Health Insurance Claim Settlement Ratio
Health Insurance Claim Settlement Ratio
In the present day, there are an array of health insurance companies and the products they offer, but which insurer should you choose? Do you know of any health insurance company that offers credibility independent of its brand image? Is there a health insurance provider who can help you to overcome your worst health-related nightmare, and the financial chasms that result from it the most?
In order to make this decision, you will need to consider a number of factors. However, there is one significant factor that plays an important role in this matter, which is the Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR). There are many factors that go into this analysis, such as the reputation of an organization, the ability to pay health insurance claims, the capacity for general risk management on the part of the insurer, and many more.
Health insurance claim settlement ratio
When deciding on a health insurance provider, it is essential to consider the insurer’s claim settlement ratio as it is one of the most important factors to take into account since it reveals the insurer’s ability to handle claims in a timely manner.
In the event that the business cannot satisfy the claims, then the entire purpose of having health insurance is lost. There are many insurance providers who promise to resolve claims within a given timeframe if they are legitimate and there is no evidence of fraud involved with the claim.
As a result of these types of factors, the customer is more likely to trust an insurance company. This means that the claim settlement ratio of an insurance company, or CSR, is a good indicator of the company’s dependability and it helps policyholders make decisions about buying a new health insurance policy as they prepare for doing so. But before jumping the gun, let us understand some other concepts like the Incurred Claim Ratio.
Difference between Claim Settlement Ratio and Incurred Claim Ratio:
- Claim Settlement Ratio:
The number of health claims that health insurance firms (individually) resolve over the course of a fiscal year is shown by their claim settlement ratio. Based on the ratio of claims settled to claims received, the computation is made. CSR data is not published by the IRDAI in their Annual Report. - Incurred Claim Ratio:
The amount spent by the insurer to settle claims is shown by the incurred claim ratio. It simply contrasts the company’s profits from new business premiums with the expenditures associated with claims. The ICR data is published by the IRDAI in its annual report.
How is the Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) Calculated in Health Insurance?
(Number of claims settled/Number of claims received) * 100 is the claim settlement ratio.
Let’s use an illustration to help you understand:
The claim settlement ratio equals 95% if an insurance firm receives 500 claims per year and settles 475 of them. However, the remaining 5% are known as rejected claims.
However, when understanding the concepts of Claim Settlement, you need to understand how soon the claims are being settled, so that the basic purpose of opting for a health insurance plan, i.e. to provide financial assistance when in medical emergencies, gets fulfilled. This is why IRDA publishes the data of % of claims settled within 3 months, between 3-6 months, etc.
Here is the list of the claims settled by the insurer in terms of ageing of the claim.
| No. | Insurer | Age Analysis of Number of Claims Paid (%) | |||||
| < 3months | 3 monthsto 6 months | 6 monthsto <1 year | 1 yearto <3 years* | 3 yearsto <5 years** | > 5years | ||
| Private Sector Insurers | |||||||
| 1 | Acko General Insurance Ltd. | 97.20 | 1.67 | 0.80 | 0.33 | – | – |
| 2 | Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 96.59 | 2.62 | 0.25 | 0.39 | 0.07 | 0.09 |
| 3 | Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 93.23 | 4.06 | 1.39 | 0.92 | 0.27 | 0.13 |
| 4 | Edelweiss General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 97.26 | 2.07 | 0.62 | 0.06 | – | – |
| 5 | Future Generali India Insurance C. Ltd. | 96.01 | 2.05 | 0.89 | 0.59 | 0.22 | 0.24 |
| 6 | Go Digit General Insurance Ltd. | 96.09 | 2.62 | 0.87 | 0.41 | 0.02 | – |
| 7 | HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 98.49 | 1.03 | 0.22 | 0.20 | 0.04 | 0.02 |
| 8 | ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 97.07 | 1.69 | 0.59 | 0.37 | 0.12 | 0.17 |
| 9 | IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 89.38 | 6.43 | 2.26 | 1.17 | 0.42 | 0.34 |
| 10 | Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 96.90 | 2.24 | 0.57 | 0.27 | 0.03 | – |
| 11 | Liberty General Insurance Ltd. | 97.30 | 1.27 | 0.61 | 0.65 | 0.14 | 0.03 |
| 12 | Magma HDI General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 92.34 | 5.09 | 1.54 | 0.74 | 0.20 | 0.10 |
| 13 | Navi General Insurance Ltd. | 99.99 | 0.01 | – | – | – | – |
| 14 | Raheja QBE General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 93.30 | 4.88 | 1.37 | 0.40 | 0.05 | 0.00 |
| 15 | Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 98.65 | 0.65 | 0.23 | 0.26 | 0.11 | 0.12 |
| 16 | Royal Sundaram General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 95.95 | 1.26 | 0.80 | 1.59 | 0.22 | 0.18 |
| 17 | SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 95.04 | 2.55 | 1.67 | 0.67 | 0.04 | 0.03 |
| 18 | Shriram General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 85.23 | 2.81 | 2.63 | 4.85 | 1.80 | 2.67 |
| 19 | Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 93.55 | 3.97 | 1.90 | 0.45 | 0.07 | 0.06 |
| 20 | Universal Sompo General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 95.77 | 2.78 | 0.97 | 0.38 | 0.08 | 0.02 |
| 21 | National Insurance Co. Ltd. | 86.28 | 8.76 | 2.46 | 1.52 | 0.56 | 0.41 |
| 22 | The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. | 92.93 | 4.30 | 1.56 | 0.75 | 0.21 | 0.25 |
| 23 | The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. | 90.18 | 5.68 | 2.17 | 1.44 | 0.29 | 0.24 |
| 24 | United India Insurance Co. Ltd. | 97.25 | 2.01 | 0.51 | 0.17 | 0.03 | 0.02 |
| 25 | Aditya Birla Health insurance Co. Ltd. | 99.41 | 0.26 | 0.05 | 0.28 | – | – |
| 26 | Care Health Insurance Ltd. | 100.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | – | – | – |
| 27 | ManipalCigna Health Insurance Co. Ltd. | 99.90 | 0.06 | 0.02 | 0.02 | – | – |
| 28 | Niva Bupa Health Insurance Co. Ltd. | 99.99 | 0.01 | 0.00 | – | – | – |
| 29 | Reliance Health Insurance Ltd. | 76.36 | 7.27 | 7.27 | 5.45 | 3.64 | – |
| 30 | Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. | 99.06 | 0.70 | 0.20 | 0.05 | 0.01 | – |
How does the data of Claim Settlement Ratio of less than 3 months affect it?
