Axis Max Life ranks #1 in customer experience amongst Life Insurers in India: Hansa Research’s Life Insurance CuES 2026

Axis Max Life’s leadership in Life Insurance CuES 2026 reflects its deliberate shift from delivering process consistency to building customer advocacy by deepening customer engagement and personalizing interactions across the policy lifecycle. Using AI and analytics‑led segmentation, the Company tailors onboarding, service, and renewal journeys based on customer behaviour and needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Digital-first platforms such as ‘DigiSaarthi’ enable flexible, self‑served and assisted journeys, while Gen AI‑powered service and speech analytics help prioritize requests, personalize renewal conversations and deliver faster, more relevant resolution - strengthening trust and advocacy at key moments that matter. Nearly 90% of customer interactions are now powered by intelligent, digital‑first channels. The Company’s Customer App offers an experience that simplifies renewals with single-tap payments and AI-driven reminders, boosting customer lifetime value.

The Company has redefined turnaround times at scale. Around 70% of customer queries and requests are now resolved within 48 hours, and 97% of policy benefits are processed on the same day. A substantial portion of this improvement is driven by our Gen AI-powered email bot, which handles over 25% of customer emails.

The Company has also maintained its claims-paid ratio consistently above 99% for the past 5 years, achieving its highest-ever 99.70% in FY2025.

Sumit Madan, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Axis Max Life Insurance, said: “In an industry where customer advocacy is earned, not assumed, Axis Max Life is setting the benchmark by combining sharper segmentation, deeper engagement, and experience design anchored in moments that truly matter. Our #1 ranking in Hansa Research’s Life Insurance CuES 2026 is a strong validation of our focused effort to move beyond customer satisfaction to build genuine advocacy. By leveraging digital technology and data analytics, engaging more meaningfully at critical touchpoints, and re‑imagining journeys across onboarding, renewals, claims, and service resolution, we are creating an insight‑led, cloud‑native customer experience; one that is built on trust, delivers with speed, and is guided by empathy.”

This recognition adds to Axis Max Life’s growing portfolio of accolades for customer experience excellence, including national‑level honors for digital transformation and AI‑led transformation. Together, these reflect the Company’s sustained investments in building a future-first organisation driven by trust, insight, and operational excellence.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long‑term savings life insurance solutions through its multi‑channel distribution, including agency and third‑party partners. Over two decades, the Company has built its operations on a need‑based sales process, a customer‑centric engagement model and trained human capital. As per audited financials for FY2024‑25, Axis Max Life recorded a gross written premium of INR 33,223 crore.

IRDAI Registration No.: 104
Company Information Number: U74899HR2000PLC143012

Pritika Shah – Head of Marketing, HDFC Life

Pritika Shah, Head-Marketing, HDFC Life, said, "Given India’s diversity, we have been building our brand through culturally relevant region focused efforts in India. This association with Kolkata Knight Riders continues that journey for us. KKR’s fantastic following gives us an opportunity to deeply connect with households across the country, especially in the East.”

Binda Dey, Chief Marketing Officer, Knight Riders Sports, said, “We are delighted to welcome HDFC Life as our Official Partner for IPL 2026. The most meaningful partnerships are those built on shared values, and HDFC Life’s ethos of pride and respect strongly reflects what KKR stands for as a team. Just as our fans trust us to give our all on the field, HDFC Life empowers millions of Indians with the confidence to face life beyond it. Together, we look forward to a collaborative partnership that creates memorable moments and resonates deeply with fans across the country.”

Over the course of this association, HDFC Life will roll out a series of high‑impact visibility and engagement led promotions across digital, social, on-ground and other touch points in collaboration with Kolkata Knight Riders.

HDFC Life has launched regional findings related to the West region of India, based on insights from its ‘Ready for Life Index’ (RLI) study. 

Mr. Vineet Arora, Executive Director and Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life

The Ready for Life Index 2025 is a proprietary research initiative by HDFC Life, conducted in partnership with Ipsos India. Based on 1,836 face-to-face interviews with working men and women aged 25–55 years across metros, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities, the study evaluates India’s life readiness across four key pillars — Financial Planning, Emergency Preparedness, Health & Well-being, and Retirement Strategy.

The index aims to bridge the gap between perception and preparedness, encouraging a shift from short-term saving to structured, long-term financial planning.

The findings of West region reflect national readiness values, with key regional competencies existing in diversified investment and protection awareness. West India shows an index score of 59 in the Ready for Life Index, which is equal to the average for the whole country. West India, however, has an opportunity gap of 29 points in the context of perceived versus actual action, which highlights high financial confidence with an opportunity for greater readiness in areas like retirement planning.

Emergency preparedness in West India presents a mixed picture. This region has a near-equal number of people with and without an emergency corpus.  Among those who have built a corpus, access and adequacy are relatively stronger; over two in five respondents can access their emergency funds within 48 hours, while nearly half indicate that their savings could sustain expenses for more than four months. These findings indicate the need for stronger emergency preparedness planning through proper procedures, which can also lead to a shift toward healthier practices.

Children’s education and funding are priorities for the West region along with highest ownership of Term insurance 

Financial planning priorities in the West remain well in line with national trends, with children's education remaining the number one savings priority. Worth mentioning is that funding or scaling up business remains one of the primary goals.

• Consumers in West India have the most diversified financial portfolios among the various regions, with high ownership levels for health insurance, mutual funds, and stocks.

• The region also reports the highest ownership of term insurance, underlining strong awareness of protection needs. 

• Key triggers for buying term insurance include protection of the family's future, high cover affordability, and life-stage changes like marriage or parenthood. 

• Medical underwriting concerns, lack of benefit awareness, and discomfort with mortality contemplation continue to guide decision-making and point to further needs for engagement and education.

Retirement Planning needs focus

In terms of retirement planning the West region reflects a stronger focus on short-term goals, with nearly two-thirds of respondents indicating that they have not yet started planning for retirement. However, among those who have planned, there is greater realism around long-term needs.

• A significant proportion recognises the need for a retirement corpus of up to ₹3 crore, and more than half believe their savings could last for over 20 years. 

• The region also reflects better awareness of increasing medical costs, anchored by a strong focus on health insurance as part of retirement strategy.

Vineet Arora – Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life, elaborated more on the insights for the West Zone, “The study highlights that for the West region of India, financial readiness, diversification, and awareness of risk solutions – all are in balance. In the HDFC Life Ready for Life Index, there is an opportunity to leverage these strengths by encouraging more people to begin retirement savings and emergency preparation earlier. With evolving financial needs, awareness to action will be crucial in developing financial resilience.”

HDFC Life recognised in the 'Leadership' category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard, assessed by Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS)
 

This milestone reflects HDFC Life's continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and exemplary Corporate Governance practices. The recognition in the ‘Leadership’ category marks a significant milestone for Corporate Governance in HDFC Life as the Company completes 25 years of its journey.

Speaking on the recognition, Narendra Gangan, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, HDFC Life, commented, "We are truly honoured to be recognised in the 'Leadership' category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard. It reflects the collective effort of every individual at HDFC Life to uphold the highest standards of Corporate Governance. For us, Corporate Governance is not merely a compliance obligation rather it is a core value that shapes every decision we make. This recognition inspires us to hold ourselves to an even higher standard as we continue to serve millions of Indian families."

The Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard framework was developed jointly by IFC, BSE, and IiAS. It is anchored in the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance and has been in use since 2015. The assessment covers BSE 100 companies and is widely regarded as a benchmark for governance excellence in India.

Working Women Record Uptick in Retirement Preparedness, Though Emotional Concerns about loneliness Persist, says Axis Max Life’s India Retirement Index Study 5.0

The Retirement Index score for women stands at 49 (out of 100) in 2025, close to the national score of 48. Notably, the index has risen from 44 in 2022 to 49 in 2025, marking a five-point increase, which is slightly above than the overall national growth over the same period from 44 in 2022 to 48 in 2025.

Sumit Madan, CEO and Managing Director, Axis Max Life Insurance, said, “The ‘Health-Wealth’ focus is no longer theoretical; it’s becoming the new standard for retirement preparedness. While women are leading the charge in overall readiness, we recognize that their health preparedness is also growing year-on-year. As life insurers we have also made it our priority to refine our retirement solutions by embedding proactive health and lifestyle features that help our policyholders maintain their vitality throughout their silver years.”

Key Findings of the Women Cohort

• Health Preparedness: The study, conducted in partnership with Kantar, women’s Health Preparedness Index rose from 40 (2022) to 47 (2025), marginally outperforming the national growth rate (41 (2022) to 46 (2025).

• The Emotive Index: Despite health-wise uptick, psychological preparedness is unsteady. The Emotional Preparedness Index for women dropped from 60 to 58 over the same period. This dip was slightly sharper than their male counterpart which remained stable at 59. 

• The Loneliness Factor: The fear of loneliness has increased among women—from 69% to 74%— at a time when the all-India level has remained unchanged, indicating a growing emotional sensitivity within this cohort.

In line with gains in the Health Index, the share of women undergoing regular or occasional health check-ups has risen from 57 percent in 2022 to 60 percent in 2025, ahead of the national average of 55 percent. Nearly 43 percent of women report engaging in daily physical workouts, in line with all India average.

Confidence about future well-being has also strengthened. The proportion of women who believe they will remain fit and healthy during their retirement years has increased marginally from 79 percent in 2022 to 82 percent in 2025, moving ahead of the broader national sentiment, which has largely plateaued.

That said, formal risk protection continues to evolve. Health insurance adoption among women has grown from 42 percent in 2022 to 48 percent in 2025, though the pace trails the national growth rate from 43 percent to 50 percent.

Emotional Preparedness Reflects Emerging Sensitivities
Despite the uptick in health index, emotional anxieties continue to influence retirement perceptions among women.

Concerns around financial and environmental security remain largely stable among women. Around 73 percent worry about financial dependence on children, and 79 percent remain concerned about the impact of changing environmental conditions on their retirement years, suggesting persistent but not escalating anxieties.

The proportion of women who feel totally secure about receiving familial support in retirement has increased directionally from 49 percent in 2022 to 53 percent in 2025, in line with the national growth rate from 51 percent to 55 percent.

Read more about the India Retirement Index Study: www.axismaxlife.com/iris-india-retirement-study-index 

About India Retirement Index Study 
India Retirement Index Study is an annual retirement study by Axis Max Life conducted in partnership with KANTAR. The study evaluates India’s readiness for a healthy, peaceful, and financially secure retirement across three indices Financial, Health, and Emotional Preparedness each measured on a scale of 0 to 100. The fifth edition surveyed 2,242 respondents across 28 cities, including new segments such as gig workers.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)
Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

IRDAI Registration. No – 104
Company Information Number - U74899PB2000PLC045626

About Kantar 
Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. To know more, visit www.kantar.com 

Pramerica Life Insurance Launches 'Rising Bharat Fund'

The Pramerica Rising Bharat Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of midcap companies selected from a universe of top 150 midcap stocks. The strategy follows a structured investment framework that combines Quality and Momentum factors to identify financially strong businesses and companies demonstrating sustained earnings growth and positive price trends.

