Equitas Small Finance Bank has partnered with Edelweiss Life Insurance for a bancassurance agreement.
Equitas Small Finance Bank (SFB) and Edelweiss Life Insurance have formed a bancassurance partnership to provide customers with enhanced financial security. This partnership enables Equitas SFB's vast customer base to access Edelweiss Life's comprehensive life insurance solutions, including protection, savings, endowment, and unit-linked...
Chola MS
Medical emergencies can arise at any moment, disrupting life and finances. Modern family health insurance plans have evolved to provide comprehensive coverage that goes beyond just hospital stays. These plans now offer advanced features that cater to the realities of life, providing benefits that matter when time, money, and clear decisions are...
Chief Minister’s health insurance scheme reveals that kidney and heart treatments are the most common claims in Chennai.
The Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme in Tamil Nadu has reported that treatment for kidney and heart diseases are the most common claims under the scheme. According to data from the Tamil Nadu State Health Systems Project, dialysis is the most opted procedure, followed by angiography-stenting and cardiac bypass surgery. This information...
Nobody Wants to Find a New Doctor
The article from Bloomberg highlights the challenges of finding a new doctor in the United States. With the rise of consumerism in healthcare, patients are increasingly expecting a more personalized and convenient experience. However, the process of finding a new doctor remains frustrating and time-consuming. According to a survey, 75% of...
SCBA Receives Rs 50 Crore Donation From Adani, Ambani, Birla, Mittal For Group Health Insurance Plan To Benefit Lawyers
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) is set to launch a group insurance scheme for its members, thanks to a significant contribution of Rs 50 crore from some of India's top business leaders. The donors include prominent industrialists such as Gautam Adani, Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal, Anil Aggarwal, Kumar Mangalam Birla, and...
Health insurers dodge Trump’s pricing crackdown, for now – Politico
The Trump administration's efforts to increase transparency in healthcare pricing have hit a roadblock, as health insurers have found ways to circumvent the rules. The administration had introduced a rule requiring insurers to disclose their negotiated rates with healthcare providers, in an effort to promote competition and lower costs. However,...
Deepa Krishnan has been appointed as the Head of Marketing at Edelweiss Alternate Asset Advisors.
Deepa Krishnan has been appointed as the Head of Marketing at Edelweiss Alternate Asset Advisors, effective January 2026. In this role, she will be responsible for leading the marketing efforts for the company's real estate and alternate asset advisory business. With over two decades of experience in marketing, strategy, innovation, and brand...
Government considers ₹5,000 crore capital infusion for three public sector insurance companies as losses resurface.
Vijayan emphasized that strengthening the operational aspects of insurance companies requires more than just increasing capital. Over the past decade, the number of employees in these companies has drastically decreased, from approximately 16,000 to around 7,000 per company. This significant reduction in workforce has likely impacted the...
Key Provisions:
- 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in insurance intermediaries
- Enhanced powers to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
- Implications for the Indian insurance sector
100% FDI:
- Allows full foreign ownership in insurance intermediaries such as brokers, third-party administrators, and surveyors
- Expected to attract more foreign investment into the sector
IRDAI Powers:
- IRDAI to have more regulatory control over the insurance sector
- Powers to regulate and supervise insurance companies, intermediaries, and other stakeholders
- Ability to impose penalties and take enforcement actions against non-compliant entities
What It Means for India:
- Increased foreign investment in the insurance sector
- Enhanced regulatory framework for the insurance industry
- Potential for increased insurance penetration and density in India
- Improved consumer protection and dispute resolution mechanisms
- Opportunities for growth and development of the Indian insurance market
The New Insurance Bill, 2025, also known as the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, is a significant milestone in India's financial sector reforms. The Bill aims to modernize India's insurance ecosystem, expand coverage, and strengthen regulatory oversight. It was approved by the Union Cabinet and is set to be...
