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Exploring diverse insurance topics for comprehensive insights.

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How To Safeguard Assets During Riots?
Riots can be unpredictable and destructive, posing a serious threat to personal and commercial assets. Vehicles, homes, businesses, and financial resources are all at risk during civil unrest. Safeguarding these assets requires proactive measures and insurance coverage to minimise financial loss. This guide highlights key assets to protect and how to ensure their security during riots.
Jun 3, 2025
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Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA Card)

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with a chief focus on the development of a foundation for digitalisation of the healthcare system across the country. Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is a key feature of the ABDM initiative taken by the government of India that grants you access to a health card with a unique identification number.

Under this mission, the citizens of India are provided with numerous benefits, such as hassle-free access to medical treatments and healthcare facilities, easy sign-up options for personal health record applications (like ABDM ABHA app), and trustable identity. You can find out what ABHA health card is and some of the ABHA card benefits here.

What is ABHA card?

Consider a scenario where an individual is seeking the medical opinion of a specialised doctor who may be in a differ city or even country. In such a case, sharing your diagnostic test results and details of treatment given by your local doctor proves to be a cumbersome process. An ABHA card can help the individual share the documents with any doctor in a seamless manner.

ABHA card, also known as ABHA health card, is a healthcare ID card offered by the government of India to its citizens. This card comprises a 14-digit identification number obtained using your mobile number and your AADAR number. The Ayushman Bharat Health Account card or ABHA card allows you to maintain all your medical history, such as past diagnostic reports, digitally on a single platform without any hassle of keeping extensive files.

Benefits of the ABHA card

An ABHA card not only facilitates the documentation of your medical records but also offers numerous other benefits. Some of the ABHA card benefits are provided here.

1. Digitalised medical records

As specified earlier, your Ayushman Bharat Health Account lets you keep all your medical reports and records digitally on one platform. This frees you from the worry of finding all your health reports and carrying them to the doctor every time.

2. Consensual access to health records

With an ABHA health card, you can share access to your medical records with your doctor. Moreover, these records cannot be obtained by any doctor without your consent. You can also rescind access given for your records at any time.

3. High security

You do not have to worry about getting your medical information leaked with ABHA. The ABHA platform is secured with numerous measures including a vigorous encryption system.

4. Access to various doctors

With ABHA, you can easily and securely contact a qualified doctor and/or healthcare professionals for consultation when required. All the doctors or healthcare professionals you may find through ABHA are verified.

5. Flexibility to activate or deactivate ABHA

Holding an ABHA health card is not essential to seek medical attention. You can create a health card ID with ABHA, which can be deactivated any time you wish to leave the platform.

6. Option to add a beneficiary

You can add a beneficiary to your ABHA after getting your health card. This facility has yet to be introduced to the citizens of India and will be available in the near future.

How to apply for ABHA card online

You can apply for an ABHA health card online with your AADHAAR card or driving licence. You can follow the steps given here to create your Ayushman Bharat Health Account.

1. Go to the official website for ABDM at https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in/.

2. Select the ‘Create ABHA Number’ option on the website.

3. Choose your preferred ID, i.e., AADHAAR card or driving licence, for crating the ABHA number.

4. Then, you will need to fill your mobile number on which you will receive an OTP for next procedure.

5. Once you confirm your mobile number with the OPT, you will be directed to a National Authority Form page. Fill the required personal details, such as your name, email id, and mobile number. The information provided must be up to date.

6. You can now download your ABHA health card from the website.

Documents required for ABHA card

To acquire an ABHA card, you first need to apply for the card online or offline. For this application, you will be required to provide your updated personal information along with an identity proof. Here is a list of documents and details that you may need to provide for creating ABHA.

1. AADHAAR card

2. Mobile number

3. PAN

4. Driving licence

How to use the ABHA card?

You can use the ABHA health card to avail its numerous benefits. In addition to this, you can also utilise your ABHA card to make some processes associated with medical service selection easy for you.

1. You can use your ABHA card to access the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR). This registry provides you with a list of information of all the doctors across the country.

2. Additionally, you can use this card to gain access to Health Facility Registry (HFR). This registry offers you details of all the private and government health facilities available in India.

3. ABHA card also allows you to look for alternative medicinal facilities as well such as Yoga, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy.

4. You can share access to your medical records with your hospitals and doctors with your ABHA health card.

How to download ABHA card?

You can download your ABHA card once your complete your ABHA registration process. You can obtain your ABHA card by using the following two ways:

1. Go to the official website of ABDM at https://abdm.gov.in/. Log in to your ABHA and download your ABHA card.

2. You can go to the ABHA mobile app. If you don’t have the app, you can download it from PlayStore if you use android. Log in to your ABHA with the app and download the ABHA card.

