HEALTH INSURERS
LIC launches agency transformation initiative 'Jeevan Samarth'
LIC launched 'Jeevan Samarth' with a global consulting firm to transform its agency framework. The project will review and revamp operations at all levels. CEO Siddhartha Mohanty emphasized aligning with industry changes and providing insurance solutions. Agents will gain tools and skills. Young people are encouraged to join LIC and shape the industry's future.
LIC partners with AT Kearney for agency transformation initiative
LIC, in partnership with A.T. Kearney, launches 'Jeevan Samarth' to transform itself with global practices. CEO S Mohanty emphasized future-proofing 1.4 million agents. The project reviews branch, division, and zonal levels, addressing customers' evolving needs in savings, health insurance, ULIP, and pensions.
Why can your insurance claim get rejected & how to avoid it?
All health insurance policies have a life-long renewal clause which the regulator has mandated. They cannot be rejected and your pricing cannot go up purely because you have a condition right now. So, certain benefits are inbuilt and benefits that the customer can take, says Deepak Yohannan, CEO, MIC Insurance Web Aggregator
Star Health launches home healthcare initiative; to cover 50 cities & towns in phase one
Star Health's groundbreaking Home Health Care Service, led by Anand Roy, in partnership with Care24, Portea, and CallHealth, expands to 50 cities, ensuring affordable and prompt medical assistance. Dr U Hari Hara Sudan highlights the cost-effective treatment packages, while the company reports substantial financial growth in FY2024, with a gross written premium of Rs 15,254 crore and a net profit of Rs 845 crore.
Star Health aims to double Gross Written Premium to Rs 30,000 cr in 4 yrs: MD
Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd. has set a target to double its Gross Written Premium to about Rs 30,000 crore over the next four years. The company, based in Chennai, has recorded a profit after tax of Rs 845 crore, a 37% increase from the previous financial year. The company has approved claims of about Rs 44,000 crore since its inception in 2006.
Health insurer Niva Bupa, Sagility India files draft papers with Sebi for IPOs
The IPO, with each share having a face value of Rs 10, consists of a fresh issuance worth Rs 800 crore and an offer for sale totaling up to Rs 2,200 crore by the promoters and existing investors. As part of the OFS, Bupa Singapore Holdings and Fettle Tone will be divesting their stakes.
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Health insurer Niva Bupa files for Rs 3,000 crore IPO
The company, majority owned by British United Provident Fund (Bupa), said it will issue fresh shares worth up to eight billion rupees as part of the offering.It aims to use the proceeds from that sale to strengthen its balance sheet and for operating expenses.
What is the difference between deductible, co-payment in a health insurance policy
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here’s a new series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the fifth part of this series, ET Wealth explains the difference between deductible and co-payment.
Get Rs 10 lakh insurance policy at Rs 555 premium: New accidental insurance cover launched; know features, where to buy
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has recently launched personal accident covers at an affordable premium. There are various variants of Health Plus and Xpress Health Plus. From coverage to premium to benefits — read all about the new accident covers before you invest.
6 health insurance claim rule changes in 2024
Previously, if you were hospitalized at a non-network facility, you were unable to use the cashless claim service and had to pay upfront, then seek reimbursement after discharge. Now, you can access cashless claims regardless of the hospital you are admitted to. (Text by Riju Mehta/ET Bureau)
Nearly 70% health claim users opting for reimbursement mode don't have enough liquid savings to pay bills: Survey
A recent study highlighted challenges faced by health insurance policyholders opting for reimbursement, often resorting to borrowing or dipping into savings for medical bills. Despite expanded coverage, 68% lacked adequate savings for expenses. Cashless treatment remains preferred, with 89% satisfaction, compared to 79% for reimbursements. Delays post-discharge also impact satisfaction.
Insurance basics: Know the difference between sum insured and sum assured
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here’s a new series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the fourth part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between sum insured and sum assured.
Star Health looking to grow 18%, improve claims ratio by 50 bps: Anand Roy, CEO
Star Health & Allied Insurance expects 18-20% growth in gross written premiums this year, aiming to double premium income in four years. CEO Anand Roy discussed the company's strategies with Shilpy Sinha.
No formal proposal to enter health insurance, says LIC
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has clarified that there is currently no formal proposal for it to enter the health insurance space. This clarification comes amid expectations that composite licenses may be permitted by amending the Insurance Act, which currently does not allow life insurers to underwrite health insurance policies. A parliamentary panel had earlier suggested the introduction of composite licensing for insurers to undertake life, general, or health insurance under one entity, which could lead to cost savings and offer customers more choice and value.
CAMS Repository Services launches insurance portfolio management platform
CAMS Insurance Repository Services (CAMSRep) introduced 'Bima Central,' an insurance portfolio management platform aimed at simplifying policy management for customers by aggregating benefits and ensuring claim-readiness. The scheme addresses the challenges faced by policy holders. Accessible to those with an electronic Insurance Account (eIA) with CAMSRep, Bima Central emerged from industry collaboration to enhance the value of insurance, with SBI General as the anchor insurer and others in the process of integration.
