Tag: insurance industry growth

  • The 3 Subsidiaries Of Life Insurance Corporations Of India (LIC)

    The Government of India owns the Life Insurance Corporations of India (LIC), which is an insurance and investment business. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was established on September 1, 1956, when the Parliament passed the Life Insurance of India Act, which nationalised the Indian insurance business. The state-owned LIC was formed by the merger of over 245 insurance companies and provident organisations. It both encourages and results in the institutionalisation or mobilisation of savings.

    Since then in the field of life insurance, the LIC has near-monopoly, as the amount of life insurance business through postal insurance and state insurance is relatively much smaller. Life insurance is a very important form of long term contractual savings. The total volume of the insurance business has been growing in the country with the spread of knowledge and consciousness about insurance in the country.

    However LIC can grow at a faster rate if the organizational and operational efficiency of LIC can be improved, new kinds of insurance covers are introduced, its services are extended to smaller lesser-known places and the general price level is kept stable. As of 2019, the Life Insurance Corporation of India had a total life fund of ₹28.3 trillion. The total value of sold policies in the year 2018-19 is ₹21.4 million. Life Insurance Corporation of India settled 26 million claims in 2018–19. It has 290 million policyholders.


    Insurance Sector In India
    The insurance industry in India is a pool of insurance companies hedging
    insurance seekers against risk through the means of insurance contracts. The
    contract is an agreement between the insurer and the insured in which the
    insurer guarantees payment for an uncertain event against a premium paid by …


    A brief about LIC Subsidiaries

    LIC invests in various sectors such as cement, banks, chemicals and fertilizers, transmission and electricity, engineering, construction and infrastructure, electrical and electronics, healthcare, hotels, finance and investments, information technology, metals and mining, motor vehicles, oil and natural resources, retail, textiles, transportation and logistics.

    Among those companies, LIC’s holding I term of value in 2012 was established to be the highest in ITC (₹27,326 crores), followed by RIL (₹21,659 crores), ONGC (₹17,764 crores), SBI (₹17,058 crores), L&T (₹16,800 crores), and ICICI Bank (₹10,006 crores). The share price drop in ITC on 18 July 2017 had caused LIC a major loss of around 7000 crores during the financial year.

    The subsidiaries of LIC are:

    LIC Pension Fund Limited

    LIC Cards Service Limited

    IDBI Bank Limited

    IDBI Bank Limited Step Down Subsidiaries:

    1. IDBI Capital Markets and Securities Limited (ICMS)

    2. IDBI Intech Limited (IIL)

    3. IDBI Asset Management Limited (IAML)

    4. IDBI Trusteeship Services Ltd (ITSL)

    5. IDBI Federal Life Insurance Company Limited (IDBI Federal)

    Where LIC also holds a 51% stake in IDBI Bank, making it the only insurer in India to own a bank, since regulations prohibit insurers from holding more than 15% stake in any company.

    LIC subsidiaries
    LIC subsidiaries

    LIC Pension Fund Limited

    LIC Pension Fund Limited is India’s first pension fund. It was set up by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in November 2007. LIC is one of India three public sector pension fund managers and has a one-third share in all investments made through Central and State Government NPS. It is also open to the private sector as a fund manager. LIC Pension Fund is the first Pension Fund Company in India to be incorporated and to receive commencement of business certificate.

    The government of India introduced the New Pension System (NPS), with effect from 2004. Pension Fund Regulatory And Development Authority (PFRDA) through a process of competitive bidding, has appointed Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), State bank of India (SBI), UTI Asset management company (UTI –AMC) and as The Pension Fund under the NPS. “NPS-Lite Model” is designed to ensure ultra-low administrative and transactional costs, so as to make such small investments viable.

    National Pension System NPS Lite makes pensions possible for small investors. It is an initiative of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the apex body established by the Government of India to regulate and develop the pension sector in India. NPS extends help to the weaker and economically disadvantaged sections of the society with their limited investment potential. This is why PFRDA has launched NPS Lite to specifically target the marginal investors and promote small savings during their productive life. It also aims at building up a corpus sufficient enough to buy an annuity for their old age.


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    LIC Cards Service Limited

    LIC Cards services limited came into existence in 2008 as a 100% subsidiary of LIC to bring out its own credit cards in the market. LIC offers four types of credit cards and each of these cards come with some common features and some distinct features that make them unique. LIC credit cards are best suited for you if you regularly pay a large LIC premium. LIC cards are uncapped, while other cards have a cap cashback and reward points that can be earned on premium payments.

    The types of LIC Cards
    The types of LIC Cards

    The types of LIC cards are:

    • LIC Gold Credit Cards (for regular users)
    • LIC Platinum Credit Cards (for shopping and rewards)
    • LIC Titanium Credit Cards ( for travel and hotel booking)
    • LIC Signature Credit Card (for premium services)
    Fee/Charge Amount/rate
    Finance Charges on Revolving Credit and Cash Advance 3.25% p.m. (46.78% annual)
    Free Credit Period Free Credit Period Up to 50 days
    Cash Withdrawal Fee 2.5% of the amount withdrawn (min. Rs. 500)
    Cash Payment Fee Rs. 100
    Over Limit Fee 3% of the amount (min. Rs. 500)
    Foreign Currency Mark-up Fee 3.5% of the transaction amount

    There are certain criteria that the financial institution looks into before accepting your credit card application. Your credit score, age, monthly income, location etc. are some of the parameters that you should keep in mind before you apply for a credit card. To apply for a LIC credit card, you should be above 18 years and should either be a LIC agent or a LIC policyholder. The document required to apply for a LIC credit card are:

    • Proof of Identity – PAN Card, Aadhaar card, Driver’s License, Passport, Voter’s ID, Overseas Citizen of India Card, Person of Indian Origin Card, Job card issued by NREGA, Letters issued by the UIDAI.
    • Proof of Address – Aadhaar card, Driver’s License, Passport, Utility Bill not more than 3 month’s old, Ration Card, Property Registration Document, Person of Indian Origin Card, Bank Account Statement.
    • Proof of Income – Latest one or 2 salary slips (not more than 3 months old), Latest Form 16, Last 3 months’ bank statement.

    Everything You Need To Know About Life Insurance | Insurance Industry
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    life insurance, the way these instruments are sold, and several other points.
    India had about 328 million life insurance policies in 2019, so it’s a pretty
    huge business that one needs to understand and be aware of. Seve…


    IDBI Bank Limited

    IDBI Bank Ltd., as a full-service universal bank provides a wide gamut of financial products and services encompassing deposits, loans payment services and investment solutions. Understanding today’s fast-paced and digital world they offer an innovative range of digital services that complement the pan India network of branches and ATMs. The bank also has 24×7 customer care facilities to help its customers reach out. IDBI Bank Ltd is operating as a full-service universal bank that serves customers from all segments.

    As a universal bank, IDBI Bank Ltd. touches the lives of millions of Indians through a wide variety of banking products and services. The Bank also has an established presence in associated financial sector businesses including capital market, investment banking and mutual fund business. IDBI’s very business philosophy is to provide relevant financial solutions, ensure maximum customer convenience through easy access to branches and ATMs as well as digital offerings and excellence in customer service.

    IDBI Subsidiaries
    IDBI Subsidiaries

    The vision is to be the most preferred and trusted bank enhancing value for all stakeholders defining and shaping our day-to-day business, helping us to build long-lasting relationships. IDBI Bank Limited has been categorized as a ‘Private Sector Bank’ for regulatory purposes by the Reserve Bank Of India with effect from January 21, 2019, consequent upon Life Insurance Corporation Of India acquiring 51% of the total paid-up equity share capital of the bank. To cater to its ever-expanding needs, IDBI Bank has formed subsidiaries and joint ventures across diverse areas of the Banking and Financial System.

