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...
Centre Considers Significant Overhaul of Public Sector General Insurers, Including Merger or Privatization Options
The Union finance ministry is considering major restructuring options for three public sector general insurance companies in India: National Insurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company, and United India Insurance Company. The potential options include merging two of these companies with New India Assurance, a profitable and listed insurer,...
Swift settlement of insurance claims brings relief to 170 families of J&K Bank customers.
Jammu and Kashmir Bank has demonstrated its commitment to customer welfare and financial security by facilitating the swift settlement of insurance claims under the MetLoan & Life Suraksha (MLLS) scheme. The bank has paid out claims worth 8.81 crores to 170 families in its Jammu Zone, providing them with much-needed financial relief during a...
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...
TATA AIA AURA: Shaping India’s Next Generation of Insurance Entrepreneurs – APN News
The role of insurance advisors in India is undergoing a significant transformation, with many young professionals now viewing it as a viable entrepreneurial opportunity. Tata AIA, a leading life insurance company in India, is at the forefront of this change with its platform, Tata AIA AURA. The platform aims to empower the next generation of...
Royal Sundaram Celebrates a Quarter Century of Delivering Reliability, Compassion, and Innovative Insurance Solutions
Royal Sundaram, a private general insurer, is celebrating its 25-year milestone in the Indian insurance industry. Since its inception in 2000, the company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to simplifying insurance and making it more accessible to millions of customers across the country. With a strong foundation built on trust,...
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its partnership with Aviva in the UK.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its partnership with Aviva, a leading insurance, wealth, and retirement provider in the UK. As part of the agreement, TCS' subsidiary, Diligenta, will manage an additional 1.1 million Aviva policies in the UK, bringing the total number of policies managed to 6.5 million. The expanded partnership aims...
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...
A mountain of transgressions and shattered vows
The article discusses the breach of trust by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country's largest insurer, with its customers. The concept of "uberrima fides" or utmost good faith is a fundamental principle in insurance, which demands complete honesty from both parties. However, LIC has consistently violated this principle by...
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...
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...
AHPI issues notice to Star Health Insurance, warns of suspension of cashless services from September 22, 2025 – Express Healthcare
The Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI) has issued a notice to Star Health Insurance, warning of a potential suspension of cashless services starting from September 22, 2025. This move is likely a result of unresolved issues between the two parties, although the specific reasons behind the notice are not explicitly stated. As a...
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its partnership with Aviva in the UK.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its partnership with Aviva, a leading insurance, wealth, and retirement provider in the UK. As part of the agreement, TCS' subsidiary, Diligenta, will manage an additional 1.1 million Aviva policies in the UK, bringing the total number of policies managed to 6.5 million. The expanded partnership aims...
TCS Strengthens Partnership with Aviva UK to Enhance Life and Pensions Customer Experience – FF News | Fintech Finance
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has strengthened its partnership with Aviva UK, a leading insurance company, to enhance the life and pensions customer experience. The partnership aims to leverage TCS' technology expertise and Aviva's industry knowledge to create a more seamless and personalized experience for Aviva's customers. As part of the...
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its partnership with UK-based investment firm Aviva, taking on the management of an additional 1.1 million policies.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has strengthened its partnership with UK-based investment firm Aviva to manage an additional 1.1 million policies. This expansion is part of a long-standing relationship between the two companies, with TCS already handling a significant portion of Aviva's policy administration. Under the terms of the agreement, TCS...
Tata Consultancy has expanded its partnership with Aviva.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced an expansion of its partnership with Aviva UK, a leading insurance, wealth, and retirement provider in the UK. The partnership will see TCS' subsidiary, Diligenta UK, manage over 6.5 million policies on behalf of Aviva, including an additional portfolio of life insurance business. This expansion is a...
Aviva tops the 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey as the market leader.
Aviva has received high praise from brokers in the 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey conducted by GlobalData. The survey found that Aviva led the market in 10 out of 12 categories, including underwriting flexibility, digital capabilities, and AI integration. These elements are crucial in the rapidly changing insurance landscape, and...
Aviva Life Insurance introduces Smart Vitals, a pioneering fixed health benefit plan that incorporates wellness rewards.
Aviva Life Insurance has introduced a novel insurance plan called Smart Vitals, a first-of-its-kind fixed health benefit plan that incorporates wellness rewards. This innovative plan is designed to provide policyholders with a comprehensive health insurance coverage, while also encouraging them to prioritize their well-being through various...
Aviva Life Insurance has introduced Smart Vital, a pioneering fixed health benefit plan that incorporates wellness rewards, as reported by Magzter.
Aviva Life Insurance has introduced a groundbreaking fixed health benefit plan called Smart Vital. This innovative plan is designed to provide policyholders with a comprehensive health insurance solution that not only covers medical expenses but also encourages wellness and rewards healthy habits. Smart Vital is a first-of-its-kind plan that...
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...
From Crisis Cover To Daily Care: How Health Insurance Became A Real Life Partner
The insurance industry has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from a reactive model to a proactive one. According to Sanjiv Bajaj, joint chairman and managing director of Bajaj Capital, insurance is no longer something that individuals hope to never use. Instead, it has become a tool that people engage with regularly, not just for...
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...
Preventive care is becoming a priority in Indian health insurance, according to Mayank Bathwal of ABHI.
The healthcare costs in India are rising, and as a result, preventive care is becoming a key focus for insurers. Despite progress in coverage, over 60% of healthcare expenses are still borne directly by households, highlighting gaps in traditional insurance models. Mayank Bathwal, CEO of Aditya Birla Health Insurance, explains that conventional...
Preventive care is gaining prominence in Indian health insurance, according to Mayank Bathwal of ABHI.
The rising healthcare costs in India have led to a shift in focus towards preventive care, particularly in addressing the significant out-of-pocket spending burden on households. Despite progress in coverage, over 60% of healthcare expenses are still borne directly by households, highlighting the gaps in traditional insurance models. Mayank...
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...
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,...
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...
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...