By looking at the claim settlement ratio, prospective buyers can determine how well each insurer handles the claims that have been filed against it.
- In order to calculate the claim settlement ratio, one must keep in mind that the entire product line of the insurance company is included in the calculation. As a consequence, determining the unique ratio for each health insurance plan becomes a difficult task.
- In order to achieve a higher settlement ratio for health insurance claims, the business must have strong financial stability and the ability to pay out claims on behalf of its clients.
- You should also check to see whether the insurer offers you the greatest “value for money” advantages you are looking for before you decide to buy a health insurance policy and compare the prices of different insurers before buying one.
There are times when a claim might be necessary, so it is important to take into account your policy’s exclusions when the need arises. There are several provisions in your insurance plan that need to be taken into account, including network hospitals, waiting periods, and sub-limits.
Why do policyholders give CSR data so much importance?
Claim Settlement Ratio would enable them to select an appropriate health insurance plan and the best health insurance company.
Here are a few explanations for why the claim settlement ratio is so crucial:
- Reflects the health insurance company’s reputation for reliability:
As a prospective policyholder, you may have questions such as “Will this insurer settle my claims?” which is one of the most important questions you should ask before choosing a health insurance provider.
For customers, this is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not a health insurance provider can be trusted in their health care needs. A Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) will be able to tell you how many claims your insurance company has resolved over the course of a year, thus highlighting the credibility of the company. - Ease of claim:
Most people fret about opting for health insurance plans because of anticipated difficulty in the claim. So, if the claim settlement ratio of the insurer less than 3 months is very high, it provides a sense of comfort in the minds of the prospective policyholder that their claim procedure with this insurer would also be similar and easy. - Reveals information about a company’s consistency throughout the lawsuit settlement procedure:
Health insurance companies cannot be uneven in their reimbursements when using CSR as a record. For all of the claims raised, they must maintain their claim settlement strategy and guarantee; otherwise, the ratio will reflect this.
This indicates that policyholders have the crucial financial certainty of a payout regardless of whether they are looking for a:
1. In a partner hospital, the cashless system
2. Payment method in a hospital that is not a partner
3. Provides an excellent way to compare different health insurers.
Consider that you are looking for a health insurance plan that you may transfer or that you can buy fresh.
Therefore, you may use our health insurance comparison tool or talk to an insurance counsellor. The Claim Settlement Ratio is now one of the factors that will stand out as a metric of comparison in each of these scenarios.
Disadvantages of Claim Settlement Ratio in a Health Insurance Plan:
No doubt, CSR is an important metric that can be used to filter out insurance companies from which you can purchase policies, but it should not be the only factor considered. It is important to note that this ratio does not indicate a few important things:
- The time taken in settling the claim:
As much as CSR reveals how many claims have been resolved by the insurance company over the years, it does not provide a way for the policyholder to estimate how long it may take for the claim to be resolved once the claim has been filed. There are TATs and regulations provided by the IRDAI for claim settlement. This is why the data of the percentage of total claims settled within 3 months is more important than the standalone data of Claim Settlement of the Insurance Company. - The financial capabilities of a company:
An insurance company’s claim settlement ratio is a measure of how frequently claims are settled by the insurance company, from the point of view of the insurer.
It must be noted, however, that the report does not reveal the financial standing of the insurance company, which will allow it to continue offering its services, uphold its social responsibility, and remain one of the most reputable providers of health insurance in the market.
Unfortunately, a health insurance provider’s claim settlement ratio does not indicate what portion of the claim amount was settled by the provider.
Let’s take the case of a demand for INR 5 lakhs. However, because of several restrictions or exemptions, the health insurer only paid out INR 3 lakhs. The CSR would indicate that this case had a resolved claim, but it would not indicate that the insurer had made a copayment.
Seeing this data blindly would mean that choosing a health insurance provider is based on more factors than just the ratio. Instead, consider the following when selecting your health insurance company:
a. Claim Settlement Ratio within 3 months
b. Process of Claim Settlement
c. Incurred Claim Ratio
d. Extensive Product Portfolio
e. A big list of Network Hospitals, etc.
A few Tips to Buy the Best Health Insurance in India:
Instead of focusing just on the Claim Settlement data of health insurance companies, follow the steps to get optimal health coverage for yourself and your family.
