What is the definition of insurance

Insurance is a financial arrangement that provides protection against potential future losses or damages. Essentially, it’s a way of managing risk.Insurance is an important part of our economy. Without the protection insurance affords us, we would have to spend more time and money protecting ourselves from the risks of loss and less time in enjoying life and pursuing goals. Insurance is a very old concept. Basically, it means many people paying a little money to create a bigger pool of money so that anyone who is unfortunate enough to suffer a loss is reimbursed financially for that loss.

Insurance offers a range of benefits that can significantly impact personal and financial well-being. Here are some key advantages:

1. Financial Protection: Insurance provides a safety net against financial loss due to unexpected events such as accidents, illnesses, or property damage. It helps cover costs that could otherwise be overwhelming.

2. Risk Management: By spreading the risk among many policyholders, insurance allows individuals and businesses to manage and mitigate potential risks. This collective approach helps in reducing the financial burden on any single entity.

3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are protected against potential financial setbacks can provide peace of mind. This security allows individuals and families to focus on other aspects of their lives without constantly worrying about financial impacts of unforeseen events.

4. Access to Resources and Services: Many insurance policies offer additional resources such as emergency assistance, legal support, or health services. This can be especially valuable in times of crisis.

5. Encourages Savings and Investment: Some insurance policies, like life insurance or whole life insurance, can act as a savings or investment tool. They may accumulate cash value over time, providing a financial asset that can be used later.

6. Compliance with Legal Requirements: Certain types of insurance, such as auto liability insurance, are legally required. Having the appropriate coverage helps individuals and businesses comply with legal obligations and avoid penalties.

7. Support for Recovery and Rehabilitation: In the event of an illness or injury, health insurance can cover medical expenses, facilitating faster recovery. This support extends to rehabilitation services, helping individuals return to their normal lives more quickly.

8. Protection of Assets: Property insurance protects against loss or damage to physical assets, such as homes, vehicles, or businesses. This can prevent significant financial strain and help in quick recovery and rebuilding.

9. Business Continuity: For businesses, insurance can protect against various operational risks, such as property damage, liability claims, or loss of income. This protection helps ensure that the business can continue operating even in the face of significant challenges.

10. Support for Estate Planning: Life insurance can play a crucial role in estate planning by providing financial support to beneficiaries, covering estate taxes, and ensuring that loved ones are taken care of after one's passing.

Overall, insurance is a crucial tool for managing risk, protecting financial stability, and ensuring long-term security.

Benefits of insurance

Basic Concepts of Insurance

Who

Insured

The person, group of people, or organization that is insured in a particular agreement.

Insurer

The insurer is the company that designs the insurance policy wordings, and sets the terms of the agreements. The word “insurer” is generally interchangeable with “underwriter”. An insurance policy is a promise to reimburse the policy holder for a loss; insurers are responsible for fulfilling that promise.

Claim

A demand made by the insured or the insured’s beneficiary, for payment of the benefits provided by the contract.

Indemnity

To restore the victim of a loss to the same position as before the loss occurred.

Types of Insurance

Life Insurance

Life Insurance is a financial cover for a contingency linked with human life, like death, disability, accident, retirement etc. Human life is subject to risks of death and disability due to natural and accidental causes. When human life is lost or a person is disabled permanently or temporarily, there is loss of income to the household.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company that provides financial protection for medical expenses. In exchange for a premium, the insurance company agrees to pay some or all of the insured person's healthcare costs. The contract is usually a one-year agreement, during which you are responsible for paying specific expenses related to illness, injury, pregnancy, or preventative care.

List of Product offer by Life Insurance companies

  • Term Life Insurance or Term Plan

  • Whole Life Insurance

  • Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)

  • Endowment Plan

  • Money Back Plan

  • Retirement Plan

  • Child Insurance Plan

  • Group Insurance Plan

  • Savings & Investment Plans

List of Product offer by Health Insurance companies

  • Individual insurance plans

  • Family floater insurance plans

  • Senior citizen insurance plans

  • Critical illness insurance plans

  • Personal accident insurance plans

  • Maternity insurance plans

  • Unit Linked Insurance plans

  • Group Health Insurance

  • Pre- Existing Disease Cover

  • High Sum Insured Health Cover

Which points need to be considered while buying policy?

  • What kind of insurance do I need?
    Understand your financial goals. Once you know what your aim is, you will be in a better position to choose the type of insurance you need - protection, savings, investment or retirement.

  • What will my insurance policy cover?
    Different insurance policies have different covers. Make sure your financial advisor presents you with a list of recommendations, including the types of policies and benefits. Read them thoroughly to be aware of what your policy covers.

  • How much insurance coverage do I need?
    The amount of insurance coverage you need depends on factors such as the number of dependants, debts or mortgages, lifestyle and investment needs. Insurance cover should be to such an extent that in case of one's demise, his / her dependents are able to maintain the same lifestyle as they used to have before the unfortunate event occurred.

  • How much will I be paying for my insurance cover and will I be able to afford the premiums over the long term?
    The amount of premium paid depends on the insurance cover you buy. Look at the current benefits your insurance policy provides and opt for a rider accordingly. With some riders, you may stop paying premiums for your policy if you become disabled, but will still be able to enjoy the benefits of life insurance protection.

  • Frequency of Premium Payment:-
    Choice of Frequency of premium payment period - Single premium, Yearly, Half yearly, quarterly and monthly should be carefully exercised. However, if your policy does not have this benefit and you are finding it difficult to continue meeting the premium payments, consult your financial advisor.

  • Modes of payment

    • *Payment ECS

    • *Credit card

    • *Internet payment

    • *Cash

    • *Cheque

    Note- While exercising the choice for frequency of premium payment and mode of payment ,please ensure that you mark the appropriate column in the proposal form.

  • What is Free Look Period?
    IRDAI (Protection of Policyholder's Interest) Regulations 2017 provides 15 days 'free look' period from the date of receipt of policy document and period of 30 days in case of electronic policies. As a policyholder, you can examine the insurance policy and opt out if you are not satisfied with any conditions/ features mentioned in the policy.

  • What happens if I fail to make the required premium payments?
    Typically there is a grace period (15 to 30 days) during which you can pay the premium with no interest charged.If you do not pay your premium within this grace period, your policy lapses as a matter of general rule.However the discontinuation of policy is governed by the policy conditions which may differ from insurer to insurer and plan to plan.

  • Should I replace an existing insurance policy?
    An insurance policy is a long-term commitment and any decision to cancel a policy should only be taken after careful consideration. Early cancellation of a policy may incur additional fees and charges. More importantly, you could lose out on valuable benefits. If you are unable to continue paying premiums on your current policy, you should consult your financial advisor on the options that are available. If you decide to replace your current policy with a new one, we would recommend that you do not cancel your original policy until you receive confirmation that your new policy is in force. This will ensure that you are not left without coverage during the interim period.

Tax Benefits:

Policyholder Servicing Turnaround Times as prescribed by IRDA: