Fund managers have wised up. I have seen good returns even on the days market fell (read profit booking). In my opinion its wise to invest in Mutual funds now. For risk takers there is a caution. Stick to known performing funds. Don’t buy exotic varieties. Avoid a lot of NFO’s, stick to mature funds which will give you returns. I did promote Reliance Infrastructure Fund because its primarily a general fund with sectoral bent. Infrastructure and related industry is a broad term. Hence getting Rs 10 NAV at 14000 to 15000 SENSEX was a good deal. But, had you invested in existing good funds like SBI MSFU Contra or BSL Frontline Equity or HDFC Top 200 or other, you could still have benefited massively. Hopefully, Reliance has deployed at least 50% of the loot. Try Mid caps too. They will be good bet.

I would suggest low to mid risk takers to buy up UTI schemes. Some good funds are Wealth Builder II, Dividend Yield and opportunities. Also try balanced schemes from other mutual fund with larger tilt to equities. Birla freedom Fund should also do.

Ladies, don’t miss UTI Mahila Unit. Its expected to give you 15% compounded. Its a very stable fund with some good decisions by the fund manager.

On income side, my favorites are still HDFC MIP Long term and Birla Sun life Options.

One thing you should understand is this time of the market phase you should aim on making money.

I thought that it should come to your notice. Not that it matters, it is by Indian Vice president Mukhtar Hamid Ansari on Saturday, July 18, 2009 during a convocation address at the National Insurance Academy School of Management, Pune. He is a politician, so we don’t know how much is truth in it and how much is hot gas. He has thrown up a lot of data. You can read it for whatever it is worth:

“The insurance sector reform undertaken since 2000 has opened up the sector for private participation, provided a developmental and regulatory mechanism for the sector, and led to de-tariffing of general insurance. It has led to an unprecedented growth in the sector. In the seven year period since 2000, the life insurance sector had a compound annual growth rate of 42 per cent. As a result, Insurance Penetration in the country more than doubled and increased from 1.93 per cent in 1999 to 4.7 per cent in 2007. Yet, it is still far short of the Asian average of 6.2 per cent and the global average of 7.5 per cent.

Likewise, though the Insurance Density has increased more than five times from $ 8.5 in 1999 to $ 46.6 in the year 2007, it is still far short of the Asian average of $ 210.7 and the global average of $ 607. Although our insurance market grew almost eight times from $ 8 billion in 2000 to $ 54.375 billion in 2007, it still represented a mere 1.34 per cent of the global insurance market of US$ 4061 billion.

The process of reform and liberalisation was intended to benefit the common citizen who, in our society, either has no insurance or is under insured. In this context, a few aspects of our insurance scene need to be noted; they also pose some questions.

First, the common performance indicators of the industry are focused on premium collected, patterns of investment and number of insurance agents employed. One does not readily come across data regarding life insurance coverage, life insurance per capita, and life insurance carrying capacity. What is lost sight of is that the insurance industry exists not to collect money for investment but to provide insurance. The nature of commissions and compensation to insurance intermediaries directs a greater proportion of premia away from insurance cover towards investments.

Second, an important outcome expected from the reforms process and the entry of private sector was enhanced availability, quality and quantity of commercial health insurance cover to our citizens. Yet, commercial health insurance covers a mere 25 million persons in a country of over 1.1 billion people. The demand for health insurance has not been innovatively met with supply of products and services and many private insurers merely adopted the mediclaim policy of public sector insurers. Lack of standardised health insurance data and process for data collation and analysis remains a significant lacuna. Much more needs to done to increase the penetration of health insurance in the country and make available risk protection to our citizens in an affordable and sustainable manner.

The real challenge to the industry is to focus on product development adapted to the heterogeneity of health insurance consumers in India. The methodology for collating data, accessing clients, selling and servicing health insurance products must be in tune with the Indian social context and dynamics, and available infrastructure. The availability of medical insurance should be seen as complementary to, and not as a replacement of, state provision of universal health care that constitutes a long term investment in its citizens and their productive capacities. It is to be hoped that one day the ‘Right to Healthcare’ would become an enforceable fundamental right.

Third, according to the Census of 2001, the rural sector comprises 72 per cent of the population and contributes 26 per cent of the GDP. Private insurers currently look at rural and social sector business more as an obligation rather than as an opportunity. Despite the numbers and the demand for insurance propelled by growth in income, savings and education in rural areas, rural insurance has remained a small component of the total market. There is a need for robust expansion of branches and recruitment of agents in rural areas to tap the rural potential.”

If you subscribe to Mediclaim policy worth 4 lacs and you have minimum 2 people to cover (spouse or child or parent), then Happy Family floater works better than your Mediclaim policy. It reduces your premium and gives you Personal Accident Benefits and still give you (Gold Plan) 6 lacs worth of medical insurance. For a little more premium you can get hardship cover and personal accident cover.

Your question is why not Silver Plan (5 lacs and below)? Its because there is a co-pay of 10%. That means you will have to shell out 10% of the total claim.

1.1 SALIENT FEATURES OF THE POLICY:

A floater covering the proposer and his / her family under one sum insured under one policy.
The sum insured floats over all the beneficiaries under the policy.
No medical examination for persons upto the age of 60 years.
Pre-existing conditions cover after four consecutive renewals with the Company.
Coverage under two options – SILVER and GOLD Covers.
SILVER offers sum insured slabs of 1 to 5 lacs
SILVER is subject to 10% Co-pay
GOLD offers sum insured slabs of 6 to 10 lacs.
Policy covers the hospitalisation expenses for the covered diseases / accident upto specific limits.
GOLD plan offers as an inbuilt cover daily cash allowance and attendant allowance upto limits specified.
Personal Accident cover is offered as add on cover under both the covers. In addition GOLD cover offers add on cover of life hardship survival benefit.
Discount in OMP premium when family floater policy is taken.
Option of TPA and non TPA services.
Discount in premium if TPA services not opted.

1.2 COVERAGE UNDER THE POLICY

The following reasonable and necessary expenses (subject to limits) are payable under the policy for various benefits:

1.3. Hospitalization / nursing home charges, surgery, medicines, drugs, pathological tests etc. incurred for donating an organ by the donor to the insured person during the course of organ transplant shall also be payable under this policy. However, cost of organ is not payable / reimbursable under the policy.

