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How to Navigate Travel Insurance for Multiple Countries

Travelling to multiple countries on a single trip can be an exciting adventure. However, it also requires thorough planning, especially when it comes to international travel insurance. Ensuring you have the right coverage for each destination is essential.

Choosing travel insurance for multiple countries ensures coverage across various destinations within a single trip. This type of insurance is essential for international travellers who visit several countries.

Let us guide you through navigating travel insurance for multiple countries.

How to Choose the Right International Travel Insurance for Multiple Countries

Assess Your Needs

Before purchasing travel insurance, consider the countries you will visit, the duration of your stay and the activities you plan to engage in. For example, if you plan to participate in adventure sports, ensure your policy covers such activities.

Compare Policies

Look for the best travel insurance for multiple countries that offers comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price. You may buy travel insurance online by using online comparison tools to find the most suitable options quickly.

Check Coverage Limits

Ensure your international travel insurance for multiple countries has adequate coverage limits. It must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and baggage delay/loss. The coverage limits of your international travel insurance should be sufficient to cover potential expenses in the countries you will visit.

Medical Coverage

Medical coverage is an important component of international travel insurance to multiple countries. Ensure the policy covers medical expenses in all countries you will visit. Also, check if it covers emergency evacuation and repatriation.

 Trip Cancellations and Interruptions

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage protects you if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unforeseen events. This could include illness, natural disasters, or other emergencies. Ensure this coverage applies to all your planned destinations.

 Baggage and Personal Belongings

Losing baggage can be inconvenient. Ensure your travel insurance single trip multiple countries policy covers lost, stolen or damaged baggage. It should also cover essential personal belongings.

Tips for Using Travel Insurance Single Trip Multiple Countries

Know How to Make A Claim

When you purchase travel insurance for multiple countries, you must also familiarise yourself with the claim process. Know what documents are required to file a claim and how to contact your insurance provider. Promptly report any incidents to the insurance provider to get your claim quickly.

Keep Your Documents Handy

Carry copies of your travel medical insurance for multiple countries; you may have them online. Also, know the emergency contact numbers and the claim process. Having these documents handy will make the claim process convenient.

Stay Informed

Stay informed about the local conditions in each country. Understand the local laws, health risks, and safety guidelines. Staying informed can help you avoid situations that may require using your travel insurance for a single trip to multiple countries.

Conclusion

Navigating travel insurance to multiple countries requires careful planning and consideration. Assess your needs to ensure comprehensive coverage. Purchasing travel insurance online from reputable providers can save you time and money.

Make sure your policy covers medical expenses, trip cancellations and baggage loss across all destinations. Plan wisely to enjoy a hassle-free adventure while staying protected.

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Insurance

All Your Questions About Waiting Period In Health Insurance Answered

When you buy health insurance, there’s something called a waiting period that you need to know about. It’s like when you order a pizza and have to wait for it to be cooked and delivered before you can enjoy it. In health insurance, the waiting period is the time between when you start your insurance plan and when some of the benefits start to work for you.

Waiting periods can differ based on the type of coverage and the insurance provider. For instance, a dental insurance plan might have a six-month waiting period before it covers procedures such as fillings or tooth extractions. Similarly, for a health insurance plan, there might be a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, which means if you have a chronic illness before signing up for the plan, you might have to wait a certain amount of time before the insurance covers treatment for that condition.

It’s super important to understand your insurance plan’s waiting periods because it helps you know when you can use your benefits and how to plan your healthcare.

In short, waiting periods are a normal part of health insurance plans. They help keep the insurance system fair for everyone. By knowing about waiting periods, you can be ready and make the best use of your insurance when needed. Health insurance is there to help you stay healthy and protect you from big medical bills, so it’s good to understand how it works, including the waiting periods.

What Is The Waiting Period In Health Insurance & Its Types?

One term that often causes confusion in health insurance is the “waiting period.” This is a crucial aspect of health insurance policies that can significantly affect your coverage.

