Star Health and Allied Insurance Company has achieved a significant milestone by securing the highest sustainability score among insurance companies in the Indian insurance sector. According to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, Star Health Insurance has been recognized as India’s most sustainable insurance company for 2024. The company achieved a score of 53, which is based on its robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) parameters.

This achievement highlights Star Health Insurance’s commitment to sustainable practices, transparency, and fostering a strong ESG culture. The company’s score reflects its focus on integrating ESG principles into its operations, which ensures long-term value for all stakeholders. The 10-point improvement in the score from the previous year demonstrates the company’s progress in key areas such as corporate governance, human capital management, and climate strategy.

The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment is a prestigious evaluation that assesses companies’ sustainability performance based on ESG criteria. The assessment provides a comprehensive view of a company’s sustainability profile, considering factors such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices. By achieving the highest score in the Indian insurance sector, Star Health Insurance has demonstrated its leadership in sustainability and its commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and society.

This recognition is a testament to Star Health Insurance’s efforts to prioritize sustainability and ESG considerations in its business operations. The company’s focus on transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement has enabled it to build trust and credibility with its customers, investors, and other stakeholders. As a responsible business, Star Health Insurance is dedicated to creating long-term value and making a positive contribution to the communities it serves. With this achievement, the company has set a new benchmark for sustainability in the Indian insurance sector, inspiring others to follow its lead and prioritize ESG considerations in their operations.

Star Health & Allied Insurance Company, a leading health insurance provider in India, has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its Home Health Care (HHC) initiative to 100 locations across the country. Launched in July 2023, the program has made a significant impact, now serving over 85% of Star Health Insurance’s customer base with cashless doorstep medical care within a remarkably short period of 3 hours, without any out-of-pocket expenses. This expansion has improved the accessibility, availability, and affordability of healthcare in rural areas, particularly in Bharat, where healthcare services are often limited.

The HHC program offers timely medical care to patients recovering from infectious diseases, providing a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Under the program, a partner doctor visits the patient’s home to assess their condition, conduct a diagnosis, and provide necessary treatment if hospitalization is deemed unnecessary. Regular in-person follow-ups are also conducted to ensure the patient’s condition is improving. In a rare instance, less than 1% of patients have required hospitalization, indicating the effectiveness of the program.

This initiative addresses a significant gap in healthcare services in rural areas, where patients often face challenges in accessing medical care due to geographical constraints. The program provides a convenient and cost-effective solution, ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention without having to travel to hospitals or cities. Patients can now receive medical care in the comfort of their own homes, reducing the risk of disease transmission and improving overall quality of life.

Star Health Insurance’s HHC program has set a new benchmark in healthcare services, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare to its customers. With over 100 locations across India, the program has reached a significant proportion of the population, demonstrating the insurer’s drive to bridge the healthcare gap in rural areas. By expanding its HHC initiative, Star Health Insurance has not only improved healthcare outcomes but also reinforced its position as a leading provider of health insurance services in India.

The Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd has been served with 25 tax demand notices amounting to Rs 49 crore by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities across multiple states. The demands are related to alleged violations of GST laws in connection with coinsurance transactions.

The notices were received by the company from different GST authorities, including those in Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, among others. The demand includes interest and penalties, with some of the demands dating back to 2017.

Coinsurance transactions involve insurance companies partnering with other companies to provide insurance coverage to their customers. In these transactions, the two companies split the risk and premiums. However, GST authorities have raised concerns that some insurance companies, including Star Health, are misclassifying these transactions as “insurance” rather than “service” to avoid paying GST.

Star Health has reportedly filed appeals against some of the notices and is also exploring options to settle the disputed amount. The company has stated that it has always been in compliance with GST laws and has paid GST on all its transactions. However, the authorities have alleged that the company has violated the laws by misclassifying its transactions and not paying the correct amount of GST.

The development has raised concerns about the impact on the insurance industry as a whole. Industry experts have expressed concerns that the notices could lead to a increase in the cost of insurance premiums for customers. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has also been approached to intervene in the matter.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd, a health insurance company, has received 25 tax demand orders from various Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Central Excise authorities. The total demand amounts to approximately Rs 49 crore, inclusive of penalties. The tax demands relate to alleged non-compliance with GST rules, specifically regarding coinsurance transactions and failure to issue invoices for coinsurance services. The violations also include non-disclosure of coinsurance transactions in statutory returns.