1.4 Company’s overall Liability in respect of all claims admitted under sections 1.2 and 1.3 during the Period of insurance shall not exceed the Sum Insured per Family mentioned in the Schedule.

1.5 REGISTRATION CHARGES: are not payable under either SILVER or GOLD plans.

1.6 ADD ON COVERS (OPTIONAL,SUBJECT TO EXTRA PREMIUM)

PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVER: (WORLD – WIDE)

SCOPE OF COVER:

If at any time during the currency of the policy the insured sustains any bodily injury resulting solely and directly from accident caused anywhere in the world by external, violent and visible means, then the Company undertakes to pay the insured or his/her legal personal representative, as the case may be, the following sums :

1.Accidental Death only; 100 % of CSI

2.Loss of Two entire limbs, or sight of two eyes or one entire limb and sight of one eye; 100 % of CSI

3.Loss of one entire limb or Sight of one eye; 50 % of CSI

4.Permanent Total Disablement resulting in The insured becoming in engaging in any Employment or occupation whatsoever;100 % of CSI

The overall liability in the event of one or more of the eventualities occurring SHALL be restricted to the CSI.

CSI means capital sum insured opted for the personal accident section.

LIFE HARDSHIP SURVIVAL BENEFIT:

If this benefit is opted for (under the GOLD plan only), and if a claim for the specified diseases listed hereunder is admitted under section 1.2 A of the policy, then a survival benefit as mentioned hereunder, SHALL be paid the insured.

Diseases covered:
Cancer – metastasis (stage IV)
End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Stroke leading to paralysis or paraplegia

Benefits:

Plan A
Total amount payable;15 % of Sum Insured under the policy

Amount payable on survival for 180 days and above from the date of discharge from the hospital (the first discharge date in case of more than one hospitalisations are involved);5% of the sum insured

Amount payable on survival for 270 days and above from the date of discharge from the hospital (the first discharge date in case of more than one hospitalisations are involved); 10% of the sum insured

Plan B

Total amount payable;25 % of Sum Insured under the policy

Amount payable on survival for 180 days and above from the date of discharge from the hospital (the first discharge date in case of more than one hospitalisations are involved);10% of the sum insured

Amount payable on survival for 270 days and above from the date of discharge from the hospital (the first discharge date in case of more than one hospitalisations are involved); 15% of the sum insured

The limit of liability SHALL be applicable for all the insured persons severally or jointly. The benefit under this section shall be paid only once under this policy or subsequent renewals for the same disease for the same person.

2. DEFINITIONS / OTHER MAJOR FEATURES:

AMBULANCE SERVICES: Means ambulance service charges reasonably and necessarily incurred in case the insured person is to be shifted from residence to hospital or from one hospital to another hospital. The ambulance service charges are payable only if the hospitalisation expenses are admissible. Further the ambulance service charges are admissible only if such expenses are paid to registered ambulance services providers.

INSURED PERSON: Means Person(s) named on the schedule of the policy which includes family comprising of the proposer, his /her legally wedded spouse, dependent unemployed children between 3 (three months) to the age of 25 years, unmarried daughters including divorcee, and widowed daughters and dependent Parents or parents-in-law (either of them only). The minimum number of persons to be covered under the policy shall be the proposer plus one family member.

ANY ONE ILLNESS: Any one illness SHALL be deemed to mean continuous period of illness and it includes relapse within 105 (one hundred and five) days from the date of discharge from the Hospital / Nursing Home / Day Care centre from where the treatment was taken. Occurrence of the same illness after a lapse of 105 (one hundred and five) days as stated above SHALL be considered as fresh illness for the purpose of this policy.

DAILY HOSPITAL CASH ALLOWANCE: When an insured member of the family is hospitalized and a claim is admitted under the GOLD plan of the policy, then the insured person SHALL be paid a daily cash allowance as specified in section 1.2 A f of the policy.

ATTENDANT ALLOWANCE: When an insured member of the family aged between three months to 10 years is hospitalized and a claim is admitted under the GOLD plan of the policy, a sum as mentioned in the table of benefit under 1.2 A g will become payable under the policy.

MIDTERM INCLUSION: Midterm inclusion of members is permitted for newly wed spouse only. Spouse can be included within three months of marriage or at the time of renewal of the policy.

NO CLAIM DISCOUNT / LOADING: A discount of 5% on the premium, in respect of each claim free year, subject to a maximum of 20 % SHALL be allowed provided the policy is renewed with the company without any break. In case any claim is admitted under the policy, the entire No Claim Discount earned SHALL be forfeited in the next renewal of the renewal of the policy. However, the No Claim Discount SHALL continue to accrue afresh from the next claim free year.

In case any claim is admitted under the policy, where No Claim Discount has not accrued or the earned No Claim Discount has been forfeited, a loading SHALL be levied on the renewal premium @5% for each claim occurred year subject to a maximum of 20%.

FRAUD / MISREPRESENTATION / CONCEALMENT: Non-Disclosure, concealment or mis-representation of material facts in the Proposal Form and/or in the Claim Form or any other documents, shall render the Policy null and void ab-initio and the Company shall not be liable under the policy. The Company shall also not be liable under this policy in respect of any claim if such claim be in any manner intentionally or fraudulently or otherwise misrepresented or concealed or on making false statements or submitting false bills whether by the Insured Person or Institution / Organization on his behalf. Company shall be at liberty to take suitable legal action against the Insured Person / Institution / Organization as per Law.

MEDICLAIM WITH OMP:

In case where THE WHOLE FAMILY covered under THE FAMILY FLOATER Policy goes abroad by taking Oriental’s Overseas Mediclaim Policy his / her FAMILY FLOATER Policy becomes suspended for the period he / she is abroad.

ND may be extended by number of days, the insured FAMILY was abroad subject to written request being made by the insured before leaving India. THE EXTENSION WONT BE APPLICABLE UNLESS THE ENTIRE FAMILY TAKES THE OPMP POLICY FROM THE COMPANY.

DISCOUNT ON OMP PREMIUM :

A DISCOUNT OF 15% ON Overseas Mediclaim Policy PREMIUM WOULD BE ALLOWED WHEN EVEN A SINGLE FAMILY member COVERED under the Happy Family Floater Policy, TAKES THE Overseas Mediclaim Policy FROM the Company, provided the happy family floater policy is valid as on the date of taking the Overseas Mediclaim Policy of the Company.

