & allows eligibility to claim full amount for replacing/changing any damaged parts of your vehicle.

Exclusions from Auto Insurance

  • General ageing, wear and tear
  • Damage by a person driving without a valid driving license
  • Mechanical or electrical breakdown, failure
  • Damage by a person driving under the influence of Liquor/Alcohol/Drugs
  • Depreciation, any consequential loss
  • Loss /Damage attributable to War /Mutiny /Nuclear risks
  • Damage to tyres and tubes are excluded unless the vehicle is damaged at the same time. In such circumstance, the liability of the company shall be limited to 50% of the cost which includes replacement Loss /Damage

Important points to remember in the event of an accident

These documents must always be in your vehicle:-

  • Copy of policy/cover note
  • Car Registration Copy (RC Book)
  • Driving License Copy

To Initiate The Claim Process

  • Register an FIR Note down the vehicle number involved in the accident,witness name and contact details. Initiate the claim process by calling on toll free number and providing the required details.
  • Get in touch with the contact centre & inquire for the network garage nearby. And in case, should you visit a non-networked garage, the bills will be settled after ascertaining the damages caused.