GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Our elders followed a healthy lifestyle and had a long lifespan, however, life expectancy has been going down in recent years. A big reason for this is the inability to follow a healthy lifestyle due to our busy schedules and poor dietary habits. We are more prone to falling ill and catching several seasonal and life-threatening diseases. The majority of health conditions rely on your eating habits and digestion. Did you know that even your bathing habits can impact your digestion? This has been certified by both Ayurveda and modern science.

Let us see how our bathing habits impact our digestion.

Say no to shower immediately after a meal.

Whenever we eat a meal, our body rushes blood to the digestive system. This helps it in the digestion process. As a result, heat is generated inside the body to break down the food.

Ayurveda’s point of view:

According to Ayurveda, this heat is the fire element inside us. Whenever we eat something, it gets activated and helps in the digestion process. Taking a shower has a cooling effect on the body. It automatically lowers the body temperature. The fire element or the heat in the body cools down, and the blood flow also slows down. This directly impacts the digestive process, in turn, and slows it down considerably. Hence, taking a shower after a meal harms our digestive system.

Medical science’s point of view:

The same fact is corroborated by medical science but differently. It says that taking a shower right after a meal slows down the blood flow because of the cooling effect. Our body starts working harder to maintain a standard temperature to help in the digestion process. The blood that should help in the digestion process is diverted to other parts of the body. This results in the slowing of the digestive process.

It may also cause acidity and uneasiness, and you may feel a sense of nausea. Our bodies may start feeling dull and sluggish. You might have a comforting sleep after a shower, but it will be bad for your digestive system. A bath after a meal can increase your heart rate and may add to your discomfort when your stomach is full. Therefore, medical science also discourages a bath right after a meal.

Type of meal.

As mentioned above, bathing right after a meal is bad for our digestive system. However, how bad it varies with the type of food that we have. A meal high in protein or fat may result in bloating and slowing down our digestive process. Having lighter food such as fruits, salad or soup will have a lesser negative effect on our digestive system. Eat what suits your stomach the best while also taking care of your body’s nourishment.

Waiting time.

It is not that we cannot take a bath all day after having a heavy meal. We need to wait for some time after we have had a heavy meal so that the food gets time to digest. This waiting time may vary from person to person, but generally, a gap of 30 minutes is advisable for taking a bath after a meal.

It is best to take a bath early in the morning to feel fresh, relaxed and rejuvenated. If we cannot take a bath before breakfast, we should avoid taking it right after we have a meal due to the above-mentioned reasons.

Indigestion results in multiple problems, such as upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, etc. Chronic indigestion can be a big problem and lead to other serious illnesses. Hence, we should invest in the best health insurance policy in India to protect ourselves and our families. A health insurance policy can be a saviour as treatment costs have skyrocketed in recent years in India. It will provide us security in times of illness and keep our savings intact.

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.

Accidents can happen to anyone and anywhere. Our fingers face a significant impact and are susceptible to breaking after a severe accident. Generally, doctors recommend getting adequate treatment if you have broken fingers. Most people cannot identify a broken finger because it causes dull pain.

It would help if you already know about the cause of a broken finger to avoid developing this condition and diagnose it early if you ever face it.

How to recognise the symptoms of an injured finger?
The bones in one's fingers are called phalanges, and each finger has three sets of these bones. However, the thumb has only two phalanges. Some symptoms of a broken finger include swelling, limited range of motion, pain, and tenderness. The finger may also look deformed or you may feel tolerable pain when you try to move them.

Types of broken fingers.
Your broken finger can be categorised in the following terms:
● In an impacted fracture, the broken ends of a phalange drive into each other
● In an avulsion fracture, the piece of bone and ligament pulls away from the phalange
● In an open fracture, the phalange breaks through your skin and causes an open wound

Who is at risk?
Generally, people with weak bones, calcium deficiency, and older adults experience broken fingers more frequently. People who need to use their hands or operate heavy machines at the factory or workshops are also at more risk of broken fingers. If you play sports such as volleyball, boxing, basketball, snowboarding, and football, you should pay more attention to your fingers.