3. IRDA REGULATION NO 5: This policy is subject to regulation 5 of IRDA (Protection of Policy Holder interest) regulation.

4. IT EXEMPTION: The premium under the policy is eligible for Income Tax exemption under Section 80-D of the IT Act.

5. PREMIUM: Please call me for the premiums.

6. Migration:

The following guidelines have to be observed in case of migration:
Migration is permitted only if the current policy is an individual mediclaim policy or the Insured is covered under a Group Mediclaim Policy issued by the Company and is valid as on the date of migration.

The migration is permitted only at the time of renewal of the existing individual mediclaim policy/Group Mediclaim Policy with the Company. However in the case of Group Mediclaim Policy such migration to this policy will be allowed even in case the insured withdraws from the Group Mediclaim policy due to retirement / resignation or change of employment.

The pre existing cover in case of such migration will be granted after the completion of four years of consecutive (without break) individual mediclaim policies with the Company including the Family floater policy. The benefit of the pre-existing will be restricted to those insureds who have completed four consecutive (without break) individual mediclaim policies with the Company including the family floater policy. The limit of liability for the pre existing cover will be the least of the sum insured of all the five policies considered for the pre existing cover (subject to the per illness cap of the family floater policy). In the case of migration from group Mediclaim policy, in spite of the status of the pre-existing clause in the Group Mediclaim Policy, the terms and conditions of this policy will be prevailing.

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE POLICY:

􀂾 Exclusively designed for Citizens aged 60 years and above
􀂾 Policy is available for Sum Insured 1 lac, 2 lac, 3 lac, 4 lac and 5 lacs.
􀂾 Covers specified diseases only.
􀂾 Compulsory co-payment of 20% on admissible claim amount.
􀂾 Discount in premium for opting Voluntary Co-payment.
􀂾 No claim discount in premium.
􀂾 Loading for new entrants.
􀂾 Benefit of continuity extended if already insured with any mediclaim policy of
the Company.
􀂾 TPA service available.
􀂾 Cashless Service through TPA only and limited to Rs. 1 lakh.

hospitalization in India only.
The proposer has to submit any of the following documents as age proof:
(a) Birth Certificate
(b) Matriculation Certificate
(c) School Leaving Certificate
(d) Photo Voter Identity Card
(e) Driving Licence
(f) PAN Card
(g) Passport

The Policy reimburses the payment of hospitalisation and / or domiciliary hospitalisation expenses for the specified diseases contracted or injury sustained by the insured persons. The settlement of the claim will be done by the TPA either to the network hospital or to the insured.

1.1 Only the following Specified Diseases / illness/ injury are covered under the policy and the maximum liability of the Company in respect thereof shall be as follows:

Sr. No. Name of Disease Maximum Limit of Liability per illness (including domiciliary hospitalisation benefit, if any)
1. Accidental Injury: 100% of Sum Insured
2. Knee Replacement: 70% of Sum Insured
3. Cardio Vascular Diseases: 50% of Sum Insured
4. Chronic Renal Failure: 50% of Sum Insured
5. Cancer: 50% of Sum Insured
6. Hepato-Biliary Disorders: 50% of Sum Insured
7. Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases: 20% of Sum Insured
8. Stroke: 20% of Sum Insured
9. Benign Prostrate: 15% of Sum Insured
10. Orthopaedic Diseases: 15% of Sum Insured
11. Ophthalmic Diseases: 10% of Sum Insured

Note: Company’s Liability in respect of all claims admitted during the Period of insurance shall not exceed the Sum Insured per Person mentioned in the Policy / Schedule.

1.2 REASONABLE & NECESSARY EXPENSES UPTO THE FOLLOWING LIMITS ARE PAYABLE / REIMBURSABLE UNDER THE POLICY, FOR THE SPECIFIED DISEASES / ILLNESS/ INJURY ONLY, WITHIN THE OVERALL LIMIT AS SPECIFED ABOVE:

a. Room, Boarding and Nursing Expenses as provided by the Hospital /Nursing Home not exceeding 1% of the Sum Insured per day.

b. I.C. Unit expenses not exceeding 2% of the Sum Insured per day. (Stay in the Room and the stay in I.C.U., if required, should not exceed total number of days of admission in the hospital).

c. Ambulance Services Charges per illness by registered ambulance – Actual Expenses or Rs 1000/- whichever is less shall be reimbursable in case patient has to be shifted from residence to hospital in case of admission in Emergency Ward / I.C.U. Or from one Hospital / Nursing home to another Hospital / Nursing Home for hospitalisation.

d. Surgeon, Anaesthetist, Medical Practitioner, Consultants, Specialists Fees.

e. Anaesthesia, Blood, Oxygen, Operation Theatre Charges, Surgical Appliances, Medicines & Drugs, Dialysis, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Artificial Limbs, Cost of Prosthetic devices implanted during surgical procedure like pacemaker, Relevant Laboratory / Diagnostic test, X-Ray etc..

Note: Only reasonable and necessary expenses based on the severity (minor / medium / major) of the Specified Diseases / illness/ injury will be payable under the policy but not exceeding the maximum limit irrespective of the expenses incurred by the insured.

2 DEFINITIONS:

2.1 ‘‘HOSPITAL/NURSING HOME: means any institution in India established for indoor care and treatment of sickness and injuries and which either

a) Is duly licensed and registered as a Hospital or Nursing Home with the appropriate authorities and is under the supervision of a registered and qualified Medical Practitioner.
OR
b) In areas where licensing and registration facilities with appropriate authorities are not available, the institution must be one recognised by local authority as Hospital / Nursing Home and should comply with minimum criteria as under:

i. It should have at least 15 in-patient medical beds in case of Metro cities, A Class cities & B class cities or 10 in- patient medical beds in case of “C class” cities. Classification of cities shall be as per Govt of India Notifications issued in this respect from time to time.

ii. Fully equipped and engaged in providing Medical and Surgical facilities along with Diagnostic facilities i.e. Pathological test and X-ray, E.C.G. etc for the care and treatment of injured or sick persons as in-patient.

iii. Fully equipped operation theatre of its own, where surgical operations are carried out.

iv. Fully qualified nursing staff under its employment round the clock.

v. Fully qualified Doctor(s) should be physically in-charge round the clock.

The term ‘Hospital/Nursing Home’ shall not include an establishment which is a place of rest, a place for the aged, a place for drug addicts or a place for alcoholics, a hotel or a similar place.

