GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Every one of us tries to include as much nutritious food as possible to achieve a healthy lifestyle and stay fit and strong. To have proper nutrition in the daily diet, you should be aware of its various sources and the ideal intake of each type of food.

Let us go through a few interesting facts about nutrition that people aren't aware of.

1. Low-fat processed food is not healthy:
We often see propaganda and advertisements of artificially processed low-fat food to be healthy and nutritious without compromising on taste. This is a common myth. Most processed low-fat foods do not help in reducing weight. Also, they are unhealthy and do not help control or curb diseases.
Studies have shown that manufacturers use sugar and other preservatives, which can prove detrimental to your health and nutrition instead of benefitting you.

2. Fruit juices are high in sugar:
Since you were kids, you might have been told to drink a lot of fruit juice regularly as they are very healthy and a good substitute for eating fruits in raw form. You need to recheck this fact.
Fruit juices – apple, orange, or pomegranate, have high sugar content. You will be surprised to know that this sugar content equals any cola or soft drink you consume and is no better. Moreover, the packaged fruit juice that comes with the claim of having been made from real fruits is even more detrimental to your nutrition since they are made after removing wholesome fruit parts such as the skin and the pulp.
You can usually not eat three or four oranges in one sitting. However, a glassful of orange juice will contain the equivalent sugar of three to four oranges. Hence, consuming fruit juices frequently for your nutrition is not a very good idea.

3. The truth about weight loss supplements:
You often purchase over-priced weight loss supplements believing them to be helpful in your quest to lose weight. The truth is that these supplements hardly help us in doing so. They often prove inadequate for your nutrition and harm your body in several other ways.
The best way to lose weight is to increase your intake of nutritious food, reduce your calorie intake and stay physically active.

4. Calories are not everything:
You don't have to necessarily watch your calorie intake all day to lose weight and stay in shape. Having nutritious food high in protein can be a good calorie restrictor and help you to shed your excess weight.

5. Nutrition is more about control:
You often crave certain food and are willing to put in a good amount of effort just to get them. This usually happens with junk food that hardly has any nutrition and is unhealthy.
Junk food releases large amounts of dopamine in your body, similar to pleasure in your brain. Hence, the brain sends a signal to have more of such junk food. You start eating it more frequently and in much higher quantities than you can digest. Hence, eating junk food is more of an addiction for most people. Having nutritious food is more about controlling such behaviour and restricting junk food intake.

Nutrition should be at the top of our list in attaining a stronger inner self. Nutritious food is our passport to leading a secure and fit life that can keep us away from diseases and ensure our well-being.

A good health insurance policy is equally important to you, just as proper nutrition. You should compulsorily make it a part of your life as it will keep you secure and guarantee financial support in medical emergencies. Even if you have an active health insurance policy, always check its expiry date. Renew health insurance online and lead a hassle-free and protected life.

Click HERE to buy or renew health insurance online.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

A car is usually the second most sought-after asset for any household in India after a home. Buying a car is not an expensive affair anymore as it is easy to get a car loan and repay it through a fixed monthly deduction from your account in the form of EMIs. But wait, there is more. You need to consider many other aspects than just the car's initial price.

You will incur many other expenses towards your car in the form of annual insurance renewal, fuel, maintenance, repairs, etc. You have to consider all these expenses while planning for a car.

Let us go through the best ways to manage your car financially.

1. How much to spend:
The first question that comes to mind while buying a car is how much to spend on it so that you are comfortable enough to meet the down payment, monthly EMIs, and other running expenses. You need to make a budget and jot down your monthly income on one side and current expenses, including other loan repayments, on the other side. It will give you a fair idea about how much spare money is left with you each month that you can spend on the car.
If the proposed EMI is more than the spare monthly money, you should go for a car of lower value. Understand that cars are meant to give us convenience rather than a financial burden each month.