Midcap companies represent a dynamic segment of India’s listed equity universe and often evolve into the large-cap leaders of the future as they scale operations and expand market share. They also play a pivotal role in driving economic activity, employment generation, and industrial growth across India’s Tier II and Tier III cities. While the segment offers strong growth potential, it can also experience higher volatility compared to large-cap stocks. The Pramerica Rising Bharat Fund incorporates a disciplined investment framework aimed at capturing long-term opportunities while maintaining a balanced risk-return approach aligned with the investment horizon of ULIP policyholders.

Speaking on the launch, Pankaj Gupta, Managing Director & CEO, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “India’s growth story is increasingly being written by high-quality mid-sized enterprises that are scaling rapidly as the economy formalises. Through the Pramerica Rising Bharat Fund, we aim to provide policyholders a disciplined way to participate in this next wave of growth, supported by a structured Quality and Momentum investment framework. This launch reflects our commitment to combining the wealth-creation potential of India’s evolving economy with the long-term protection our customers trust us to provide.”

Adding further, Abhishek Das, Chief Investment Officer, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “Midcaps have always been powerful long-term wealth creators, but they can also experience higher volatility and drawdown risks in the short term. The Pramerica Rising Bharat Fund combines Quality and Momentum factors within a disciplined investment framework to build a resilient portfolio aligned with long-term ULIP investors. By blending financially stable businesses with companies benefiting from emerging trends and positive performance momentum, the fund seeks to deliver a balanced investment experience across market cycles.”

The Fund offers policyholders exposure to some of the fastest growing companies in one of the world’s fastest growing major economies, while being managed in accordance with regulatory and Pramerica Life’s internal investment governance standards applicable to ULIP funds.

About Pramerica Life Insurance Limited
Pramerica Life Insurance Limited is a joint venture between DIL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Finance Limited (erstwhile Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited) and Prudential International Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (PIIH), a fully owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI). It represents the coming together of two renowned financial services organizations with a legacy of business excellence spread over decades. Pramerica Life Insurance Limited, started operations in India on September 1, 2008 and has a pan India presence through multiple distribution channels which have been customized to address the specific insurance needs of diverse customer segments. The Company is committed to providing protection and quality financial advice to its customers. Pramerica is the brand name used in India and select countries by PFI.

For more details, please visit www.pramericalife.in

About Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited
Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited (referred as Piramal Finance), a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Limited (flagship company of the Piramal Group), is a housing finance company engaged in retail and wholesale lending. In retail lending, Piramal Finance is one of the leading players that addresses the diverse financing needs of the under-served and unserved people of ‘Bharat’ market. It has over 1 million customers and a network of branches across 318 cities/towns in 27 states. It offers multiple products, including home loans, loan against property, used car loans, small business loans to Indian budget conscious customers at the periphery of metros and in Tier I, II and III cities. In wholesale lending, it caters to both real estate as well as non-real estate sector and offers multiple products including construction finance, structured debt and senior secured debt.

For more information visit: piramalfinance.com

About Prudential Financial, Inc.
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2022, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better by creating financial opportunities for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for nearly 150 years.

For more information, please visit news.prudential.com

Sample Certificate Image

With the Indian mobility sector gradually shifting towards cleaner and more sustainable options, USGI aims to promote environmentally responsible choices among its customers while also making a significant contribution to environmental renewal. One tree will be planted for every eligible policy issued under this initiative.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Sharad Mathur, Managing Director & CEO, Universal Sompo, said, “For us, insurance is not just about securing assets, but also safeguarding the world we live in. Through this initiative, we are not only acknowledging and rewarding our customers for choosing hybrid and electric vehicles but also working towards protecting our environment. By planting a tree for every eligible policy, we are building a collective heritage of sustainability with our customers and partners.”

Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Takayuki Ueda, Managing Director, CEO of Toyota Tsusho Insurance Broker India Pvt Ltd, said, “Our collaboration with Universal Sompo General Insurance represents a shared vision where business growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. By awarding tree-planting certificates to our motor insurance customers, we are transforming a standard policy purchase into a meaningful contribution toward a greener planet."

The program will be implemented in partnership with Grow-Trees. Trees will be planted and marked digitally, and every policyholder will receive a joint digital plantation certificate as recognition of their contribution. The certificates will be dispatched to Universal Sompo for final delivery to the customers.

USGI extended an invitation to Toyota hybrid and electric vehicle owners to be part of their sustainability journey and make a positive difference in the environment i.e, one policy and one tree at a time.

About Universal Sompo General Insurance
Universal Sompo is a joint venture of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Dabur Investments, and a global insurer SOMPO. The company is headquartered in Mumbai and has 142 offices nationwide, with representation through its digitally enabled employees across over 300 cities. It has a strong distribution network of agents, point of salespersons, bank branches, automobile dealers, brokers, common service centres, and digital platforms/ e-commerce players. The company offers 181 IRDAI-approved products, and 2049 add-on covers, ranging from motor, accident & health, home insurance, shopkeepers’ packages, crop and other non-life packages for SMEs, fire, marine, engineering, employee benefits, project insurance, liability, and other special products for Corporates. Microinsurance covers the rural segment.

Build a legacy of values and financial security

Rising costs and evolving dreams have made planning for the future more important than ever, especially for parents. The campaign reinstates HDFC Life’s commitment to standing by families as they insure with confidence, and empowering them secure their dreams without any compromise. With a universal messaging featuring a family and their journey of pride, the campaign aims to connect with audiences across all segments.

A legacy of Values & Financial Security!

Click here to watch the campaign link: www.youtu.be/kguKJfB4eIc

Commenting on the campaign, Pritika Shah, Head – Marketing, HDFC Life, said, “Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s future, both emotionally and financially. In today’s world, children are over exposed to several forms of content which may, sometimes, also impact their habits and mindsets in a not-so-desirable manner. With our latest campaign, we at HDFC Life are highlighting the key role parents play in influencing their children with the right values and mindset.” She added, “We believe that when families are financially prepared they are empowered to live with dignity, self-respect and pride; and pass on the legacy of values and financial security to the next generation.”

“Our film brings to life a very poignant insight – often children are easily embarrassed by their parents and their choices, only to recognise the true value of their actions later in life. We hope our film resonates with all parents who want to bring up their children with the right set of values”, said, Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer, Leo - South Asia.

The campaign is currently live across multiple high-visibility media platforms - across 70+ TV channels in nine languages - supported by a strong digital presence spanning social media platforms.

Further, it has also been amplified with Print ads across major business publications, along with robust pan India Outdoor campaign spanning 60+ cities.

About HDFC Life 
Established in 2000, HDFC Life is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity and Health. The Company has over 70 products (individual and group products) including optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs. HDFC Life continues to benefit from its increased presence across the country, having a wide reach with branches and additional distribution touchpoints through several new tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 500, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, new ecosystem partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants. For more information, please visit www.hdfclife.com. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

The partnership will enable Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s customers access HDFC Life’s comprehensive suite of Group and Individual life insurance solutions including range of protection and long-term savings products to meet their long-term financial goals. These will be offered through Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s extensive network of 3750+ branches pan-India as well as through its digital platform.

Vibha Padalkar and Shaji Varghese

Speaking on this partnership, Vibha Padalkar – Managing Director & CEO, HDFC Life said, “Our partnership with Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. marks an important step towards achieving the industry’s goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’. We are committed to offering Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s valuable customers, both existing and new, effective life insurance solutions that will enable them to achieve their long-term financial goals. Furthermore, our seamless process integration will ensure teams across Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s touchpoints are digitally empowered to make the experience for themselves and their customers a delightful one. Through this partnership, we look forward to expanding the reach of life insurance and driving financial inclusion in the country.”

Mr Shaji Varghese, CEO, Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. said, “We are delighted to join hands with HDFC Life. Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. and HDFC Life are both built on deep customer trust. This partnership is about combining our reach of 3,750+ branches, digital platforms, our relationship depth with millions of customers, and HDFC Life’s product and risk expertise to create meaningful protection for Indian families.”

About Muthoot FinCorp Limited (MFL)

Muthoot FinCorp Limited, the flagship company of 138-year-old business conglomerate Muthoot Pappachan Group, is India's leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with an aim to transform the lives of common man by ensuring their financial wellbeing through an array of varied products and services. The Company today offers more than three dozen products and services through its 3750+ branches across India and aims to serve the underbanked, to be their most trusted financial partner, and ensure financial inclusion of every household in India. Muthoot FinCorp's long-standing experience, expertise and stronghold in the semi urban and rural areas has enabled the company to provide quick & customized finance options to the masses.

About HDFC Life

Established in 2000, HDFC Life is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity and Health. The Company has over 70 products (individual and group products), including optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs. HDFC Life continues to benefit from its increased presence across the country, having a wide reach with branches and additional distribution touch-points through several new tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 500, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, new ecosystem, partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants. For more information, please visit www.hdfclife.com. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Pramerica Life TIMC Campaign

The campaign brings to the fore Pramerica Life’s core pillars of reliability that reflect the brand’s role in supporting customers over the long term. With a 99.18% claims paid ratio, the campaign underscores the brand’s focus on claims certainty and assurance. This commitment is reinforced by the scale of protection offered by Pramerica Life, which today safeguards the financial futures of crores of Indians, including lakhs of soldiers. Keeping in line with the company’s core value of putting the customer and their evolving needs at the forefront of everything they do, the campaign highlights innovations in their product offerings, like guaranteed 10% additions to the policyholders' ULIP funds, an industry-first feature that significantly boosts the compounding value of their long-term savings.

Speaking on the campaign, Amaresh Jena, Chief Marketing Officer, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “At Pramerica Life Insurance, we've been on a steady climb towards growth over the years, crossing key milestones that empower us to stand stronger for our customers. This journey mirrors our customers’ own resilient climbs, and we're proud to walk alongside them as their trusted partner. ‘This Is My Climb’ remains a heartfelt brand platform for us, evolving from celebrating customers’ journeys to now weaving Pramerica Life’s own path towards steady and consistent growth into the narrative. Through this campaign, we are aiming to deepen emotional connections, boost brand awareness, and reinforce our salience, all while highlighting our commitment to our customers through qualities that they value most such as credibility, protection, and long-term assurance.”

The campaign will primarily leverage print media for broad reach, amplified by compelling social media and digital activations. With this latest chapter, Pramerica Life Insurance reaffirms its commitment to being more than just an insurer, remaining a trusted partner that continues to climb alongside its customers, every step of the way.

About Pramerica Life Insurance Limited

Pramerica Life Insurance Limited is a joint venture between DIL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Finance Limited (erstwhile Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited) and Prudential International Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (PIIH), a fully owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI). It represents the coming together of two renowned financial services organizations with a legacy of business excellence spread over decades. Pramerica Life Insurance Limited, started operations in India on September 1, 2008 and has a pan India presence through multiple distribution channels which have been customized to address the specific insurance needs of diverse customer segments. The Company is committed to providing protection and quality financial advice to its customers. Pramerica is the brand name used in India and select countries by PFI.

For more details, please visit www.pramericalife.in

About Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited

Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited (referred as Piramal Finance), a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Limited (flagship company of the Piramal Group), is a housing finance company engaged in retail and wholesale lending. In retail lending, Piramal Finance is one of the leading players that addresses the diverse financing needs of the under-served and unserved people of ‘Bharat’ market. It has over 5 million customers and a network of branches across 429 cities/towns in 26 states. It offers multiple products, including home loans, loan against property, used car loans, small business loans to Indian budget conscious customers at the periphery of metros and in Tier I, II and III cities. In wholesale lending, it caters to both real estate as well as non-real estate sector and offers multiple products including construction finance, structured debt and senior secured debt.

For more information visit: piramalfinance.com

About Prudential Financial, Inc.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of February, 2025, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better by creating financial opportunities for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for nearly 150 years.

According to The Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) 2021 report by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, only 28% seniors are aware of any concessions, schemes or benefits available for them, a mere 18% are covered by health insurance, and 78% live without pension cover. The fact that ~70% seniors are completely dependent on family and relatives for everyday needs despite various government schemes and emerging private sector solutions underlines the need for initiatives to further awareness about age-care services. The Antara-SUD Life partnership is a decisive step in that direction.

Ishaan Khanna, CEO, Antara Assisted Care Services, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance to promote well-informed, proactive ageing, enabling seniors to lead healthier, more independent lives. Backed by the Max Group’s legacy in healthcare and the experience of developing one of India’s most comprehensive senior care ecosystems, Antara is uniquely positioned to help SUD Life Insurance customers and their families understand various facets of holistic wellness to secure their future.”

Mr. Abhay Tewari, MD & CEO, Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance, said, “​​We are delighted to partner with Antara to deliver a structured and holistic approach to senior citizen well-being, integrating financial security with overall wellness. At its core, this initiative is about helping people understand their choices and plan with more confidence. As longevity increases, such integrated solutions will play a critical role in helping individuals plan with confidence for the years ahead.”

As India’s foremost fully integrated senior care ecosystem with services spanning from award-winning residences to NABH-accredited Care Homes to D2C wellness website AGEasy, Antara will use its expertise, derived from serving over five lakh seniors, to craft digital-first, information-rich communication for SUD Life’s customers and employees. Antara experts will also lead webinars and on-ground engagements to further awareness about the different types of care needed through differing phases of ageing and the financial solutions and tools needed to equip seniors and their families. Insurance specialists from Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance curated and launched exclusive financial products that can be used by Antara customers.

India is at the cusp of a significant demographic shift. According to the JLL-ASLI 2024 report, the country’s senior population is poised to more than double from 156.7 million in 2024 to 347 million by 2050. UNFPA data projects that the population of people aged 80+ in India will grow by approximately 279% between 2022 and 2050, bringing with it complex challenges be they financial or care related. Addressing these requires integrated, scalable solutions that go beyond healthcare alone – a gap addressed by this tie-up between Antara Senior Care and SUD Life.

About Antara Senior Care

Launched in 2013, Antara is the senior-care business of Max India Limited, part of the $7-billion Max Group. It is an integrated ecosystem for senior care, operating in two main lines of business - Residences for Seniors and Assisted Care Services. Antara’s first senior residential community in Dehradun, comprising nearly 200 families, caters to their social, recreational, educational, wellness, and health-related needs. In the near future, it will open its second senior living community in Noida’s Sector-150, with families moving into the 340 apartments built in the first phase. Expanding its footprint in Gurugram, Antara will manage senior living residences, dedicated spaces for senior living, and primary healthcare services at Estate 360 and Estate 361, developed by Max Estates. Antara’s Assisted Care Services include Care Homes, Memory Care Home, Care at Home and AGEasy. This line of business caters to seniors, who need more immersive interventions in their daily lives due to medical or age-related issues. With seven facilities across Gurugram, Noida, Bengaluru and Chennai, Care Homes provide long-term care to seniors who require constant medical and nursing supervision, and short-term care services for the recuperation of seniors. Its Care at Home services, offered in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Chennai, provide well-equipped, trained professionals offering care to seniors inside their home’s comfort. AGEasy, an online and offline store focusing on senior-specific products and solutions to manage chronic health conditions at home, has touched over 5 lakh lives since inception in 2023.

About SUD Life Insurance
Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life), founded in 2009, is a powerful collaboration between two of India’s leading public sector banks, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, and Daiichi Life, Japan’s second-largest life insurer. Built on a strong foundation of trust and expertise, SUD Life serves over 15 million customers with Assets Under Management (AUM) of Rs. 31,069 Crores (as of 31st March 2025) through a strong network of over 20,000 distribution touch points, offering innovative and customer-centric solutions. SUD Life stayed ahead of the curve by enhancing its digital capabilities and customer service standards, achieving an individual Claim Settlement Ratio of 98.84% (as of 31st March 2025) and reducing the average claim settlement turnaround time to just 3.54 days, a powerful testament to the company’s operational excellence and customer-first approach. Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life) has established its IFSC Insurance Office (IIO) in Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT City). This strategic expansion will enable SUD Life to offer foreign currency-denominated life insurance solutions to Resident Indian/Non-Resident Indian/Person of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) customers.

Continuing its robust growth trajectory, the company reported a Gross Direct Premium (GDP) of INR 10,769 crore, recording a growth of 14.5%, exceeding the industry growth rate of 8.7%. The Ex-Crop business growth is 25.5% v/s industry growth at 13.1%.

The Company’s strong performance in 9M FY26 was driven by sustained growth across key lines of business like Health by 29%, Personal Accident (PA) by 49%, Motor by 19%, and Fire by 13%. Together, these segments reinforced the company’s focus on scalable growth, operational excellence, and customer-centric innovation. Additionally, the Company improved its market share among private & SAHI companies by 39 basis points from 6.25% in 9M FY25 to 6.64% in 9MFY26.

The Company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 522 crore. The Loss ratio also improved significantly to 78.5% in 9M FY26 from 84.3% in 9M FY25. In addition, the solvency ratio stood at 2.12 times, well above the regulatory minimum of 1.50, underscoring the company's solid financial foundation.

Commenting on the Company's performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said “Our performance in 9M FY26 reflects the strength of the foundation we are building for the future. In 9M FY26, we’ve grown by 1.7 times faster than the industry and 1.9 times faster than Private & SAHI companies. The Company has recorded a GDP of INR 10,769 crore in 9M FY26. This growth is not just about scale, but about building a resilient, technology-led, and customer-centric insurance institution. We are focused on creating sustainable value by strengthening our core portfolios, deepening trust with customers, and expanding access to protection across India’s evolving risk landscape.”

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added, “Our financial performance in 9M FY26 highlights the effectiveness of our risk management framework, operating discipline, and long-term financial strategy. The company has displayed a significant improvement in the loss ratio of 78.5% from 84.3% in the previous financial year. This is a testament to enhanced underwriting, improved risk selection, better claims management, and increased operational efficiency. Our focus remains on sustainable profitable growth, strengthening capital efficiency, and building a financially robust institution that delivers long-term value to all stakeholders in a dynamic market environment.”

SBI General Insurance continues to strengthen its growth momentum through focused investments in technology, product innovation, a consistent emphasis on customer experience, and disciplined operational execution. Supported by a well-balanced business portfolio and scalable platforms, the Company is building a stable foundation for long-term profitability while steadily expanding its market presence. 

About SBI General Insurance
 SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

For any vehicle owner, an accident can bring unexpected expenses such as vehicle repairs, medical treatment, or both. These costs become significantly higher if you are uninsured, as the entire financial burden falls on you. The situation worsens if you do not even have third-party insurance. In such cases, any compensation payable to the affected third party—especially if the accident is your fault—must be paid out of your own pocket, often following lengthy legal proceedings.

There are two types of motor insurance policies. A comprehensive policy covers both your own vehicle damage and third-party liabilities. The other is third-party insurance, which specifically covers claims arising from injury, death, or property damage caused to others due to your vehicle. While comprehensive insurance is optional, third-party insurance is mandatory under Indian law before a vehicle can be driven on public roads.

Despite this legal requirement, a large number of vehicle owners continue to remain uninsured. As India observes Road Safety Week from 11 to 17 January, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued an advisory to all general insurance companies to intensify awareness and outreach efforts on motor insurance. The regulator has highlighted that lack of awareness remains a serious concern, with over 50% of vehicles on Indian roads still uninsured.

IRDAI has also emphasised that third-party insurance is not just a legal obligation but a crucial financial safeguard for vehicle owners. Understanding how third-party insurance works and why it should not be ignored can help motorists protect themselves from severe financial and legal consequences.

What is Third-Party Insurance?
As the name suggests, a third party refers to any person, vehicle, or property that suffers injury or damage in an accident involving your vehicle. In a third-party insurance policy, the agreement is between you (the first party) and the insurance company (the second party), under which the insurer compensates losses or claims made by the affected third party arising from the accident.

Explaining this further, Niharika Singh, Executive Director – Marketing, IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance Company Limited, said, “A third party refers to anyone other than the vehicle owner or driver—such as pedestrians, occupants of another car, or riders of another two-wheeler.”

She added that a third-party policy does not cover damage to the insured vehicle itself but focuses entirely on compensating the affected third party. It covers medical expenses, compensation awarded by courts, and legal costs incurred in defending claims. Given India’s high rate of road accidents, third-party insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring that accident victims receive timely financial support.

Why Is Third-Party Insurance Mandatory?
Third-Party Motor Insurance is a mandatory cover under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It protects vehicle owners against legal and financial liabilities arising from injury, death, or property damage caused to a third party due to an accident involving the insured vehicle, Singh explained.

She further said, “By making third-party insurance compulsory, the government aims to ensure financial protection for accident victims, promote responsible driving behaviour, and maintain accountability among vehicle owners.”

Singh also believes that third-party insurance serves a larger social purpose beyond individual protection. “Road accidents often lead to severe injuries, loss of life, and long-term financial hardship for victims and their families. The law ensures that compensation is available regardless of the at-fault driver’s financial capacity,” she noted.

Driving without third-party insurance is a punishable offence and can attract hefty fines, imprisonment, and even vehicle seizure. More importantly, in the absence of insurance, the vehicle owner becomes personally liable for compensation, which can run into several lakhs—or even crores of rupees—in serious cases.

How Much Does Third-Party Insurance Cost for Two-Wheelers and Four-Wheelers?
The base premiums for third-party motor insurance are standardised and regulated under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Motor Third Party Insurance Rules. These premiums are uniform across insurers for basic third-party cover, which is the minimum legal requirement to operate a vehicle on Indian roads.

Two-Wheeler Third-Party Insurance (Annual Premium):

• Up to 75 cc — approx. INR 538

• 75 cc to 150 cc — approx. INR 714

• 150 cc to 350 cc — approx. INR 1,366

• Above 350 cc — approx. INR 2,804

Four-Wheeler Third-Party Insurance (Annual Premium):

• Private car up to 1,000 cc — approx. INR 2,094

• 1,000 cc to 1,500 cc — approx. INR 3,416

• Above 1,500 cc — approx. INR 7,897

These are statutory base premiums for unlimited third-party liability, covering legal compensation for injury, death, or property damage caused to a third party by the insured vehicle. It is important to note that these represent the minimum mandatory cost for third-party cover.

Singh added, “If a vehicle owner opts for a comprehensive policy that includes own-damage cover along with third-party protection, the overall premium will be higher, as it provides wider coverage beyond statutory requirements.” 