Note: In case of Ayurvedic / Homeopathic / Unani treatment, Hospitalisation expenses are admissible only when the treatment is taken as in-patient, in a Government Hospital / Medical College Hospital.

2.2 Surgical Treatment means manual and/ or operative procedures for correction of deformities / defects and injuries, cure of diseases, relief of suffering and prolongation of life.

2.3 HOSPITALISATION PERIOD: Expenses on Hospitalisation are admissible only if hospitalisation is for a minimum period of 24 (Twenty Four) hours. However,

(A) This time limit shall not apply to following specific treatments taken in the Networked Hospital / Nursing Home where the Insured is discharged on the same day. Such treatment shall be considered to be taken under Hospitalisation Benefit.

i. Haemo Dialysis,
ii. Parentral Chemotherapy,
iii. Radiotherapy,
iv. Eye Surgery,
v. Lithotripsy (kidney stone removal),
vi. Dental surgery following an accident
vii. Coronary Angioplasty
viii. Coronary Angiography
ix. Surgery of Gall bladder, Pancreas and bile duct
x. Surgery of Prostrate.
xi. Treatment of fractures / dislocation excluding hair line fracture, Contracture releases and minor reconstructive procedures of limbs which otherwise require hospitalisation.
xii. Arthroscopic Knee surgery.
xiii. Laproscopic therapeutic surgeries.
xiv. Surgery under General Anaesthesia.
xv. Or any such procedure agreed by TPA/Company before treatment.

(B) Further if the treatment / procedure / surgeries of above diseases are carried out, in Networked specialised Day Care Centre which is fully equipped with advanced technology and specialised infrastructure where the insured is discharged on the same day, the requirement of minimum beds shall be waived provided following conditions are complied with.

i. The operation theatre is fully equipped for the surgical operation required in respect of sickness / ailment / injury for which treatment is being taken.
ii. Day Care nursing staff is fully qualified.
iii. The doctor performing the surgery or procedure as well as post operative
attending doctors are also fully qualified for the specific surgery / procedure.

(C) This condition of minimum 24 (Twenty Four) hours Hospitalisation shall also not apply provided:

I) The treatment is such that it necessitates hospitalisation and the procedure involves specialised infrastructural facilities available only in hospitals,
BUT
II) Due to technological advances hospitalisation is not required for 24 (Twenty Four) hours.
AND / OR
iii) Surgical procedure involved has to be done under General Anaesthesia.

ABOVE ARE ADMISSIBLE SUBJECT TO TERMS & CONDITIONS OF THE POLICY.

NOTE: PROCEDURES / TREATMENTS USUALLY DONE IN OUT- PATIENT DEPARTMENT ARE NOT PAYABLE UNDER THE POLICY EVEN IF CONVERTED TO DAY CARE SURGERY / PROCEDURE OR AS IN- PATIENT IN THE HOSPITAL FOR MORE THAN 24 (Twenty Four) HOURS.

2.4 DOMICILIARY HOSPITALISATION BENEFIT: means Medical treatment for a period exceeding three days for such covered illness/disease/injury which in the normal course would require care and treatment at a hospital / nursing home as inpatient but actually taken whilst confined at home in India under any of the following circumstances:

i. The condition of the patient is such that he/she cannot be removed to the Hospital/Nursing Home
OR
ii. The patient cannot be removed to Hospital/Nursing home due to lack of accommodation in any hospital in that city / town / village. Subject however to the condition that Domiciliary Hospitalisation benefit
shall not cover
a) Expenses incurred for pre and post hospital treatment and
b) Expenses incurred for treatment for any of the following diseases :
i. Chronic Nephritis and Nephritic Syndrome,
ii. Pyrexia of unknown origin for less than 10 days,
iii. Upper Respiratory Tract infection including Laryngitis and Pharingitis,
iv. Arthritis, Gout and Rheumatism.
Note: DOMICILIARY HOSPITALISATION BENEFIT shall not exceed Rs. 20,000/- (Twenty Thousand rupees) per insured in respect of all claims admitted during the policy period.

3 ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS :

3.1 SENIOR CITIZEN: Means an Indian citizen who has attained the age of 60 (sixty) years as on the date of proposal.
3.2 INSURED PERSON: Means Person(s) named on the schedule of the policy.
3.3 SPECIFIED DISEASES: The diseases as mentioned in para 1 above.
3.4 ENTIRE CONTRACT: This policy / proposal and declaration given by the insured constitute the complete contract of this policy. Only Insurer may alter the terms and conditions of this policy. Any alteration that may be made by the insurer shall only be evidenced by a duly signed and sealed endorsement on the policy.
3.5 THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR (TPA): means any Company who has obtained licence from IRDA to practice as a third party administrator and is appointed by the Company.
3.6 NETWORK HOSPITAL: means hospital that has agreed with the TPA to participate for providing cashless health services to the insured persons. The list is maintained by and available with the TPA and the same is subject to amendment from time to time.
3.7 HOSPITALISATION PERIOD: The period for which an insured person is admitted in the hospital as inpatient and stays there for the sole purpose of receiving the necessary and reasonable treatment for the covered disease / ailment contracted / injuries sustained during the period of policy. The
minimum period of stay shall be 24 (Twenty Four) hours.
3.8 PRE-HOSPITALISATION: Relevant medical expenses incurred during the period upto 30 (Thirty) days prior to hospitalisation on covered disease/ illness/ injury sustained shall be considered as part of claim mentioned under item 1.2 above.
3.9 POST-HOSPITALISATION: Relevant medical expenses incurred for the immediate period of 60 (sixty) days after hospitalisation (i.e. after discharge from hospital) on covered disease/illness/injury sustained shall be considered as part of claim mentioned under item 1.2 above.
3.10 MEDICAL PRACTITIONER: means a person who holds a degree/diploma of a recognised institution and is registered by Medical Council of any State of India. The term Medical Practitioner would include Physician, Specialist and Surgeon.
3.11 QUALIFIED NURSE: means a person who holds a certificate of a recognised Nursing Council.
3.12 PRE EXISTING HEALTH CONDITION OR DISEASE: means any ailment /disease / injuries that the person is suffering from, (treated / untreated, declared or not declared in the proposal form) while taking a policy for the first time. Further any complications arising from pre-existing ailment / disease / injuries shall be considered as a part of that pre existing health condition or disease.
3.13 IN-PATIENT: An Insured person who is admitted to hospital and stays for at least 24 (Twenty Four) hours for the sole purpose of receiving the treatment for covered ailment / illness / disease / injury / accident during the currency of the policy.
3.14 CASHLESS FACILITY: means the TPA may authorise upon the Insureds’ request for direct settlement of admissible claim as per agreed charges between Net work Hospitals & the TPA. In such cases the TPA shall directly settle all eligible amounts with the Net work Hospitals.
3.15 I.D. CARD: means the card issued to the Insured Person by the TPA to avail Cashless facility in the Network Hospital.
3.16 DAY CARE PROCEDURE: means the course of Medical treatment / surgical procedure listed at 2.3 (A) carried out, in Networked specialised Day Care Centre which is fully equipped with advanced technology and specialised infrastructure where the insured is discharged on the same day, the requirement of minimum beds shall be waived provided other conditions are complied with.
3.17 LIMIT OF INDEMNITY: means the amount stated in the schedule against the name of each insured person which represents maximum liability for any and all claims made during the policy period in respect of that insured person in respect of hospitalization taking place during currency of the policy.
3.18 ANY ONE ILLNESS: Any one illness shall be deemed to mean continuous period of illness and it includes relapse within 105 days from the date of discharge from the Hospital / nursing home from where the treatment was taken. Occurrence of the same illness after a lapse of 105 days as stated
above shall be considered as fresh illness for the purpose of this policy.
3.19 PERIOD OF POLICY: This insurance policy is issued for a period of one year as shown in the schedule.
3.20 REASONABLE AND NECESSARY EXPENSES: shall mean the cost of surgical / medical treatment that is reasonably and necessarily incurred for treating the disease / illness / injury for which insured person is hospitalised. In the case of a networked hospital this shall be as per the pre-agreed rate
between Networked Hospital and the TPA. Any additional expenses have to be borne by the insured.
3.21 Compulsory Co-Payment: Insured has to bear 20% (Twenty percent) of admissible claim amount in each and every claim. Admissible claim amount for this purpose will be lower of the actual admissible expenses incurred by the client or the limit specified under Table above.
3.22 Voluntary Co-Payment: The insured may opt to bear a part of the claim amount (in addition to compulsory co-payment) for which following discounts are applicable, subject to a maximum of 50% (Fifty percent)