The orders were received at the company’s regional offices in six states: Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. Maharashtra’s Mumbai and Andheri East offices received the highest number of tax notices, totaling Rs 19.4 crore. Tamil Nadu’s Chennai-North office received five tax demand orders worth Rs 16.2 crore, while Karnataka’s Bengaluru West office received one order worth Rs 12.8 lakh. In north India, Haryana’s Office of the Additional Commissioner of GST & Central Excise, Gurgaon (North) Ward, issued five tax demand orders worth Rs 4.9 crore, while Delhi’s South Delhi office issued four orders worth Rs 4.7 crore. Telangana’s Secunderabad office received five orders worth Rs 3.8 crore.

The company has stated that it will contest the tax demands by filing an appeal or writ petition with the relevant authorities, following legal counsel’s advice. This incident highlights the importance of strict compliance with tax regulations and the consequences of non-compliance.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd., India’s largest retail health insurance provider, has been recognized as the “Best Health Insurance Company of the Year” at the InsureNext Global Conclave & Awards 2025. This prestigious award is a testament to the company’s mission to transform healthcare accessibility through innovation. Anand Roy, MD & CEO of Star Health Insurance, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating that it fuels their ambition to push boundaries and continue revolutionizing health insurance.

Star Health Insurance has been recognized for its groundbreaking initiatives, including Braille Insurance, the Superstar Policy, and Home Healthcare Services. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in securing this accolade, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

The company has launched several transformative initiatives, driving inclusivity and enhancing customer experience. The Superstar Policy has revolutionized retail health insurance with its unique features, while the introduction of Braille Insurance has made health coverage more accessible and comprehensible for visually impaired individuals. The Home Healthcare Services have expanded the company’s reach, offering professional medical care at home and reducing hospital visits.

This recognition bears testimony to Star Health Insurance’s mission to bring quality healthcare accessible, affordable, and inclusive to all. The company remains committed to setting new benchmarks in health insurance through continuous innovation and customer-first solutions.

About Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd.

Star Health Insurance (BSE: 543412) (NSE: STARHEALTH) is India’s leading standalone health insurer, operating since 2006. The company offers health, personal accident, and travel insurance, with specialized products for various demographics. Star Health has a strong distribution network, including 910 offices, 30,000+ healthcare providers, 760,000 agents, and robust bancassurance partnerships.

Toothlens, in collaboration with Star Health, Allied Insurance Company, and Vizza Broking Services, has launched India’s first cashless Dental OPD insurance program. This innovative initiative addresses the critical healthcare gap in India by providing individuals with cashless access to preventive and essential dental care, ensuring financial protection and promoting timely intervention. The program is designed to redefine how Indians perceive and access dental care, making oral health a priority.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to integrate essential oral health services into primary healthcare and universal health coverage (UHC). This program aligns with global efforts to make oral healthcare more accessible. The WHO has also emphasized that 80% of dental diseases are preventable with early intervention, making insurance coverage a crucial factor in improving national health metrics.

The program covers a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, basic treatments, and advanced procedures. Policyholders can avail of these services through an extensive network of clinics managed by Toothlens. The company has integrated cutting-edge digital solutions to simplify claims, appointment bookings, and provider access.

The launch of this program is expected to significantly improve oral health outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs. By making preventive dental care more accessible, this initiative is expected to reduce the financial burden on individuals and promote early diagnosis and cost-effective care. The program is also expected to expand across India, with plans to onboard 10,000 clinics and providers by the end of the year.

This initiative is a significant step towards making dental insurance a mainstream component of health insurance in India. Toothlens, Star Health, and Vizza are committed to expanding this model across India and exploring enhancements, including family plans and corporate partnerships, to further extend the impact of this initiative.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited has received 25 tax demand orders from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities across various states, totaling Rs 49 crore, including penalties. These demands have been issued to the company’s zonal offices in seven states, including Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. The alleged violations by the company include non-payment of GST on certain transactions related to coinsurance, non-disclosure of these transactions in statutory filings, and failure to issue invoices for such services.