A waiting period in health insurance is a predetermined duration during which the policyholder is not entitled to claim benefits for certain conditions or treatments. This period begins from the policy’s commencement date. It is designed to prevent abuse of the insurance system, such as signing up for a policy knowing that you will soon need medical treatment.

Types Of Waiting Periods

There are several types of waiting periods that you may encounter in health insurance policies:

  1. Initial Waiting Period:This general waiting period applies to all new policyholders. It typically lasts 30 to 90 days and covers any claims except those arising from accidental injuries.
  2. Pre-Existing Disease (PED) Waiting Period: If you have a pre-existing condition when purchasing the policy, you will have to wait for a specified period, which can range from one to four years, before you can claim benefits for treatments related to that condition.
  3. Waiting Period for Specific Diseases: Certain conditions, such as hernias or joint replacements, may have a specific waiting period attached to them. This period can vary based on the insurer’s policy and the nature of the condition.
  4. Maternity Benefit Waiting Period: Those planning to start a family should pay close attention to this waiting period. It usually ranges from 9 months to 3 years before maternity-related expenses can be claimed.
  5. Waiting Period for Newborn Baby Coverage: Similar to maternity benefits, there is often a waiting period before a newborn baby can be included in the parent’s policy, typically ranging from 9 months to 3 years.

Can I Claim Health Insurance After 1 Month?

One common question is whether it’s possible to claim health insurance just one month after purchasing a policy. The answer largely depends on the terms and conditions of your health insurance plan and the nature of your claim.

Most health insurance policies include an initial waiting period, which typically ranges from 30 to 90 days from the commencement of the policy. During this time, policyholders are generally not eligible to receive claim benefits for any form of hospitalization, whether planned or emergency, except for accidental cases.

Recent changes in health insurance regulations have aimed to make policies more consumer-friendly. As of 2024, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) has mandated a reduction in the waiting period for pre-existing diseases from four years to three years, and the moratorium period has been reduced from eight years to five years. These changes are significant for policyholders as they allow for earlier claims on certain conditions previously subject to longer waiting periods.

For cashless claims, policyholders are usually required to inform the insurance company about three days before planned hospitalization. In the case of emergencies, the notification period is typically within 24 hours after admission to the hospital. Reimbursement claims, where the policyholder pays upfront and claims later, generally need to be raised within 7 to 15 days after getting discharged from the hospital.

What Is The Longest Waiting Time For Health Insurance?

The longest waiting period for health insurance, particularly for pre-existing diseases, has been reduced from 4 years to 3 years as per the latest regulations by the insurance regulator IRDAI. This change aims to benefit consumers by allowing them to get complete health insurance coverage sooner. Additionally, the moratorium period, after which no claim can be denied except in fraud cases, has decreased from 8 to 5 years. It’s important to note that these periods can differ based on the policy & the insurance company, so it’s always best to check the specific terms & conditions of your health insurance policy.

How Can I Reduce My Waiting Period For Health Insurance?

  1. Review Your Policy: Start by thoroughly reviewing your current health insurance policy. Understand the terms and conditions related to the waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
  2. Choose a Plan with a Shorter Waiting Period: When shopping for a new health insurance plan, look for options with shorter waiting periods. Some insurers may provide plans with reduced waiting times as a competitive feature.
  3. Opt for a Waiver: Check if your insurer offers a waiting period waiver, which can allow you to reduce or eliminate the waiting period, usually in exchange for a higher premium.
  4. Maintain Continuous Coverage: Some insurers may reduce the waiting period if you have maintained continuous health coverage without any breaks, demonstrating your commitment to staying insured.
  5. Negotiate with the Insurer: If you have a good relationship with your insurer or a history of timely premium payments, you might be able to negotiate a reduced waiting period.
  6. Group Insurance Plans: If available, consider enrolling in a group insurance plan through your employer or an association, as these plans often have reduced or no waiting periods for members.
  7. Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes: Keep an eye on changes in health insurance regulations that might affect waiting periods, as policy changes could work in your favor.

By following these steps, you can potentially reduce the waiting period for your health insurance and gain access to the coverage you need more quickly.

Which Policy Has No Waiting Period?