Co-payment:Opted Discount available on premium
10%:10%
20%:20%
30%:30%
40%:40%
50% & above: 50%

3.23 No Claim Discount: The insured shall be entitled for No Claim Discount at the rate of 5% (Five percent) of the renewal premium payable after every claim free policy year, subject to a maximum of 20% (Twenty percent), as per table below, provided the policy is renewed without any break:

Discount available on renewal premium payable after one (or the first) claim free annual policy:5%

Discount available on renewal premium payable on second continuous claim free renewal of annual Policy:10%

Discount available on renewal premium payable on third continuous claim free renewal of annual Policy:15%

Discount available on renewal premium payable on fourth continuous claim free renewal of annual Policy:20%

No Claim Discount shall become ‘nil’ once a claim is paid or becomes payable under the policy, irrespective of the amount of claim. For No Claim Discount, renewal of this particular policy shall only be considered and no benefit of any other insurance policy shall be allowed.

At the discretion of the Company where policy is renewed within 7 (seven) days from the expiry date, the renewal is permissible with the applicable No Claim Discount.

3.24 Break in Insurance: Break in insurance upto 7 (seven) days may be condoned at the discretion of the Company, and in such cases the No Claim Discount and Health Check Up Benefit shall be unaffected.

4 EXCLUSIONS:

The Company shall not be liable to make any payment under this policy in respect of any expenses whatsoever incurred by any Insured Person in connection with or in respect of:

4.1 Any disease / health condition / illness / ailment or any condition arising therefrom other than those specified in the policy as covered.

4.2 Pre-existing health condition or disease or ailment / injuries: Any ailment / disease / injuries / health condition which are pre-existing (treated / untreated, declared / not declared in the proposal form), when the cover incepts for the first time are excluded upto 2 (two) years of this policy being in force continuously.
For the purpose of applying this condition, the date of inception of the Mediclaim policy taken from the Company shall be considered, provided the renewals have been continuous and without any break in period.
This exclusion shall also apply to any complications arising from pre existing ailments / diseases / injuries. Such complications shall be considered as a part of the pre existing health condition or disease. To illustrate if a person is suffering from hypertension or diabetes or both hypertension and diabetes at the time of taking the policy, then policy shall be subject to following exclusions.

Diabetes >Diabetic Retinopathy > Diabetic Nephropathy> Diabetic Foot /wound> Diabetic Angiopathy> Diabetic Neuropathy> Hyper / Hypoglycaemic shocks

Hypertension> Cerebro Vascular accident > Hypertensive Nephropathy > Internal Bleed/ Haemorrhages > Coronary Artery Disease

Diabetes & Hypertension >Diabetic Retinopathy > Diabetic Nephropathy> Diabetic Foot /wound> Diabetic Angiopathy> Diabetic Neuropathy> Hyper / Hypoglycaemic shocks > Cerebro Vascular accident > Hypertensive Nephropathy > Internal Bleed/ Haemorrhages > Coronary Artery Disease

4.3 Any disease covered under the policy other than those stated in clause 4.4, contracted by the Insured person during the first 30 (Thirty) days from the commencement date of the policy except treatment for accidental injuries.

4.4 The expenses on treatment of following ailments / diseases / surgeries for first two policy years are not payable.

i Non infective Arthritis.
ii Cataract.
iii Surgery of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
iv Surgery of gallbladder and bile duct excluding malignancy.
v Surgery of genito urinary system excluding malignancy.
vi Gout and Rheumatism.
vii Calculus diseases.
viii Joint Replacement due to Degenerative condition.
ix Age related osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis.
If the continuity of the renewal is not maintained with the Company then subsequent cover shall be treated as fresh policy and clauses 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 shall apply afresh unless agreed by the Company and suitable
endorsement is passed on the policy.

4.5 Injury or disease directly or indirectly caused by or arising from or attributable to War, Invasion, Act of Foreign Enemy, War like operations (whether war be declared or not) or by nuclear weapons / materials.

4.6 Circumcision (unless necessary for treatment of a disease included hereunder or as may be necessitated due to any accident), vaccination, inoculation or change of life or cosmetic or of aesthetic treatment of any description, hair transplant, plastic surgery other than as may be necessitated due to an accident or as a part of any illness / disease.