The tax demand orders were issued by the Additional Commissioner of GST and Central Excise in Gurugram, and the GST authorities in Mumbai East, Andheri East, and Mumbai South-West. The orders also came from the Chennai North GST office, Telangana, and Karnataka. Star Health has stated that it will file an appeal or a writ petition to challenge these tax demands and will take appropriate legal steps to address the matter.

Several hospitals and nursing homes in Ahmedabad, India have decided to suspend cashless treatment services for Star Health and Tata AIG General Insurance, effective April 1, due to ongoing issues with claim denials, unjustified deductions, and non-renewal of tariffs. This move comes after a standoff that began in September 2023, as reported by the Economic Times. The Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association, which represents the local healthcare industry, has been pushing back against what they see as unfair practices by insurers, while insurers are demanding standardization in healthcare costs.

In a letter to the insurers, the association listed their concerns, including arbitrary rejection of claims, frequent and unjustified deductions from approved claims, and the removal of some hospitals from the insurer’s network without prior discussions. According to the association, these actions are causing financial strain on hospitals and disrupting the delivery of healthcare services. Despite several rounds of discussions, the issues have remained unresolved, leading to the decision to suspend cashless treatment services.

The suspension is expected to impact thousands of patients who rely on these services. The move is also likely to put pressure on the insurers to reconsider their policies and negotiate a more equitable agreement with the hospitals. Meanwhile, the healthcare industry in Ahmedabad is bracing for potential disruption, as the suspension of cashless treatment services could lead to increased wait times and financial burdens on patients and healthcare providers alike. The standoff highlights the need for a more collaborative approach between insurers, hospitals, and the government to ensure the provision of high-quality, affordable healthcare services to patients.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited has received 25 tax demand orders from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities in several states, totaling Rs 49 crore, including penalties. The demands were issued to the company’s zonal offices in Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. The alleged violations include non-payment of GST on certain transactions related to coinsurance, non-disclosure of transactions in statutory returns, and failure to issue invoices for services provided.

The tax demand orders are worth Rs 4.9 crore in Haryana, Rs 4.7 crore in Delhi, and Rs 19.4 crore in Maharashtra. The company’s Tamil Nadu office has received five orders totaling Rs 16.2 crore, while its Telangana office has received five orders worth Rs 3.8 crore. The Karnataka office has received a single order demanding Rs 12.8 lakh.

The company has stated that it will file an appeal or writ petition to challenge these tax demands, citing legal counsel’s advice. The company will take appropriate legal steps to address the matter. Meanwhile, the company has expanded its Home Health Care services to 100 locations across India, covering 85% of its customers, providing cashless medical care at their doorstep.

Star Health & Allied Insurance Company, a leading health insurance provider in India, has expanded its Home Health Care (HHC) initiative to 100 locations across the country, making it the largest HHC provider in the country. The program, launched in July 2023, has served over 85% of Star Health Insurance’s customer base, offering cashless doorstep medical care within 3 hours with no out-of-pocket expenses. This innovative approach has significantly improved the accessibility, availability, and affordability of healthcare in India, particularly for patients who require timely medical care to recover from infectious diseases.

Under the HHC program, a partner doctor visits the patient’s home to assess their condition, conduct a diagnosis, and provide necessary treatment if hospitalization is deemed unnecessary. The program also includes regular in-person follow-ups to monitor the patient’s progress. While less than 1% of patients have required hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms, the HHC program ensures that patients receive the medical attention they need in the comfort of their own homes.

By providing cashless doorstep medical care, the HHC program has reduced the burden on Indian healthcare resources, allowing patients to receive timely treatment without having to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. This initiative has also helped to improve the overall health and well-being of patients, allowing them to recover more quickly and safely from infectious diseases. The success of the HHC program demonstrates Star Health & Allied Insurance Company’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and providing high-quality, patient-centered care in India.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, India’s largest retail health insurance company, has announced a strategic corporate agency agreement with the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (HPSCB). The partnership aims to increase access to health insurance in rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, where the bank has a significant presence. Anand Roy, MD & CEO of Star Health Insurance, said that the partnership with HPSCB shows their commitment to enhancing insurance penetration in rural regions and providing quality health insurance to rural areas. The bank’s extensive branch network will allow Star Health Insurance to offer its range of health insurance products to its customers, providing convenience and accessibility.

