Ayushman Bharat cover for all above 70
With the elderly population, which also forms an important voting bloc, on the rise, BJP announced a slew of measures to meet their healthcare and social needs.
The party promised to expand the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to cover senior citizens (above 70 years of age) regardless of their economic background. Currently, the scheme is available only to poor and vulnerable families.
Under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the largest health insurance scheme in the world of its kind, beneficiaries get health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
The BJP manifesto has also promised to ensure seamless access to social security benefits and other essential govt services to senior citizens by leveraging the extensive reach and reliability of the postal and digital network. It has promised to provide comprehensive training in using UPI and other online payment methods, while also educating them on how to recognise and avoid digital scams.
According to a UN report released last year, there were 14.9 crore people aged 60 years and above in the country in 2022 (as on July 1), comprising around 10.5% of the population. This is estimated to increase to 15% (around 22.7 crore) by 2036.
Health insurance assistance platform ClaimBuddy raises $5 m, closes Series A
The funding round was led by Bharat Innovation Fund (BIF), and saw participation from Japanese fund CAC Capital, along with existing investors Chiratae Ventures and Rebright Partners.
The fund will help Claim Buddy advance its technology, expand its team and sales network, and add new product lines for its growing network of Hospitals.
This story is from the May 2024 edition of THE INSURANCE TIMES.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2024 edition of THE INSURANCE TIMES.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
International News
Saudi Arabia's Insurance Market Poised for Transformation - Saudi Arabia's general insurance market is on a trajectory of rapid growth, with gross written premiums expected to rise from SAR 68.8 billion ($18.4 billion) in 2024 to SAR 105.3 billion ($28.1 billion) by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 8.9%. This growth is driven by regulatory reforms, economic diversification, and increased consumer awareness of risk management.
Life Insurance News
HDFC Life Insurance Reports Data Breach - HDFC Life Insurance recently disclosed a data breach, adding to the growing list of Indian insurers facing cybersecurity threats. The breach, revealed in a regulatory filing, prompted the company to launch an extensive investigation with information security experts to safeguard customer interests.
Health Insurance News
Star Health Launches 'Star Arogya Digi Seva' to Enhance Rural Healthcare - In a bid to revolutionize rural healthcare, Star Health Insurance unveiled its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, 'Star Arogya Digi Seva,' in collaboration with the Center for Chronic Disease and Control (CCDC). The initiative aims to provide essential healthcare services to underserved rural areas by leveraging telemedicine technology and Mobile Health Units (MHUS).
Insurance Regulator Update
IRDAI Calls for More Players in the Insurance Sector - IRDAI Chairman Debasish Panda has called for more conglomerates to enter the insurance space, emphasizing the immense opportunities offered by India's vast population of 1.4 billion. Panda urged private equity funds, institutional investors, venture capitalists, and family offices to explore the insurance market, highlighting that the current 70 insurers in the country are insufficient to meet growing demands.
General Insurance News
Tier 2 and 3 Cities Propel Growth in Motor Insurance - The rise in private consumption in India has positioned tier 2 and 3 cities as key drivers of growth in the motor insurance segment. Increasing vehicle ownership and heightened awareness of insurance have fueled this expansion, according to a report by InsurTech platform Turtlemint. These cities accounted for over 90% of motor insurance policies sold and the premium volume during the festive season this year.
"Bancassurance is at the heart of our growth strategy. It allows Bandhan Life to reach more customers and provide accessible, trusted insurance solutions through a familiar network."
About Indranil Dutta - Indranil Dutta brings 23 years of experience in insurance, banking, and sales, with a specialization in bancassurance. As the Chief Business Officer - Bancassurance at Bandhan Life Insurance, he leads the banca sales channel and plays a key role in driving the company's strategic vision of becoming a leading multi-channel life insurer with an expanded presence across product categories.
IRDAI Corner
The Eighth Bima Manthan, the quarterly meeting of IRDAI with the insurance industry was held on 11th and 12th November 2024, in Hyderabad
International Conference on Inclusive Insurance (ICII) 2024
The 20th edition of the International Conference on Inclusive Insurance (ICII) concluded on a high note in Kathmandu, Nepal, after five days of insightful discussions, interactive workshops, and collaborative networking. Hosted by the Nepal Insurers' Association in partnership with the Life Insurance Association Nepal, Nepal Micro Insurance Association, Nepal Insurance Authority, Munich Re Foundation, and the Microinsurance Network, the conference brought together around 500 participants from around the globe. The Insurance Times was the media partner in the event.
How to choose a Health Insurance Plan that fits your evolving needs
When you are single, you might focus on plans with basic coverage and low premiums. As you get married, look for family floater plans that cover your spouse. When you have children, ensure the plan covers pediatric care, vaccinations, and other child-specific healthcare needs.
My View on #20SIRC Conference
The participants include world top reinsurers, brokers, insurers, IT companies, Consultants, and Regulators. As a regulator from Nepal attending the (#20SIRC) was a unique thrilling experience that provided opportunities for learning, networking, and strategic development. Here's a detailed perspective that I had experienced during my visit to Singapore.