Need of health insurance

The continuously rising costs of the healthcare service can burn a hole in your pocket if you don’t make a well-thought plan to battle them. A health insurance policy is an extremely useful tool that you can utilise strategically in a medical crisis. With the wide variety of health insurance providers offering polices in India, you may wonder about the cost effectiveness of such policies.

When you look for a health insurance plan online, you can compare the different policies available to select the plan that suits you the best. Moreover, many insurance providers offering health insurance policies online allow you to calculate your premiums with their health Insurance premium calculator. Calculating your premium rate with such a tool can help you ensure that your get the best possible coverage against your premium paid.

ABHA Health Card - FAQs What is the cost involved in applying for the ABHA card?

You can get an ABHA card by applying for it online for free.

Is it mandatory for me to get an ABHA card?

No. It is not mandatory for anyone to register for an ABHA card. Furthermore, if you choose to get an ABHA health card, you can deactivate it any time you wish to do so.

Who can access my personal medical information on the ABHA portal?

The medical information you submit to ABHA is entirely confidential and saved by following strict security measures. Only you can share access to your records with doctors. Without your consent, no one can access your medical records.

Can I revoke access to my records after I grant it to someone?

Yes. You can revoke the access to your information shared with a doctor or hospital any time you want. Once, you revoke this access, your records will no longer be visible to the hospital or doctor.

What is the eligibility criterion to get an ABHA card?

You only have to be a citizen of India in order to obtain an ABHA health card. There is no other eligibility criterion.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Nov 17, 2023
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Impact Of Climate Change on Crops

Climate change, driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, has emerged the biggest global challenges of our time. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, we face several challenges as a society. India, being a predominantly agrarian economy, faces the adverse effects of climate change in the agricultural sector. With the effects of climate change on agriculture worsening day by day, taking essential steps has become necessary. In this article, we explore such complications and the strategies to employ for mitigating the risks.

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

One of the major implications of climate change is global warming. It refers to the long–term increase in earth's average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The enhanced greenhouse effect leads to rising temperatures and alterations in weather patterns. Some of the effects of these factors on agriculture are as follows:

  • Changing crop patterns

    As the temperature rises, certain crops may become less viable in traditional regions, while new areas may emerge suitable for cultivation. As a result, crop yields and productivity get affected. Pests and diseases can also thrive under changing temperatures, posing additional challenges. In essence, the shift in crop patterns due to climate change can have profound economic and social implications.

  • Altered water availability

    Global warming affects the hydrological cycle, leading to changes in rainfall patterns and the timing of monsoons. Some regions may experience increased rainfall, while others face drought conditions. Such uneven distribution of precipitation can disrupt the water supply to crops, impacting their growth. The imbalanced water availability also affects runoff and groundwater recharge. These aspects result in depleted water resources for irrigation.

  • Increase in pests and diseases

    Rising temperatures and shifting climatic conditions present a favourable atmosphere for pests, leading to infections and crop damage. The moisture levels changing in a warmer climate also contribute to the emergence and spread of plant diseases. These challenges require farmers to invest in resilient crop varieties and implement integrated pest management practices.

Effects of Climate Change on Crop Production

Climate variability refers to the natural fluctuations in weather patterns from year to year, which can worsen the effects of global warming on agriculture. The increase in average temperatures adversely affects crops, disrupting their growth, development, and yield potential. Changing rainfall patterns, such as untimely or excessive rains, droughts, and heatwaves, increase the challenges faced by farmers. Explained below is the impact of climate change on agricultural practices, specifically crop production:

  • Erratic monsoons

    The Indian monsoon, a lifeline for agriculture, is highly sensitive to climate variability. Irregular monsoons, with delayed or early arrivals, uneven spatial distribution, and prolonged dry spell significantly affect crop growth and productivity. While some regions experience increased precipitation, others face prolonged dry spells and drought conditions. Overall, the erratic monsoon patterns have a profound impact on rain-fed agriculture, affecting crop growth, water availability, and overall farm productivity.

  • Extreme weather events

    Climate variability increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, cyclones, and heatwaves. These events can lead to substantial crop losses and disruption of farming practices. Besides, global warming intensifies extreme weather events, such as floods, cyclones, and heatwaves, leading to devastating implications on crops. Predominantly, floods pose ill–impact of climate change on crop production. They destroy standing crops, wash away fertile topsoil, and promote the spread of diseases, leading to substantial yield losses. Similarly, heatwaves reduce crop productivity, disrupt pollination, and increase water stress. Wheat, rice, and maize are some of the crops affected by climate change.