Safeguard your digital world with SBI General’s Cyber VaultEdge

India’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly, underpinned by widespread smartphone use and growing digital adoption. December 2025 alone saw 21.63 billion transactions worth INR 27.97 trillion, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This surge also reflects the growing adoption of digital tools and platforms, highlighting India’s shift toward a more connected, digitally integrated economy.

According to data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), cyber fraud losses in India jumped to INR 22,845.73 crore in 2024 from INR 7,465.18 crore in 2023, a 206% year-on-year surge, highlighting the rapidly escalating scale of cybercrime nationwide.

On the occasion of Data Privacy Day, SBI General Insurance reinforces the importance of safeguarding personal data, underscoring the need to embed data protection at the core of digital adoption. As digital dependence grows, cyber insurance is emerging as a critical layer of protection offering not just financial cover, but comprehensive support to help individuals and families recover and move forward with confidence.

Here are key reasons why cyber insurance is essential in today’s digital world:

• Identity Theft Protection: Covers financial losses arising from identity theft, including unauthorized use of personal information or fraudulent transactions. Supports legal recourse against perpetrators to help restore your digital identity.

• Theft of funds: Cyber insurance covers losses from unauthorised access to your finances, including bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, etc. Any legal costs necessary to prosecute cybercriminals are covered as well.

• IT Specialist and Data Restoration: Reimburses costs for engaging IT experts to investigate cyber breaches, restore lost data, or secure affected devices. Ensures timely technical support to limit damage and resume normal operations.

• Psychological Consultation: Covers professional counseling or therapy to address stress, trauma, or emotional impact resulting from cyber violations. Supports mental well-being alongside financial and technical recovery.

• Loss of Wage Due to Identity Theft: Compensates for income lost as a direct consequence of identity theft. Helps maintain financial stability while resolving the aftermath of cyber incidents.

• Family Coverage Extension: Policyholders can extend protection to their immediate family, including spouses and dependent children. This ensures that the entire household benefits from a robust safety net against cyber threats.

SBI General’s cyber offering delivers holistic support through every stage of recovery. With this comprehensive approach, SBI General’s Cyber VaultEdge offers extensive and comprehensive protection against a spectrum of cyber risks, including data breaches and cyber extortion. Designed to meet the demands of today’s digital world, the policy provides financial security while offering reassurance to policyholders and their families.

With SBI General’s Cyber VaultEdge, individuals and families can navigate the digital world with confidence, backed by comprehensive protection against evolving cyber risks ensuring security, resilience, and peace of mind.

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

(L-R) Mr. Sunny Bhardwaj - National Head Broking, ICICI Lombard, Mr. Amit Jain – CEO & Co-Founder, Girnar Soft & Mr. Sanjeev Mantri – MD & CEO, ICICI Lombard

Recognising this gap, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, India’s leading private general insurer hosted ‘Startup Shield – The Risk Readiness’, a focused awareness initiative designed to help Indian start-ups identify, assess, and mitigate key business risks through structured risk planning and appropriate insurance solutions.

The exclusive event brought together over 100 participants, including startup founders, private equity and venture capital investors, CXOs, industry experts, and risk professionals, for interactive discussions on building resilient and future-ready businesses. The initiative aimed to move the conversation beyond risk avoidance, encouraging founders to adopt a proactive approach to risk preparedness as they scale.

The event saw participation from prominent voices across the start-up ecosystem, including representing the investor and broader ecosystem perspective. The presence of founders and investors at different stages of the startup lifecycle enriched discussions around practical risk planning and long-term business resilience.

Startup Shield focused on risk preparedness across different growth stages, highlighting how early planning can strengthen governance, improve operational resilience, and enhance investor confidence. Sessions addressed emerging and critical risk areas such as cyber and data security, employee health and wellness, professional indemnity, directors and officers (D&O) liability, asset protection, and business interruption.

Experts from ICICI Lombard shared real-world case studies demonstrating how timely insurance coverage and structured risk management have helped startups recover from unexpected disruptions, manage legal and financial exposures, and continue their growth journeys with minimal impact on operations.

The discussions also underscored how risk readiness is increasingly becoming a key consideration during investor due diligence, enterprise partnerships, and board-level decision-making, positioning it as a growth enabler rather than a compliance exercise.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Sandeep Goradia - Chief Corporate, International & Bancassurance, ICICI Lombard, said, “India today is the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with over 1.8 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups driving innovation, employment, and global competitiveness. As Indian startups build ambitious, high-growth businesses, their exposure to unforeseen risks is also rising. Through Startup Shield, we aim to shift the conversation from reacting to risk to anticipating it — helping founders protect their people, strengthen their businesses, and build lasting stakeholder trust. In doing so, we aspire to become their long-term risk partners, enabling them to scale with resilience, responsibility, and sustainable profitability.”

Through Starup Shield, ICICI Lombard reinforced its commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable business growth in India. The initiative forms part of the company’s broader efforts to engage with the startup ecosystem and enable founders to build resilient businesses that are prepared not just to grow, but to withstand uncertainty.

About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited

ICICI Lombard is the leading private general insurance company in the country. The Company offers a comprehensive and well-diversified range of products through multiple distribution channels, including motor, health, crop, fire, personal accident, marine, engineering, and liability insurance. With a legacy of over 2 decades, ICICI Lombard is committed to customer centricity with its brand philosophy of ‘Nibhaye Vaade’. The company has issued over 37.6 million policies, over 3.2 million claims processed and has a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹ 282.58 billion for the year ended March 31, 2025. ICICI Lombard has 328 branches and 15,123 employees, as on March 31, 2025.

ICICI Lombard has been a pioneer in the industry, being the first large-scale insurance company in India to migrate its entire core systems to the cloud. With a strong focus on being digitally-led and agile, the company has introduced multiple AI-powered insurance solutions. The company’s flagship insurance and wellness app, IL TakeCare, which has received over 18.4 million downloads, also offers the industry’s first Face Scan feature. The company has won several prestigious awards- including the Insurance Asia, ICC Emerging Asia Insurance, ET BFSI Exceller, ET Corporate Excellence, Golden Peacock, FICCI Insurance, Assocham, Stevie Asia Pacific, and National CSR in recognition of its various initiatives.

For more details log on to www.icicilombard.com.

The fund is designed to deliver financial growth, support goal-oriented planning, and ensure wealth creation for the long term. The fund will be launched at an initial unit price of INR 10 during the New Fund launch period, commencing on 16th January. The first Net Asset Value (NAV) declaration is scheduled for 30th January².

Offered in partnership with Policybazaar, the fund is structured as a passive equity fund available through Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs³ ) with the added benefit of life cover. Benchmarked against the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index (Customised⁴ ), it caters to customers who prefer a disciplined, passive approach to long-term equity investing. The fund is designed to help individuals build wealth steadily and consistently over time, supporting their journey toward financial and life security.

Key Features:

• Reliability and track record: Invests in top 50 companies with a proven track record of consistent dividend payouts.

• Profitability and cash flow focus: Focuses on profitable, free cash flow generating companies across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments.

• Systematic Wealth Growth: Regular income generated from dividends is reinvested back into the same companies to build a strong portfolio over time.

• Life Cover: Provides essential financial protection with inbuilt life cover.

Speaking on the fund launch, Sameer Bansal, MD & CEO, PNB MetLife, said, “Our goal is to help customers build long term financial security through the powerful combination of life insurance security and equity growth. This fund focuses on companies with a strong history of rewarding shareholders, to keep financial planning simple and future ready."

The index which PNB MetLife Dividend Leaders Index Fund aims to replicate, identifies the top 50 companies from BSE 500, based on their dividend track record across key sectors such as energy, technology, commodities, and utilities. In line with regulatory norms, the fund will allocate 60–100% of its assets to equities that form part of the benchmark index, while up to 40% will be invested in money market instruments to ensure liquidity.

About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited
PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) is one of the leading life insurance companies in India that combines the financial strength of MetLife, Inc. with the credibility of PNB, one of the India's oldest nationalized banks. PNB MetLife’s positioning, Milkar Life Aage Badhaein, is demonstrated through its customer-centric innovations and employee empowerment practices.

With a strong presence in 182 branches and access to customers in over 20,000 locations through bank partnerships, PNB MetLife offers a comprehensive insurance solutions portfolio covering Child Education, Family Protection, Long-Term Saving and Retirement. The Company has a wide range of protection and retirement products available through its sales channel of over 36,000 financial advisors and multiple bank partners and caters to over 585 group relationships in India.

¹PNB MetLife Dividend Leaders Index Fund (SFIN: ULIF03916/01/26DIVIDENDFN117) is a passively managed fund with the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index (Customized) as its benchmark
²NAV of INR 10/- will be applicable for duly completed proposals received from 16th to 29th January 2026 and issued on 30th January 2026. For policies issued after 30th January, the prevailing NAV on the day of issuance will be applicable. 
³IN THIS POLICY, THE INVESTMENT RISK IN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICYHOLDER. The unit linked insurance products do not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the contract. Policyholder will not be able to surrender/ withdraw the money invested in unit-linked insurance products completely or partially till the end of the fifth year
⁴Customised index created and maintained by BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd. for PNB MetLife India to meet IRDAI investment norms

For more information, follow us on: 
Facebook - www.facebook.com/PNBMetLife
Instagram - www.instagram.com/pnb_metlife or
visit - www.pnbmetlife.com.

Axis Max Life extends Term Plan to Students; Expands Early-Age Protection to Secure India’s Young Adults

By aiming to shift the entry point of life insurance from the average age of 35 to 18 years, Axis Max Life is trying to address a critical protection gap. Previously, young adults in graduation or post-graduation were excluded from the protection net due to a lack of personal income proof. This proposition bridges that gap, fostering financial discipline well before the nation's future workforce enters the full-time job market. For these customers, it is an opportunity to lock in lower premiums, thus gaining a lifelong head start.

Vaibhav Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head – Product Management and E-Commerce Channel, Axis Max Life, said, “To realize the vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047,' we must expand the protection net to evolving segments. Following our successful term plan for women, this student-centric proposition is a natural progression in our journey to cover students as first-time customers.

By introducing life cover at an early-life stage, we are redefining insurance as a milestone of financial maturity rather than a tax-saving instrument. While students may lack verifiable income proofs, their potential is immense; where through innovative underwriting processes, we are allowing them to lock in lower premiums and secure their future early. This initiative ensures India’s youth start their professional journey with a foundation of security for their families, right from their formative years.”

The proposition also offers comprehensive protection through an Accidental Death & Dismemberment Rider (UIN: 104B027V05) and Critical Illness and Disability Rider (UIN:104B033V02) providing students with access to health check-ups and mental health counseling.

From a family wealth perspective, this move acts as a strategic masterstroke, helping customers avoid the significantly higher cumulative costs of delaying protection coverage by a decade. Supported by digital-first underwriting leveraging parental ITRs and Video Medical Examination (MER), this frictionless onboarding fosters a ripple effect of financial discipline among Gen-Z. Ultimately, this early immersion creates an insured and aware citizenry essential to achieving the national goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047.’