Sharwan Manta, Managing Director of HPSCB, highlighted the convenience factor, stating that the partnership will enable customers to access insurance products within their familiar banking environment. The partnership will also enable customers to access healthcare services through Star Health Insurance’s extensive hospital network and agent network.

The agreement is expected to increase insurance penetration in Himachal Pradesh, promoting financial inclusion and access to vital health insurance coverage. Star Health Insurance plans to add 10 more locations in FY25, with a focus on increasing penetration in rural and Tier 3 regions, aligning with the Indian government’s commitment to “Insurance for all by 2047”.

The top five health issues faced by people in Himachal Pradesh, based on claims, are gastroenterology, orthopedics, obstetrics, urology, and ophthalmology. The most popular health insurance products among customers are Family Health Optima, Star Health Assure Insurance Policy, and Accident Care. This partnership is a significant step towards increasing insurance penetration in Himachal Pradesh and promoting financial inclusion, ensuring that people have access to vital health insurance coverage.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has discovered lapses in the claim settlement practices of stand-alone health insurer, Star Health and Allied Insurance. This is based on an ongoing official investigation, which is expected to result in action against the insurer. The regulator has reviewed the operations of 8-10 other general and health insurers, but no action has been taken against them as of now.

According to IRDAI’s handbook of insurance statistics, Star Health’s incurred claim ratio for the financial year 2023-24 was 66.47%, which is slightly higher than the average incurred claim ratio of stand-alone health insurers. However, it is lower than the combined general and health insurers. Star Health also recorded the lowest claim settlement ratio within three months among all stand-alone health insurers, with a settlement rate of 82.31%. It took the company between three to six months to process 2.74% of claims, while 0.35% of claims were settled between six months and one year.

Notably, Star Health rejected the highest number of claims in 2023-24, with 2,96,356 rejections, which is significantly more than other stand-alone health insurers. The company also received the highest number of customer complaints, with 797 pending complaints at the beginning of the financial year and 16,804 reported during the year, of which 16,603 were formal grievances. This is the highest number of complaints among all general and health insurers, except for the public sector insurer, National Insurance Co. Ltd.

This investigation highlights the importance of claim settlement practices in the insurance industry, and the need for regulators to ensure that insurers follow fair and transparent procedures in handling customer complaints. The action taken by IRDAI against Star Health and Allied Insurance is expected to set a precedent for the industry, promoting a culture of accountability and transparency.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd, a private insurance company, has received 25 tax demand orders from Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Central Excise authorities across six states, totaling Rs 49 crores. The tax demands are related to alleged violations, including non-payment of GST on coinsurance transactions, non-disclosure of transactions in statutory returns, and failure to issue invoices for coinsurance services.

The tax demands were issued by the authorities in Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. The Maharashtra office received the highest number of tax demand orders, totaling Rs 19.4 crores, followed by Tamil Nadu’s office, which received five orders worth Rs 16.2 crores.

The alleged violations relate to the company’s coinsurance transactions, which involve the insurance company acting as a “follower” in an insurance triangle, where one insurance company insures another insurance company’s risk. The tax authorities have alleged that Star Health failed to pay GST on these transactions, did not disclose them in their statutory returns, and did not issue invoices for the services provided.

In response, Star Health has stated that it will challenge the tax demands by filing an appeal and a writ petition with the appropriate authorities, based on legal counsel’s advice. This news highlights the importance of tax compliance for businesses and the potential consequences for non-compliance.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd has received 25 tax demand orders from various Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Central Excise authorities across six states, totalling approximately Rs 49 crore, including penalties. The alleged violations include non-payment of GST on coinsurance transactions, non-disclosure of such transactions in statutory returns, and failure to issue invoices for coinsurance services.

The tax demands were issued by authorities in Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. The majority of the demands were from Maharashtra, with five orders worth Rs 19.4 crore. The Haryana office received five orders worth Rs 4.9 crore, while the Delhi office received four orders worth Rs 4.7 crore. The company’s Tamil Nadu office received five orders worth Rs 16.2 crore, and its Telangana office received five orders worth Rs 3.8 crore. The Karnataka office received a single order worth Rs 12.8 lakh.

The company plans to challenge the tax demands by filing an appeal or writ petition with the appropriate authorities based on legal counsel’s advice. This move is a response to the alleged non-compliance with tax laws, which the authorities claim has resulted in the tax demands.