How to treat a broken finger?
Get immediate relief from a broken finger after an accident by following these tips:
1. Rest:
If you injured your finger, try to stay calm and stop whatever you are doing to prevent worsening your condition. Get medical attention immediately and perform first aid.
2. Ice:
Apply a cold compress wrapped or an ice pack in a hand towel to the broken finger for ten minutes several times a day. Avoid exposing your skin directly to ice.
3. Use OTC pain medications:
Doctors recommend taking OTC pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen if your broken finger causes inflammation. Consult your doctor before taking any medication.
4. Elevate:
You should elevate your broken finger above the level of your heart as it helps slow down the blood flow, reducing the loss of blood, inflammation, and pressure. It would help if you continuously elevate your finger to avoid further symptoms.
5. Apply pain-relieving creams:
You can also use herbal remedies to reduce the pain and inflammation at the site of your broken finger. You can apply pain-relieving cream to reduce the pain.
6. Ensure you can move your finger:
Clean and cover open wounds to prevent bacterial infection. It would be best if you kept moving your finger as gently as possible without increasing the pain. It offers speedy recovery and helps regain the range of motion.

How to reduce the risk of a broken finger?
When you use your hands for work or playing sports, you have to protect your fingers with safety gloves. A proper diet can also help you meet your daily calcium and vitamin D requirements, making your bones stronger, healthy, and less prone to fracture.

Fingers are more vulnerable to injury and accidents than other hand parts. Being cautious about your well-being and protecting yourself against an accident is paramount. You can easily get a personal accident insurance policy covering your whole family without needing extensive medical tests and many documents.

Click HERE to buy a personal accident insurance policy.

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.

Since fire can destroy things quickly and significantly, you should pay close attention to the aspects that may cause an accident within a short period. Irrespective of our nature of work, we all should learn as much as possible about fire hazards. This factor will make it convenient for you to stay safe and always protected from fire hazards.

There are several common fire hazards around you, and they should be managed appropriately to ensure complete safety. Let us now take a detailed look at common fire hazards and their probable causes.

1. Faulty electrical systems:
Two main things that cause fires are faulty electrical systems and equipment. Since every place has electronics and electrical outlets, you should always check them regularly to ensure they are working appropriately.
Loose cables, damaged plugs, open switches, old electrical goods, etc., are some of the factors that may result in a fire and spread rapidly. You should pay close attention to them to determine whether they require alterations. Fire insurance plans can also help you in this endeavour.

2. Flammable liquids and gases:
Flammable liquids and gases are two other elements that may lead to severe fire accidents. Petrol, diesel, kerosene, etc., are some flammable liquids you should be aware of. On the other hand, hydrogen, propane, ammonia, silane, and other gases can also be hazardous.
You will find the presence of these gases and liquids in restaurants, kitchens, garages, etc. Hence, you must be as careful as possible when handling them for multiple purposes. You may also learn about different safety measures and guidelines to follow if you encounter a hazardous situation.

3. Smoking:
Another aspect that can lead to severe fires is smoking, as it can often cause accidents within a short period. If you smoke at a place where flammable gases are used, the fire from your cigarette can lead to an explosion by coming in contact with the gases in the air.
Hence, you should never smoke within the premises of a factory that uses flammable substances. Different places and premises have dedicated smoking zones nowadays to make things safer for you.

4. Poor storage of combustible waste:
It is common for people to store flammable waste unattended in different areas. When you keep combustible items inappropriately, they often encounter heat or fire and cause severe accidents. Always discard each combustible waste accordingly to stay safe from fire accidents.

5. Unsafe cooking:
Unsafe cooking is also a significant factor to consider. Since we cook using gas, flammable fluids, or electricity, you should be careful and ensure you are doing everything correctly. While cooking, be attentive to the precautions you need to take to prevent mishaps. For example, you should never keep the oven on when not in use. Turn off the appliances once you use them.