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

Amit Jhingran - MD & CEO, SBI Life, Nupur Jhingran, Avik Agrawal, Mandira Bedi, Sumonto Chattopadhyay, Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR, SBI Life

The Grand Finale, hosted by Indian actor, fashion designer and television presenter Ms. Mandira Bedi, witnessed an engaging face-off among the country’s top young spellers, who advanced through multiple competitive rounds testing spelling accuracy, vocabulary, and presence of mind. Kushagra Pandey, age 13 years from The Millennium School, Lucknow, was declared the First Runner-Up, while Jasmine Jonwal, age 13 years from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Pratap Nagar, Jaipur, secured the Second Runner-Up position. All the finalists demonstrated strong language skills and consistency throughout the competition.

As the National winner, Avik Agrawal was awarded a cash prize of INR 1,00,000, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyland, Hong Kong, as a recognition for his performance and progression through the competition.

This year’s edition was anchored around the theme ‘Bee Spellionaire’, which positions knowledge and language skills as a form of long-term value for young learners. The concept underscores the role of spelling and vocabulary in building confidence, clarity of expression, and critical thinking among students. Through this initiative, SBI Life continues to provide structured platforms that encourages learning beyond classrooms and supports the holistic development of our future leaders.

Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR at SBI Life Insurance, said, “The theme of SBI Life Spell Bee, ‘Bee Spellionaire’, reflects our endeavour to create intellectual wealth for our future leaders by enriching their vocabulary and introducing them to new words that expand knowledge and sharpen articulation. This growing richness of language fosters confidence and clarity, empowering young Spellionaires to express their thoughts and vision, to carve a better future for themselves and the nation. At SBI Life, we describe this spirit of progress as ‘Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye’.

He further added, “Platforms such as the SBI Life Spell Bee engage young learners by nurturing curiosity, competence and confidence - qualities that are fundamental to building a confident nation. We are humbled by the enthusiastic nationwide participation in the 15^th edition of SBI Life Spell Bee, the promising performances offer a glimpse into the potential of our enterprising future leaders.”

Avik Agrawal, ‘Spell Master of India’ -SBI Life Spell Bee Season 15, said, “It was enriching to meet so many children from across the country, and I have learnt a lot from this experience. I am grateful to the organizers for giving me this opportunity and platform”.

Commenting on the Grand Finale, Mr. Yatish Mehrishi, CEO, Entertainment Network (India) Limited, said, “Season 15 of Spell Bee showcased some of the country’s finest young spellers. The new gamified format and engaging finale experiences helped us connect more deeply with students. It is encouraging to see the continued support of schools, parents, teachers and students in making Spell Bee India’s largest spelling competition. Mirchi remains committed to enriching the lives of students through experiential properties like Spell Bee.”

SBI Life Spell Bee witnessed participation from students across multiple cities and schools, with the competition conducted through several stages including school-level, city-level, regional, and national rounds. The National Grand Finale was aired on Jiostar and simulcast on Nickelodeon, Nick HD+ and Sonic, extending the reach of the initiative to audiences across the country.

About SBI Life Insurance

SBI Life Insurance (‘SBI Life’ / ‘The Company’), one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, was incorporated in October 2000 and is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.

Serving millions of families across India, SBI Life’s diverse range of products caters to individuals as well as group customers through Protection, Pension, Savings and Health solutions.

Driven by ‘Customer-First’ approach, SBI Life places great emphasis on maintaining world-class operating efficiency and providing hassle-free claim settlement experience to its customers by following high ethical standards of service. Additionally, SBI Life is committed to enhance digital experiences for its customers, distributors and employees alike.

SBI Life strives to make insurance accessible to all, with its extensive presence across the country through its 1,154 offices, 28,534 employees, a large and productive network of about 268,792 agents, 73 corporate agents and 9 bancassurance partners with more than 40,000 partner branches, 149 brokers and other insurance marketing firms.

In addition to doing what’s right for the customers, the company is also committed to provide a healthy and flexible work environment for its employees to excel personally and professionally.

SBI Life strongly encourages a culture of giving back to the society and has made substantial contribution in the areas of child education, healthcare, disaster relief and environmental upgrade. In 2024-25, the Company touched over 53,000 direct beneficiaries through various CSR interventions.

Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange ('BSE') and the National Stock Exchange ('NSE'), the company has an authorized capital of Rs. 20.0 billion and a paid-up capital of Rs. 10.0 billion. The AuM is Rs. 4,814.6 billion.

For more information, please visit our website-www.sbilife.co.in and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

(Numbers & data mentioned above are for the period ended September 30, 2025)

Bajaj General Insurance Limited (formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited), one of India's leading private general insurers, today unveiled ‘Fetal Flourish’, a pioneering insurance rider crafted exclusively for fetal health. This unique solution extends financial support for advanced in-utero procedures and high-risk pregnancies, an area that has long remained outside the scope of conventional maternity insurance. The rider is offered along with their flagship products, “My Health Care Plan” and “Health Guard”.

Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj General Insurance at the launch of Fetal Flourish

Fetal Flourish brings medical expertise and insurance design together to address a critical need in prenatal care. While maternity products traditionally focus on delivery and postnatal treatment, this rider centres on the protection of the unborn child during the most delicate phase, inside the womb.

Addressing a growing need in maternal and fetal care

As per reports, with about 17% of women in India giving birth after the age of 35, pregnancy-related complexities are increasing. At the same time, procedures such as amniocentesis, fetal reduction, fetoscopic laser surgery, and intrauterine transfusions have become essential for managing high-risk cases. Until now, families often bore the full cost of these interventions due to the absence of a dedicated insurance product.

Speaking about the launch, Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj General Insurance, said, “Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey for every family, shaped by hope, anticipation, and the desire to do what is best for the child. When medical complexities arise, families face difficult decisions at a very early stage. Advances in fetal care have made it possible to intervene sooner, but the financial strain can add to an already challenging experience. With the Fetal Flourish rider, we have tried to ease this burden by supporting essential procedures, so parents can focus on treatment and outcomes rather than costs. This offering reflects our belief that care, and protection should begin at the very earliest stage of life.”

Coverage highlights

• Up to INR 2 lakh sum insured per maternity event (first two events)

• Coverage available for two maternity events under the base Health Indemnity Policy

• Nine-month waiting period from policy inception

• Eligibility: women aged 18 to 45 years

List of 16 covered procedures:

Amniocentesis, Chorionic Villus Sampling, Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling, Fetal Tissue Biopsy, Amnioinfusion, Amnio-reduction, Thoracoamniotic Shunt for Fetal Pleural Effusion, Fetoscopy, Fetoscopic Laser Surgery for TTTS, Fetal Reduction, Surgeries for Neural Tube Defects, Fetal Cystoscopic Surgery, FETO for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery, Fetal Aortic Valvuloplasty, and Intrauterine Transfusion.

A step forward for India’s maternal care ecosystem

Fetal Flourish brings a new dimension to prenatal care by integrating insurance with modern fetal treatment practices. It offers focused coverage for specialised in-utero procedures that are increasingly shaping clinical management of high-risk pregnancies. With this launch, Bajaj General Insurance strengthens its commitment to innovation and care, extending protection to one of the earliest and most sensitive stages of life.

About Bajaj General Insurance

Bajaj General Insurance Limited (formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited) is one of India’s leading, most trusted and dynamic private general insurance companies. It is a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Limited, India’s leading and most diversified financial services group.

Bajaj General offers a broad portfolio of innovative and customer-focused insurance solutions, spanning motor, health, and home insurance, along with specialised products such as pet insurance, wedding insurance, event protection, cyber insurance, and rural insurance. From safeguarding your health and home to protecting your travels and life’s most important moments, Bajaj General aims to be a constant partner in your journey. Bajaj General equally offers a comprehensive and a well-diversified range of products, including fire, marine, engineering, liability and surety insurance to corporates and SMEs. The company also participates in various government schemes with a focus on financial inclusion. The company is also known for its robust risk selection capabilities, digital adoption and product innovation.

Established in 2001, the company has grown its footprint to nearly 1,500 towns and cities across India, ensuring easy access and a close connection to its customers. This access is enabled through the largest distribution network, spanning across individual agents, point-of-sales personnel, banks, NBFCs, motor dealers, brokers and the company’s proprietary sales force.

It holds an [ICRA]AAA rating from ICRA Limited, reflecting the highest level of confidence in its financial strength and stability. With a strong legacy, a forward-looking mindset, and an unwavering focus on its ‘Customer-First’ philosophy, Bajaj General remains committed to protecting what matters most, empowering individuals, families, and businesses to live with confidence and peace of mind.

This shift marks a transition from reactive protection to proactive well-being. Protection today isn’t just about insuring against death—it’s about safeguarding longevity, health, and overall well-being. And this is particularly vital for India’s dynamic workforce, where the pace of life often outpaces the safety nets designed to protect us.

The Need for Customization: One Size No Longer Fits All

The reality is that protection needs change based on life stage, demographics, and personal circumstances. A young professional has vastly different needs compared to a parents with grown up children, and the challenges faced by women or NRIs are unique. Traditional, one-size-fits-all term insurance policies no longer meet the demands of today’s consumers. That’s why Tata AIA Life is leading the charge with customized solutions that adapt to the diverse needs of every individual, at every stage of life.

A New Approach to Protection: More Than Just Death Benefits

Tata AIA Life is revolutionizing what life insurance means today. Their comprehensive term insurance plans go beyond the traditional focus on post-death benefits, expanding coverage to include critical illness, health issues, and lifestyle-related conditions. These plans not only offer a safety net but actively support policyholders' health and wellness throughout life.

Whether it's helping young professionals stay protected against emerging health risks, or offering retirees essential health services, Tata AIA's term plans are tailored to meet the evolving needs of policyholders as they journey through different life stages.

Sujeet Kothare, Chief of Products, Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Business Mid Office at Tata AIA Life Insurance

Health, Wellness, and Financial Security — All in One

Sujeet Kothare, Chief of Products, Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Business Mid Office at Tata AIA Life Insurance, explains: “Protection today isn’t just about what happens after death—it’s about living better, longer, and with confidence.

We’ve reimagined term insurance as a living solution that supports people at every stage of life, providing health services and wellness access through Health Buddy.”

Tata AIA's Term Suite combines financial protection with health and wellness resources, including preventive check-ups, medical second opinions, specialist consultations, and diagnostic support. The company’s goal is to shift the conversation from payouts to prevention, helping people stay secure, healthy, and financially resilient as they pursue their aspirations.

A Tailored Term Insurance Suite for Every Consumer Segment

Tata AIA Life Insurance offers a wide range of term insurance plans, each carefully crafted to meet the unique needs of different consumer segments. These products not only offer basic life coverage but also integrate critical illness protection and health-related support to ensure holistic protection for policyholders.

1. For Growing Families: TATA AIA Shubh Family Protect

• Provides income replacement to ensure the family is financially protected in case of unexpected events.

• Ensures uninterrupted financial stability through instalment income support.

• Includes terminal illness cover to provide financial relief during critical times.

• Offers access to preventive health check-ups, diagnostics, and specialist consultations.

• Safeguards against emerging health risks and lifestyle-related conditions throughout the policy term.

2. For Young Professionals: TATA AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise

• Provides access to substantial coverage at competitive premiums.

• Offers whole life coverage up to 100 years of age.