New Insurance Bill 2025: Key Features Include 100% FDI, Enhanced Protection for Policyholders, and More in Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill
The Indian government has introduced the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, aiming to revolutionize the country's insurance sector. The bill proposes significant changes to the Insurance Act, 1938, the LIC Act, 1956, and the IRDA Act, 1999, with the goal of achieving universal protection by 2047. Key features of the...
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is reportedly considering acquiring a stake in ManipalCigna Health Insurance.
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is in talks to acquire a significant stake in ManipalCigna Health Insurance, a joint venture between India-based Manipal Education & Medical Group and US-based Cigna Corporation. The proposed deal would value the health insurer at approximately Rs35bn-37.5bn ($408m-437m) and would mark LIC's entry...
On October 8, 2025, insurance agents and associations are likely to raise the issue of Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Finance Ministry.
The insurance industry in India is facing a significant issue related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Input Tax Credit (ITC). Private insurers have reduced distributor payouts by 15-18% to offset the loss of ITC, following the GST exemption on life and health insurance premiums. This move is expected to have a significant impact on...
A smart way to earn ₹20,000 every month for life
The LIC Jeevan Utsav plan, offered by the Life Insurance Corporation of India, is a retirement plan designed to provide lifelong income after a limited premium-paying term. This innovative policy allows individuals to choose a premium payment period of 5 to 16 years, after which they will receive an annual income of 10% of their sum assured for...
FSIB recommends R. Chander for MD’s position in LIC
The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has announced its recommendation for the position of Managing Director at the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). After interacting with five candidates from LIC on September 30, 2025, the Bureau has selected R. Chander for the role. The decision was based on the candidates' performance...
Insurers to charge 18% GST on agents’ commission, Input Tax Credit issue
The Indian government's decision to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health insurance premiums from 18% to 0% has had an unintended consequence on the insurance industry. Insurers are now imposing an 18% GST on commissions paid to agents and distributors to offset losses from the withdrawal of input tax credit (ITC). This move has come...
Top Insurers With Maximum Grievances Revealed By Insurance Ombudsman: All You Need To Know
The Council of Insurance Ombudsman Annual Report 2023-24 has revealed a significant rise in complaints against health insurance companies in India. The report shows that the total number of complaints against health insurance companies increased by 21.7% in FY 2023-24, with 31,490 complaints, compared to 25,873 in FY 22-23. Private insurers...
Health insurers fuel non-life premium growth due to GST benefits.
The non-life insurance industry in India experienced a significant boost in December, with a 14% year-on-year increase in gross direct premium collections, reaching ₹28,446.82 crore. This growth is the second-strongest monthly expansion in the industry, following a substantial 24.2% jump in November. The main driver behind this surge was the...
From Commissions to Care, ETHealthworld
The Indian health insurance industry is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing premiums and a rising number of policyholders. However, beneath the surface, there are concerns that the system is becoming inefficient and prioritizing profits over patient care. The Medical Loss Ratio (MLR), which measures the percentage of premiums spent on...
AHPI seeks immediate restoration of cashless services by Star Health
The Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) has appealed to Star Health and Allied Insurance to reinstate cashless services at their member hospitals. This decision comes after the insurance company suspended these facilities, resulting in growing distress and inconvenience for patients. Several prominent hospital chains and tertiary...
The latest claim settlement ratio of health and general insurance companies was released by IRDA in 2025. According to the data, Navi and Acko have taken the lead, while Star Health and Zuno have fallen below the 90% mark.
The rising medical inflation has made it challenging for individuals to bear medical expenses without a comprehensive health insurance policy. In India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) releases an annual list of claim settlements by health and general insurance companies. The claim settlement ratio, which refers to the...
Star Health under IRDAI scrutiny over health insurance claim settlement practices
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has discovered significant lapses in the claim settlement practices of Star Health and Allied Insurance, a stand-alone health insurer. The regulator is likely to take action against the company, although official investigations are still ongoing. IRDAI has also scrutinized 8-10...