Although fires can be dangerous and destructive, you can reduce their chances by a wide margin. Remember these fire hazards carefully and take your first step towards fire safety. Investing in premium quality fire safety equipment like fire alarms, smoke detectors, extinguishers, water sprinklers, etc., at your home or workplace is advisable. Having an appropriate defence mechanism against sudden outbreaks is crucial. Also, look for reliable fire insurance plans and choose the one that perfectly fits your requirement.

Click HERE to browse through reliable fire insurance plans.

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.

You must have heard about several heart-breaking incidents that have destroyed human life and properties to the point of no repair. We surround ourselves with many things that can be considered to add fuel to the fire in case there is one. Although one never hopes to be in such a situation, have you ever considered the possibility of what if you are in a potentially dangerous circumstance caused due to fire? Is the fire brigade taking time to reach? What steps should you take initially? Here are some tips to get a grip on the situation. Let’s begin!

Also, consider purchasing fire insurance to safeguard your home from damages due to a fire outbreak.

1. Find an escape:
If you see a potential fire about to spread, your first instinct should be to exit that area without thinking about anything else. Just take your family and get out of that particular zone. Once you are out, try to breathe and calm down a little. Dial the emergency contacts and fire brigade’s number for help. Avoid stressing out about contacting someone while staying inside the property. Doing so might not give you a window to get out and can have severe consequences.

2. Always have a fire ladder:
You must ensure that you always have a fire ladder in a place that is easily accessible to anyone in the house. The fire ladders can be made of metal or some rope ladder that will help you get out of the window. They are readily available online or in stores selling home repair items. Educate every member of your family about using fire ladders by proper demonstration.

3. Never attempt to go back inside a burning property (house, office space, etc.):
Once you are out of the place which has caught fire, never attempt to re-enter the premises, no matter how important your reason might be. The fire always tends to blow out of proportion, and getting out again might be impossible with or without professional intervention. There are several items in our day-to-day life which can catch fire quickly. They serve as an aid for the fire to scale beyond our imagination and cause severe damage to humans in the nearby area. So, always ensure that you vacate the property on fire and go to a safe spot.

4. Use the fire extinguisher without fail:
Researchers and experts might debate the minimum age of children who should learn to operate fire extinguishers. Still, teenagers must know about the importance and the process of using it. You should have a multipurpose fire extinguisher to help you control any liquid or electrical fire. Handling these multipurpose fire extinguishers is comparatively easy as they are small in size and can delay the fire before the arrival of the fire brigade to ensure complete safety.

5. Follow the exit strategy:
One must always have an exit strategy to escape the property if a fire breaks out. The fire exit plan must be created according to the details and features of the house and the estimated time window one gets before the fire breaks. Always ensure to familiarise the family members and guests with this exit strategy and make them follow it strictly.

Other tips to get a grip on the situation are installing smoke detectors and fire alarms, especially outside the room doors, kitchen, fireplace and hallways, so you can get the signal in advance if there is a potential fire hazard. This would allow you to retain the fire before it gets out of control. Avoid sleeping with space heaters on all the time and close to items which can catch fire quickly.

Such situations have the potential to wreak havoc on your home or prised properties and possessions, causing severe consequences and threatening human life. You need the best fire insurance to safeguard your home and owned spaces and items. This can help you protect yourself and your family against the monetary stress of such unprecedented situations. Explore the market and get fire insurance that can provide the best coverage for your home and belongings.

Click HERE to learn more about purchasing fire insurance.

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.

Electric two-wheelers are one of the fastest-growing segments in the Indian automobile industry. Manufacturers are putting effort into increasing efficiency, power and affordable pricing to attract Indian consumers. What makes electric two-wheelers a popular choice in India? Let us go through some of the facts to understand it better.

1. Zero emission:
Most of the big metropolitan cities, as well as smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, are reeling under the problem of air pollution. The fast pace of growth of industries, along with the number of vehicles plying on the roads, is putting tremendous pressure on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Electric two-wheelers have become a big saviour amidst the gloomy air pollution scene. They produce zero-emission and have no contribution to environmental pollution.

2. Silent operation:
Electric two-wheelers hardly make any sound, unlike other two-wheelers that make heavy and disturbing noise while running. Hence, they offer complete peace of mind and are a pleasure to ride.

3. Pocket-friendly:
Electric two-wheelers have a very low running cost. This is one of their most important and unique benefits that regular two-wheelers can never match. Since they run on batteries, we do not need to fuel them with petrol. The constantly increasing fuel prices rarely bother electric two-wheelers owners.
They do require charging, but that cost is also minimal. A regular electric two-wheeler usually consumes around 10-15 units of electricity to charge fully. We can drive upwards of 100 kilometres on a full charge. Hence, in layman’s terms, an electric two-wheeler will cost only about Re.1 per kilometre.
On the other hand, the running cost of your two-wheeler, which operates on petrol, is upwards of Rs.3/- per kilometre. Unarguably, the running cost of electric two-wheelers is very low compared to conventional two-wheelers.

4. Easy manoeuvrability:
Electric two-wheelers are very lightweight since they do not have heavy engines. Their heart is just the lightweight motor. Due to this reason, they are excellent at handling and manoeuvre in daily city traffic.
They are comfortable and easy to handle, even for girls and kids. Nowadays, bikes are also available in the electric format. They are powerful with good pick-up and speed. This makes them a very popular choice among both genders and all age groups.

5. Low maintenance cost:
Conventional two-wheelers require service once every 3-4 months. We need to change their engine oil with each service. Also, some or the other components need replacement every time we get our two wheeler serviced.
This is not the case with an electric two-wheeler. As they require minimal servicing, their daily maintenance cost doesn't upset the owner. Also, they hardly need replacements of components, which further lowers their maintenance cost.

Electric two-wheelers are the buzz of the moment, and every automobile manufacturer wants to enter this segment. They have more advantages than disadvantages over conventional two-wheelers, making them a popular choice.

It's time to go the modern way in the case of two-wheeler insurance as well. Buying a two wheeler insurance online India is the current trend. It gives you the ease of choice amongst hundreds of available insurance options without stepping out from the comfort of your home or office. It is fast, reliable, and 100% secure.

Click HERE to buy two wheeler 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.

Ageing is an inevitable part of life. Despite scientific advancements and multiple procedures that help reduce the visible effects of growing old, there is no way to prevent it. While making oneself appear younger is an option with costly and extensive surgeries, the internal effects of ageing cannot be reduced or eliminated. However, with the help of scientifically proven natural remedies, you can significantly slow the signs of ageing.

One such activity is sunshine exposure. Often taken for granted due to busy schedules consisting of being cooped up in dark rooms under artificial lighting, the benefits of getting some sunshine are unparalleled. Especially for senior citizens, who are susceptible to pain and diseases, getting sunlight daily is known to have immense benefits.

The pleasant environment and warmth of the sun make for the perfect conditions to go for a short morning walk. You cannot derive the physical and mental benefits of soaking in the sunshine from any other source.

If you are still sceptical about taking in your daily dose of sun, here are some of its benefits for your health.

1. Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is a unique vitamin not naturally produced by our bodies. It is vital in facilitating bone growth and strengthening the skeletal system. Therefore, we are dependent on external sources to get it. It can be sourced from sunlight exposure or consuming Vitamin D supplements prescribed by medical professionals in severe deficiency cases. However, to prevent such deficiency, it is necessary to expose yourself to sunlight daily for 10-15 minutes.

2. Serotonin release:
Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone that boosts your mood. While serotonin is also released by engaging in activities you enjoy, a quick walk in the sunlight can provide the same results in a short duration and helps keep mental illnesses at bay and prevent mood swings. It also helps start the day with positivity.