Step 1: Opt for the “right” amount of coverage:
Buying a health insurance policy is a significant decision that requires you to evaluate the type of coverage that is provided. As a general rule, when we talk about coverage, we mean the medical costs that will be covered by your policy, such as maternity, ambulance, daycare, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, and so on.
Choose a plan that covers the medical needs of your family as well as your own, and ensure that it provides the appropriate coverage for you.
If you choose a plan that provides more coverage than you require, you will have to pay a higher premium because the price will increase. If you choose to add riders to your plan, you can adjust it to meet your needs and make it more convenient for you.
Pro Tip: As a thumb rule, your coverage should be at least 50% of your family’s annual income.
Step 2: Check if you can opt for Family Floater Plans:
Rather than buying individual health insurance policies for each member of the family, you might be better off choosing a family floater plan if you need coverage for the entire family.
The cost of family floater plans tends to be lower than the cost of availing individual health insurance for each member of the family.
Further, not everyone falls ill at the same time, so any member of the family may be able to use the sum insured that is available as a floater, as needed, in the event of a medical emergency.
Pro Tip: Do not include your parents in the same family floater coverage as you and your family, especially if they are senior citizens. There are 3 reasons for the same:
- There are specifically designed health insurance plans for senior citizens which cater to their needs and your requirements for health insurance could be quite different from theirs.
- If your parents have any pre-existing ailment, it is best to declare the same right at the outset so that you can opt for coverage with PED coverage benefits after a certain waiting period.
- Senior citizens could get hospitalised more often. So, if they are in the same family floater plan, you would lose out on your no-claim bonus if there are frequent claims.
Step 3: Cost Benefit Analysis,
i.e. Appropriate premium for the desired cover that is affordable also:
When it comes to choosing a sum insured when buying medical insurance, make sure that you select the amount that truly fits your needs.
It is likely that your premiums will rise significantly if you choose a higher sum insured. Instead, if you choose a lesser amount of coverage than you really need, it might not be sufficient to cover all your expenses for medical emergencies, which means that you will have to pay out of pocket once your claim has been settled.
Pro tip: The other option is to choose a basic plan with a smaller coverage amount and add a top-up insurance plan to your purchase as an alternative. The top-up plan will provide you with additional coverage in the event that the maximum amount of coverage in your basic plan has been reached.
Step 4: Look for long-term health care benefits:
especially post-retirement:
Make sure the health insurance plan you choose can be renewed forever and you do not lapse your plan in order to get continuity benefits. This is critical as you would need your health insurance plan more in your older days.
Pro tip:
Buying a fresh health insurance plan in your retirement years could be quite a challenge especially if you already have any PED by then. Thus, ideally, you should opt for a sufficient health insurance plan which can be continued forever. Of course, you can choose to port your plan to any other plan/ insurer as per your change in requirements from time to time, provided the plan has been continuously renewed on time, without any lapse.
Step 5: Check the ENTIRE claim process:
And not just the Claim Settlement Ratio:
Claim settlement experience is the most important reason for opting for a health insurance plan. So, that experience counts a lot more than the CSR data itself and that is why checking the data for claims settled within the first 3 months is more relevant.
Step 6: Examine the Network of Authorized Hospitals:
Pick an insurance provider when you’re ready to get medical insurance that offers a large network of hospitals. If you have a cashless facility, you do not need to worry about settling the bill out of your own pocket as it would be taken care of by the insurer.
As a result, you want to select a plan from a health insurance company that offers a network of hospitals in your area.
Step 7: Opt for plans without sub-limits or co-pay to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses:
When selecting a health insurance plan, do remember to consider the provisions of sub-limits as well as co-payment terms and conditions. The co-payment amount is the portion or the percentage of the claim amount that you agree to pay at claim settlement, while sub-limits refer to the coverage limit on particular covers.
Pro Tip: Try opting for a health insurance plan without any sub-limit clause or provision for co-payment in order to avoid any financial stress during claim settlement and reduce your overall out-of-pocket expenses.
Step 8: Compare and choose the plan that best suits your needs:
One of the best ways to find the best health insurance is to compare the different plans based on their coverage, perks, and costs in order to make an informed decision. Using a comparison tool will help you find the plan that has the best coverage at the most affordable price for you.
Step 9: Check the waiting period:
Especially if you have any pre-existing disease (PED):
The PED waiting period is a crucial factor to take into account when selecting a health plan. After the PED waiting period, the insured may submit a claim for pre-existing conditions. Depending on the plan, the PED waiting time typically ranges from 2 to 4 years. You must choose a health plan with a shorter PED waiting time as a result.
Pro Tip: Opt for a health insurance plan early in your life so that you exhaust all the waiting periods before you might actually need to file a claim!
Step 10: Start your health insurance coverage NOW:
Don’t procrastinate and wait to find the “BEST” health insurance plan as your requirements could keep changing with your age, life stage, lifestyle, etc.
Pro Tip: You can change/ port your health insurance plan at any time if you find a better plan. But remember to pay your premiums on time, so that your policy doesn’t lapse and you can avail of continuity benefits.
Conclusion
A policyholder must submit a request to their insurer through the health insurance claim settlement process in order to use the medical treatments covered by their health plan. The policyholder can use this to either obtain a cashless treatment or to be reimbursed for already-used medical services. And before buying any plans one must compare different plans and policies offered by different companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The claim settlement ratio measures how many raised claims were satisfied by an insurance provider compared to all claims raised for the insurer within a given fiscal year.