2. Make a big down-payment:
Try to make a big down payment for your car, which will reduce your loan amount and ease the pressure on you to repay it in the following years. Also, you can bargain well for the interest rate when you seek a smaller loan.

3. EMI management:
Go for a shorter duration loan tenure. The longer the loan repayment period, the higher the interest you will pay on your car loan. By clearing your loan quickly, you will become the valid owner of your car much sooner and can sell it if you wish.
Once you have fixed the tenure, ensure you get all your EMIs. Missing an EMI will harm your credit rating. Poor credit rating makes it difficult for you to get a new loan from a bank or a financial institution for any purpose. Moreover, if you miss a few EMIs, the repossession agents will take away your car. This can be a major embarrassment for you and cause a lot of mental agony and pressure.
Your misery does not end here. If the lending institution auctions your car for a lesser amount than what you owe them, they will still come after you to get back this deficit.

4. Go for an extended warranty:
You often get an extended warranty with your car against some extra payment. This payment may pinch you initially, but it can be very useful if your car malfunctions during the warranty period. The warranty will cover the repairs and renewal expenses, and you will save a lot more than what you paid for the extended warranty.

5. Car refinancing:
After taking a loan while purchasing the car, you may find out that you are getting a better deal on repayment or interest from some other lender. In such cases, you can opt for a car refinancing facility. This will replace your existing car loan with a new one from another lender and help you save money.

6. Talk to your lender:
Sometimes it may become inevitable for you to repay EMIs due to financial constraints. In such cases, feel free to talk to your lender and modify your repayment schedule. After all, no lender wants to take the pain of repossessing your car and arranging its auction if an alternate payment schedule is available.

It is important to manage your car’s finance in the best possible way. You will enjoy a good credit rating from the agencies and save money by paying the lower interest on your car loan.

Car insurance is another way to manage your car financially. It will provide security and cover all expenses if your car gets stolen, has an accident, or gets damaged due to natural calamities such as a fire or an earthquake. Buy car insurance online India and save further on insurance costs right from the comfort of your home. It’s time to make the right investment to get the best returns.

Click HERE to purchase car insurance online India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Accidents are the most common cause of neck injuries. If your neck hurts after a car accident or other event, it could signify a serious problem. It's essential to observe for signs of a severe injury that will take more time to heal.

Immediately get in touch with a doctor if you experience persistent and excruciating pain at regular intervals, even after taking adequate rest and medications. You may even contact a personal injury lawyer if another party is to blame for your accident. Your medical bills and other expenses could be covered by cash compensation.

Identification of a severe neck injury.

Minor neck pain is a common health condition. It can be caused by awkward sitting positions at work, physical strain, and other factors. This ache, though, quickly fades away with time or relaxation. Pain that is strong or persistent may indicate something more serious. A serious neck injury could lead to the following:

• Pain that shoots through your arms or legs, followed by numbness

• Pain that is severe or doesn't go away

• Difficulty in breathing

Severe neck injuries mainly result from slip-and-fall incidents. Avoid severe complications and get immediate medical attention, as it could be life-threatening.

Neck injury diagnosis.

Your doctor will assess the damage and pain following an accident. It frequently consists of these exams:

● MRIs

● X-rays

● The CT scan

● A blood test

Serious neck injuries and their types.

The following injuries can result from trauma to the head, neck, or shoulders:

● Herniated discs: After an unexpected accident, spinal discs may tear, bulge, or leak.

● Pinched nerves: During an accident, bones or tissue may push up against nerves, and excruciating pain may result.

● Neck fractures: While uncommon, broken necks can occur. A neck or spine fracture requires prompt medical attention.

● Spinal cord injuries: Damage to any part of the spinal cord can result in paralysis and other serious bodily alterations, including paralysis.

A sudden backward or forward force on the head can result in whiplash during an accident. Whiplash can be more serious, but it typically gets better with time and rest. More serious neck injuries from an accident may be hidden by whiplash. You could think your pain isn't that severe. The discomfort and signs could, however, worsen over time.

Following a neck injury: What to do.

You might be entitled to compensation if someone else has caused you a neck injury. By taking the following actions, you can defend your legal rights and create an injury claim:

● Inform the police or the owner of the property about your accident

● Document the accident site and any visible injuries with photographs

● If your injuries worsen, get in touch with your doctor

● Save all your medical bills and other proof of your injuries

● Contact a personal injury attorney to ensure you know your rights

Time can make neck injuries worse. Get admitted if your neck pain worsens and you start to feel numb, weak, dizzy, or like you can't control your bowels or bladder. When it comes to your neck's health, it is better to be safe. Accidents are unpredictable, and they occasionally pose a more significant threat. In India, many people are still conservative about purchasing accident insurance, even though it is just as important as other health insurance.

Don't forget that accident insurance can protect your family financially if you get into an accident that significantly impacts your life or leaves you permanently disabled. It would help if you looked for the best personal accident policy in India to keep yourself financially covered and focus more on recovering from the injury.

Click HERE to buy the best personal accident policy in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

With a hectic lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and stress, your health gets affected severely. Most of our organs are getting severely impacted and may cause health complications later. This drastic change around us and the hectic lifestyle affects our hair in the worst possible way. From dry and flaky scalp to hair fall, keeping your hair healthy amid a busy routine is challenging for most people.

When such a problem strikes, the solution lies before our eyes, but we fail to see it. Nature has been the source of many nutrients since ancient times. It has provided man with herbs that have medicinal value, including hair growth. Using Ayurvedic herbs for hair is one of the most efficient and effective ways to keep your hair in proper shape and in the best health.

Regardless, you must have a backup plan for your health if things go wrong. Research health insurance plans in India beforehand to get a bird's eye view of the different health policies and their benefits.

Numerous herbs help in giving a new life to your hair. They come with plenty of benefits of their own. They stimulate hair growth, add volume to your hair, and make it grow longer and stronger than ever. In this article, we have curated a list of the best Ayurvedic herbs that are essential for hair growth.

1. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is one of the most effective Ayurvedic herbs of all time. It works perfectly well for both hair and skincare. It has amazing benefits that will provide complete
nourishment to your hair. Aloe vera is renowned for maintaining the pH balance of your scalp. You simply have to massage the aloe vera gel into your scalp and see the magic!

2. Lavender:
Lavender flowers are not only beautiful, but they have plenty of benefits. They have soothing properties that can soothe your scalp. It also cures any existing bacterial or fungal infections of your hair and scalp. You can add the lavender oil to your oil of choice and apply it directly to your hair. You can also consume lavender tea.

3. Amla or Gooseberry:
Amla is rich in Vitamin C and contains many medicinal benefits. It has antioxidants and fatty acids that make your hair shiny and voluminous. It helps in the removal of dandruff from your scalp and excessive dirt from hair follicles. You can massage your scalp directly with amla oil for increased blood circulation.

4. Rosemary:
It is one of the most important ingredients in all hair oils. It has magical properties and prevents the growth of gray hair, reduces the occurrence of dandruff, and nourishes your scalp. This herb also prevents dry and flaky scalp. It has a calming effect on your hair. You can easily mix it with other oils like coconut and apply it to your hair.

5. Peppermint:
Peppermint can do wonders if you suffer from an irritated and itchy scalp. It soothes the scalp, stimulates hair growth, and makes them healthier and better. It also treats dandruff and other infections that affect the hair adversely. You can easily find peppermint shampoos in the market and use them for healthy hair.

These are some of the selected Ayurvedic herbs that guarantee your hair a new life. They are easily available and can be used as oils or shampoos for healthy hair growth. You don't have to worry about your hair health anymore! You should also get health insurance plans in India to provide all-around protection for your and your family's health. It is better to be safe than sorry! Investing in the right insurance can help you lower your financial worry and save money on your medical expenses.

Click HERE to explore and purchase the best health insurance plans in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

If you are interested in skincare, you may be familiar with collagen production. Those serious about their skincare routine make significant financial investments in items that address their skin problems. One such skin problem that haunts people is ageing.

Skincare aficionados utilise treatments containing collagen to fight the effects and symptoms of ageing. Let's understand the different effective ways of boosting collagen production in the body that can promise you a dazzling look.

What is collagen?
The body's most plentiful protein is collagen, which is also a vital component of skin. Muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and the digestive system are just a few of the tissues that contain them. It is important for a variety of biological processes, including wound healing.

Ways to boost collagen.

1. Vitamin C is crucial:
Low collagen levels brought on by a vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy, a potentially dangerous illness. Best food sources for Vitamin C include citrus fruit, red or green peppers, strawberries, and broccoli. A doctor might suggest supplements if a patient's vitamin C levels are too low. Skincare businesses frequently use vitamin C in their barrier creams.

2. Consume egg whites:
Egg whites, which are high in proline, one of the amino acids that make up the majority of collagen, should be a regular part of your diet. In addition to egg whites, foods rich in proline include wheat, barley, and salmon.

3. Aloe vera gel:
Aloe vera gel is frequently used to soothe rashes and heal sunburned skin. Patients who take aloe vera sterols regularly tend to get their skin more hydrated, have less severe creases, and have almost quadrupled the amounts of collagen than before. According to the study's findings, aloe vera promotes the development of skin-friendly cells. Aloe-containing goods can be taken orally or applied topically as creams or gels.

4. Reduce your consumption of processed carbs:
Limiting processed carbs is also a good idea. Refined carbs get converted to sugar in the body. The collagen fibres' connections are then harmed by sugar, making it challenging to repair them.
Advanced glycation end products, often known as AGEs, are produced as a result of this process and may aid in the early ageing of the skin. It happens even more quickly when blood sugar levels are raised in the body over an extended period. So, if you crave sweets, consider turning to other foods like fruit, dark chocolate, or toasted coconut flakes.

5. Light therapy:
In addition to reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity, red light treatment may promote collagen formation. Researchers discovered that this treatment encouraged the synthesis of collagen.

6. Avoid exposing your skin to UV rays:
Too much UV radiation is the greatest risk for collagen formation and skin health in general. Free radicals are unstable because they lack an electron. As they hunt for electrons, these free radicals can adversely interfere with collagen's fundamental properties.

These were the methods for boosting the body's production of collagen. Just as you take care of your skin, especially as you age, it is crucial to value your overall well-being. The best way to achieve this is by investing in the best health insurance policy in India. Medical costs associated with an illness or damage are covered by health insurance. A health plan also offers several benefits, including cashless hospitalisation and free medical check-ups. Make the right choice today and say yes to a healthy life!

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance policy in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Expenses on medical treatments are usually unavoidable. All medical costs, from medications to various tests, require a considerable sum, which is an emergency crisis for most families. Healthcare costs can quickly cause worry, stress, and debt, but there are easy ways to avoid such situations. Health insurance is the best way to secure your finances. There are various types of health insurance in India for parents, partners, families, etc.

Thus, this guide will help you learn different tips to save money on medical expenses and stay in the best peace of mind.

1. Check the price of your healthcare providers and tests:
Healthcare costs differ a lot according to different providers. You can find healthcare providers' fees and extra facility charges with the cost estimator tools on your insurer's online portal. Compare the pricing and choose a more affordable option. It will make a massive difference in your pocket.

2. Know your health insurance plan:
One of the most beneficial ways to save money on medical costs is to know your health insurance plan. Carefully read your health insurance policy features and the expenses it covers. Examine whether you have a co-payment option requiring you to pay a deductible before your insurance starts to pay.
Check what and how much your health insurance in India for parents or family covers. Know the list of medications and test your insurance coverage, which can help you avoid unexpected expenses.