Wexford secondary school receives funding from Aviva Ireland
Selskar College, a secondary school in Wexford, has been awarded €20,000 through the 2025 Aviva Broker Community Fund. The funding will be used to upgrade the school's practical classroom, creating a safer and more accessible learning environment for all students, including those with additional needs and learners in the school's autism unit. The...
Aviva Capital Partners has entered into a joint venture to develop the former Toys ‘R’ Us site in Southampton.
A new project is underway to create a thriving neighborhood in the heart of Southampton, with the goal of boosting local employment, supporting small businesses, and driving economic growth in the city. This initiative is the result of a partnership between Aviva Capital Partners, Southampton City Council, and the University of Southampton....
Aviva refuses to pay £80,000 insurance claim for terminally ill husband
A woman, whose husband has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, has had her claim for a life insurance payout rejected by Aviva. The couple has been paying premiums for 24 years, including terminal illness cover, which promises an £80,000 payout if the policyholder is diagnosed with a terminal illness with less than 12 months to live....
Aviva consolidates charitable programmes under unified foundation
The charitable sector in the UK is facing significant financial challenges, with many organizations struggling to stay afloat. A recent report by Aviva found that over half of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organizations describe themselves as stable but concerned about future pressures. This suggests that while they are currently...
Trisha Gibbons is one of three new appointments at Aviva Ireland.
Aviva Life & Pensions DAC has appointed Trisha Gibbons as Director of Corporate Development and Assurance, a newly created role that will see her lead the company's governance and assurance function and join its executive committee. Gibbons brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance and financial services sectors, having spent nearly two...
Aviva has appointed a new member to the board of its master trust.
Several appointments have been made in the financial and pension industry. Aviva has announced three new appointments to the Aviva Master Trust board, including Rita Butler-Jones, Fiona Matthews, and Rekha Owen. Aviva Investors has also appointed Anna Chong and Michalis Ditsas to its global fixed income team. Gillian Taberner has been appointed...
Aviva India has launched a Preventive Care Program aimed at supporting rural communities in Uttarakhand, as reported by the Garhwal Post.
Aviva India, a leading insurance company, has launched a Preventive Care Program to support rural communities in Uttarakhand. The program aims to provide healthcare services and promote health awareness among the rural population, particularly in the Garhwal region. The initiative is part of Aviva India's corporate social responsibility (CSR)...
Bajaj General Insurance Introduces Fetal Health Insurance Rider
Bajaj General Insurance has introduced a new insurance rider called Fetal Flourish, designed to provide financial support for advanced fetal care during pregnancy. The rider is offered in conjunction with the company's health insurance products, My Health Care Plan and Health Guard. Fetal Flourish focuses on covering specialized medical...
No cashless insurance will be available in 15,000 hospitals from September 1 for policyholders of two specific companies, according to an insurance body announcement, raising concerns about the future of health insurance for affected policyholders.
The General Insurance Council (GI Council) has criticized the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) (AHPI) for deciding to stop cashless treatment to policyholders of two insurance companies, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Care Health Insurance. The GI Council has termed the decision as arbitrary, stating that it will create massive...
Policybazaar introduces a 100% claim settlement option for planned hospitalisations on select health insurance policies.
Policybazaar, a leading insurance marketplace, has introduced a 100% claim promise on planned hospitalizations for select health insurance policies. This initiative aims to provide a hassle-free and cashless experience for policyholders, ensuring zero deductions on eligible hospital bills. The benefit is available on specific plans from Bajaj...
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Tata AIG, and United India have joined CRED Garage as insurance partners.
CRED, a fintech platform, has expanded its selection of motor insurers on CRED garage to include Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Tata AIG, and United India Insurance. This addition brings the total number of curated insurance providers on the platform to seven, including ACKO, ICICI Lombard, Zurich Kotak, and Digit. CRED members can now evaluate...
Two-wheeler insurance scam: Rs 80 crore duped from 25,000 victims
A massive insurance fraud racket has been uncovered in Ghaziabad, India, with over 25,000 people falling victim to the scam. The fraud, which involves vehicle insurance, has a financial impact of more than Rs 50 crore (approximately Rs 80 crore) in Ghaziabad alone, with 128 people from the city affected. The scam was busted by the Ghaziabad Cyber...