As it displays the percentage of settled claims in a fiscal year, the claim settlement ratio reveals the level of trust that may be placed in an insurance company's hands.
While the incurred claim ratio, which compares the number of claims paid out in a year to the premiums collected, reveals the company's long-term financial health.
The claim settlement ratio of a company will allow you to determine how well the company handles claims so that you don't run into any problems in the future when you need to file a claim. It is important to take into account the claim settlement ratio of an insurance company when purchasing health insurance plans online in order to determine how reliable the insurer is.
But to understand the ease of claim, check the process and the percentage of total claims settled by the insurer within 3 months.
By phone or email, policyholders may provide their insurance company feedback. For the same, they can speak with their customer service staff.
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Benefits of Senior Citizen Health Insurance Now we will look at the different ways in which health insurance plans for senior citizens actually help: Hospitalization Coverage: Room rent, doctor’s fees, surgeries and even treatment medicines, a senior citizen health insurance policy takes care of it all. This is such a lifesaver because hospital bills are often a lot higher than expected. Pre and Post-Hospitalization Expenses: Most health insurance plans also cover the cost of prescribed tests, medicines necessary before admission and follow-up visits once the patient is discharged. Cashless Treatment: Most insurance providers have tie-ups with hospitals where seniors can get their treatment without having to pay upfront. Instead of arranging for funds during emergencies, patients can rush for timely medical care. Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases: Policies designed for seniors usually don’t make them wait for long. Rather, the coverage starts as early as in 1-2 years. Ambulance Charges: The policies also include emergency ambulance expenses. It saves families from sudden expenses that come from the pocket. Day-Care Procedures: There are many modern surgeries that can be completed within 24 hours and don’t require hospital stays. These treatments are covered by insurance for senior citizens. Mental Health Coverage: It’s not only physical health that suffers with age but also mental well-being. This is why some policies also include psychiatric consultations and therapy sessions. Tax Benefits: Section 80D of the Income Tax Act makes senior citizen health insurance tax free and this helps reduce overall tax liability. Key Features to Look for in the Best Health Insurance Policy for Seniors All policies are unique in some way. One may have something the other doesn’t. Look for these features when choosing the best health insurance policy for seniors: High Coverage Amount: The sum insured has to be good enough that it covers major surgeries and hospitalization. Low Waiting Period for Pre-Existing Diseases: A Shorter waiting period means you are eligible to get coverage for your health conditions sooner. No Claim Bonus (NCB): If things go well and you don’t make a claim in a year, certain insurers will also increase your coverage. Cashless Hospital Network: A wide network of hospitals gives patients a higher chance of access to treatment, even in their nearest hospitals. Reasonable Premiums: Though premiums are generally higher for senior citizens but you can always compare different health insurance plans. It gives the best balance between price and coverage. Critical Illness Rider: Some policies allow you to take add-ons for severe conditions like cancer, stroke or organ failure so you get the best treatment. How to Keep Premiums Affordable The high cost of premiums is of the most common concerns about insurance for senior citizens but you can make them more affordable by following these tips: Buy Early: Purchasing early means you have to pay lower premiums while also getting more years of coverage. Opt for Higher Deductibles: When you agree to pay a small part of the claim, it can actually reduce your premium amount. Compare Multiple Plans: You don’t have to settle for the first option because helpful platforms like Policywings help you compare the benefits and costs of different policies side by side. Look for Family Floaters When Suitable: In some cases, getting a family floater policy can also serve the purpose. Individual plans can be more costly. Reducing the Family’s Burden with Senior Citizen Health Insurance
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Introduction Life insurance is hands down one of the smartest steps you can take to secure your family’s financial future. However, the one big question is whether to go for a life insurance term plan or choose from traditional life insurance plans (endowment or whole life policies). People usually find them similar since they’re both part of life insurance but they really work very differently. While one plan is all about providing protection, the other combines double benefits of insurance and savings. For most of us, i could be really confusing to pick between both the options. So let’s make it simple for you to understand and decide. What is a Term Insurance Plan? A life insurance term plan is the most straightforward form of insurance out there. You just need to pay regular premiums and if something happens to you during the policy term, the insurance company will give your family a fixed sum assured. The key points about term plans are: Premiums are low but coverage is high. There’s no maturity benefit. Basically, if you survive the policy period, you don’t get any money back unless you have signed up for the “return of premium” plan. Ideal for those who want maximum financial protection but can’t pay a lot. For example, you may be just but with a life insurance term plan you already have coverage worth ₹1 crore for just ₹10,000 per year. Honestly, this makes your family’s lifelong security cheaper than a Netflix subscription. What is Traditional Life Insurance? Traditional life insurance plans offer protection and savings both. Under plans like endowment or whole life policies, you pay regular premiums. In return, along with life cover, some part of your money also gets invested or saved. As the term ends, you or your family receives a maturity benefit. Important points about traditional plans: The policyholders get both insurance cover and savings/investment returns. For the same amount of coverage, premiums are higher compared to term plans. These plans are highly preferred by those who seek sure-shot returns along with insurance. Now for getting ₹1 crore coverage in a traditional plan, you might pay ₹1,00,000 yearly or even more, which is much higher than a life insurance term plan. Quick Comparison Between Term Insurance and Traditional Life Insurance Feature Life Insurance Term Plan Traditional Life Insurance Plans Coverage Low premium but high cover Lower cover but high premium Premium Typically affordable (₹10k–15k for ₹1 crore) It’s expensive (₹1 lakh+ for ₹1 crore) Savings/Investment Only protection and no returns Insurance