Star Health Insurance, a leading health insurance company in India, has reported a significant growth in its Premium AUM (Assets Under Management) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 (Q2FY24). According to the company’s Second Quarter Results for FY24, Star Health’s PAT (Profit After Tax) has surged by 35% year-on-year (YoY) to ₹434.3 crores during the quarter, ending September 30, 2023.

The company’s total health insurance premiums grew by 20% YoY to ₹5,341.1 crores during the quarter. The growth in premiums has been driven by increased demand for health insurance products, particularly individual and group health insurance policies. Additionally, the company’s Bancassurance channel has also contributed significantly to the growth, with premiums increasing by 28% YoY during the quarter.

Star Health’s gross premium prolonged to new accounts (GWP-NA) was up 24% YoY at ₹2,532.8 crores during the quarter, with the company’s new business growth led mostly by its individual and group health insurance policies. The company’s reinsurance business also witnessed significant growth, with reinsurance premiums increasing by 34% YoY during the quarter.

The company’s growth has been driven by its strong distribution network, which has expanded to over 50,000 channels across the country. The company’s distribution agents, consisting of banks, brokers, and agents, have played a crucial role in driving growth, with the top 10 agents contributing 25% to the overall GWP-NA.

Star Health’s cost-to-income ratio (CR) improved to 67.3% as of September 30, 2023, compared to 72.1% as of September 30, 2022. The company’s solvency margin as of September 30, 2023, stood at 223.4%, indicating its robust financial health.

Overall, Star Health’s strong financial performance is a testament to its operational efficiency, diversified product portfolio, and robust distribution network. The company’s growth in health insurance premiums and increased profitability are expected to continue, driving its future prospects.

Toothlens, in collaboration with Star Health and Vizza Broking Services, has launched India’s first cashless Dental OPD insurance program, making dental care more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Oral diseases are a significant global health concern, with over 3.5 billion people worldwide suffering from oral diseases, disproportionately affecting low and middle-income populations. This initiative aims to address the dearth of affordable dental care in India, where millions of people lack access to routine dental check-ups and treatments.

The insurance program covers preventive and essential dental care, including tele-dental consultations, regular check-ups, and X-rays, as well as basic treatments like tooth-colored fillings, extractions, and scaling, and advanced procedures like root canals, crowns, and tooth replacements. With this coverage, policyholders can receive cashless access to a network of clinics, streamlining the process of finding and scheduling appointments, and addressing financial barriers to dental care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the importance of integrating oral health services into primary healthcare systems, and this initiative aligns with this goal. By making dental care more accessible, the program aims to reduce the financial burden of oral health issues and promote early intervention and cost-effective care.

Toothlens, Star Health, and Vizza Broking Services plan to onboard 10,000 clinics and providers by the end of the year and are exploring enhancements, including family plans and corporate partnerships, to further expand the initiative’s reach. This innovative insurance product has the potential to improve oral health outcomes, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and promote timely intervention, ultimately benefiting millions of Indians.

From April 1, 2025, hospitals and nursing homes in Ahmedabad will no longer offer cashless services to patients with Star Health and Tata AIG General Insurance policies. This decision was made due to growing tensions between healthcare providers and insurance companies, resulting from unjustified deductions, low reimbursement rates, non-renewal of tariff rates, and insurance companies’ tendency to blacklisting hospitals. Hospitals have reported difficulties in continuing cashless services due to delayed and reduced payments from insurance companies.

The Ahmedabad Hospital and Nursing Association (AHNA) has expressed concerns about non-transparent pricing policies and the financial strain it puts on healthcare providers due to arbitrary tariff structures. As a result, starting April 1, patients with Star Health and Tata AIG policies will need to pay medical expenses upfront and then claim reimbursements, which could be a significant challenge for policyholders who rely on cashless services for convenient treatment.

This move may disproportionately affect policyholders in Ahmedabad, where medicial treatment is already a significant expense. The suspension of cashless services may lead to added financial stress for patients, especially those who rely on health insurance to cover healthcare costs. However, insurance companies’ policies towards healthcare providers seem to be a major factor in this decision, highlighting the need for a more collaborative approach between the two to ensure seamless access to medical care for patients.