Non-life insurers record 2% premium growth in September, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance leads the way
The non-life insurance sector in India has reported a modest 1.94% year-on-year growth in gross direct premium to Rs 23,430 crore in September. This growth was driven primarily by an increase in standalone health insurance premiums. The largest general insurer, New India Assurance, saw a 3.5% rise in premiums, while ICICI Lombard General...
Non-life insurers record 5% premium growth in June, data reveals
The Indian general insurance industry has witnessed a mixed performance in terms of premium growth, with some insurers reporting significant increases while others saw declines. New India Assurance, the largest general insurer, led the pack with a 10.6% year-over-year (YoY) increase in premiums to Rs 3,328 crore. This growth is notable, given the...
Insurers to charge 18% GST on agents’ commission, Input Tax Credit issue
The Indian government's decision to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health insurance premiums from 18% to 0% has had an unintended consequence on the insurance industry. Insurers are now imposing an 18% GST on commissions paid to agents and distributors to offset losses from the withdrawal of input tax credit (ITC). This move has come...
Bombay High Court’s stay brings GST relief to over a dozen insurers
The Bombay High Court has granted a temporary stay on a substantial demand and associated penalties by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities, providing relief to over a dozen insurance companies. The insurance companies, including Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and ICICI Lombard General Insurance, among others, had...
Bombay High Court stays GST demands on co-insurance premiums.
The Bombay High Court has provided temporary relief to several insurance companies, including ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, and Tata AIG General Insurance, by staying Goods and Services Tax (GST) demands on co-insurance premium and ceding commission. The court's decision was based on the argument that the levy...
India’s Health Insurance Revolution: Insurers Now Prioritize Your Well-being with Preventive Care and Substantial Savings!
The Indian healthcare system is facing a significant challenge due to rising healthcare costs and the burden of out-of-pocket expenses, which account for over 60% of total healthcare spending. Traditional health insurance in India has primarily focused on hospitalization, leaving everyday medical needs uncovered. However, a strategic shift is...
Aditya Birla Introduces Super Term Plan Offering Health Services and Flexible Coverage Options
Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (ABSLI) has launched a new term insurance plan called the ABSLI Super Term Plan. This comprehensive plan offers an all-in-one solution that combines life protection with built-in health management services, providing policyholders with enhanced flexibility and financial security. The plan offers...
KGMU and Aditya Birla Capital Launch Bone Marrow Transplant Ward to Enhance Cancer Treatment Accessibility in Uttar Pradesh
In a significant development for the healthcare sector in Uttar Pradesh, King George's Medical University (KGMU) has launched a state-of-the-art Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Ward with the support of Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (ABCF) and NGO partner CanKids. The new facility aims to provide affordable and high-quality transplant services,...
Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance introduces dividend-yielding Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance has introduced a new fund called Dividend Yield Fund, which will be available under its existing Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The fund aims to invest primarily in top Indian companies that consistently pay dividends, providing policyholders with a stable source of income. The fund will allocate 80-100% of...
Health insurers fuel non-life premium growth due to GST benefits.
The non-life insurance industry in India experienced a significant boost in December, with a 14% year-on-year increase in gross direct premium collections, reaching ₹28,446.82 crore. This growth is the second-strongest monthly expansion in the industry, following a substantial 24.2% jump in November. The main driver behind this surge was the...
National Insurance Awareness Day: Insurers Increasingly Invest in Wellness as Health Plans Undergo Transformation
The health insurance landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a traditional safety net for emergencies to a wellness partner that encourages policyholders to adopt healthier lifestyles. Insurers are now incorporating wellness-linked benefits into mainstream health plans, using digital tools such as...
Non-life insurers record 2% premium growth in September, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance leads the way
The non-life insurance sector in India has reported a modest 1.94% year-on-year growth in gross direct premium to Rs 23,430 crore in September. This growth was driven primarily by an increase in standalone health insurance premiums. The largest general insurer, New India Assurance, saw a 3.5% rise in premiums, while ICICI Lombard General...