Irdai accepts registration withdrawal application of Paytm General Insurance
One97 Communications, owner of Paytm, will focus on distributing insurance products from various insurers after the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) accepted Paytm General Insurance's registration withdrawal application. This move aligns with Paytm's strategy to enhance insurance distribution across Health, Life, Motor, Shop, and Gadgets segments through its subsidiary, Paytm Insurance Broking Private Ltd (PIBL). Paytm aims to innovate small-ticket insurance products for consumers and merchants, leveraging its extensive distribution network to increase insurance penetration.
A 'kavach' helped 46,000 Indian women avoid deadly work during heat waves
In Ahmedabad, scorching temperatures above 43C for a week left laborers like Lataben Makwana facing deadly conditions. A program by ICICI Lombard provided relief, paying out $340,000 to 46,000 women when temperatures spiked. Led by SEWA, the initiative aims to expand, offering financial security to vulnerable workers impacted by climate change.
Insurance helped 46,000 Indian women avoid deadly work during heat waves
During extreme heat waves, 46,000 Indian women in Ahmedabad received financial aid from an insurance program to stop work in hazardous conditions. The scheme, linked to temperature thresholds, provided payments allowing them to pause labor without losing wages, ensuring safety and sustaining their livelihoods.
Star Health & Allied Insurance plans 15% price hike for two products
Star Health & Allied Insurance in Chennai may raise prices by up to 15% for Senior Citizens Red Carpet Health Insurance Policy and Young Star Health Policy due to medical inflation and healthcare costs.
LIC thinking of diving into health insurance pool, eyeing acquisitions
LIC is considering entering the health insurance sector, as reported by Times of India, quoting LIC chairman Siddhartha Mohanty. Mohanty stated that LIC is evaluating potential acquisition opportunities in this regard. This move aligns with expectations of the government permitting composite insurance companies in the sector.
Hindujas get Irdai nod for buying Reliance Capital business; conditions apply
According to sources familiar with the situation, the insurance regulator has granted approval for the Hinduja Group to acquire Reliance Capital's life, general, and health insurance businesses, with the condition that shares of the companies will not be pledged. However, the deal is still pending approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Insurers are having a Chillar Party: Maternity insurance sales skyrocket as couples brace for soaring costs
Rising childbirth costs in India drive a surge in demand for maternity insurance, growing at 80% annually. PolicyBazaar data reveals 78% of policies are bought by men. Insurers see these policies as customer magnets despite expected claims. Factors like urbanization and increased C-sections contribute to the trend. Reliance General Insurance reports a 21.5% increase in C-section deliveries since 2016.
Non-life insurance companies post 13% rise in premium collection at Rs 2.89 lakh cr in FY24
In the fiscal year 2023-24, 42 general insurance companies collectively earned a premium income of Rs 2,89,738 crore, marking a 13% increase from the previous year's Rs 2,56,894 crore, as reported by the General Insurance Council. Among these, 35 general insurance firms saw a 14% rise in premium income to Rs 2,45,433 crore from Rs 2,14,833 crore in the preceding year. Additionally, five standalone health insurers witnessed a 26% growth in premium income, reaching Rs 33,116 crore compared to Rs 26,244 crore in the previous year.
Irdai directs cos to meet social sector obligations
Irdai, the sector regulator, has issued a master circular directing life and non-life insurance players to meet certain percentages of business compulsorily towards rural, social sector, and motor third-party obligations by 2047. Life insurers must ensure a minimum percentage of lives in identified and allocated gram panchayats.
India needs to expand universal health coverage for rapidly ageing population, maintain growth: ADB report
A report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlights India's low health insurance coverage for older people, emphasizing the need to expand universal health coverage. While countries like South Korea and Thailand have achieved universal coverage, India lags behind, with only 21% of older people covered. The report acknowledges the positive impact of schemes like Ayushman Bharat but calls for further expansion to improve the well-being of older individuals and enhance their productivity for the economy. It also stresses the importance of extending essential services to optimize older people's physical and functional capacity.
Health insurance for your ageing parents is now possible as IRDAI scraps age limit
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has eliminated the age limit of 65 years for purchasing health insurance policies, aiming to broaden the market and offer comprehensive coverage. This change, effective from April 1, makes health insurance more inclusive and accessible to individuals of all ages. Insurers are now required to offer policies to all age groups and cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Non-Life Insurance Booms: Health premiums exceed Rs 1 tn, motor crosses Rs 90,000 crore mark in FY24 surge
In the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), India's non-life insurance industry experienced significant growth primarily fueled by the health and motor insurance segments. Health insurance premiums surpassed Rs 1 trillion, marking a 20.2% increase, while motor insurance reached Rs 91,781.3 crore with a growth rate of 12.9%.
Health insurers leave general insurance industry far behind in growth in FY24
The rise of standalone health insurance companies' growth can be credited to larger policy sizes, as they introduce high-value policies worth crores. Premium rates have been adjusted to match medical inflation, and coverage has expanded, insurers revealed.
General Insurance industry grows 12.78% in FY24
In FY23, the insurance industry had reported a growth rate exceeding 16%. However, there was a slowdown in FY24 largely due to the performance of crop insurance. Specialised insurer AIC reported a decline of 32% in growth due to the slowdown in agriculture insurance.
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