November 2023

Home insurance is a vital financial protection tool that safeguards homeowners against potential risks and losses. However, in India, the response to home insurance has been lukewarm, with a significant portion of homeowners opting not to avail themselves of this coverage.

A benefit for home insurance under the Income Tax Act would give a fillip to the home insurance business like health insurance with Section 80 D. **

According to Section 80 D, an individual or HUF (Hindu undivided family) may deduct the cost of their medical insurance premiums from their total taxable income (in any method other than cash). This tax deduction is available in addition to the Rs 1 lakh deduction allowed by Section 80 C. **

General insurance companies offer home insurance, but they emphasize that these policies only cover specific perils, like terrorism and natural disasters such as earthquakes.* In the event of man-made disasters, such as poor construction quality, such covers would not be in effect.*

Homeowners’ reluctance to categorise and assign values to their items at home is another factor impeding the expansion of the home insurance industry. Due to the minimal commissions associated with the product, insurance agents and distributors also don’t push as hard for these products. The cost of building the property is used to determine the size of the home insurance coverage.*

Regarding property insurance in India, the most comprehensive cover continues to be fire, as that covers all damages due to natural causes and other social risks like riots.

However, insurance companies want to promote home insurance.

Under this insurance, there are six distinct plans and eight add-on covers. Home insurance covers burglary, theft, breakdown of electronic devices, fire and related risks, and all-risk protection for jewellery and other portable equipment.*

The building is protected from loss from earthquake, fire, and storm, while the contents of the home can be covered homeowner insurance policy.*

While home insurance is a crucial component of financial planning and risk management, it has received a lukewarm response in India for several reasons.

Limited awareness, misconceptions about coverage, cultural priorities on physical security, and affordability concerns are key factors contributing to this phenomenon in home insurance.

It’s crucial to conduct awareness campaigns, educate homeowners on home insurance benefits and affordability, and make policies more accessible.

     By addressing these challenges and promoting the importance of home insurance, individuals can protect their most valuable asset and ensure financial security for themselves and their families. ^

A home insurance calculator is a convenient tool you can utilise online to check the coverage required based on your needs.

^     Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under home insurance policy     .

*Standard T&C Apply

** Tax benefits are subject to change in prevalent tax laws.

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.

It’s crucial to maximise your health insurance and ensure you have ideal coverage because healthcare is becoming more expensive, and the percentage of out-of-pocket costs is rising. Insurance companies now provide various choices to tailor coverage to individual client’s medical requirements.

Evaluate your current insurance and consider switching to a policy with cashless OPD, a daily cash rider, guaranteed cumulative bonus, and reduced sub-limits.* n addition, take a top-up and add a few necessary riders to complete the insurance coverage. Consider switching to a plan with these benefits from the same or a different health insurer if your current plan does not offer them. *

• Cashless OPD*

While a basic health insurance policy only covers hospitalisation, many healthcare expenses are associated with doctor visits, medications, and diagnostic tests. Cashless OPD coverage benefits individuals with high out-of-pocket expenses or parents of frequently ill children needing over-the-counter meds or testing.

The cashless OPD program includes coverage for professional fees, diagnostics, medications, fracture treatments, dental care, and minor surgeries at accredited facilities.* However, the majority of insurance does not cover OPD costs for eyeglasses, contact lenses, ambulatory aids like walkers, etc. Choose health insurance with OPD coverage.

Guaranteed Cumulative Bonus

Consider a policy with a guaranteed cumulative bonus that, for the same premium, guards against the loss of cumulative bonus after a claim. A few health insurance plans guarantee cumulative bonuses of 25–30% per year, up to 200% of the covered amount, regardless of claims. *

After a few years of renewal, search for a policy that provides a loyalty concession on the appropriate premium. Certain insurers provide further reductions if the insurance is renewed through or standing order using a credit card or direct debit from a bank account.

Restore Benefits, Riders*

Choose a policy that pays restoration benefits if hospitalisation causes the sum covered to be used up within the policy year. It is the perfect component of a family floater plan. The family members continue to get coverage on the restoration of the sum insured even after the base cover of the floater has been used up.

A health insurance plan with a high deductible or co-pay should be avoided. Although it might lower your premium, your out-of-pocket costs will increase. Choose a higher base plan and larger super top-up deductible instead. Most health insurance policies offer necessary riders, such as coverage for critical illnesses, that you can select based on your needs for an additional fee. ##

• Cashless OPD covers professional expenses, prescription drug costs, diagnostic costs, fracture care, dental care, minor surgery, etc.
• For the same premium, guaranteed cumulative bonus guards against the loss of cumulative bonus after a claim. *
• To make the insurance comprehensive, include necessary riders and a top-up plan.

Make sure you renew your health insurance on time.

In conclusion, including OPD cover in your health insurance plan is a wise decision. This addition not only offers financial assistance for outpatient expenses but also contributes to comprehensive coverage, ensuring that you and your family have access to a wide range of medical services when needed. Prioritizing OPD coverage can lead to better overall healthcare and peace of mind for policyholders, making it a valuable component of any health insurance plan.*

*     Standard T&C Apply

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

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.