3. Lower blood pressure:
Research conducted at the University of Edinburgh provided conclusive evidence that nitric oxide is released into the bloodstream when sunlight touches the skin. The oxide pushes blood vessels to widen and helps reduce blood pressure.

4. Improved brain functioning:
The cognitive function of the brain begins to reduce with age. A casual stroll in the sunshine can help your parents or elders in the family retain and improve their memory and reduce the risk of illnesses while ensuring physical activity. In such cases, it is also advisable to buy health insurance in India for parents.

5. Improved sleep quality:
The sun plays an essential role in signalling to your brain that it is time to rest at night by producing melatonin which induces sleep. This helps maintain your natural body clock and derive adequate rest, which ensures rejuvenation to take on the tasks for the next day.

6. Facilitates growth in children:
Applicable for infants and children, studies have shown that the amount of sunshine exposure directly impacts the child's height. It also helps boost the child's immune system and ensure physical and mental well-being.

While there are several benefits of daily walks in the sunshine, it is necessary to maintain a balance. It is highly beneficial for people of all ages, having particular benefits for the young and the elderly, as we discussed in the blog. However, you must always consider the risk of skin cancer, and exposure should not exceed 30 minutes a day under any circumstances (preferably in the morning).

We recommend purchasing insurance to protect you and your loved ones against unexpected health situations. Buy the best health insurance in India for parents, your spouse, children and direct dependents and keep yourself away from financial distress during emergencies.

Click HERE to buy the best 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.

There is no denying that a good lifestyle depends on an individual's health. Especially after the post-Covid era, this situation has been more alarming, which has left us all forced to believe that there is no substitute for good health and mental well-being. Besides the periodic outburst of viral infections, ageing can significantly affect our health. With increasing age, our body becomes more fragile and vulnerable to health problems.

The body's ageing hampers the quality and functionality of internal organs, muscles, bones, and the immune system. This is when illnesses make their way into the lives of the elderly and compromise their health to a large extent. The upkeep of health can get challenging, and with inflation on the rise, health expenses for seniors can cost them a fortune. From diagnosis to treatment and aftercare, these activities can be costly, derailing your financial health.

What's the solution?

Investing in a comprehensive health insurance plan for seniors is the optimum solution to ensure their well-being while having less financial distress regarding expenses.

We at Magma HDI, worked hard to introduce the exclusive OneHealth Senior insurance policy to address seniors' health challenges and promise them a healthy retired life.

What are the base covers of this health insurance policy?

This health insurance policy covers the following medical treatment and activity expenses:

● Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses

● In-patient care, such as hospitalisation due to injury or illness

● Modern treatment procedures

● Annual health check-ups

● Wellness services like doctor on call, specialist’s e-opinion, nutritional e-counselling

● Coverage for ambulance, day-care treatment, shared daily room cash, organ donor, and domiciliary hospitalisation

What are the eligibility criteria for health insurance?

The minimum entry age for senior citizens is 56 years, and there is no maximum upper cap. However, proposer should be of age 18 or above. The renewal term for this health insurance is lifelong.

Types of plans available.

Magma HDI OneHealth Senior insurance policy offers various sum insured options. They are 3L, 4L, 5L, 7.5L, 10L, 15L, 20L and 25L. You can choose from two different plans viz. Gold and Platinum.

You can also customize your plans by adding optional covers like non-payable expense cover, decrease in co-payment, etc.

Benefits of buying health insurance.

● Tax-saving benefit:
You can claim a tax deduction under Section 80D on the premium paid toward this policy.

● Cashless facility:
The insurance policy deals with hospital bills, saving your time and additional paperwork.

● Better savings:
Health insurance reduces the financial pressure on you and your family during the stressful time of a medical emergency.

● Sum assured:
Health insurance provides money for paying a range of health-related expenses.

● Cumulative bonus:
You can get a bonus if you haven't claimed your health insurance in the past.