A zero waiting period in health insurance means that you can file a claim and avail of the policy coverage as soon as you purchase the policy. This mainly benefits accidental hospitalization claims, typically covered from day one. It ensures that you do not have to serve the initial waiting period of 30 days if you suffer an injury due to a casualty.

Moreover, some health insurance plans offer no waiting period for pre-existing diseases (PEDs). While most health plans include a waiting period for PEDs—ranging from 2 to 4 years—some insurers provide plans where PEDs are covered from the first day of the policy. Additionally, several companies offer an optional cover to waive off the waiting period for PEDs, which might require paying an extra premium.

It’s important to note that while some plans may offer day-one coverage for specific conditions or accidents, typically, no insurance provider offers zero waiting periods for all situations at once.

Conclusion

The waiting period is a fundamental feature of health insurance policies that protects both the insurer and the insured. By understanding the different types of waiting periods, you can make more informed decisions about your health insurance coverage & avoid surprises when you need to use your policy.
CarePal Secure emerges as a reliable choice in this context. It offers health protection plans with no waiting period and ensures immediate coverage from the moment you sign up. This feature benefits those seeking prompt protection without the stress of a waiting timeline. With CarePal Secure, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you & your loved ones are covered from day one, making it a prudent choice for health protection in India.

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Insurance

Brookfield Sets Sights on Becoming an Insurance Powerhouse after Strategic American National Deal

Brookfield Reinsurance has embarked on a rapid growth trajectory defined by transformative mergers and acquisitions since its inception in 2020. The most pivotal of these deals was the 2022 $5.1 billion purchase of American National Insurance, marking a watershed moment for Brookfield to expand its multi-line insurance offerings.

Founded in 1905, American National Insurance brought over a century of experience to the table with its presence across all 50 U.S. states. Integrating American National’s expertise in life insurance, annuities, property, and casualty immediately widened Brookfield Reinsurance’s capabilities and geographic scope. Forbes recently named American National one of America’s Best Insurance Companies for 2024, underscoring its strong reputation for customer service and policy value.

On the heels of this landscape-changing deal, Brookfield Reinsurance continued its acquisition spree by snapping up Argo Group International Holdings in a $1.1 billion agreement set for completion in November 2023. Adding Argo’s niche property and casualty platform aims to further diversify Brookfield’s solutions in this vital sector.

Brookfield Reinsurance also has a $4.3 billion purchase of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company on tap for 2024. This annuities-focused firm would nicely complement Brookfield’s push into retirement income offerings.

Once the American Equity Investment Life acquisition concludes, Brookfield Reinsurance will have invested over $10 billion into its expansion ambitions. It is projected to oversee more than $100 billion in total assets under management. Strategically integrating these marquee names intends to transform Brookfield Reinsurance into an insurance juggernaut.

Pursuing established insurers aligns with Brookfield Reinsurance’s aim of acquiring and operating blue-chip industry players. Providing access to its parent company, Brookfield Corporation’s investment pipeline, can unlock its growth potential. Nurturing the talent and capabilities of these acquired companies while exploring new opportunities spots Brookfield well for the future.

Brookfield Reinsurance aspires to cultivate insurers over the long haul by concentrating on shareholder returns while still delivering for policyholders. With nearly $100 billion in assets after the American National Insurance deal, it prioritizes scale, risk optimization, and investment performance across business lines.

American National Insurance represented the crown jewel purchase to catalyze Brookfield Reinsurance’s insurance expansion. Adding its time-tested experience, geographic breadth, and stellar reputation, it offered a perfect platform for growth. Subsequent agreements with respected names like Argo Group and American Equity Investment Life promise to augment Brookfield Reinsurance’s insurance empire.

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Insurance

All You Need to Know About Day Care Treatment in Health Insurance

Health insurance is crucial for managing high healthcare costs. Most plans cover extended hospital stays and major treatments. But many treatments don’t need long stays, yet they can be expensive. Thankfully, some health insurance now covers day care treatments, which are procedures lasting less than 24 hours.

Not all insurance companies cover every day care procedure. So, it’s essential to check which treatments a policy includes before buying.

What is a daycare treatment?