4.7 Surgery for correction of eye sight, cost of spectacles, contact lenses, hearing aids etc.

4.8 Convalescence, general debility, “run down” condition or rest cure, congenital external diseases or defects or anomalies, sterility, any fertility, sub-fertility or assisted conception procedure, venereal diseases, intentional self-injury/suicide, all psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders and diseases / accident due to and or use, misuse or abuse of drugs / alcohol or use of intoxicating substances or such abuse or addiction etc.

4.9 All expenses arising out of any condition directly or indirectly caused by, or associated with Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type III (HTLD – III) or Lymohadinopathy Associated Virus (LAV) or the Mutants Derivative or Variations

Deficiency Syndrome or any Syndrome or condition of similar kind commonly referred to as AIDS, HIV and its complications including sexually transmitted diseases.

4.10 Expenses incurred at Hospital or Nursing Home primarily for evaluation / diagnostic purposes which is not followed by active treatment for the ailment during the hospitalised period.

4.11 Expenses on vitamins, tonics, mineral water and allied items unless forming part of treatment for injury or disease as certified by the attending physician.

4.12 Naturopathy treatment, unproven procedure or treatment, experimental or alternative medicine and related treatment including acupressure, acupuncture, magnetic and such other therapies etc.

4.13 Expenses incurred for investigation or treatment irrelevant to the diseases diagnosed during hospitalisation or primary reasons for admission. Private nursing charges, Referral fee to family doctors, Out station consultants / Surgeons fees etc.

4.14 External and / or durable Medical / Non medical equipment like Ambulatory devices i.e. Walker , Crutches, Belts ,Collars ,Caps , Splints, Slings, Braces ,Stockings etc of any kind, CPAP, CAPD, Infusion pump, Diabetic foot wear, Glucometer / Thermometer, nebuliser and similar related items etc and also any
medical equipment which is subsequently used at home etc.

4.15 All non medical expenses including Personal comfort and convenience items or services such as telephone, television, Aya / barber or beauty services, diet charges, baby food, cosmetics, napkins , toiletry items etc, guest services and similar incidental expenses or services etc..

4.16 Change of treatment from one system of medicine to another unless necessitated and agreed / allowed by the TPA / Company.

4.17 Treatment of obesity or condition arising therefrom (including morbid obesity) and any other weight control programme, services or supplies etc.

4.18 Any treatment required arising from Insured’s participation in any hazardous activity such as scuba diving, motor racing, parachuting, hang gliding, rock or mountain climbing, other allied similar activities etc.

4.19 Any treatment received in convalescent home, convalescent hospital, health hydro, nature care clinic or similar establishments.

4.20 Any stay in the hospital for any domestic reason or where no active regular medical treatment is given by the specialist / physician.

4.21 Out Patient Diagnostic, Medical or Surgical procedures or treatments, nonprescribed drugs and medical supplies.
4.22 Massages, Steam bathing, Shirodhara and like treatment under Ayurvedic treatment.

4.23 Any kind of Service charges, Surcharges, Admission fees / Registration charges, File Charges etc levied by the hospital.

4.24 Doctor’s home visit charges, Attendant / Nursing charges during pre and post hospitalisation period.

4.25 Treatment which is continued before hospitalization and continued even after discharge for an ailment / disease / injury other than the one for which hospitalisation claim is made / admissible.

5 CONDITIONS

5.1 ENTIRE CONTRACT: the policy, proposal form, prospectus and declaration given by the insured shall constitute the complete contract of insurance. Only insurer may alter the terms and conditions of this policy/ contract. Any alteration that may be made by the insurer shall only be evidenced by a duly signed and sealed endorsement on the policy.

5.2 COMMUNICATION: Every notice or communication to be given or made under this policy shall be delivered in writing at the address of the policy issuing office / Third Party Administrator as shown in the Schedule.

5.3 PAYMENT OF PREMIUM: The premium payable under this policy shall be paid in advance. No receipt for premium shall be valid except on the official form of the Company signed by a duly authorized official of the company. The due payment of premium and the observance and fulfilment of the terms, provisions, conditions and endorsements of this policy by the Insured Person in so far as they relate to anything to be done or complied with by the Insured Person shall be condition precedent to any liability of the Company to make any payment under this policy. No waiver of any terms, provisions, conditions and endorsements of this policy shall be valid, unless made in writing and signed by an authorised official of the Company.

5.4 The policy shall be deemed to be void ab-inito (since its inception) if the payment instrument is dishonoured for any reasons whatsoever and under this circumstance the Company shall not admit any liability whatsoever under this policy.

5.5 NOTICE OF CLAIM: Immediate notice of claim with particulars relating to Policy Number, ID Card No., Name of insured person in respect of whom claim is made, Nature of disease / illness / injury and Name and Address of the attending medical practitioner / Hospital/Nursing Home etc. should be given to the Company / TPA while taking treatment in the Hospital / Nursing Home by Fax, Email. Such notice should be given within 48 hours of admission or before discharge from Hospital / Nursing Home, whichever is earlier, unless waived in
writing by the Company.

5.6 CLAIM DOCUMENTS: Final claim along with hospital receipted original Bills/Cash memos/reports, claim form and list of documents as listed below should be submitted to the Company / TPA within 7 (seven) days of discharge from the Hospital / Nursing Home.
a. Original bills, receipts and discharge certificate / card from the hospital.
b. Medical history of the patient recorded by the Hospital.
c. Original Cash-memo from the hospital (s) / chemist (s) supported by proper prescription.
d. Original receipt, pathological and other test reports from a pathologist / radiologist including film etc supported by the note from attending medical practitioner / surgeon demanding such tests.
e. Attending Consultants / Anaesthetists / Specialist certificates regarding diagnosis and bill / receipts etc.
f. Surgeon’s original certificate stating diagnosis and nature of operation performed along with bills / receipts etc.
g. Any other information / document required by TPA / Insurance Company.

All documents must be duly attested by the insured person. In case of post hospitalisation treatment [limited to 60 (sixty) days] all supporting claim papers / documents as listed above should also be submitted
within 7 (seven) days after completion of such treatment [ upto 60 (sixty) days or actual period which ever is less ] to the Company / T.P.A. In addition insured should also provide the Company / TPA such additional information and assistance as the Company / TPA may require in dealing with the claim.