with savings both Maturity Benefit None. Though you might get with return of premium plan Yes, you get maturity value or bonuses Flexibility Simple and easy to understand More complex and less flexible Best For People who seek maximum security for their family People who prefer cover + savings both Advantages of Term Plans High Coverage at Low Cost: For a small and affordable premium amount you get a large cover which is perfect if you want to protect your family’s lifestyle. Easy to Understand: There are no hidden conditions or difficult investment terms. Just a simple insurance. Flexibility: To add more protection, you can also buy riders like critical illness cover or accidental death benefit. Peace of Mind: It feels great to know that your family is financially secure even if you’re not around. Limitations of Term Plans You do not get anything (no returns) if you survive the term. You need to invest separately to build your wealth. Advantages of Traditional Life Insurance Insurance + Savings: You get the best of both worlds- protection and future savings. Guaranteed Returns: Plans like endowment and whole life policies are known to provide assured maturity benefits. Good for Conservative Investors: Traditional life insurance plans are a safe choice compared to the risky market-linked products. Limitations of Traditional Life Insurance Very high premiums for providing such low coverage. Returns are not that great compared to other investment options available like mutual funds or PPF. Often, there are tricky terms, conditions and bonus rules that may just confuse the buyers. But Which is Better for You? Ok, so the answer mainly depends on your goals. You must choose a life insurance term plan if: You seek maximum financial protection for your loved ones. You are young and looking for high coverage but at a low cost. You don’t want to combine insurance and investment. You want to invest your money separately like in mutual funds, stocks or maybe FDs. You must choose traditional life insurance plans if: You want a safe savings option with built in insurance. You want to receive guaranteed maturity benefits. You don’t want to separately manage investments. You don’t mind lower coverage but want steady returns. Let’s take an example of two people. Person A buys a life insurance term plan for ₹1 crore. He pays ₹12,000 premium per year and invests the rest of his money (₹88,000) in other avenues (mutual funds and FDs). 20 years later, besides having full protection, he has also built wealth from investments. Person B buys a traditional life insurance plan with ₹1 crore coverage where he gives a premium of ₹1 lakh annually. While he does get insurance and guaranteed returns at maturity, he doesn’t have the flexibility to invest his funds separately. At the end of 20 years, Person A has both a high cover and a considerable investment. However, person B does have cover but only a smaller fixed maturity benefit. Common Misconceptions People Have “Term plans are a waste because you don’t get money back.” Well, you can think of it like car insurance. Here, you pay to get peace of mind. If nothing happens, it’s already good news! “Traditional plans always give the best returns.” Not always. While returns are safe but they are also lower compared to other investment tools. “I should only choose one.” Actually, you can also combine both. Get a term plan for protection and maybe
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Introduction After years of working so hard and saving & planning for everyone else, your retirement years have to be just about you, no? It’s finally time to live on your own terms. However, the question is whether your savings alone would be enough to help keep up with inflation or emergencies. Now, imagine getting the best of life insurance protection and long-term investment growth together. This is possible with Life Insurance Retirement Plans (LIRPs). This retirement insurance plan ensures your loved ones are protected even after you and your money keep growing for the years ahead. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or you’re close to your retirement, an LIRP offers a structured and tax-efficient way to create financial freedom for the years when you should be relaxing. Read on to know how it works! What is a Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP)? It’s an efficient retirement insurance plan that provides both life coverage and savings. In this, you are required to pay regular premiums. A part of it goes toward your life cover and the remaining gets invested to build more money over time. All this accumulated amount can be later used as your regular income during retirement. Basically, an insurance for retirement is combined with a financial plan that continues to safely grow your wealth. How Does a LIRP Work? LIRP is a flexible and long-term tool for dual benefits. Here’s how this brilliant retirement insurance plan functions: Payment of Premium: You pay a fixed monthly or annual amount. Dual Purpose: The insurance company gives part of the premium to life insurance and invests the remainder. Cash Value Growth: The investment part of your plan grows into cash value over time and it’s also tax-free for as long as it stays invested. Withdraw or Borrow: Once enough savings have grown, you can withdraw or borrow from this amount to fund your retirement years. Death Benefit: In case something unfortunate happens to you, your family still receives a death benefit. Benefits of a Life Insurance Retirement Plan When it comes to offering advantages, the retirement insurance plan goes beyond a traditional life insurance policy. Here’s how: Double Benefit of Protection + Savings It offers life cover for your loved ones and a steadily growing savings fund for you. Ultimately, there will be financial relief during and after your working years. Tax-Deferred Growth The invested amount continues to grow without any immediate tax deductions. You will only be charged taxes when you withdraw. Hence, your investment compounds efficiently. Withdrawal Flexibility The regular pension schemes put a limit on when and how much you can withdraw. But with insurance for retirement, you have more control. You can always access your funds when needed. Guaranteed Returns with Low Risk LIRPs are great for those who prefer stability over risk. They offer predictable returns and keep your capital protected. This is a very reassuring feature of retirement insurance for seniors. Lifetime Coverage You continue to enjoy life cover benefits even after getting retired. If you see it, you secure financial support for your family while your savings also continue to grow. Why LIRP is Becoming Popular in India Today, both life expectancy and healthcare costs are rising and this is pushing people to plan ahead. When you have a retirement insurance plan, it creates a financial shield for you that protects you from the stress of market fluctuations. A lot of people in India are opting for these plans because: They come with the dual advantage of protection and wealth creation. The payout amount is flexible and can be used for both healthcare purposes and regular living expenses. The attraction of the plan increases even more with the