Environmental Changes and Their Implications on Indian Agriculture

Besides global warming and climate variability, climate change also triggers environmental imbalance. This, in turn, has far–reaching consequences on agricultural systems. The impact of environmental changes on agriculture is explained as follows:

  • Land degradation

    Unsustainable land use practices, deforestation, and overexploitation of natural resources are leading to land degradation. A degraded land is prone to soil erosion and nutrient depletion that reduce agricultural productivity and compromise long–term sustainability. Increased temperature and changing rainfall patterns can also result in soil degradation. Erosion, nutrient depletion, and compaction are reasons for soil infertility, which affects crop growth and yield potential. Additionally, the rise in temperature enhances the evaporation rate, leading to increased soil moisture stress.

  • Water scarcity

    India’s growing population and increasing demand for water are putting immense pressure on available water resources. Groundwater depletion and declining water tables further aggravate water scarcity, making agriculture more vulnerable. Climate change–induced water scarcity poses a significant challenge to agriculture. Such water depletion, combined with changes in precipitation, strains water resources and increases demand for irrigation. Both of which are challenges not easily manageable. Consequently, the difficulty in securing adequate water supplies for irrigation negatively impacts crop productivity and agricultural income.

  • Biodiversity loss

    Environmental changes and expanding agricultural areas lead to biodiversity loss, which refers to the decline in the variety and abundance of species in ecosystems. The result is the loss of genetic diversity in crops, disruption of pollination, and imbalanced ecosystem services. Besides, biodiversity loss also increases pest and disease pressure, which affects soil health and nutrient cycling. All these factors pose a negative impact on agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability.

Influence of Climate Change on Farming Practices

The combined effects of global warming, climate variability, and environmental changes have resulted in several challenges for farming practices. Some of them include:

  • Reduced crop yields

    Changing climate conditions and extreme weather events often lead to decreased crop yields, affecting food security and livelihoods for millions of farmers.

  • Crop damage and losses

    Prolonged droughts, floods, and heatwaves can cause extensive crop damage and losses, pushing farmers into a cycle of poverty and debt.

  • Unpredictable market conditions

    Fluctuating crop yields and uncertain harvests impact market prices and farmer incomes, making agricultural planning and investments riskier.

  • Adaptation challenges

    Small and marginal farmers, who constitute a significant portion of India's farming community, face challenges in adapting to changing climate conditions due to limited access to resources, technology, and information.

Mitigating the Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices requires a multi–faceted approach involving policymakers, farmers, and the scientific community. The adverse effects of climate change on crop production necessitate the adoption of resilient strategies like:

  • Climate–resilient farming practices

    Promoting climate-resilient farming techniques such crop diversification, contour farming, preserving rainwater, and water-efficient irrigation methods can enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change.

  • Crop diversification

    Crop diversification involves cultivating a variety of crops suitable for different climatic conditions. It helps mitigate the risk of climate–related crop failures by reducing dependence on a single crop. This practice is the best way to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

  • Access to climate information and advisory services

    Dissemination of climate information, weather forecasts, and advisory services equips farmers with valuable insights about weather patterns, temperature variations, expected rainfall, etc. Such insights help in adjusting agricultural practices like crop selection, sowing, irrigation, and pest management.

  • Improved water management

    Enhancing water–use efficiency through well–planned irrigation practices, rainwater harvesting, and watershed management can mitigate the impact of water scarcity on agriculture. When water wastage is minimised, farmers can enjoy enhanced crop productivity.

  • Strengthening farmer support systems

    A robust support system includes easy access to financial services like insurance, infrastructural developments, timely credit, capacity-building programs, and market insights. The combined strength of these forces helps enable farmers to enhance their adaptive capacity, implement climate–smart strategies, and minimise risks associated with adverse conditions.

  • Agroforestry and conservation agriculture

    Agroforestry involves integrating trees and crops on the same land, providing multiple benefits such as soil conservation, improved water retention, and increased biodiversity. On the other hand, conservation agriculture focuses on enhancing sustainability with minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and maintaining soil cover. Following these practices helps conserve water, prevent erosion, and retain nutrients in the soil.

  • Adoption of climate-Resilient crop varieties

    Developing and promoting climate–resilient crop varieties is crucial for adapting to changing climate conditions. There are breeding programs focusing on developing wheat, rice, maize, millet, and legume varieties that are drought-tolerant, heat–resistant, and disease-resistant. Cultivating such crops will help overcome climate–induced challenges.