A day care treatment is a medical procedure that takes less than 24 hours and doesn’t require an overnight stay in the hospital. Examples include chemotherapy for cancer, appendectomy, angiography, and radiotherapy.

It’s important to note that day care procedures are specific medical operations or treatments that, thanks to modern technology, can be done in a day without the need for a prolonged hospital stay. This doesn’t include smaller procedures like consultations for minor issues such as sprains or fractures.

Importance of having day care treatment in health insurance

When you have health insurance that covers day care treatments, it means the insurance company will help pay for medical procedures that don’t require an extended stay in the hospital, usually less than 24 hours. Even though these treatments are shorter, they can still be costly. Having insurance coverage for day care treatments ensures that you receive financial assistance, making it easier for you to manage the expenses associated with such medical procedures. It adds a layer of financial protection for shorter medical interventions, offering peace of mind and reducing the burden of healthcare costs.

What is covered in daycare treatment?

Day care treatments coverage in health insurance helps pay for medical expenses when you have a surgery, treatment, or operation that doesn’t keep you in the hospital overnight. It’s for situations where you spend less than 24 hours in the hospital. Examples of day care treatments are eye surgery, dialysis, chemotherapy, and any medical care that lets you go home on the same day. It covers the costs of these shorter medical procedures, providing financial support for your healthcare needs.

What is not covered in daycare treatment?

Health insurance coverage for day care treatments doesn’t include all short-term medical procedures. It doesn’t cover treatments done in the Outpatient Department (OPD).

For instance, if you have a medical consultation for minor injuries, common illnesses, or regular check-ups, it falls under OPD. These procedures don’t involve major surgeries, so they are not considered as day care treatments.

In simple terms, day care coverage is for specific treatments that need a short hospital stay of less than 24 hours, not routine check-ups or minor consultations.

How does a medical treatment become eligible for day care treatment?

For a medical treatment to be eligible as a day care procedure, three things are essential:

Medical Necessity:

The treatment must be necessary for the patient’s health.

Hospital Admission:

The treatment should need the patient to be admitted to a hospital.

Less Than 24 Hours:

The treatment should take less than 24 hours due to advanced medical technology.

In simpler terms, the treatment must be needed, require hospital admission, and be completed within a day because of modern medical advancements.

How to file a claim for day care procedure?

Filing a claim for a day care procedure is quite like doing it for a regular hospital stay. You have two options: cashless or reimbursement, depending on where you get the treatment.

Cashless Method:

Choose a hospital that’s in your insurance network.

Inform your insurance provider before admission.

Get the treatment, and the bills will be settled directly between the hospital and the insurer.

Reimbursement Method:

If you go to a non-network hospital, pay the bills yourself.

Collect all the necessary documents and bills.

Submit these documents to your insurance company.

The insurer will reimburse you for the eligible expenses after verifying the documents.

So, it’s like a step-by-step process: inform, get treated, and then settle the bills either directly or get reimbursed.

What is the difference between a Day care Treatment and OPD treatment

The main difference between day care treatment and OPD (Outpatient Department) treatment lies in the duration of the medical procedure and the need for hospitalization.

Day Care Treatment:

Involves medical procedures, surgeries, or treatments that require less than 24 hours of hospitalization.

Examples include chemotherapy, cataract surgery, dialysis, etc.

Despite being a short stay, it’s more than just a regular visit to the doctor.

OPD Treatment:

Occurs in the Outpatient Department of a hospital or clinic.

Typically involves minor medical consultations, check-ups, or treatments that don’t require overnight stays.

Examples include routine check-ups, minor injuries, vaccinations, etc.

In conclusion, having daycare coverage in health insurance is essential as it provides financial support for medical procedures that require less than 24 hours of hospitalisation. This coverage ensures that policyholders are protected against the high costs of short-term treatments, such as surgeries and therapies, without the need for prolonged hospital stays.

Before choosing a health insurance policy, it’s crucial to check the coverage for day care treatments, as not all insurance plans may include comprehensive protection for these procedures. Understanding and securing day care coverage adds an extra layer of financial security, making health insurance plans more comprehensive and beneficial for policyholders.

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Insurance

Buying A Health Insurance Cover? Don’t Skip The Medical Test

Many insurance firms advertise “no medical test required,” which seems ideal. Is it right? Many insurers now offer life insurance plans without requiring all examinations. These plans could be more customer friendly. Before buying any such types of health insurance plans, consider these points.

The key is declaration:

Medical exams are not a licence to ignore health issues. The application form may still need a health declaration, and your disclosure can determine premium rates. You must show your health in the declaration. Hiding a health problem can ruin your insurance. A firm must undertake medical testing before purchasing a health insurance plan to accept a claim quickly.

When the company suspects critical facts were hidden at policy purchase, it rejects the claim. When lakhs of rupees are at stake, fooling insurance providers is difficult. Insurance firms meticulously investigate early demise (within two years of acquiring the coverage). Insurers’ claims departments have medical experts who could assess if a sickness existed before the health insurance plans for family.

Some agencies can dig out information by chatting with neighbours, coworkers, friends, family members, and others. The claim is rejected if the company discovers fraud or concealment.

Claims that are not allowed to be made are only occasionally scheming. Patients on the verge of developing diabetes might not know unless they have a medical test. An insurance provider is entitled to refuse to pay out on a claim by arguing that the concealed minor illness worsened and resulted in demise. As a result, even a careless slip-up can result in redundant life insurance.

Medical tests reduce costs:

Medical tests lower buyer premiums. The risk assessment determines insurance premiums. The typical person may pay less for the same coverage if a medical exam shows that one has normal sugar levels and the other is borderline. Experts argue that an insurance business can give a competitive premium if it knows the buyer’s health.

If they apply for a policy without medical tests, each can pay the same price.

The insurance firm shall consider both risks and raise premiums. If you’re healthy, don’t pay for others’ medical issues. A thorough medical check is the most effective approach to prove to your insurer that you are low risk.

Few buyers realise that health insurance plans without medical tests cost more than those that do. A no-test policy is more convenient than one that requires hospitalisation*. If a healthy individual pays Rs 8,000, a sick person pays Rs 12,000. If no medical exams are done, the corporation may charge everyone Rs 10,000.

Insufficient coverage:

Non-medical-test policies are usually low-value. No company can cover more than Rs 5 lakh without a medical checkup, even if you’re under 30 and healthy. Buyers aged 30-40 pay Rs 2 lakh. Low-value plans rarely meet life insurance needs.

Thus, one must get a health insurance medical test before they buy the right policy. Opting for a medical test may seem like a task at first but it may be important over the longer course of time.

‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.‘

*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply

(* Standard T&C Apply )

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Insurance

How Car Insurance Works After A Natural Disaster

By purchasing car insurance policy, you receive financial assistance if your car is damaged due to natural disasters, such as fires, earthquakes, storms, cyclones, and so on. It also includes coverage against mishaps, fires, and thefts. Purchase a comprehensive policy for your car and receive compensation for damages caused by natural disasters.

In the event of a natural disaster, your car is vulnerable to two types of damage:

  1. Exterior or interior damages:

Easily compensate for the costs by utilising the own-damage insurance component of your comprehensive coverage.

  1. Engine damage:

Repairing extensive damage like this is difficult and costly.

We list down the steps to get help in case of such damages.

Natural disasters: how to file a car insurance claim –

Have natural or man-made disasters damaged your car? If you already have comprehensive car insurance, here are some common steps for filing a claim.

 

Step 1: Leave the scene alone and collect photographic evidence of the damage. It includes photographs from every angle.

Step 2: Write down the date, location, and general timeline of events since the disaster. During this time, the car must remain stationary.

Step 3: With the evidence and timeline, notify your car insurance provider. Inform them of the damage to your car.

Step 4: Your insurer can send a surveyor to investigate the problem. The investigator would inspect the damage and confirm your details about what happened. Your claim can be approved shortly after you submit the survey report.

Step 5: The insurer may tow your car to the nearest garage for repairs. However, ensure all documents are submitted per the car insurance policy company’s requirements. You can pick up your car from the garage once the repairs are completed.

Step 6: The expenses are billed to the insurer for Cashless Claims. In case of a car insurance claim settlement ratio or situation, you must submit all bills and payment receipts to the insurer. The reimbursement can be deposited into your account following verification.

Take precautions to prevent further damage –

In a crisis, you and your loved ones’ safety should take precedence. However, if you have enough warning of a coming storm, the following tips can help reduce the risk of car damage:

  • If you have a flood warning, move your car to higher ground, such as the top of a hill or a high level in a parking garage.
  • To avoid hail and wind damage, park your car in a garage or other shelter.
  • To keep water out of your garage, use sandbags or flood barriers.
  • Avoid parking near trees or power lines.
  • If you have multiple vehicles and need to evacuate, try to get all of them out of the disaster area.
  • Stay away from driving through standing water.

Examine the damage to your car after the storm has passed. If it’s flooded, don’t start it. Instead, disconnect the battery, roll down the windows if possible, and have the car towed to a safe location.

If you have Comprehensive coverage, it will protect you from the financial impact of natural disasters. You can verify this information by looking at the policy paper. You can obtain additional information by consulting the Policy details, which are located on the insurance company’s website. Another way is by calling your insurer and asking them about it.

‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.‘

*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply

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Insurance

 5 BIG Reasons to Buy an Online Term Plan

The online marketplace is replacing the traditional markets in most industries and insurance is no exception. It has become easier than ever to buy insurance online with a few steps. If you are planning to buy term insurance and are wondering which way would be better, online or offline, here is a compelling case of why you should go for the online way.

Here are five reasons to purchase your term policy online-

  • It is easy to do all the research
    When you are buying insurance or any financial instrument that affects your life in the long haul, thorough research is a must. On the internet, it is easy to find all the required information related to term insurance. From which are the best term insurances in the market to understanding the basic terminologies of term insurance, you can find it all online. It is difficult to conduct the same amount of content and research offline. You can also find reviews of each type of insurance plan that you are contemplating buying, along with each term insurance plan’s benefits, features, and overall reliability.
  • Compare and choose
    The insurance sector is an ever-growing one with cut-throat competition between several insurance companies. To stay ahead of the competition, insurance companies offer lucrative term insurance benefits. You may come across several companies while carrying out your research. If you make a random choice, without comparing the different companies and their plans, you might regret your decision later. While buying a term plan, you can easily compare the different term plans online and shortlist the best one.Comparing will ensure that you do not miss out on a better plan and will instill in you more confidence about the plan you choose. Use a term insurance plan calculator to ensure that you get an estimate of the premiums payable for your desired sum assured.
  • Easy and quick process
    Once you have researched and compared, you can buy term insurance online in a few minutes. All you need to do is access the website or mobile application of the insurance company from whom you are purchasing and complete their entire process step-by-step. If you face any difficulty, most insurance companies provide an online and on-call customer care service that could guide you further. Also, for all the documents that you have to submit, you can simply upload them online. Unlike the traditional method, where one would have to take hours out of their day to visit an insurance company and buy their term plan, the online process can be completed within a few minutes.
  • Comparatively lower premiums
    If you observe the premium of a term plan of the same insurance company offering the same cover, you find that, in most cases, the premium of the online insurance plan is lower than that of an offline plan. When you buy an online term plan, it saves your money along with your time and energy as it entirely omits the involvement of an insurance agent. Also, since the entire transaction is paperless, several administrative costs are excluded too. These factors make purchasing a policy online cheaper than offline.
  • Make your own plan
    In today’s times, the customer is the king. With so many insurance companies having cut-throat competition, each company is trying their best to stand out as much as possible. Most insurance companies these days allow you to customize your term insurance plan. When you buy an online term plan, you can choose to add or remove some features and benefits. This allows you to add any rider benefits to your term plan for additional security. The customization feature allows you to have a term plan that meets your needs while also fitting in to your budget.

