What is insurance, its types, and how does it work in India?

New Delhi (India), May 8: Insurance is a financial cushion that ensures that you are not caught off-guard in case of unexpected events or losses. In India, insurance is of utmost importance as it provides financial security to individuals, businesses, and assets against diverse risks. Knowing how insurance operates can give you the ability to make thoughtful decisions about your financial security. With the multitude of insurance companies in the Indian market, ACKO General Insurance offers competitive prices for all your insurance requirements.

Let’s learn more about insurance in India.

What is Insurance?

Insurance is a contract between an individual or entity and an insurance company whereby the insurer agrees to provide financial coverage against certain risks or losses in exchange for a premium. The person who buys the policy, is called the policyholder, he/she pays the insurance company a premium in exchange for protection against specific risks. Those risks may be related to health, accidents, property damage, or even death. If a covered loss occurs, the insurance company will pay the policyholder in accordance with the policy’s terms.

Whether it’s sudden sickness, a roadside accident or an intruder breaking into your house, insurance comes to the rescue and provides you with the much-needed financial help to get your life back on track. It’s all about finding someone who will have your back and be there to give you a hand when you need it.

Types of Insurance Plans in India

Among different types of insurance plans, here are the main ones.

1. Life Insurance

Life insurance is the same as a safety net to support your family financially when life takes an unforeseen turn. It’s like leaving behind a shield of financial security for your family, ensuring that even if you’re no longer there to provide, they can still stand tall.

Whether it’s about paying for a mortgage or funding your child’s education, this policy allows your family to realise their dreams even in case of your demise.

2. Health Insurance

Health insurance is a type of insurance that helps you take care of a medical emergency. It acts as a shield that protects you from the continually rising costs of healthcare, so you can concentrate on getting better while not worrying about running out of savings.

If it is a sudden illness or if it is an unexpected injury, health insurance comes to the rescue and takes the burden off your shoulders so that you can access the care that you need without having to pay too much. It is a lifeline in times of medical emergency, and it does more than just providing financial assistance; it also gives you the confidence that your health is being taken care of.

3. Motor Insurance

Motor insurance offers protection against repair costs in case of vehicle damage or injuries, depending upon the type of plan you choose. It’s like having a sturdy shield that protects you from the financial burden of accidents, thefts, or natural calamities.

Motor insurance covers you from minor fender bends to serious collisions, allowing you to come back without incurring the full extent of repair costs. In a country where every road trip is an adventure, motor insurance is the key which is the ticket to peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered no matter what the journey throws at you.

How does Insurance Work in India?

Here is how insurance works in India.

Underwriting: Insurance companies evaluate the risk associated with insuring a person or an entity by the underwriting process. They analyse variables such as age, health status, occupation, and lifestyle to decide about the cost and eligibility of the coverage.

Premium Payment: The insurer receives premiums from policyholders at regular intervals, i.e. monthly, quarterly or annually. The premium is affected by the individual’s age, health, occupation, and the coverage amount.

Claims Process: The policyholder or their beneficiaries would file a claim with the insurance company when a loss covered by the policy happens. The insurer assumes the responsibility of verifying the claim and appraising the damage. After the claim satisfies the policy conditions, the insurer deposits the claim amount into the policyholder’s or beneficiary’s account.

Renewal and Lapse: Insurance policies have a predetermined duration, which is meant to expire after the policy period. Therefore, the policy needs to be renewed for the coverage to continue. In case the policy has not been renewed within the period, it will be considered expired which means that the coverage will be lost.

Take away

Insurance in India has been playing a significant role in the management of risks, which is done by providing financial security and peace of mind to the individuals and businesses. Through the knowledge of the types of insurance and how it works in India, people can make rational choices to protect their properties and the loved ones in their lives from the financial effects of unpredictable incidents.