    Some of its subsidiaries are:

    IDBI Capital Markets and Securities Limited (ICMS)

    Its businesses include Merchant Banking, Stock Broking, Distribution of Financial Products, Corporate Advisory Services, Debt Arranging and undertaking, Portfolio management of pension and Research Services.

    IDBI Intech Limited (IIL)

    The major business activities of the company are Information technology services, information security practices, national contact centre and outbound sales team.

    IDBI Asset Management Limited (IAML)

    IAML is the investment manager of schemes launched by IDBI Mutual Fund. The Fund offers a bouquet of products inequity and risk profiles of investors.

    IDBI Trusteeship Services Ltd (ITSL)

    The company operations are acting as trustees to securitization transactions, acting as Bond/Debenture trustee, Security trusteeship assignments, Share pledge Trustee, Venture Capital Fund, Safe Keeping and other trusteeship services.

    IDBI Federal Life Insurance Company Limited (IDBI Federal)

    The Company’s life insurance business comprises individual life and pension and group life, including non-participating, health and linked segments.

    FAQ

    In which sectors LIC invest?

    LIC invests in various different sectors such as cement, banks, chemicals and fertilizers, transmission and electricity, engineering, construction and infrastructure, electrical and electronics, healthcare, hotels, finance and investments, information technology, metals and mining, motor vehicles, oil and natural resources, retail, textiles, transportation and logistics.

    What is LIC Pension fund limited?

    LIC Pension Fund Limited is India’s first pension fund. It was set up by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in November 2007. LIC is one of India three public sector pension fund managers and has a one-third share in all investments made through Central and State Government NPS. It is also open to the private sector as a fund manager. LIC Pension Fund is the first Pension Fund Company in India to be incorporated and to receive commencement of business certificate.

    How many types of Cards does LIC provide?

    LIC Gold Credit Cards (for regular users)
    LIC Platinum Credit Cards (for shopping and rewards)
    LIC Titanium Credit Cards ( for travel and hotel booking)
    LIC Signature Credit Card (for premium services)

  • History, Present and Future of Insurance Industry in India

    Insurance industry in India is not a recent development. It has its route extended even in the writings of Kautilya, Manu, Yagnavalkya etc. Insurance is in fact a very reasonable move to diminish the risk of loss by transferring it from one unit to another in exchange for payment.

    Various insurance companies guarantee to provide a person with compensation for listed losses and damages in return for the payment of a predetermined premium.

    As is explicitly understood, insurance is a method of risk management to protect people and assets from uncertain losses. It pools funds from various insured entities to pay for the losses incurred. However not all kinds of risks are protected through insurance. For a risk to be ensured it should meet certain characteristics.

    Types of Insurance
    Insurance Industry Before Independence
    Growth of Insurance Industry – Post Independence
    Insurance Industry post 2000
    Future of Insurance Industry in India
    FAQ

    Types of Insurance

    The insurance sector has divided insurances into two parts, namely life insurance and General insurance. Life insurances engage with human lives while General Insurance or Non Life Insurance deals with things other than human life. The duration for the insurance can be short-term or long-term.

    Life Insurance

    Life insurance is in fact an agreement between an insurance policy holder and an insurer where the latter guarantees to pay a sum of money to the designated beneficiary in exchange for a premium after the death of the insured person. These policies are lawful agreements and they also list the restrictions that are in place for the insured Events.

    General Insurance

    General Insurance policies on the other hand guarantees payments which are dependent on the laws that a particular financial event incurs. Any insurances that are not determined as Life Insurances are called General or Non Life Insurance. Automobile policies, home owners policies etc. are a few examples. They are also known as property and casualty insurance.

    Insurance Industry Before Independence

    Insurance is considered to be having deep-rooted history. As mentioned earlier there are mentions of insurance in ancient scriptures, especially the ones written by Kautilya and Manu. However, reliable and concrete evidence of the beginning of the insurance industry in India can be traced back to 1818.