• Allows plan enhancement with comprehensive riders for additional health and wellness benefits.

• Includes the option to defer premiums by up to 12 months with the FlexiPay Benefit.

• Features an industry-first critical illness benefit with a 30-year premium rate guarantee.

• Provides Hospi-cash Benefit with a 20-year premium rate guarantee, delivering fixed daily allowances to support hospitalization costs.

• Provides access to preventive health check-ups, diagnostics, medical second opinions, dental, physiotherapy, tele, and specialist consultations.

3. For Established Professionals & HNIs: TATA AIA Maha Raksha Supreme Select

• Provides comprehensive, high-value protection for individuals with significant financial responsibilities.

• Includes the “Life Stage Option” to increase life cover during key life events like marriage or childbirth.

• Offers a Renewability Option at Maturity to extend the policy term.

• Provides long-term, tax-efficient retirement payouts.

• Includes add-on riders for cancer coverage, waiver of premium, and accidental death/disability.

• Features a Critical Illness Benefit with a 30-year premium rate guarantee for stable pricing.

• Offers Hospi-cash Benefit with a 20-year premium rate guarantee, providing fixed daily benefits in case of hospitalization.

4. For Women Consumers: TATA AIA Shubh Shakti

• A specially crafted protection plan that empowers women at every stage of their financial and life milestones.

• Offers comprehensive life cover along with exclusive wellness benefits promoting holistic well-being.

• Provides dedicated coverage for female-specific health challenges, including discounts on vaccinations for cervical cancer.

• Ensures uninterrupted protection with a premium-waiver benefit in case of the spouse’s accidental demise.

• Delivers special premium discounts for single mothers, supporting their unique needs.

• Features a flexible premium break option during pregnancy, offering financial relief when it’s most needed.

5. For NRIs Male Consumers: TATA AIA Shubh Rakshak

• A straightforward and accessible protection plan designed to secure the future of your family back home in India.

• Provides globally accepted, rupee-denominated life cover along with wellness benefits for up to 2 family members.

• Features seamless digital onboarding, tele-medical options, and global servicing for added convenience.

• Ensures your loved ones in India stay financially protected without concerns about currency fluctuations.

• Offers special discounts for salaried customers, making protection even more affordable.

Comprehensive Protection with a Focus on Prevention

At Tata AIA, we believe true protection is holistic, encompassing both life coverage and preventive healthcare. Beyond traditional pay-outs, our term insurance solutions integrate health and wellness services to support individuals before, during, and after any health challenge:

• Preventive Care: Routine check-ups and healthy lifestyle management with our Vitality partnership, to mitigate health risks.

• Medical Second Opinions: Ensures you have all the information needed to make confident treatment choices for critical illnesses.

• Preventive Diagnostics: Early detection of health issues, reducing the likelihood of future health emergencies.

The Takeaway: Early Protection for a Confident Future

Securing term insurance early has become more important than ever. Tata AIA Life Insurance’s term plans offer protection that evolves with your needs, providing comprehensive coverage that adapts as your life progresses. Whether you’re a young professional just starting out, a parent securing your family’s future, or planning for a comfortable retirement, Tata AIA Life Insurance ensures you have the protection you need at every stage of life.

Protect today. Live with confidence. Plan for tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This product is underwritten by Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Ltd. The plan is not a guaranteed issuance plan, and it will be subject to company’s underwriting and acceptance. Insurance cover is available under this product.

• TATA AIA Shubh Family Protect is a name of Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise (Non-linked, non-participating, pure risk, individual life insurance product (UIN:110N176V09) Dependent care option.

• TATA AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, pure risk, Individual Life Insurance Product (UIN:110N176V09).

• TATA AIA Maha Raksha Supreme Select is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Pure Risk, Individual Life Insurance Product (UIN: 110N171V13).

• TATA AIA Shubh Shakti is a combination of Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise (Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Pure Risk, Individual Life Insurance Product) UIN: 110N176V09 and Tata AIA Health Buddy (Non-Participating, Non-Linked Individual Health Product) UIN: 110N183V01. Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise and TATA Health Buddy are also available for sale individually without the combination offered/ suggested.

• TATA AIA Shubh Rakshak is a combination of Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise (Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Pure Risk, Individual Life Insurance Product) UIN:110N176V09 and Tata AIA Health Buddy (Non-Participating, Non-Linked Individual Health Product) UIN: 110N183V01. Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise and Tata AIA Health Buddy are also available for sale individually without the combination offered/ suggest.

About Tata AIA Life

Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited (Tata AIA) is a joint venture Company formed by Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. and AIA Group Ltd. (AIA). Tata AIA Life combines Tata’s pre-eminent leadership position in India and AIA’s presence as the largest, independent listed pan-Asian life insurance group in the world, spanning 18 markets in the Asia Pacific region.

Tata AIA reported a total Premium Income of INR 31,484 crore for FY25, up 23% from FY24. The Company continues to rank among the Top 3 Private Insurers in Individual Weighted New Business Premium (IWNBP) with an IWNBP income of INR 8,511 crore. The Company also achieved industry-leading Persistency performance (based on premiums), ranking #1 in four out of five cohorts.

About the Tata Group 

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals.

The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust’.

In 2023-24, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was more than $165 billion. These companies collectively employ over 1 million people.

Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 26 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of more than $365 billion as on March 31, 2024.

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets –wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(3), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(4), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$305 billion as of 31 December 2024.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 43 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.

The Smart Vitals plan provides a lump-sum benefit upon first diagnosis of any of the 49 covered critical illnesses and procedures. These include conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, heart ailments, brain surgery, stroke, and many others. Wellness benefits are tracked via Aviva’s Wellness360 App, and policyholders also get a smart tracking device (Loop by CarePlix X Smart Ring) at no additional cost (this is only valid for the policyholders who have opted for Rs 15 or Rs 20 lakhs base sum insured) to monitor activity. Unlike traditional Mediclaim plans which only reimburse hospitalization costs, Smart Vitals offers a fixed benefit that can be used freely for treatment, recovery, or other financial needs.

Designed as a holistic health and financial safeguard, it offers policyholders with flexibility to utilize the payout for medical expenses, income replacement, or other financial requirements, thereby addressing diverse family needs.

Key Features of Aviva Smart Vitals (subject to policy terms and conditions):

• Critical Illness and Coverage Safeguards: Lump-sum payout of Rs 10/15/20 lakhs on any one of the 49 critical illnesses with a 90-day waiting period and 15-day survival period to ensure claim integrity.

• Wellness Rewards and Ongoing Benefits: Quarterly wellness-linked additions of 2.5%, 5%, or 7.5% based on daily steps, enabling the policyholders to enhance the coverage up to 2X the base sum assured.

• Flexible Fund Usage: Fixed benefit payout can be used for medical expenses, income replacement, recovery, or other family needs.

• Eligibility Criteria: Entry age 20–50 years; maturity age 30–60 years; policy terms of 10/15/20 years; regular pay equal to policy term.

• Uniform Premiums: Fixed premiums throughout the policy term for financial predictability.

• Value-Added Benefits: Free access to Aviva’s Wellness360 App.

• Tax Benefits: Premiums eligible for tax deductions under prevailing laws.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Asit Rath, CEO & MD, Aviva India, said, “Insurance is no longer just about protection; it must also empower people to live healthier lives. With lifestyle-related illnesses on the rise, the need for financial preparedness combined with proactive wellness has never been greater. Aviva Smart Vitals is a pioneering solution that addresses this shift by offering comprehensive critical illness cover along with wellness-linked rewards that encourage positive lifestyle choices. It reflects our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and building financial resilience for families across India.”

Mr. Ajai Kumar Tripathi, Appointed Actuary & Product Head, Aviva India, said, “Our product design process always begins with a deep understanding of evolving customer needs. Aviva Smart Vitals is the outcome of this approach — combining comprehensive critical illness protection with wellness-linked rewards, it brings together financial security and proactive health management to deliver more meaningful value to our customers in today’s context.”

Sharing his enthusiasm for the launch, Careplix Founder, Subhbrata Paul, added, “Our collaboration with Aviva marks a transformative step in making preventive health accessible to everyday consumers. With the CarePlix Ring, users now receive continuous, clinically relevant wellness insights that help them detect risks early, build healthier habits, and take charge of their long-term wellbeing. By integrating real-time health intelligence with a strong protection framework, Aviva Smart Vitals redefines how Indians experience insurance—shifting it from a reactive product to a proactive partner in their health journey. We are proud to work with Aviva in shaping a future where wellness and protection go hand-in-hand to empower millions of families.”

The launch of Aviva Smart Vitals underscores Aviva India’s commitment to customer-centric innovation, preventive health integration, and building long-term resilience for families. It also aligns with IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.

About Aviva Life Insurance
Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited is a joint venture between Dabur Invest Corp and Aviva International Holdings Limited, a UK-based insurance group with a rich history dating back to 1696. Aviva Life Insurance India is dedicated to enhancing the financial well-being of its customers through innovative insurance solutions and customer-centric initiatives.

Website: www.avivaindia.com.

A fully customizable health insurance product with industry-first features like 10x Cumulative Bonus, Gym & Sports Injury Cover along with other Special Covers like Endless Sum Insured
 

At the same time, the health insurance landscape is evolving. The industry is gradually moving away from rigid, standardised offerings towards solutions that better reflect individual requirement making it more personal. Customisable health plans allow individuals to pay for what truly matters to them, rather than being locked into features they may never use.
 

How Customisable Health Insurance is redefining Health Coverage

Aligning Coverage with Life Stages
Healthcare needs evolve with age, life stage, and changing lifestyles. Younger individuals may prioritise affordability and accident-related cover, families often seek maternity and child healthcare benefits, while older adults may require enhanced protection for chronic conditions. Customisable plans allow coverage to adapt in line with these changing requirements.

Managing Healthcare Costs More Effectively
By selecting relevant add-ons and opting required features and limits, policyholders can balance coverage and premiums more efficiently. This makes health insurance more accessible while still offering meaningful protection.

Addressing Lifestyle and Preventive Healthcare Needs
With lifestyle-related health concerns becoming more common, customers are increasingly opting for features such as regular health check-ups, wellness benefits, areas that traditional plans may not adequately address.

Keeping Coverage Relevant Over Time
As individuals change jobs, relocate, or experience shifts in family structure, insurance needs also evolve. Customisable health insurance plans make it easier to review and update coverage periodically, without the need to start afresh, ensuring continued relevance over time.

Reflecting this growing preference for flexibility, SBI General Insurance recently introduced “SBI General Health Alpha”, a health insurance solution designed to adapt to customers’ evolving healthcare needs. The product enables policyholders to personalise their coverage through a range of optional benefits, allowing them to build a plan that suits their current priorities while offering the flexibility to adjust it over time.
 

The key features of SBI General Health Alpha includes

• Up to 10x Cumulative Bonus - This is add-on cover which provides up to 10x cumulative bonus annually, if no claim is made under the policy.

• Unlimited Sum Insured - Base Sum Insured of the policy will be unlimited. A claim of any amount will become payable, subject to Policy terms and conditions.

• Endless Sum Insured - Covers hospitalization expenses for a single claim beyond the Base Sum Insured, this benefit can be availed once in lifetime of the policy.