tax benefits under Sec 80C and 10(10D). In a nutshell, a LIRP assures that you have sufficient savings for yourself, which has always been a matter of concern among retirees. LIRP vs. Traditional Retirement Plans While both options help you prepare for retirement, they don’t work the same way. Here’s a quick comparison that highlights how LIRPs are different from traditional plans: Feature Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP) Traditional Pension/Retirement Plan Protection Double power of life cover + savings The usual focus is only investment Returns Depending on the plan, it could be market-linked or fixed Fixed and often lower Tax Benefits You get the advantage on both premiums and maturity Limited tax benefits Flexibility You are allowed to make partial withdrawals or take loans Limited access to the funds Ideal For Those who want long-term growth and safety Individuals who don’t prefer risk Who Should Consider a LIRP? These individuals can trust the Life Insurance Retirement Plan and go for it: Working professionals: Those who want to start their savings journey early. Business owners: The ones who prefer flexible investment options. Retirees or near-retirees: People who seek low-risk income along with life cover benefits. Parents or couples: LRIP is very useful for planning long-term family security. In fact, it’s also an excellent choice for those who want retirement insurance for seniors. Why? Because the returns are constant and risk exposure is minimal. Important Things to Do Before Buying Before you decide to go on with a retirement insurance plan, do consider these points: Carefully go through the terms of the policy, charges involved and the lock-in period. Compare the offerings of different insurers. Also pay special attention to their claim settlement ratios. Calculate how long you can keep your money invested to make the most out of the plan. Check if your preferred policy will help you with your future financial goals. It’s totally fine if you have a little extra time before selecting a plan. At least there won’t be any confusion later and you’ll be covered for life. Conclusion A Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP) is a very smart way to build financial independence. It actually keeps you secure through every stage of life. Whether you’re starting early in your career or planning closer to retirement,
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Introduction Buying a car is so exciting. The new smell, the smooth rides. Everything about it seems worth it except for car insurance. Many people see it as a compulsory expense that brings a burden to the wallet every year. However, you just can’t skip it because it’s mandatory in India to have insurance for car. Just by following a few smart and completely legal steps, you can actually cut costs and still enjoy solid coverage. In fact, many car owners are already saving thousands every year! While the internet is full of jargon-filled advice on “how to get the cheapest insurance for car”, we will break it down for you in a very clear and practical way. Why Car Insurance Premiums Feel So Expensive Anyone who has ever renewed their car insurance can relate to the feeling after seeing the premium amount. Every time it seems higher than the previous year, even if you didn’t make a single claim. Here are the reasons why this happens: Rising repair costs: Modern cars have advanced technology. There are smart sensors, digital systems and fancy paint jobs. One small accident and it costs thousands to fix. This makes insurers charge higher premiums. Frequent accidents: India has crowded roads and a lot of traffic, which increases the risk of accidents. When more people make claims, insurance providers spread that burden across all their customers. Add-ons and extras: So many policyholders also buy add-ons without realizing that they will increase the premium. Yes, some features really come in handy but not all of them are necessary for you. Risk-based pricing: Factors like your age, driving history, location and car model also decide the amount. For example, Delhi usually has heavy traffic and thus, higher premiums. All this together can burn a hole in their pocket. But if you be smart about your choices, you can still find the useful and cheapest insurance for car. How to Legally Cut Down Your Car Insurance Costs Premiums feel so heavy on the pocket. But is there any way to reduce them while securing important coverage? Just with perfectly legal ways, you bring down the premium for insurance for car and still stay fully protected. No tricks no loopholes. Compare Before You Commit Even when you book a hotel room, you compare prices. Similarly, you shouldn’t settle for the first quote of insurance for car you get. For the same car, different companies offer different rates and benefits so do a little research. Why it matters: You may dismiss a small difference in premium but counting it all over 5–10 years of owning a car, it can add up to be a big amount. How to do it: Simply use online comparison websites and get multiple quotes. Not just the premium, but also look at what is included and what’s not and customer reviews. Pro tip: The lowest premium is not what you need. Sometimes the cheapest insurance for car may not include roadside assistance or cashless garages that are actually so useful. Seek value for the price. Go for a Higher Voluntary Deductible Many car owners also overlook deductibles. It’s basically the part of a claim you pay before the insurance company comes with its benefits. When you opt for a higher voluntary deductible, you agree to contribute a bit more for a claim. Hence, your insurer gives you a discount on premiums. For example, if you increase your deductible amount from ₹1,500 to ₹4,500, your annual premium could drop by 10–25%. When it works best: If you’re a driver with a good on-road history, this option would suit you. But set your deductible to an affordable amount; otherwise, it becomes a financial strain during accidents. Keep a Clean Driving Record Driving safely is surely the simplest and healthiest way to reduce your car insurance premium. It’s a reward by insurance companies to low-risk drivers because they’re less likely to make claims. Benefits of a clean record: No Claim Bonus (NCB): The year you don’t make a claim, you earn a very good discount. Better premium offers: Your insurer may also give you better rates at renewal. Peace of mind: Obviously, fewer accidents mean overall fewer hassles. Even just by avoiding traffic fines or rash driving, you are seen as a “low risk” driver that brings you closer to the cheapest insurance for car. Choose Add-Ons Wisely Insurance companies will often tempt you with add-ons. Options like zero depreciation cover, engine protection etc are attractive and useful but many of them might just unnecessarily increase your premium. Good add-ons: If yours is a new car, get a zero depreciation cover. If you live in flood-prone areas, get engine protection. Take in the most relevant and practical ones. Not always needed: Add on like roadside assistance may already be offered by your car manufacturer. Similarly, there may be other avoidable ones. Don’t buy all the extras available and rather customize your insurance for car so it fits your lifestyle to reduce your premium significantly. Install Anti-Theft Devices and Safety Features Insurers love cars that have harder to steal features installed. If your vehicle has airbags, alarms, tracking devices or other safety features, it’s going to get you discounts. Why it works: When there’s more security and a lower risk of theft and accident, it also means less financial risk for insurers. How to benefit: If you install an ARAI-approved anti-theft device in your car, some insurers may immediately lower your premium as soon as you give them proof of installation. This is how you can ensure cheaper premiums but also more peace of mind for a safer car. Bonus Tips for Bigger Savings We discussed the five main ways to reduce your premium amount. Here we have a bunch of few more tricks that will help you save money on your car insurance: Renew on time: Late renewals may also lead to losing your No Claim Bonus (NCB). Avoid small claims: Try to pay out-of-pocket for