    In that year Oriental Life Insurance, a British company was set up in Kolkata to become the first insurance firm in India. They were started to cater to the needs of the European Community in India during that time. These insurance companies however treated Indians and foreigners differently.

    Indians were always charged with higher premiums to distance them from taking up insurances. Followed by that in 1823 a company named Bombay Mutual Life Assurance Society and in 1829 Madras Equitable Life Insurance Society was formed.

    It was in 1914 that the Government of India started issuing returns of insurance companies. It was preceded by the Indian Life Insurance Companies act, 1912. It was known as the first ever initiative to control life insurance dealings.

    Life Insurance Companies Act made it mandatory for the insurance companies to issue the tables of premiums and their periodical valuations to be counter checked by an actuary.

    In 1928 the Indian Insurance Companies act was enacted. It gave power to the government to keep an account of the statistical information regarding Life and Non Life Insurance that are being transacted in India by both Indians and foreigners.

    The insurance act of 1938 had comprehensive provisions that ensured efficient controlling of the activities of insurers to protect the interest of the people.

    Number of Registered Private Insurance companies across India
    Number of Registered Private Insurance companies across India

    Growth of Insurance Industry – Post Independence

    The provisions of insurance were extremely advantageous for the economic activity of the nation. It also created a sense of social security amidst the people. Needless to say the insurance industry in India thrived post independence.

    When the insurance industry was taking its form in India, there were absolutely no regulations. This was in the 19th century. In 1956 the Government of India took over the Life Insurance Company. Followed by that in 1972 the government took over the General Insurance Business of the country.

    Life insurance Corporation or the LIC had a monopoly over the insurance industry. It consolidated 154 Indian, 16 non-Indian insurers and also 75 provident societies—245 Indian and foreign insurers in total.

    In the late 1990s LIC was privatised and the insurance industry was open to the private sector. Foreign Investment Promotion Board or FIPB was formed to assess the promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in India and also to be the sole agent to handle matters related to FDI.

    The board is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion known as DIPP that is within the office of the Prime Minister. It aims to promote FDI in India where they promote investments both domestically and internationally by providing investment in the nation through international companies, foreign investors or NRIs.

    Insurance Industry post 2000

    The insurance industry in India has grown phenomenally from 2000 as the government allowed private sector investment in the industry up to 26%. Until then all private life insurance companies were taken over by LIC. Followed by privatisation, private players in the industry are increasing and the role of LIC in the market is seeing a steady decline.

    One of the main reasons for the continued growth of the insurance industry is because the insurance industry in India is not a high capital cost industry unlike telecommunications or oil.

    Being a developing country most of the employment in India is in the informal sector. Because of this government’s continue to make insurance compulsory in the formal sector which will limit the opportunities to cross subsidise the informal sector.

    Similarly the state has also taken initiatives to offer insurance on a voluntary basis to the informal sector workers since most of the poor in India work here. The government has constantly been looking for reducing large-scale out-of-pocket expenditure, to provide universal healthcare coverage, improve the standards of living and better utilisation of health services.

    All these things being absolutely necessary can be solved to a great extent by providing insurance to all. The IRDAI or the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India regulates and promotes the industry in India. It is formed to protect the interest of the policy holders and to ensure that their rights are protected.

    Future of Insurance Industry in India

    Considering the current market scenario there is an increase in the General or Non Life Insurance Sector compared to the Life Insurance sector. It is predicted that the former will soon start to compete with Life insurance companies in the future.

    However there is absolutely no doubt that the new insurance companies that are going to be set up in the near future will surely experience a positive growth and expansion in the Life and General Insurance sectors.

    The fact that incomes are rising, lifestyles are changing constantly, newer trends are emerging in the industry are excellent signs for the sector to strive for better product innovation, efficient claims management, multi distribution and many other regulatory trends.

    The growth of the insurance sector has also assured in the light of various insurances with which the Indian government had come up. Some of them are

    • Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
    • Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)
    • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

    Both the government and companies are committed to protect their employees, especially the ones in the lower and lower middle income divisions. In the future we can expect the growth of more insurance policies with lower premiums. This will augment the economic stature of the nation significantly.

    FAQ

    What is the market size of the insurance industry in India?

    The overall market size of the insurance industry in India is expected to grow over US$ 280 billion in 2020.

    Which is the biggest insurance company in India?

    Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the biggest and oldest insurance company in India.

    How many insurance companies are there in India in 2020?

    There are 68 insurance companies operating in India as of 2020.

  • An Overview of the Insurance Industry In India

    The insurance industry in India is a pool of insurance companies hedging insurance seekers against risk through the means of insurance contracts. The contract is an agreement between the insurer and the insured in which the payment of the former guarantee for an uncertain event against a premium paid by the insured regularly. The premium is mentioned in the contract.

    Insurance is a method of risk management to protect people and assets from uncertain losses. Life Insurance is precisely planned to protect your legatee financially in case something unfortunate happens to you. For investors, insurance is seen as the slow-growing, safe sector when compared to other financial sectors.

    The Insurance Industry in India
    The Insurance Industry Market Size in India
    The Insurance Industry Challenges
    Government Initiatives
    The Future of Insurance Industry in India

    All About Life Insurance | How to Buy and Choose

    The Insurance Industry in India

    The insurance industry in India has two major players:

    However, there are 58 insurance companies in total among which 24 are life insurance companies. Most of them have international ties.

    Under the life insurer segment, LIC is the sole public sector company while there are six public sector companies in the no-life insurer vertical. GIC is the sole national re-insurer in the industry. The chain has many players such as brokers, surveyors and third party administrators serving health insurance claims.


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    The Insurance Industry Market Size in India

    Market Share of Top Companies in terms of Gross Direct Premium
    Market Share of Top Companies in terms of Gross Direct Premium

    The government has always pushed for insurance penetration in the economy. As per the data from sectoral regulator IRDAI, gross direct premiums of non-life insurers in India grew nearly 7% to Rs 14,809.27 crore in June this year while the 34 non-life insurance companies in the country had reported gross direct premium of Rs 13,842.27 crore in June 2020.

    Of these, the 25 general insurance companies registered a 4.9% rise in gross direct premium during the month at Rs 13,041.51 crore as against Rs 12,435.71 crore in the year-ago period.

    The five standalone private-sector health insurers witnessed a 46.6%  jump in gross direct premium at Rs 1,556.89 crore from Rs 1,061.94 crore in June 2020.

    Two specialised PSU insurers– Agricultural Insurance Company of India and ECGC Ltd — reported a decline of 38.8% in combined gross direct premium during the month at Rs 210.87 crore from Rs 344.62 crore a year ago.

    Cumulatively, the premium written by all the players during April-June 2021-22 was up 13.8% to Rs 44,434.96 crore as against Rs 39,054.82 crore in the same period of 2020-21.


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    The Insurance Industry Challenges

    1.  Using data to improve experiences

    Using data to improve offerings and customer experience is not new for the insurance industry. But doing this well and consistently is a challenge. To use data for better customer experience companies need to leverage digital insurance solutions. The use of an agile cloud system and data analytics can help companies meet customer demands. Chatbots, mobile applications, and AI-generated quotes could be the best solution possible now.

    2.  Commoditization

    Insurers are consistently trying to get new customers while retaining their present ones. Providing lower rates than their competitor is the best way to do that. But along with this modern consumer decides to purchase insurance based on how they are treated by the insurance company working with them.

    Commoditization is the process of treating someone as if they are a mere commodity. The “commoditization” of insurance that has received so much press is a misnomer. Insurance is not a commodity but a complex good.

    This challenge can be overcome with the help of Artificial Intelligence and automated process which can provide a personalized yet fast customer experience. Digital insurance technologies also help to create unique products quickly.

    3. Digitizing small businesses

    Small businesses are the most profitable market in the insurance industry. Even though big insurance companies are aggressively trying to move into this market. But this can cause loss to companies who are already serving small commercials.

    To maintain their customer base and expand the insurance companies serving small commercials should provide digital interactions and digitize underwriting and claims. Investing in employees and new talent can help them expand their existing business and acquire new customers.


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    Government Initiatives

    The Government of India has taken several initiatives to boost the insurance industry. Some of them are as follows:

    • The government has announced an increase in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in insurance from 49% to 74% in the union budget of 2021-22.
    • The government has also taken an initiative to provide for 100 million poor and vulnerable families under the National Health Protection Scheme that was launched in September 2018.
    • To boost the safety of farmers’ crops and ensure the maximum benefit of crop insurance reaches farmers, the government of India has allocated Rs 16000 crores for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the fiscal year 2021-22.
    • The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) plans to issue re-designed initial public offering (IPO) guidelines for insurance companies in India that are looking to divest equity through the IPO route. IRDAI has allowed insurers to invest up to 10% in additional tier 1 (AT1) bonds that are issued by banks to augment their tier 1 capital; this will help expand the pool of eligible investors for the banks.

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    The Future of Insurance Industry in India

    The future looks promising for the life insurance industry in India. Several changes in the regulatory framework have been proposed which may transform the way the industry conducts its business and engages with customers.

    As per the data from sectoral regulator IRDAI, the gross direct premiums of non-life insurers in India grew nearly 7% to Rs 14,809.27 crore in June this year. The general insurance industry is expected to increase by 7-9% in terms of gross direct premium income in FY22, backed by healthy growth from the health and motor segments.

    Demographic factors such as the growing middle class, young insurable population and retirement planning will support the growth of the Indian life insurance segment.

    FAQs

    What does the insurance industry do?

    The insurance industry sells the financial product as a method of risk management to protect people and assets from uncertain losses. It pools funds from various insured entities to pay for the losses incurred. However, not all kinds of risks are protected through insurance. For a risk to be ensured it should meet certain characteristics.

    What type of industry is insurance?

    Insurance is a financial service industry.

    What are the 4 types of insurance?

    The 4 types of insurance include:

    • Motor insurance
    • Health insurance
    • Travel insurance
    • Home insurance

    How large is the insurance industry?

    As per the data from sectoral regulator IRDAI, the gross direct premiums of non-life insurers in India grew nearly 7% to Rs 14,809.27 crore in June this year. The general insurance industry is expected to increase by 7-9% in terms of gross direct premium income in FY22, backed by healthy growth from the health and motor segments.

    Which is the biggest insurance company in India?

    Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the biggest and oldest insurance company in India.

    How many insurance companies are there in India?

    There are 58 insurance companies in total among which 24 are life insurance companies and the other 34 are non-life insurance companies.

  • Best Health Insurance Options for Small Businesses

    Many small businesses and startups feel intimidated by the responsibility of providing the best health insurance for their employees. The fees are high and startups with limited capital investment sometimes opt to avoid insurance coverage.

    But entrepreneurs are more at risk than ordinary employees because many of them are fully invested in the company. However, a trip to an illness or a costly medical procedure can spell the end of the business. There are several options for health care insurance for startups and small businesses which are useful for their employees working in the organization.

    Health Insurance Companies in India
    Health Insurance Companies in India

    Health Insurance Options for Startups

    The first thing to understand is that plans are classified into four different levels, each tied to a different level of coverage, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Platinum being the highest premiums and the lowest amount out of pocket cost for the company’s employees, while Bronze has the lowest premiums, and a higher out of pocket cost for the employees.


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    It’s always good to be insured against the contingencies and emergencies oflife. The whole idea behind an insurance policy is to financially equip us todeal with losses. Having insurance brings many benefits like managing risk andcash flow uncertainty. It is also regarded as a good investment too…


    Insurance plans at the Bronze level make the most sense for small businesses. These plans have lower premiums but they have very high deductibles. Deductibles are the amount that the employees have to pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. This makes Bronze plans great for people that about things like car crashes or the flu.

    Individual Health Insurance

    Individual health insurance can be with or without a defined contribution allowance. This type of plan allows the organization’s employees to purchase their health insurance coverage through the public marketplace or an agent. Organization’s employees can select any carrier or insurance policy and access discounts on premiums by using individual health insurance tax credits.

    Startups can contribute to the employee’s premium and other health expenses using a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). The companies can contribute any amount up to defined limits.

    Individual health insurance is easy and cost-effective for smaller groups to access insurance coverage that is priced out of the group health insurance.

    Another option of health insurance for successful startups is the Health Savings Account (HSA). This is specially designated, tax-advantaged savings account that an employee can use to pay for expenses from high-deductible health plans. Money leftover in an employee-owned HSA is saved over time and can earn interest. HSAs work well for employees who prefer specific lower premiums.

    HRAs work in a similar way to HSAs, with one main difference being that employees do not own their HRA accounts.


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    Co-Op

    Co-op is also one of the good options for startups as it gives the organization a boost in buying power and spreads the risks to a larger group. However, not all co-ops are structured similarly. It is important to find a co-op with good rates, this also depends on the market itself or regional underwriting insurance laws that dictate rates or the co-op itself.

    SHOP Marketplace

    The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace is a public state or also known as federally run exchanges that sell insurance to small groups. It is a good place to find the best health insurance for small groups with less than 50 employees if they can meet certain requirements.

    Different states have different laws. If a particular business is eligible, SHOP gives access to small tax credits. The brokers affiliated with SHOP Marketplace can help startups to purchase the plan.

    Different policies under Health Insurance
    Different policies under Health Insurance

    Private Health Exchange

    The Brokers offer small businesses a private exchange option by working with a defined contribution. Small groups give employees a set contribution that goes towards a menu of plan options, which can be individual or group-based.

    A licensed health insurance broker can be a good resource if one is looking for ways to minimize the risk and ensure the coverage of the organization’s employees. As for a broker that specializes in small group policies, individual or family policies to help assess the different ways one can get health insurance for the business.

    Match the Market Average Coverage

    Medical inflation is on the rise and at this state, one visit to the doctor can disrupt any middle-class family’s monthly budget. So, the organization needs to ensure that its employees have sufficient coverage. Performing market analysis and benchmark the average before deciding the sum insured, most companies offer a health insurance cover of about Rs 3-4 lakh on average.

    Make Employees Co-owner of the Policy

    A comprehensive plan includes many features and provides employees with better coverage and benefits. If one plans on providing a comprehensive plan to their employees, but the premiums are way beyond the set budget, make the employees a co-owner of the policy. At a nominal premium every month, deducted from their salary, the employees can enjoy premium benefits and better insurance coverage.

    Employee Coverage from the Start

    Many small business owners activate the employee health insurance plan after 6-12 months of joining. This makes the new employees feel that they are still not a part of the organization. While not providing health insurance coverage to new employees may save a little money in the short run, but this lowers the chances for great employee relationship in the long run.

    The startup employees might want a Preferred Partner Organization (PPO) plan over a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan if they don’t want to see a primary care physician before visiting a specialist. Alternatively, the employees might prefer an HMO plan over a PPO plan due to the lower cost of an HMO, which comes from staying in a medical network for services.

    With Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans, the employees can use all specialists and providers with no referrals, although there is usually no out-of-network coverage. It also tends to cost less than HMO and PPO plans and could be a good choice for startup employees who do not expect much medical care and want to save money.

    A Point of Service Plan (POS) plan is a combination of HMO and PPO plans, in that employees need to work with a primary care physician while usually having access to a wider range of health care providers.

    Conclusion

    The art of picking up the best health insurance for a small business isn’t easy. It is essential to compare each startup’s coverage options, region-wise availability, employee number, network, capital and revenue and stand-out features. Then the health insurance policy can be chosen.