Non-life insurers record 5% premium growth in June, data reveals
The Indian general insurance industry has witnessed a mixed performance in terms of premium growth, with some insurers reporting significant increases while others saw declines. New India Assurance, the largest general insurer, led the pack with a 10.6% year-over-year (YoY) increase in premiums to Rs 3,328 crore. This growth is notable, given the...
HDFC Ergo and Tata AIG have joined other insurers in reducing distributor commissions.
The Indian government has introduced a significant change in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on individual health and life insurance premiums, reducing it from 18% to 0% effective September 22, 2025. However, this change also means that insurance companies can no longer claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on services such as brokerage and commission...
Duck Creek Technologies has been awarded the IDC FinTech Real Results Award for its work in insurance transformation.
Duck Creek Technologies, a global provider of intelligent solutions for the property and casualty insurance industry, has been named a co-winner of the 2025 IDC FinTech Real Results Awards in the Insurance Transformation category. The award recognizes Duck Creek's work with HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, a leading private sector general...
A health insurance company has been fined Rs 30,000 for wrongly rejecting a medical claim. The insurer has also been ordered to pay Rs 2 lakh to the claimant, along with interest.
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Mohali has ruled in favor of a policyholder, Kuldeep Singh Sandhu, who was wrongfully denied a mediclaim by HDFC ERGO Health Insurance Ltd. Sandhu had purchased a group mediclaim policy through Canara Bank, which covered both him and his wife for a sum insured of Rs 5 lakh. In March 2020,...
Insurers to charge 18% GST on agents’ commission, Input Tax Credit issue
The Indian government's decision to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health insurance premiums from 18% to 0% has had an unintended consequence on the insurance industry. Insurers are now imposing an 18% GST on commissions paid to agents and distributors to offset losses from the withdrawal of input tax credit (ITC). This move has come...
Bombay High Court’s stay brings GST relief to over a dozen insurers
The Bombay High Court has granted a temporary stay on a substantial demand and associated penalties by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities, providing relief to over a dozen insurance companies. The insurance companies, including Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and ICICI Lombard General Insurance, among others, had...
Bombay High Court stays GST demands on co-insurance premiums.
The Bombay High Court has provided temporary relief to several insurance companies, including ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, and Tata AIG General Insurance, by staying Goods and Services Tax (GST) demands on co-insurance premium and ceding commission. The court's decision was based on the argument that the levy...
Health insurers fuel non-life premium growth due to GST benefits.
The non-life insurance industry in India experienced a significant boost in December, with a 14% year-on-year increase in gross direct premium collections, reaching ₹28,446.82 crore. This growth is the second-strongest monthly expansion in the industry, following a substantial 24.2% jump in November. The main driver behind this surge was the...
On October 8, 2025, insurance agents and associations are likely to raise the issue of Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Finance Ministry.
The insurance industry in India is facing a significant issue related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Input Tax Credit (ITC). Private insurers have reduced distributor payouts by 15-18% to offset the loss of ITC, following the GST exemption on life and health insurance premiums. This move is expected to have a significant impact on...
Ghaziabad Insurance Scam: Cyber police have busted a ₹50 crore fraud that affected over 25,000 vehicle owners.
Two individuals, Sartaj and Deepak Thakur, were arrested in Ghaziabad for their involvement in a massive insurance scam that deceived over 25,000 people across India, including 128 victims from the city, over the past year. The scam, which has a financial impact of over Rs 50 crore, involved the duo fabricating third-party insurance policies for...
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Tata AIG, and United India have joined CRED Garage as insurance partners.
CRED, a fintech platform, has expanded its selection of motor insurers on CRED garage to include Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Tata AIG, and United India Insurance. This addition brings the total number of curated insurance providers on the platform to seven, including ACKO, ICICI Lombard, Zurich Kotak, and Digit. CRED members can now evaluate...