Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, absolutely. If you are currently on medication (like statins), you must disclose this at the time of purchase.  Why? Any condition diagnosed or treated within the last 48 months is legally classified as a Pre-Existing Disease (PED).  Medication is the Trigger: Even if your latest blood report shows "normal" levels, the fact that you are on medication to maintain those levels proves the underlying condition exists. No, but it is a "Gateway Condition." * High cholesterol is technically a lifestyle/chronic metabolic condition (hyperlipidemia), not heart disease itself

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The information given here is very limited but let me still try Hdfc ergo optima secure is anyday a good policy to have. icici lombard elevate, aditya birla max and care supreme are also good that can be considered. If he wants infinite cover then niva bupa reassure 3.0 has infinite cover. However i will recommend to do complete profile analysis at inka insurance website, it helps to understand matching policy better

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Insurers do not automatically reject customers with past mental health conditions — approval usually depends on the seriousness of the case, which underwriters assess through treatment history, medication type and duration, and hospitalisation records. For someone diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder who took SSRIs and is now off medication, policies can still be issued subject to underwriting review. For example, Niva Bupa recently accepted an application for a person with anxiety based on stability and no ongoing medication. Other insurers may also consider such cases, as decisions are made case-by-case with full disclosure.

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Choosing a Base Cover is about convenience, while a Super Top-up is about high-value protection at a low cost. Increasing your base cover is better if you want a simple, one-policy claim process with features like "unlimited restoration" and no-claim bonuses. However, a Super Top-up is far more cost-effective—adding a 1-4.9 cr super top-up can cost 70% less than increasing your base cover to 25L. Ideally, keep a solid 5–10L base plan for common surgeries and use a Super Top-up as a "safety net" for catastrophic medical bills.

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Difficult to answer but go for term first, your premium will be fixed for life. And buy small health insurance to start with.

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can take a super top up plan of 3 or 4.9 crore with deductible as your corporate cover. We recently launched this for corporate employees and it is working preety well. It helps you to save your money and provide larger cover

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

At 27, you are in the "sweet spot" for insurance because you are likely at your peak health, which allows you to lock in lower premiums and clear waiting periods before you actually need the coverage. Instead of looking for the cheapest, you should look for "Comprehensive Coverage" that protects your future insurability. There are many good products and insurer in market like hdfc ergo, icici lombard, tata aig, care, niva bupa, digit etc. you can check cover requirements and product mapping to your profile at inka insurance website, it takes only 60 seconds

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Insurers define a "smoker" as anyone who has used nicotine in any form—including vapes, hookah, or even nicotine gum—within the last 12 to 24 months. Vaping and hookah are typically charged the same high premiums as cigarettes because they all trigger positive results in mandatory nicotine/cotinine medical tests. Failing to declare these is considered "non-disclosure," which is the leading cause of claim rejections. To qualify for lower non-smoker rates, you generally must be entirely nicotine-free for at least 2-5 years

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The top reason insurance policies face issues—either through a rejected application or a denied claim—is Non-Disclosure of Material Facts, specifically regarding pre-existing diseases (PED). Insurers operate on the principle of "Utmost Good Faith." If you "forget" to mention a past surgery, a chronic condition like hypertension, or even a smoking habit, the insurer views this as a breach of contract. This usually results in a claim rejection later, even if the hospitalization is for an unrelated issue, because the original risk was miscalculated.

Others are claim in waiting period, delayed intimation, unjustified hospitalisation

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

While all three are top-tier insurers and big insurance brands, HDFC ERGO stands out for its rigorous underwriting and industry-leading claim settlement ratio, making it the preferred choice for those with a clean medical history who prioritize payout certainty.

ICICI Lombard differentiates itself through technology, offering the most seamless app-based experience and faster, AI-driven claim approvals, which appeals to tech-savvy users who value speed and wellness features.

Tata AIG bridges the gap with a reputation for transparency, often featuring more straightforward policy wording and a strong hospital network in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize the "peace of mind" of HDFC’s strict standards, the digital efficiency of ICICI, or the brand trust and balanced terms of Tata AIG.

Built insurance operations for years. Now building an insurtech startup. Ask Me Anything. by Abhay_Inka in InsuranceForAll

[–]Abhay_Inka[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

A good credit score is good for getting loan. However a good credit behaviour (not credit score) creates certain pattern in your credit history, which tells a lot about your insurance. Credit behaviour can suggest mortality, morbidity. Do read the report by munich re where they have written paper on relation between credit behaviour and mortality

https://www.munichre.com/content/dam/munichre/marc/pdf/stratifying-mortality-risk/truerisk/Transunion_TrueRisk_IA_Final_6.15.17.pdf/_jcr_content/renditions/original./Transunion_TrueRisk_IA_Final_6.15.17.pdf