NOTE: Waiver of the condition may be considered in extreme cases of hardship where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Company that under the circumstances in which the insured was placed it was not possible for him or any other person on behalf of the insured to give such notice or file claim within the prescribed time limit. Otherwise Company / TPA has a right to reject the claim.

5.7 PROCEDURE FOR AVAILING CASHLESS ACCESS SERVICES IN NETWORK HOSPITAL/NURSING HOME :

i) Claim in respect of Cashless Access Services shall be through the TPA provided admission is in a listed hospital in the agreed list of the networked Hospitals / Nursing Homes and is subject to pre admission
authorization. The TPA shall, upon getting the related medical details / relevant information from the insured person / network Hospital / Nursing Home, verify that the person is eligible to claim under the policy and after satisfying itself shall issue a pre-authorisation letter / guarantee of payment letter to the Hospital / Nursing Home mentioning the sum guaranteed as payable, also the ailment for which the person is seeking to be admitted as in-patient.

ii) The TPA reserves the right to deny pre-authorisation in case the hospital / insured person is unable to provide the relevant information / medical details as required by the TPA. In such circumstances denial of
Cashless Access should in no way be construed as denial of claim and / or deficiency of service. The insured person may obtain the treatment as per his/her treating doctor’s advice and later on submit the full claim
papers to the TPA for reimbursement within 7 (seven) days of the discharge from Hospital / Nursing Home.

iii) In case any information available to the TPA / Company which makes the claim inadmissible or doubtful requiring investigations, the authorisation of cashless facility shall be withdrawn. However this shall be done by the TPA before the patient is discharged from the Hospital.

5.8 NON ADMISSION OF CLAIM:

A (I): Where the policy is being serviced by TPA, it shall repudiate the claim if not covered / not payable under the policy. The TPA shall mention the reasons for repudiation in writing to the insured person. The insured person may approach the policy issuing office of the Company for any grievance relating to the claim.
The Company’s decision in this regard shall be final and binding on TPA.

A (II): Where the policy is serviced by the Company and in case of repudiation of the claim, insured may approach the concerned Regional Office of the Company for redressal of any grievance relating to the claim.

B: In case claim is repudiated by the Company as per A (1) & A (II) the insured person may approach the Chief Manager Grievance Cell of the Company’s Regd. Office situated at A-25/27, Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi-110002.

C: The Central Government has established office of the Insurance Ombudsman for redressal of grievances and the insured may approach the Insurance Ombudsman for redressal of his grievance. The insured may visit the site at http://www.ombudsmanindia.org/ for details.

5.9 Any medical practitioner authorised by the TPA/Company shall be allowed to examine the Insured Person with / without prior notice in case of any alleged injury or Disease requiring Hospitalisation when and so often as the same may reasonably be required on behalf of the TPA/Company.

5.10 FRAUD / MISREPRESENTATION / CONCEALMENT: The Company shall not be liable to make any payment under this policy in respect of any claim, if such claim be in any manner (intentionally or recklessly or otherwise) misrepresented or concealed or involve any non disclosure of material facts or making false statements or submitting fake bills whether by the Insured Person or Institution / Organization on his behalf. Such action shall render this policy null and void and all claims hereunder shall be forfeited. Company may take suitable legal action against the Insured Person / Institution / Organization as per Law.

5.11 CONTRIBUTION: If at the time when any claim arises under this policy, there is in existence any other insurance (other than Cancer Insurance Policy in collaboration with Indian Cancer Society) whether it be effected by or on behalf of any Insured Person in respect of whom the claim may have arisen covering the
same loss, liability, compensation, costs or expenses, the company shall not be liable to pay or contribute more than its rateable proportion of any loss, liability, compensation, costs or expenses. The benefits under this policy shall however be in excess of the benefits available under Cancer Insurance Policy.

5.12 CANCELLATION CLAUSE: Company may at any time, cancel this Policy by sending the Insured 30 (Thirty) days notice by registered letter at the Insured’s last known address and in such an event the Company shall refund to the Insured a pro-rata premium for un-expired Period of Insurance. (such cancellation by the Company may be for reasons such as intentional misrepresentation / malicious suppression of facts intended to misleading the insurance company about the acceptability of the proposal, lodging a fraudulent claim and such other intentional acts of the insured / beneficiaries under the policy). The Company shall, however, remain liable for any claim which arose prior to the date of cancellation. The Insured may at any time cancel this policy and in such event the Company shall allow refund of premium at Company’s short period rate only (table given here below) provided no claim has occurred during the policy period up to date of cancellation.

Period on Risk: Rate of premium to be charged
Upto 1 Month: 1/4th of the annual rate
Upto 3 Months: 1/2 of the annual rate
Upto 6 Months: 3/4th of the annual rate
Exceeding 6 months: Full annual rate

5.13 ARBITRATION CLAUSE: If any dispute or difference shall arise as to the quantum to be paid under the policy (liability being otherwise admitted) such difference shall independently of all other questions be referred to the decision of a sole arbitrator to be appointed in writing by the parties or if they cannot agree
upon a single arbitrator within 30 (Thirty) days of any party invoking arbitration, the same shall be referred to a panel of three arbitrators, comprising of two arbitrators, one to be appointed by each of the parties to the dispute/difference and the third arbitrator to be appointed by such two arbitrators and arbitration
shall be conducted under and in accordance with the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
It is clearly agreed and understood that no difference or dispute shall be referable to arbitration as herein before provided, if the Company has disputed or not accepted liability under or in respect of this policy.

It is hereby expressly stipulated and declared that it shall be a condition precedent to any right of action or suit upon this policy that award by such arbitrator/ arbitrators of the amount of the loss or damage shall be first obtained.

5.14 DISCLAIMER OF CLAIM: It is also hereby further expressly agreed and declared that if the TPA/Company shall disclaim liability in writing to the Insured for any claim hereunder and such claim shall not within 12 calendar months from the date of such disclaimer have been made the subject matter of a suit in a court of law, then the claim shall for all purposes be deemed to have been abandoned and shall not thereafter be recoverable hereunder.

5.15 PAYMENT OF CLAIM: The policy covers illness, disease or accidental bodily injury sustained by the insured person during the policy period any where in India and all medical / surgical treatment under this policy shall have to be taken in India and admissible claims thereof shall be payable in Indian currency without any interest thereof.
a) Payment of claim shall be made through TPA to the Hospital / Nursing Home or to the Insured Person in case policy is serviced through TPA.
b) In non TPA case the claim shall be paid to the insured person by the Company.