Ways Forward to Combat Climate Change

Besides the above–mentioned strategies, going forward, there are some environmental measures that can be taken to combat the impact of climate change on crops in India. Such practices are about adapting to change and viewing agricultural practices from a new perspective. Some of the crucial steps in this direction are:

  • Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Promoting energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation to lower carbon footprints.
  • Protecting and restoring forests to help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  • Implementing sustainable agriculture practices to reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
  • Advocating for policy changes and international cooperation to limit global warming.
  • Individual actions such as reducing waste, conserving water, and adopting eco–friendly habits collectively to curb the ill–climatic effects.

Secure Your Crops Against Ill–effects of Climate Change with Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Climate change, driven by global warming, climate variability, and environmental changes, poses significant challenges to crop production in India. By promoting climate–resilient farming practices, improving access to climate information, and strengthening support systems for farmers, India can navigate the impacts of climate change in agriculture. While these practices are helpful, they take time to reflect results. Meanwhile, building a safety net for your crops with the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana helps ensure financial stability.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Jul 31, 2023
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Navratri Begins: Know the Health Benefits of Fasting

One of the most revered Indian festivals, Navratri marks goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated over nine nights and ten days, and all nine nights are dedicated to the nine manifestations of the goddess. Devotees all around the nation may observe fasts, making Navratri an excellent time to revisit your dietary habits. This Navratri, let us learn the many health benefits of fasting.

Fasting During Navratri

Fasting rituals vary from person to person. For instance, some people only drink water while others only eat fruits or consume one meal a day. However, the following is a general guide on what you can and cannot consume during your Navratri fast.

What you can consumeWhat you cannot consume
 Seasonal vegetables Garlic
 Leafy vegetables Legumes
 Milk Lentils
 Yogurt Rice flour
 Ghee Refined flour
 Cottage cheese Whole wheat flour
 Buckwheat Semolina
 Tapioca Meat
 Water chestnut flour Fish
 Millet Eggs
 Peanuts Alcohol
 Dry fruits & nuts Tobacco

Health Benefits of Fasting During Navratri

The following are scientifically–backed health benefits of fasting:

Improves heart health

Fasting lowers high blood pressure and reduces triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels. This, in turn, lowers the risk of coronary heart disease.

Aids weight loss

By fasting, you essentially reduce your calorie intake. Research shows that short–term fasting, like during Navratri, increases the norepinephrine levels in the body. Norepinephrine functions like a neurotransmitter that boosts metabolism and aids weight loss.

Fights inflammation

Inflammation is a normal immune response to fend off bacteria and viruses. However, chronic inflammation can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Fasting lowers inflammation by reducing oxidative stress in cells and promotes better health.

Promotes blood sugar control

Fasting decreases your body’s insulin resistance and allows the body to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, thus regulating. steady blood sugar levels. However, since fasting impacts insulin levels, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and pregnant and lactating women must consult their doctors if they choose to fast.

Improves hormone secretion

The body requires human growth hormone (HGH) for muscle and bone growth. HGH also boosts metabolism and keeps your heart healthy. Fasting can increase the production of HGH in the pituitary glands. Maintenance of insulin levels due to fasting can also increase HGH production.

Improves brain function

Fasting may boost the production of abrineurin, a brain–derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is responsible for producing chemicals that improve your neural health. Fasting also reduces the risk of age–related neurodegenerative conditions.

Fasting and health insurance

When done right, fasting can reduce the risk of many diseases. However, no health regimen can entirely eliminate sudden health scares. The treatment costs for some illnesses can drain your life savings. Therefore, you should protect yourself with health insurance. Health insurance provides financial cover for expenses associated with treating various conditions. You can also get insurance for critical illnesses like cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Your insurance provider offers coverage up to the sum insured and you can file claims after riding out the waiting period.

This Navratri look to Goddess Durga to make wise investment decisions. Protect yourself and your loved ones with health insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Jan 25, 2023
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Dussehra: The Importance of Ayudh Puja

For millions of years, various tools have continued to put humans at the top of the food chain. Progressing in life without tools is nearly impossible. Farmers cannot farm without their agricultural tools; carpenters cannot drive nails into wood without a hammer, and scientists cannot fly a rocket in space without a computer. In India, tools, regardless of their purpose, are worshipped during the festival of Dussehra. This Dussehra, let's understand the significance of worshipping tools and how you can protect them.

Dussehra and Ayudha Puja

Dussehra marks the last day of Navratri when Goddess Durga slayed the demon Mahishasura. It is also known as Vijayadashami – Vijaya, meaning victorious and Dashami, meaning the 'tenth'. Dussehra represents the tenth day of celebrating the victory of good over evil. It is also the day of Ayudha Puja, which translates to 'worship of instruments'.