• Gym & Sports Injury Cover - This is industry’s-first and exclusive add-on which provides OPD benefits for injuries sustained during hobby sports or daily fitness activities, covering specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medicines, and physical therapy.

• Plan Ahead - This unique add-on benefit provides Waiting Period continuity earned by the policyholder to newly married spouse (age up to age 35 years) and/or newborn children (maximum 2 children), provided they are enrolled within 120 days of marriage or birth.

• Welcome Discount - The product offers distinctive “Welcome Discount” of 5%, if new policy is purchased within 5 days of quote generation.

At SBI General Insurance, the emphasis is on giving customers greater choice and ensuring that health insurance evolves with their needs across different life stages, rather than remaining a fixed, one-time purchase. As India continues to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem, customisable health insurance is emerging as a natural progression, one that places customers at the centre of coverage decisions while supporting long-term health security and financial resilience.

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.
 

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.
 

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

Zuno Smart Drive

To share the benefit of UBI with a larger audience, Zuno has launched its flagship initiative of Zuno Driving Quotient (ZDQ) Challenge to non Zuno users too. In this 5-day free trial, customers can simply download the Zuno app, complete a five-day driving assessment and receive a personalised driving score at no cost. This score unlocks additional discounts on car insurance and gift vouchers, making Zuno the first insurer in the country to offer a large-scale, app-based, pre-purchase driving test that delivers real, measurable financial benefits to customers.

The feature marks a major step in usage-based insurance adoption, as young India increasingly embraces behaviour-driven, personalised motor insurance.

Launched in March 2025, Zuno SmartDrive has already captured over 1.5 lac trips from digital-first drivers across the country, with an average score of 92%. Early participation has been dominated by users aged 28–40, signalling strong traction among India’s most mobile, tech-savvy consumers.

Zuno’s telematics driven model also shows that behaviour, not geography or type of car, is the most reliable predictor of risk. Across regions, two driving patterns consistently bring scores down are frequent hard braking and rapid acceleration. These behavioural markers have emerged as the strongest indicators of trip quality and future risk, regardless of where a driver lives or drives.

Among the most striking findings:

• Major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, showed an average driving score of 91%. This might be due to congestion, peak-hour density and erratic traffic flow.

• Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Tamil Nadu emerge as India’s safest driving states, with consistently low rates of harsh braking and rapid acceleration and each maintaining average driving scores above 92%.

• Speeding was more prevalent in Pune and Kolkata, while harsh braking was frequently observed in Guntur and Vizianagaram.

These findings reveal how real-world driving environments shape behaviour across regions.

Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance said, “With SmartDrive, we want to build a fair, transparent and personalised insurance experience that truly reflects how young India drives. The early numbers show that young India is driving safer, smarter and more mindfully, and they’re getting rewarded for it. Our focus is to keep building a simpler, more intuitive and rewarding ecosystem where good drivers finally receive the benefits they truly deserve, making roads in India safer.”

India’s road safety crisis shows little sign of easing. Provisional data for 2024 released by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) indicates that the country recorded over 4.7 lakh road accidents and more than 1.7 lakh fatalities during the year, underscoring the continued risk on Indian roads. Some states are yet to share the data post which the final data will be released by MoRTH. Despite incremental improvements in select states, unsafe driving behaviour, over speeding and low compliance with helmets and seat belts remain dominant contributors to fatal accidents.

The challenge is consistent with final MoRTH data for 2023, which reported 4.81 lakh road accidents, 1.73 lakh deaths and over 4.6 lakh injuries nationwide; that works out to roughly 20 deaths and 55 accidents every hour. Together, the data highlights an urgent need to shift focus from reactive protection to prevention-led, technology-driven road safety solutions.

At Zuno we have adopted this mission to encourage India to drive safer. Zuno’s Smart Drive App provides customers with real time feedback on their driving quality and nudges for safer driving behaviour.

Zuno’s telematics insights also highlight notable exposure trends:

• Drivers with top-tier scores between 96 and 100 show a striking 40% lower claims risk, underscoring how consistent, disciplined behaviour behind the wheel directly translates into fewer incidents.

• The data also dispels some common assumptions. Gender has almost no impact on driving safety. Women recorded an average score of 92.83%, only marginally higher than men at 92.81%, indicating that both groups demonstrate virtually the same risk profile on the road.

• When drivers take their trips matters as well. High-scoring behaviour (80–100) is most common during weekday, daytime driving, reinforcing the well-known risks associated with night-time travel. Structured, predictable daytime journeys tend to support steadier driving patterns and safer outcomes.

• Across regions and vehicle types, two behaviours emerge as the strongest predictors of lower scores and higher risk:

• Frequent harsh braking, and High, rapid acceleration.

• Regardless of where a person drives, these two actions consistently signal a risky trip.

• Seasonal behaviour also tells an important story. Even with changing conditions, rain does not turn safe drivers into risky ones. Those with high scores (80–100) maintain similarly strong performance across both summer and monsoon seasons, showing that core driving habits remain stable despite weather shifts.

Zuno SmartDrive car insurance also includes India’s first real-time crash detection feature. It uses advanced mobile telematics to automatically sense an accident and trigger an alert to Zuno’s support team. Once triggered, the team coordinates emergency support, roadside assistance and priority claims handling, ensuring that help reaches the customer without requiring them to make a call.

About Zuno General Insurance

Zuno General Insurance, formerly known as Edelweiss General Insurance, is a new-age digital insurer with an aspiration to reimagine Insurance to make it easy, friendly, and transparent. Amidst all the jargon and seriousness, Zuno is the friendly voice speaking in a language you understand, and listening to what you have to say, stepping in at the right time, so that you don’t have to worry when things don’t go as planned. Zuno is the friend you can always turn to for help, with the confidence that we will have your back at all times.

At Zuno GI, the focus is on building trust through digital solutions that are intuitive and responsive, using consumer insights and data analytics to drive innovation and experience. Our consumer insight driven strategy focused on customers’ experience; innovative solutions and an intuitive digital platform differentiate us in a competitive market.

Zuno GI started operations in 2018. We have over 8 million customers and a growing omnichannel distribution on digital rails. The company has presence across key digital marketing places and partnerships with Maruti, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Skoda, Volkswagen, Jeep, Royal Enfield, PolicyBazaar, Turtlemint, PhonePe, Insurance Dekho, Fedbank Financial Services, Dvara KGFS, Repco Home Finance, Renewbuy, Bajaj Capital, Anand Rathi Global Finance, Avanse Financial Services, Spinny, Nido Home Finance, ECL finance, Mehsana Urban Co-Operative Bank, PolicyBoss, Jio insurance brokers, Coverfox, ORIX leasing & financial Services India Ltd, SMAS auto leasing India Pvt Ltd.s

For more information, visit www.hizuno.com.

Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech and Sameer Bansal- MD & CEO, PNB MetLife

Offered through a fully digital platform in collaboration with Policybazaar, it is an individual non linked, non-participating, pure term insurance plan. The digital-first approach not only simplifies access but also extends the reach of life insurance to salaried individuals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Exclusive benefits include a first-year, upto 21% discount, on the first premium, that significantly lowers the entry cost for policyholders.

The plan goes beyond traditional coverage features, empowering the growing number of India’s salaried individuals juggling rising aspirations, lifestyle commitments, and evolving financial priorities.

Key features of the PNB MetLife DigiProtect Term Plan:

• Comprehensive Life Cover: Provides protection for life, including accelerated benefits in case of terminal illness.

• Special Exit Value: Option to exit the policy before maturity and receive a refund of all premiums paid- at no additional cost.

• Premium Break Option: Flexibility to pause premium payments for 12 consecutive months after completing three years of policy, available every 5 years.

• Express Claim Payout: Rs. 3 lakh payable (as an accelerated benefit) within one working day upon claim registration, after 3-year waiting period from policy inception or revival, whichever is later (subject to submission of all mandatory documents).

• Choice of Payout Options: At the claim stage, nominees can choose to receive death benefit amount as lump sum, monthly instalments, or a combination of lump sum + monthly instalments.

• Attractive Discounts: Exclusive first-year discount, making the plan even more affordable.

Speaking about the launch, Sameer Bansal, Managing Director & CEO, PNB MetLife, said “India continues to face an 91% life protection gap, which means, for every Rs. 100 required to financially secure families, only Rs. 9 is covered. The gap is even more significant for the salaried segment, who face rising financial responsibilities- from supporting dependents and funding their children’s education to planning for home ownership and long-term retirement. We have, introduced the PNB MetLife DigiProtect Term Plan, so that salaried individuals can secure their families as they build their dreams.” 

Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech said, “India’s protection gap remains one of the largest in the world, and it is the salaried middle class that is most exposed to the risks of being underinsured. A digital, feature-rich term plan like PNB MetLife DigiProtect Plan offers them affordability, flexibility and absolute clarity. Our collaboration with PNB MetLife brings these benefits to salaried individuals across the country, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access has historically lagged. At Policybazaar, our focus is to expand meaningful protection and make quality term insurance easier to buy, understand, and sustain."

About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited
PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) is one of the leading life insurance companies in India that combines the financial strength of MetLife, Inc. with the credibility of PNB, one of the India's oldest nationalized banks. PNB MetLife’s positioning, Milkar Life Aage Badhaein, is demonstrated through its customer-centric innovations and employee empowerment practices.

With a strong presence in 178 branches and access to customers in over 20,000 locations through bank partnerships, PNB MetLife offers a comprehensive insurance solutions portfolio covering Child Education, Family Protection, Long-Term Saving and Retirement. The Company has a wide range of protection and retirement products available through its sales channel of over 36,000 financial advisors and multiple bank partners and caters to over 585 group relationships in India.

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visit - www.pnbmetlife.com

About Policybazaar
As India’s largest insurance broker, Policybazaar is committed to making insurance accessible and understandable for every Indian. Since 2008, we have been at the forefront of transforming the insurance sector by providing transparent, efficient, and unbiased solutions tailored to the diverse needs of over 80.5 million registered users. 

With a dominant market share of over 93% in the digital insurance aggregator space and annual premium collection exceeding Rs. 15,000 crore in FY24, we have established ourselves as a trusted name in insurance and financial protection. Our platform facilitates millions of insurance inquiries annually and features a wide range of products from over 50 insurance partners, covering health, life, motor, and corporate insurance solutions.

To date, we have issued over 44.3 million policies and played a crucial role in protecting 9 million families against death, disease, and disability. Our 24x7 online support, combined with on-ground assistance from over 6,000 insurance advisors, ensures a seamless experience for our customers.

IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company Limited is celebrating its Silver Jubilee of foundation

Established as a joint venture between IFFCO and Japan’s Tokio Marine Group and receiving license from IRDAI in 2000, IFFCO-TOKIO's journey has been epitome of unwavering trust and dedication to making insurance accessible to every individual, household, and business.

With a modest beginning 25 years ago, the company now caters about 86+ Lakh policies through 1000+ offices and 35,000 agents, strengthened by decades of trust.

Taking inspiration from various initiatives of IRDAI, IFFCO-TOKIO has brought out affordable insurance solutions for under-covered communities. To serve this purpose, company has tied up with a number of cooperatives to distribute micro insurance for package policies, health, and motor policies.