6. COST OF HEALTH CHECK : The Insured shall be entitled for reimbursement of cost of Health check up undertaken once at the expiry of a block of every four continuous claim free underwriting years provided there are no claims reported during the block. The cost so reimbursable shall not exceed the amount equal to
1% of the average sum Insured during the block of four claim free underwriting years.

IMPORTANT
Both Health Check-up and No Claim Discount provisions are applicable only in respect of continuous insurance without break.

7. PERIOD OF POLICY: This insurance policy is issued for a period of one year.

8. RENEWAL OF POLICY:

a) The Company shall not be responsible or liable for non-renewal of policy due to non-receipt or delayed receipt (i.e. After the due date) of the proposal form or of the medical practitioners report wherever required or due to any other reason whatsoever.

b) Notwithstanding this, however, the decision to accept or reject for coverage of any person and / or upon renewal of this insurance, shall rest solely with the Company. The company may at its discretion revise the premium rates and / or the terms & conditions of the policy every year at the time of renewal thereof (if called for). Renewal of this policy is not automatic; premium due must be paid by the proposer to the company before the due date.

c) The Company is under no obligation to send renewal notice and its absence thereof shall not tantamount to deficiency in services.

d) The Company is under no obligation to renew the Policy merely on receipt of premium unless acceptance of renewal is conveyed by issuing renewed policy with receipt. If the Insured desires to renew the policy for enhanced Sum Insured, then the Additional Sum Insured shall be accepted subject to satisfactory medical check up at insured’s cost. The Additional Sum Insured, if accepted, shall be treated as if a separate policy has been issued for that Additional Sum and the restrictions as applicable to a fresh policy shall apply for that Additional Sum Insured.

9. PRE-ACCEPTANCE HEALTH CHECKUP: Any person desiring to take fresh insurance cover has to submit following medical reports (and any other medical reports) required by the company from authorised Network Diagnostic Centre. This provision shall also be applicable for renewal where there is a break in policy
period. The cost of such check up shall be borne by the insured. However in case of fresh proposals, the Company shall deduct lowest of the following from the premium amount provided the proposal is accepted by the Company:

50% cost of Medical Check up or 10% of premium chargeable or Rs.1000/- (Rupees one thousand) per person. However in case of break in policy period there will be no reimbursement of pre acceptance health check up cost.

MEDICAL TEST
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
URINE(MICROALBUMIN UREA)
GLYCOCYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN
ULTRASONOGRAPHY (WHOLE ABDOMEN AND PELVIS)
X-RAY BOTH KNEES (ANTEPOSTERIOR AND LATREL)
COMPLETE EYE TEST INCLUDING FUNDUS ETC
STRESS TEST (TMT)

10. SUM INSURED: The Company’s liability in respect of all claims admitted during the period of Insurance shall not exceed the sum insured opted by the Insured person. Minimum sum insured that can be selected is Rs 100,000/- and higher sum insured can be selected in multiples of Rs 100,000/- upto a maximum sum insured of Rs. 5,00,000/-.

11. AUTHORITY TO OBTAIN RECORDS:
a) The insured person agrees to and authorises the disclosure to the insurer or the TPA or any other person nominated by the insurer of any and all Medical records and information held by any Institution / Hospital or Person from which the insured person has obtained any medical or other treatment to the extent reasonably required by either the insurer or the TPA in connection with any claim made under this policy or the insurer’s liability thereunder.
b) The insurer and the TPA agree that they shall preserve the confidentiality of any documentation and information that comes into their possession pursuant to (a) above and shall only use it in connection with any claim made under this policy or the insurer’s liability thereunder

12. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Insured must inform the company immediately in writing of any change in the address.

13. QUALITY OF TREATMENT : The insured acknowledges and agrees that payment of any claim by the insurer shall not constitute on part of the insurance company a guarantee or assurance as to the quality or effectiveness of any medical treatment obtained by the insured person, it being agreed and recognized by the policy holder that insurer is not in any way responsible or liable for the availability or quality of any services (Medical or otherwise) rendered by any institution (including a network hospital) whether pre-authorized or not.

14. ID CARD: The card issued to the insured person by the TPA to avail cash less facility in the Network Hospital only. Upon the cancellation or non renewal of this policy, all ID cards shall immediately be returned to the TPA at the policy holders expense and the policy holder undertakes to indemnify the insurer /TPA for any liability whatsoever due to any misuse of the ID card by any person whomsoever.

15. Protection of Policyholders’ Interest: This policy is subject to IRDA (Protection of Policyholders’ Interest) Regulation.

16. In case of any grievance not redressed by the concerned Policy issuing Office, the insured person shall have a right to appeal / approach the Chief Manager Grievance Cell of the Company’s Regd. Office situated at A-25/27, Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi-110002. The Central Government has also established office of the Insurance Ombudsman for redressal of policyholders’ grievances. The insured may visit the site at http://www.ombudsmanindia.org/ for details.

17. SCHEDULE OF PREMIUM:

IRDA okays policy customisation is a good move.

The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA) has taken free pricing to the next level by giving non-life insurance companies more freedom to design their own products.

Nice, its good for agents too.

The biggest gainers from the move are small businesses. The insurance regulator has removed the minimum sum insured limit of Rs 100 crore for the industrial all-risk (IAR) policy. An IAR policy — a package cover — is convenient, cheaper and provides comprehensive cover than the piecemeal stand-alone policies for fire and insurance. Till now, only large corporates were allowed to buy the IAR cover. From now, even small-scale industries can participate.

In a circular issued on Thursday, the regulator said the insurers are permitted to file (new products) with variations in deductibles from those prescribed under the erstwhile fire, engineering, industrial all-risk and motor own-damage tariffs, subject to written disclosures and acceptance by the insured prior to finalisation of the policy. Another relaxation is that insurance companies have been allowed to permit engineering insurance cover to portable electronic equipment which, till now, had to be covered under a separate policy.

Earlier, the regulator had indicated that companies would be given the freedom to draft their own policies a year after detariffing. However, a year after prices were decontrolled, the insurance regulator had second thoughts. The idea was that the present clauses under most policies have been established after years of jurisprudence and allowing companies to write their own clauses would lead to confusion in the market.