3. Know which medical services are free:
Per the Affordable Health Care Act, patients or people with insurance can avail of certain healthcare services for free until they are in the network. Such healthcare services are preventive services that help a person maintain their health, which may include:

● Blood pressure screening

● Vaccinations

● Diet counseling

● Depression screening

● HIV prevention medication

Some medical services are also free for children, such as eye tests, newborn blood screening, wellness visits, fluoride varnish, etc.

4. Opt for a top-up cover:
Avoid taking out an additional policy if you already have health insurance but are still looking for a higher-cost plan. You can take a top-up cover that will offer additional coverage you need with considerable savings on your insurance. However, you can do this by taking out critical illness insurance, saving money without compromising coverage.

5. Go for generic medications:
Generic medications are usually cheaper than prescription drugs. Getting generic medicines can help you save on your medical bills. But you must ensure that your health insurance plan covers your generic medication.

6. Take separate cover for your parents:
Usually, the amount of insurance in family floater cover is calculated according to the age of the oldest person. If you include your parents in the same insurance plan, it may increase the insurance premium. However, you can go for separate health insurance in India for parents, which can help you achieve savings.

7. Stay healthy:
Lastly, you can save money on medical expenses by staying fit and maintaining good health. It will help if you avoid alcoholic substances, smoking, and other dangerous things. You must invest your money in good things such as healthy food, regular exercise, staying positive, and a better sleeping schedule. You can also find a trainer who can help you exercise according to your convenience to maintain health.

Healthcare expenses can put a significant burden on your pocket. With the tips mentioned above, you can save considerable money. However, the best way to keep your money on healthcare expenses is by taking a health insurance plan with comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. Also, look for reliable health insurance in India for parents that fulfills your requirements to ensure the sound health of the entire family.

Click HERE to buy health insurance in India for parents.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Purchasing a vehicle is a big decision. It takes lots of planning, comparison of available options, and budgeting to arrive at the final pick. This applies to both cars and two-wheelers. Despite being significantly smaller and cheaper than their 4-wheeled counterparts, the extensive options in the market make it a tough choice for two-wheeler buyers. The ultimate decision depends on the budget and purpose of purchasing two-wheelers.

While it is mandated to buy two wheeler insurance India before hitting the road, once the paperwork is ready, all that’s left is for you to enjoy comfortable rides!

But there is one more piece of information you need to be aware of, i.e., Motorcycle Break-In. Does break-in sound unfamiliar, or are you wondering about its need? We’ve got all your questions covered below!

What is the breaking-in period?

The breaking-in period lasts for the initial 800 to 1600 kilometres for which the two-wheeler is driven. In simple words, it is the period it takes to get the new motorcycle running at its smoothest and allow the rider to get used to the vehicle.

Why is it necessary to break-in?

Breaking-in may seem like an unnecessary classification of a period that you can do away without any consideration. However, how the bike is operated initially impacts its running in the long run.

When a motorcycle is produced and advertised for sale, it goes through strict inspections and quality checks that guarantee the end user of its useability and safety. The main component of the bike, the engine, is fitted with several small parts that glide together smoothly to result in a perfect performance. This is facilitated by the ideal compression ratio, which is only possible if the engine fuel does not spread over the engine walls. Breaking-in correctly ensures that the piston, valve, cylinder walls, and piston rings generate friction such that a tight seal prevents the leak of fuel.

The benefits of proper breaking-in can be summarised as follows:

1. Lower carbon emissions

2. Optimised fuel usage

3. Longevity of engine life
 

The don’ts of two-wheeler break-in.

1. Don’t ignore the manufacturer’s instructions and take the word of other self-proclaimed experts.

2. Steer clear from rash driving under the false pretext that it would benefit your engine. It will only accelerate wear and tear and make the bike risky.

3. It is legally enforced to buy two wheeler insurance India immediately upon purchasing the vehicle before it is used. Ensure that you do not start the process without insurance.