A term insurance policy acts as the financial cover for your loved ones in your absence. Whether you buy it online or offline, ensure that you read the fine print. Also, get an estimate of your premiums using a term insurance plan calculator. Ensure that the premium you choose is something that you can easily afford throughout the tenure of your term policy.

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Insurance

How to rebuild your life as a car accident victim in LA?

A car accident can change the victim’s entire life in unimaginable ways. The trauma stays forever if the victim loses limbs or is left paralyzed for life, no more in the condition to earn a living. 

If you fit into any of the categories we’ve mentioned above, you require the help of a personal injury attorney in Las Vegas. 

You can learn more about your rights and possible course of action in the sections to follow. Dive in!

What causes major chunks of auto accidents in LA?

There are many reasons. But the major causes include:

  • Drunk driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Not giving heed to traffic rules
  • Driving under the influence of drugs 
  • Cutting lanes and overspeeding

As unlikely as it might seem, the streets are full of fools behind wheels who do not care for their safety and that of others on the road. 

If you’ve unfortunately been harmed, in any way, due to negligent driving by another person, you require the legal counsel of the best personal injury lawyers. 

You have insurance, then why legal assistance?

Insurance companies aren’t dying to put you out of your financial misery. They approach you soon after your accident not because they care, but because they want to rub their hands off you in the beginning. 

Why you ask us? 

Well, if insurers can coax you into signing papers early on, they’ll have their way out by paying you very little compensation. What about the wages you’ll lose until recovery? What about the future cost of treatment? You might require counseling sessions or surgeries later on – who pays for that?

Only an experienced personal injury lawyer is on your side – not your insurers nor the party who has put you in the hospital bed!

When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you get the following benefits:

  1. Experienced attorneys deal with insurers day in and day out. Hence, they will make sure nobody steals a single penny from your rightful settlement amount.
  2. They offer free consultation services. What’s more? They will never charge anything before they help you get the claim released. 
  3. They will make sure you’re paid for non-economic damages as well. 

How do you pick an attorney?

Now you know that insurance companies aren’t your companions, lawyers are. But, since Vegas is so full of auto accident attorneys, it can be overwhelming for an accident victim to pick the right lawyer. 

If that’s been troubling you too, here is a list of a few checkpoints that’ll help you in picking a lawyer that’ll certainly see you home.

  • Look at the winning track record and the money they’ve recovered for their clients. It will be mentioned on the website.
  • Take testimonials and Google reviews seriously. 
  • Anybody who asks for an upfront fee is not the right representative for you.

With this, we conclude our guide on the note that you might never meet with an accident and even if you do, you find the best legal aid possible!

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Insurance

Have an Expired Car Insurance Policy? Know How You Can Transfer Its NCB

In the beginning of the 21st century, cars were a sign of wealth and luxury. But as decade have passed, it is no longer a status symbol and indulgence, instead, it has become a necessity for safe and comfortable commute. With towns and cities having good road connectivity, workplaces have moved far away from home and people commute over such distances each day.

Since cars are essential for an easy travel, it is best to protect it using an insurance plan. While you can buy car insurance online as the bare minimum to ensure legal compliance, such policy offers a limited coverage. Hence, it is known as a limited liability cover. Contrary to such limited liability plans, you can purchase comprehensive policies that offer a broader coverage protecting your car against damages alongside the mandatory third-party coverage. Comprehensive policies, however, have one lesser-known benefit that helps keeps the premium in check—No-Claim Bonus or NCB.

What is the no-claim bonus?

No-claim bonus or NCB is a reduction in premium offered by the insurer at the time of car insurance renewal. Such NCB benefits are available only when no claims are made during the previous policy period. To simply state, it is a benefit that the insurance company passes because you do not make any claims during the previous policy tenure. Such NCB benefits can be accumulated over the years to further lower the car insurance prices.

When can you transfer the no-claim bonus?

Your car insurance policy’s no-claim bonus can be transferred in two scenarios—one, when your policy is expired and due for renewal and you want to switch your insurance company and second, when you sell your car to transfer it to a new car’s insurance cover. In both these scenarios, you need to obtain an NCB transfer certificate which remains valid for a period of three years from its date of issue. You can visit the official website of IRDAI for further details.