On this day, devotees clean, paint, or polish various tools like machines, books, and other equipment, that make them prosperous. On the evening before the day of Ayudh Puja, devotees place their equipment, books, musical instruments, laptops, etc., on a platform decorated with flowers. On the morning of Ayudh Puja, devotees worship the tools for the uninterrupted functioning that make their lives easy. In India, it is also customary for devotees to clean and wash their vehicles and tie flower garlands as a way to thank their vehicles for the convenience they provide.

Significance of Ayudha Puja

Ayudha Puja is associated with many legends, one of them being the worship of Goddess Durga's weapons that helped her defeat Mahishasura. The gods bestowed these weapons upon her, with each weapon representing a different force of nature. For instance, the Trishul gifted by Lord Shiva represents the three human qualities of lethargies, desires and purity. Lord Indra granted her a thunderbolt that symbolizes a strong will. All Goddess Durga's weapons have been worshipped since ancient times.

Ayudha Puja is also associated with the epic Mahabharata. Arjuna, the third of five Pandavas, hid war weapons in a tree before being forced into 13 years of exile. After 13 years, he retrieved his weapons from the tree and declared war on the Kauravas. In the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna emerged victorious, and the day when Pandavas returned home was Vijayadashami. Devotees also believe Vijayadashami is an excellent day to start new ventures or buy new items.

Protecting Modern Tools with Insurance

As the adage goes, 'God lives in all things'. This is why we, as Indians, adopt religious practices into our everyday lives and give them a modern outlook. In the 21st century, we rely on several modern tools to make our lives easy. For instance, we need vehicles to travel. We also need computers and laptops to earn our living.

However, a simple religious ritual does not suffice. The wise thing to do to truly secure these tools is to invest in insurance policies. If you own vehicles, you must invest in bike insurance and/or car insurance. Similarly, you must purchase cyber insurance to protect your laptops and computers.

This Dusshera, remember to invest in insurance to safeguard your valuables.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Jan 25, 2023
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Role of Science in Transforming Healthcare

Science has a significant impact on human lives. Everything surrounding us is the result of scientific experiments and discoveries. With its omnipresence, science has contributed to various areas of development. The healthcare industry is one of them. Today, new tools and treatments are available for treating complex health conditions. This World Science Day, let us dive into how science impacts medical advancements.

World Science Day for Peace and Development

World Science Day for Peace and Development was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2002 and is celebrated on 10th November every year. This day is dedicated to marking the contribution and impact science has on human life, bridging the gap between science and society, and encouraging a dialogue exchange between the general public and the global scientific community. The day also promotes global peace and development through innovative discoveries.

Ways Science Impacts the Growth of the Healthcare Industry

Science paves the way for an advanced future where healthcare services meet innovation in the following ways:

Personalised solutions

The one–size–fits–all approach is never possible in the healthcare sector. All of us have different biological anatomies and lifestyle habits. Hence, we need distinct medical solutions to treat health issues effectively. Science makes this possible through precision medication. Under this practice, healthcare professionals analyse your genetics and lifestyle to provide targeted treatments.

Improved medical efficiency

Accuracy is the key to performing complex surgeries on delicate organs like the eyes, heart, lungs, etc. There is a limit to what surgeons can do to access deep tissues and difficult–to–penetrate areas. Also, surgeons’ emotional and mental well–being can influence the outcome. There is no such limitation with scientifically programmed tools and robots.

Prediction of health risks

Existing chronic symptoms and underlying health issues help analyse and predict future health risks. Recognising patterns and incorporating existing solutions to these patterns enables health professionals to design treatment plans. Moreover, data analytics, machine learning, and scientific predictive models play an important role in monitoring current outbreaks and health issues.

Better data management

Medical history and diagnostic results form the core of any treatment. Earlier, this required going through various files, which was challenging to update. But this is no longer the case. The growth in medical science and technology has enabled hospitals to get real–time updates on lab results, vital signs, and other important information.

Online healthcare services

Making phone calls or visiting a doctor’s clinic to get a doctor’s appointment is a thing of the past. Today, you can seamlessly book online appointments through mobile apps and medical aggregator websites. This facility reduces waiting time, enables comparison of services (through reviews) and proves helpful during medical emergencies.

Get Advanced Healthcare With Health Insurance

Scientific advancements also mean inflating medical costs. The only way to ensure these inflating costs don’t impact your savings is to invest in health insurance. Your health insurance policy covers the cost of various physical and mental ailments. It empowers you to seek the necessary medical treatment without worrying or depleting your funds.

This World Science Day, invest in health insurance, so you never have to compromise on getting the best medical treatment.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Jan 25, 2023
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