The right way to ride your two-wheeler in the break-in period.

The proper technique of breaking-in subjects the engine to different stress levels such that the components adapt to each other and develop friction between themselves to create the perfect seal that prevents fuel spills. If the manufacturer has provided instructions, follow them to derive ideal results. In the absence of such instructions, follow the below-stated steps:
● Identify a comfortable stretch that allows shifting speeds and gears. Empty roads or highways are ideal

● Stick to the max speed of 50 Km/h and strictly ride without a pillion

● Use at most 3/4 throttle

● Alter gears with increasing speeds and do so gradually

● Ensure gradual breaks or acceleration instead of jolts

● Constantly monitor your bike’s engine speed and pay attention to your gear engagement to prevent motor lugging

● Allow your bike’s engine to cool down every 30 minutes while breaking-in to allow it to retain its shape

You can ensure a perfect break-in by keeping the above points in mind and following the instructions in your two-wheeler manual. Before you start the process, ensure that you buy two wheeler insurance India to protect your bike against any damages.

Click HERE to buy the best two wheeler insurance India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Health insurance in India covers the costs of hospitalisation, medicines, and doctor consultation fees that can arise from any illness, disease, or accident. It has become more of a necessity because of our eating habits, the lifestyle we lead, and the risks of accidents. Such insurance removes the sudden financial burden you may face due to an accident or the need for expensive surgery.

However, not all is good, even if we have insurance coverage. Here's what you should know about insurance while scheduling surgery.

1. Coverage and limit:
The cost of surgery depends on its type and complexity. While a knee-replacement surgery will cost us around 1.5-2 lakh rupees in India, a more complex surgery such as a bypass surgery can cost upwards of 5 lakh rupees. You should first consider the total insurance coverage you have, keeping in mind the type of surgery you plan to undergo.
Your insurance policy will only cover the policy amount insured. You will have to bear any additional cost incurred in the surgery over the limit prescribed by your policy. Hence, you should be financially ready and arrange the funds accordingly.

2. Waiting period:
Any insurer does not provide cover from the first day your policy starts. The insurance company prescribes a waiting period, after which they will start providing you with the coverage benefits. This waiting period is not specified by any government agency. It depends on the individual company and the illness.
For example, the waiting period for any surgery arising can range from 1-2 years. The waiting period can be as high as four years if you declare a serious pre-existing disease when purchasing the policy. The insurance company will not reimburse you for any surgery scheduled during the waiting period.

3. Surgery insurance plan:
Insurance companies nowadays provide specific "surgery insurance plans," too. You can buy such a plan in case you intend to schedule surgery in the near future. However, you should first check the list of surgeries that your policy will cover.
Next, make sure your sum insured is adequate to cover all the costs related to the surgery. This includes the cost of surgery, hospitalisation, medicines, doctor fees, etc. You should also confirm the waiting period and the exclusions under your policy and assure yourself that your surgery will be covered under it.

4. Cashless claim:
A cashless hospitalisation facility settles your hospital bill without having to pay any cash at the time of discharge. Insurance companies tie up with hospitals and directly settle your bill with the concerned hospital.
Whenever you plan to schedule surgery, make sure the hospital you choose is one of the network hospitals of the insurance company. You can enjoy a cashless treatment facility there. You will not have to worry about paying the hefty bills and getting them reimbursed by your insurance service provider later.

Health insurance in India is extremely helpful when planning a necessary and expensive surgery. It removes the stress of arranging immediate finance for the surgery when you are already reeling under the stress of getting it done.

You should always go for the best health insurance in India available in the market. Its terms and conditions regarding the coverage and payout must be clear. The insurance policy should act like your saviour in difficult times. It should not be an additional burden on you when filing the claim during surgery is delayed or difficult. Also, it should be economical to fade away your financial stress.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance in India policy to keep you and your family safe from health adversities.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.