What is the process of transferring the NCB?

Your car insurance policy’s accumulated NCB can either be transferred during the policy period or at the end of its tenure. With an NCB retention letter shared with the new insurance company, your accrued and accumulated NCB can be transferred.

Here are the documents that are required to issue an NCB retention letter:

  • Request letter for policy cancellation in case of transfer during the tenure.
  • Original copy of the existing car insurance policy
  • Form 29 of the RTO that mentions the notice of transfer of vehicle’s ownership
  • Form 30 of the RTO which is an application for transfer of the ownership.
  • Amended registration certificate with name of new owners.
  • Copy of delivery note.

Apart from the above pointers for transferring the NCB, here are some addition considerations to keep in mind:

  • The no-claim bonus is linked to the policyholder and not the vehicle. Hence, even if you sell your car, the NCB still belongs to you.
  • Make sure to submit the NCB retention letter within its validity of three years to the new insurance company otherwise all accrued benefits will be lost.
  • Such NCB transfer is possible only among the same category of vehicle, i.e., your car’s NCB can be transferred to another car and not a bike and vice versa.

You can visit the official website of IRDAI for further details.

With these pointers discussed on how you can transfer no-claim bonus in your car insurance plan after its expiry, make sure to use a car insurance calculator to know its impact on the premium. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

 

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Insurance

Factors to Check When Buying Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

The medical inflation rates in the country have been seeing an uptick pushing up the cost of availing healthcare facilities. While healthcare cannot be ignored, health insurance is a way to ensure financial coverage is available to combat the soaring treatment costs. This becomes all the more crucial when you have elderly parents whose reliance on medical treatment is higher.

As age increases, the reliance on external medication increases and that’s when a health insurance policy comes to the rescue to cover the rising treatment costs. Even if your parents are covered in a group health plan or family health insurance, it may not be sufficient as these plans cater to different needs which may not be specifically focused on ailments for the elderly. Hence, a senior citizen health insurance plan is the right choice.

What is health insurance for senior citizens?

Health insurance for senior citizens is specifically designed to cover age-related ailments. The entry age for such plans is high thereby allowing elderly individuals to opt for a health cover. Other features of senior citizen policy include coverage for ailments that are mainly age-related, inclusion of pre and post hospitalisation coverage, day-care treatments, etc.

What factors to look for when buying health insurance for senior citizens?

There are myriad health insurance plans when it comes to choosing a policy for your parents. But, these are few pointers that you must keep in mind:

  • Cover for in-patient hospitalisation

It is termed as in-patient hospitalisation when the patient is admitted to the medical facility for a period of more than 24 hours. When buying a senior citizen health cover, it is essential to consider such facility as a part of the insurance plan as the treatment at such old age is often for a prolonged duration. Also, the treatment that are required at such age are often for a longer duration and hence must be included in the insurance coverage. In-patient hospitalisation covers all hospital expenses which include the surgeon fees, specialist fees, cost of medicines, nurses and the like. *

  • Fewer restrictions for post-treatment costs

While most senior citizen plans cover in-patient treatment, it is not enough. You must also keep consider the post-treatment cost of any ailment. It is not only essential to seek the right medication when admitted to the hospital but also later when discharged. Hence, a health insurance policy that offers post-treatment coverage comes handy. Generally, plans that offer post-hospitalisation coverage are valid for a duration of 60-90 days. *

  • Lower restriction on day-care treatments

Day-care procedures are those treatment that do not require a hospitalisation for more than 24 hours. Although most insurance companies offer coverage for day-care treatment in their senior citizen plans, it is important to know the ailments that are covered to not be restrictive in nature. *

Apart from the above factors, waiting period for coverage of ailments, co-payment terms for compensation, sub-limits on coverage of different ailments and exclusions in the policy must be kept in mind when selecting a policy.

* Standard T&C Apply

Bottom line

These are some of the crucial considerations to remember when buying a health insurance plan for senior citizens. While the different components of the plan impact the insurance prices, a health insurance premium calculator can be useful in estimating its impact on the premium. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

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