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Your team is the backbone of your company that must be taken care of. Their health directly impacts your success and that’s why you must offer group health insurance for employees. It protects them in medical emergencies and also shows that you really value their well-being. A good salary is not enough. To retain your employees in this competitive market, you must offer solid health insurance in India to be an employee-friendly workplace. However, choosing the right policy is not so easy and picking the first plan you see is never recommended. Employers need to know what really matters, carefully evaluate different health insurance plans and then finalize one. A wrong choice can lead to dissatisfied employees. But don’t worry, because we are here to help you! 5 Things to Check in Group Health Insurance It’s very good if you are considering buying a group insurance but before you go ahead to sign the document, you should always check for these points: Coverage That Matches Employee Needs The first step would obviously be to understand your employees and what are their healthcare requirements. If you have a team of young professionals, they would mostly need basic hospitalization coverage. But, for an older workforce, you must consider higher coverage because there may be lifestyle-related illnesses. Make sure the policy takes care of the basic/common needs like consultation visits, hospital stays, maternity etc The policies that also include pre-existing diseases are even better because individual plans often exclude them. There should also be an option to extend coverage to the families of the employees. The best group health insurance for employees would always be the one that adapts to the actual needs of your team and not just offers generic protection. Size of the Hospital Network Another highly valuable feature of health insurance in India would be a wide hospital network. This is because, through this, your employees will be able to get treatment from their nearest hospital instead of worrying about arranging cash. Shortlist from those plans that provide cashless hospitalization across a large number of hospitals in places where your employees live and are accessible to them. Also, check if the insurance company has partnered with reputed hospitals because that ensures faster and smoother claim settlement. This might be a small detail but it can actually make a big difference when there is an emergency situation. Premium Costs vs. Benefits Offered Cost matters and so does value for money. You have to compare the amount with what’s being offered. Often, the cheapest plan looks the most attractive but it’s not if the benefits are not enough. Similarly, why should you pay for those features that employees won’t even use? Compare multiple health insurance plans and select the one that gives the best value for money. There must be an option for add-ons like maternity and dental because employees really value these benefits. You must also ask about co-payment clauses, deductibles or hidden limits since they majorly affect claims. The ultimate goal is to provide employees with strong coverage without shaking the company’s budget. Claim Settlement Ratio and Process At the end of the day, it’s actually the claim settlement of the policy that makes it good or not good. There’s absolutely no point in getting insurance if your employees have to struggle during claims. The claim settlement ratio (CSR) of the insurer says a lot. A high CSR is a positive indicator. It tells that the company settles most of its claims without any stress. If the process is quick and cashless and employees don’t have to handle too much paperwork, it’s a green signal. There’s nothing like having a dedicated relationship manager or support team by your side while you are handling group claims. Only if there’s a smooth claim experience, employees will have more trust in both the employer and the insurance company. Flexibility and Add-On Options Every company has a different workforce and that’s why there should be flexibility in health insurance plans. Confirm if the policy allows employees to opt for voluntary add-ons by paying extra. Business aims to grow. The policy should also allow easy scaling up. Look for features like employees really appreciate like health check-ups and mental health support. All of these will make your team will feel they are valued and genuinely cared for. How Group Health Insurance is Different from Individual Policies Usually, when employers are exploring health insurance in India, they have one question in mind: why choose group health insurance for employees when they can buy their own policies by themselves? The fact that both insurance policies are so different makes group cover a requirement. Here’s a compare the two options on the basis of different factors: Coverage Start: Group Health Insurance: The coverage starts as soon as you get the policy. No waiting period for pre-existing diseases. Individual Health Insurance: There’s often a waiting period of 2–4 years for covering any pre-existing conditions. Cost: Group Plans: It is more affordable since premiums are calculated for the whole group and are negotiated by the employer. Individual Plans: There are higher premiums because the risk is separately calculated for one person/family. Flexibility: Group Plans: While the coverage is decided by the employers, employees might also get the option to top up. Individual Plans: You have full flexibility to choose coverage, add-ons and even the insurance company. Ease of Management: Group Plans: The whole paperwork, renewals and claims support is to be handled by the employer. Individual Plans: Employees only will have to manage each and everything by themselves. Value for Employees: Group Plans: Because they offer a quick process and good coverage, it shows the employers care for their teams. Individual Plans: While they are perfect for long-term security, the cost is higher and gets more restrictive in the short run. When you get group health insurance for employees, it becomes your safety net and ensures the team is never left unprotected, right from the first day.