Let's look at the exclusions where you won't be able to claim your insurance:

• Substance abuse

• Hazardous or adventure sports

• External congenital anomaly

• Cosmetic treatment

• Treatment not supported by prescription

Key features of the OneHealth Senior Insurance:

● The waiting period for pre-existing diseases is just 1 year

● No co-pay application for accident-related claims

● 30% co-pay applicable for non-accident-related claims

How to claim OneHealth Insurance?

You can claim this health insurance using the following tips:

● Download the "Magma HDI" mobile app and track claims

● Avail wellness services

● Download forms

● Look for a hospital for a cashless facility

● Access policy facility features and health cards using the app

It's that simple!

Just as we say that childhood is the best phase of our lives, understand that old age is the phase to cherish all the armchair memories and give yourself extra time to do things you always wanted to. All this can be possible only if you stay fit. Investing in the right health insurance can help you plan for a financially and emotionally stable old age.

Magma HDI's OneHealth Senior insurance policy is your ticket to happiness. Click here to learn more about the policy. You may also contact us at magmahdi.com for the latest updates and information on different insurance policies..

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.

In India, awareness about motor insurance has grown significantly in the last few years. The number of insurance policyholders is slowly but steadily increasing. The increasing means of living and demand for luxury goods to improve convenience are anticipated to keep driving the market for motor insurance. Comprehensive motor insurance consisting of own damages and third-party covers is expected to grow more in the coming future.

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory to protect the driver against legal and accidental liability, financial loss or property damage, and medical expenses he may face after an accident. Despite its advantages, settling claims is a lengthy and costly procedure. The knock-for-knock agreement is a recently introduced aspect of motor insurance to simplify the process and increase the policyholder base and satisfaction.

This blog discusses all you need to know about the knock-for-knock agreement.

The issue before the knock-for-knock agreement:

When an accident happens, the persons involved can contact their insurance companies to compensate the other party for damages. However, this is a lengthy procedure that may sometimes take months to settle with unfavourable conditions. It is also still being determined whether or not the insurer will accept the claim.

In the background of such uncertainties, the affected party has no choice but to file a suit in court, which takes additional time and cost. The knock-for-knock agreement aims to eliminate this waiting period by providing an alternate solution to settle the claim among the parties without the court's involvement.

An alternative approach using a knock-for-knock agreement:

The knock-for-knock agreement is signed by two or more motor insurance companies insuring two or more parties involved in a motor accident. Since these companies are aware of the tedious claim settlement process, they use this alternative agreement and promise to bear the expenses for repairs or damages to their client instead of claiming the amount from the other party. Introduced in 2001 by the General Insurance Council, a motor insurance company doesn't need to sign such an agreement to make the claim process quick.

Advantages of knock-for-knock agreement:

While the concept is simple to understand, here is the summary of the benefits of signing a knock-for-knock agreement:

● Speedy settlement of claims

● Eliminates the need for the involvement of law

● Reduces the expenses required to be borne in case of proving the liability of the third party to derive a settlement from his insurer

Conditions for knock-for-knock agreement:

Three primary conditions are applicable for claims that are admissible under a knock-for-knock agreement.

1. Accidents must occur within geographical boundaries:
The insurance company decides such boundaries before the lodging of the claim. Generally, the limit is considered to be the defined geographical boundaries of India. It is implied that any accident outside the border cannot be admitted as a claim under a knock-for-knock agreement.

2. The claim must be filed as own damages:
Under the agreement, each motor insurance company agrees to compensate its client instead of demanding compensation from the other party. This claim can no longer be filed as third-party damages and is processed as "own damage". Therefore, you must purchase your "own damages" cover, without which you cannot complete this procedure.

3. Limit on the claim amount:
The admissible claim cannot exceed the insured declared value (IDV) previously mentioned in the policy.

The knock-for-knock agreement is a lesser-known aspect of motor insurance that makes claim settlements speedy and inexpensive. It saves the resources of a motor insurance company that agrees to such a contract. Explore this aspect to know more about its seamless benefits before buying motor insurance in India.

Click HERE to buy reliable motor insurance 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.