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Introduction Damage to property can be a huge loss. We need reliable property insurance to protect our home, workplace or any other valuable property against uncertainties. It’s certainly a must-have. But there are just so many different property insurance plans out there. Each insurance company makes the same promise. They claim to offer affordable premiums, extensive coverage and quick & easy claim settlements. With so many options, how do you know which one is actually the one for you? Comparing property insurance quotes is very important; it’s just like comparing prices before buying a gadget or maybe a bike. Only by analysing multiple insurance quotes can you find the perfect option that offers value for money. Why Property Insurance Matters Buying a property, whether a home or a place of work, means making one of the biggest investments. Any kind of damage to it due to fire, theft, accident or even a natural disaster leads to a huge financial loss that can only be covered with a property insurance policy. The right property insurance plans in place will: Protect your property from damaging natural disasters. Cover losses that may happen due to fire or explosions on the premises. Get protection for the loss in case of robbery. Stay protected in case of accidental damage. Continue with the business if it was a commercial property. Getting a property insurance plan gives you assurance that you won’t have to face the entire financial burden alone in case of an unexpected mishap. What Are Property Insurance Quotes? When you reach out to an insurance company to buy a policy, they give you a cost estimate for the kind of coverage you’re seeking. This is called a property insurance quote and it includes various information like: The premium: How much you will have to pay and the frequency (monthly, quarterly or annually). The coverage details: What all risks are covered and the maximum amount that’ll be received. The deductibles: How much would you have to pay from your pocket before the insurance comes into the picture. All the detailed terms and conditions of the insurance policy. Upon comparing property insurance quotes, you not only see the difference in the prices but also what you will actually pay for. Why It’s Important to Compare Property Insurance Quotes? Would you ever buy the car you see in the showroom without checking a few more? You won’t! And the same behaviour should be for insurance. Here’s why you must compare: Save Money– Different companies offer similar coverage but premiums may differ. When you compare, you can get the most cost-effective deal. Understand Coverage– Not all property insurance plans available will cover the same set of risks. For example, some companies just don’t include natural disasters. Avoid Surprises– Reading the details carefully helps you know what’s included and what’s not and hence, no shocks later during claims. Tailor to Needs– By comparing, you choose the correct plan for your property type, whether it’s residential, commercial, rental, etc. Best Ways to Compare Property Insurance Quotes Now comes the main part! How exactly should you compare quotes so that you end up making a smart decision? Look Beyond the Premium While it’s normal to check the price as the first thing, it’s not a good idea to get swayed by the cheapest property insurance quotes. A low premium often means either that the coverage is limited or the deductibles are high. Let’s say you might find one policy at ₹7,000 per year and the other one at ₹11,500. The catch is that the cheaper one doesn’t cover natural disasters, while the expensive one does. Hence, you get better value in the second one. Check the Coverage in Detail Not all property insurance plans will protect you against the same set of risks. The coverage should match your property type and location risks. So, make sure that all this is included: Damage due to fire and accident Natural calamities cover Theft or burglary Electrical or mechanical breakdown Third-party liability (you causing damage to another person’s property) Understand Deductibles Basically, a deductible is the amount you agree to pay before insurance kicks in and lower premiums usually have higher deductibles. When comparing property insurance quotes, don’t miss out on this point. Say your policy has a ₹40,000 deductible. So if your damage is ₹65,000 then the insurance will only cover ₹25,000. Compare Claim Settlement Ratios Getting a property insurance plan is only useful if the company doesn’t make a fuss while settling claims. You must check the claim settlement ratio of the insurer and learn how many claims they actually take action on. Even if the premium is slightly higher, go for a trusted insurer because a cheap plan might delay payments. Look for Add-Ons and Benefits Some insurers offer extra features. Adding them may slightly increase your premium but then the protection also becomes wider. You can consider: Rent loss cover: If you live in a rented house and it becomes unlivable after damage, the policy will help. Coverage for valuable contents inside the property: It provides coverage for jewelry, expensive appliances, etc. Temporary accommodation expenses: In case you can’t stay in your home after damage, that will be taken care of. Compare Policy Terms and Exclusions Always read the fine print because you might assume some coverage when it might not be there. Like some plans don’t include damages caused by negligence or damages from gradual wear and tear. And when you carefully compare property insurance quotes, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Check Flexibility of Payment Plans Some insurers allow you to pay premiums at your preferred duration. Monthly, quarterly or annually; you choose. You can always pick what fits your budget and which option helps you save more over time. Monthly vs Annual Premiums – Which is Better? When you have a bunch of property insurance quotes with you, you’ll notice that there is also an option of paying monthly or annual premiums. Here’s the difference:
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