Reminiscing on IFFCO-TOKIO GIC’s memorable journey and future ahead, Mr. Subrata Mondal, Managing Director & CEO said, “While at the beginning we were guided by the principal of affordable insurance, the vision has got enlarged to align with people’s aspirations and robust economy, while committed towards IRDAI’s “Insurance for All by 2047”. Having laid out strong technological foundation with trust, innovation and resilience at core, IFFCO-TOKIO is now entering into transformational next leg of growth with an aim of building one of the best customer-focussed, innovative and socially responsible insurance company in India.”

Mr. Mondal further stated that company’s expansion both in terms of customers and employees exemplifies its inclusive growth. While encouraging female participation, company provides ample opportunities to rise the ladder, highlighting commitment to gender diversity and equality. Additionally, insurer has provided training to over 5,000 women agents fostering financial inclusion and community trust.

The Company has been at the forefront of social welfare through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. IFFCO-TOKIO's CSR initiatives are designed to empower rural youth, especially female, through education and skill development, improving healthcare in underserved areas, and promoting sustainable practices for a greener future.

Over its 25-year journey, IFFCO-TOKIO has been honoured with numerous awards and recognitions across business excellence, innovation, and customer service. These include the ‘Tokio Marine Group Award 2025’ for exceptional achievement in transforming the Motor Own Damage (OD) Claims operations in Tokyo, and the ‘India’s Top General Insurance Company Award 2025’ by Entrepreneur Outlook Magazine. The company also received the ‘Best DevOps Culture (General Insurance)’ and ‘Best Incident Response Strategy for Application Security – General Insurance’ awards from Quantic India at the 8th Edition India DevOps Show 2025.

Further, IFFCO-TOKIO earned the prestigious title of ‘Asia’s Best General Insurance Company – 2025’ at the Asia Excellence Awards 2025 by Insights Success Media, as well as the ‘Top Healthcare Insurance Company’ award at the 16th Elets Healthcare Innovation Summit. It was also recognised with the ‘Best Customer Service Insurance Company Award’ at the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2025 by Synnax Group, and the ‘Non-Life Insurance Award’ for Excellence in Operational Efficiencies using Emerging Technology at the IBEX India BFSI Technology Awards held at the Jio World Convention Centre, among several others.

IL Igniting Minds Winner - IIT Delhi

The theme for this year’s challenge, “Unlocking SME Insurance Growth in India”, focuses on one of the most critical and underserved segments of the economy. India is home to over 6.3 crore SMEs, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. However, insurance penetration in this sector remains low due to lack of awareness, limited product relevance and accessibility barriers. Through this competition, ICICI Lombard invites students to reimagine; product design, digital enablement, distribution and outreach strategies that can make insurance adoption seamless, impactful and affordable for small and medium businesses.

IL Igniting Minds 1st Runner - IIM Ranchi

Building on past editions conducted with institutes such as IIM Calcutta & IIM Lucknow and NMIMS - which together engaged over 4,500 students from more than 700 campuses -the IIT Bombay (E-Cell) edition marks a significant step in expanding the competition’s campus footprint.

Ms. Sheena Kapoor – Head Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR, ICICI Lombard, said, “The 3rd season of IL Igniting Minds has been truly inspiring. What began as a simple idea has now connected us with 4000+ students across 500+ campuses—young minds filled with curiosity, enthusiasm and a strong drive to solve real-life problems. This year’s outstanding competition and quality of thinking stood out. The finalist teams presented real-life case studies, challenges and problems to our senior management with clarity, depth and intelligence. Moments like these reaffirm our belief that the future of India rests in brilliant and responsible hands.”

IL Igniting Minds business case-study competition, season 3 was conducted at the ICICI Lombard Office in Mumbai where the students had an opportunity to showcase ideas to the senior management of the company. The winning team was from IIT-Delhi and the first runner-up was from IIM Ranchi; they were felicitated by ICICI Lombard senior management.

About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited

ICICI Lombard is the leading private general insurance company in the country. The Company offers a comprehensive and well-diversified range of products through multiple distribution channels, including motor, health, crop, fire, personal accident, marine, engineering, and liability insurance. With a legacy of over 2 decades, ICICI Lombard is committed to customer centricity with its brand philosophy of ‘Nibhaye Vaade’. The company has issued over 37.6 million policies, over 3.2 million claims processed and has a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs.  282.58 billion for the year ended March 31, 2025. ICICI Lombard has 328 branches and 15,123 employees, as on March 31, 2025.

ICICI Lombard has been a pioneer in the industry, being the first large-scale insurance company in India to migrate its entire core systems to the cloud.  With a strong focus on being digitally-led and agile, the company has introduced multiple AI-powered insurance solutions. The company’s flagship insurance and wellness app, IL TakeCare, which has received over 18.4 million downloads, also offers the industry’s first Face Scan feature. The company has won several prestigious awards- including the Insurance Asia, ICC Emerging Asia Insurance, ET BFSI Exceller, ET Corporate Excellence, Golden Peacock, FICCI Insurance, Assocham, Stevie Asia Pacific, and National CSR in recognition of its various initiatives.

For more details log on to www.icicilombard.com.

A fully customizable health insurance product with industry-first features like 10x Cumulative Bonus, Gym & Sports Injury Cover along with other Special Covers like Endless Sum Insured

This is why forward-looking health insurance plans like SBI General Health Alpha, with flexible personalisation options, a variety of add-ons, and customizable sum insured choices, are getting increasingly popular among customers seeking adaptable, and comprehensive protection. 

Here are five key reasons why one should choose SBI General Health Alpha: 

1. Build-Your-Own Health Plan – A customizable Approach
Health Alpha moves beyond the traditional model. A fully customizable health insurance product, designed for unlimited flexibility and over 50 coverage options. Health Alpha embodies the ethos of Your Health. Your Cover. Your Way, empowering customers to create personalized health plans that suit their lifestyle and healthcare requirements. 

It allows customers to adjust coverage limits within offered benefits, and modify waiting periods, ensuring complete flexibility to customize their health plan to individual needs.

2. High-Cover Protection, Including Unlimited Sum Insured
With rising healthcare costs, large medical bills, especially for critical illnesses or long hospital stays, are becoming more common. Health Alpha offers a solution with sum insured options starting at ₹5 lakh and extending up to an Unlimited Sum Insured, providing families with strong, long-term financial protection. Additionally, the Endless Sum Insured benefit adds an extra layer of security by covering one major hospitalization claim beyond the base coverage, ensuring customers remain protected even during high-cost medical emergencies.

3. Strong Continuity Benefits for Life Milestones
The Plan Ahead optional cover allows families to expand their cover for major life events. This unique benefit provides Waiting Period continuity earned by the policyholder to newly married spouse (age up to age 35 years) and/or newborn children (maximum 2 children), provided they are enrolled under the Policy within 120 days of marriage or birth. 

4. Industry-First Gym & Sports Injury Cover
Recognising India’s growing focus on fitness and wellness, Health Alpha offers industry’s-first and exclusive add-on which provides OPD benefits for injuries sustained during hobby sports or daily fitness activities, covering specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medicines, and physical therapy.

5. Up to 10x Cumulative Bonus for Claim-Free Years
Health Alpha features one of the most rewarding bonus structures in the industry with its 10x Cumulative Bonus benefit. For every year a customer remains claim-free, this benefit increases their coverage by up to 10 times the base sum insured. This means families get significantly more protection over time, creating a strong safety net as healthcare needs grow. This benefit helps customers build long-term financial security confidently, ensuring their health coverage keeps pace with rising medical costs.

As health needs become more diverse and financial risks rise, customers are seeking health insurance plans that offer depth, flexibility, and lasting protection. SBI General Health Alpha captures this trend perfectly by combining customizable options with high coverage limits, milestone continuity, and wellness-focused features. The product also offers few industry-first features like 10x Cumulative Bonus, Gym & Sports Injury Cover along with other Special Covers like Endless Sum Insured. Together, these benefits make it an attractive choice for families who want a strong, future-ready health protection plan that adapts to their evolving needs and ensures peace of mind.

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

Shriram Life Insurance Company Ltd. (SLIC) reported a 17% year-on-year growth in Individual New Business Premium (NBP) in H1 FY26, rising from Rs. 542 crore in H1 FY25 to Rs. 635 crore in H1 FY26. In comparison, the private industry grew by 8% during the same period.

SLIC's individual new business APE grew 8% year-on-year to Rs. 544 crore in H1 FY26 from Rs. 506 crore. Renewal premiums increased by 43% YoY in the first half of the fiscal. It grew to Rs. 1,024 in H1 FY26 from Rs. 715 crore in H1 FY25.

The company settled 37,850 individual and group policies in H1 FY26. It settled 30,884 policies in H1 FY25. The claim settlement ratio for FY25 stands at 98.31%. The solvency ratio for H1FY26 is 1.56.

Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance

Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance, said, “Our strategy has always been focused on making life insurance simpler and more accessible for everyone we serve. Leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience remains a top priority. Our strong growth in renewal premiums demonstrates that we have earned the trust of our customers, reflecting the effectiveness of our approach and the dedication of our teams.”

“The government’s decision to reduce GST on individual term insurance policies from 18% to zero is a landmark move that will propel the industry forward for a long period of time. This makes pure protection more affordable for millions of Indians and strengthens trust and accessibility in the insurance ecosystem for the long term,” he added.

Sequentially, SLIC reported a 53% quarter-on-quarter growth in its individual new business annualized premium equivalent (APE) growing to Rs. 329 crore in Q2FY26 from Rs. 215 crore in Q1FY26. Retail New Business Premium grew 47% quarter-on-quarter to Rs. 378 crore in Q2 FY26 from Rs. 257 crore in Q1 FY26.

Individual Renewal premiums rose by 71%, reaching Rs. 552 crore in Q2 FY26, compared to Rs. 323 crore in Q1 of FY26. Total premium grew 26%, up from Rs. 863 crore in Q1 FY26 to Rs. 1,091 crore in Q2 FY26.

The number of policies sold was up by 35% with SLIC selling 117,317 policies in Q2 FY26 as compared to 86,750 in Q1 FY26.

Jointly promoted by Shriram Group and Africa’s Sanlam Group, SLIC’s Assets Under Management as of September 2025 stood at Rs. 14,187 crore, up 15% from Rs. 12,310 crore in H1 FY25.

(All figures in Rs. crore)

About Shriram Life Insurance Company

Shriram Life Insurance is committed to serving the underserved and unserved segments of India, focusing on families that truly need financial protection. With a network of 651 branches across the country, the company offers a range of affordable products including term, endowment, ULIPs, and annuities—tailored for rural and urban middle-class customers. With over 14.6 lakh in-force policyholders and Rs. 14,187 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), as of September 2025, the company continues to drive financial inclusion by addressing the needs of the most deserving households. Shriram Life Insurance provides user-friendly apps for policy purchase, premium payment, claim settlement, and customer support—making insurance simple, accessible, and convenient for every customer.

About Shriram Group

Shriram Group is one of India’s leading financial conglomerates, with a strong presence in retail financing, asset reconstruction, wealth management, life insurance, general insurance, chit funds, stock broking, financial product distribution, and asset management services. The Group’s focus is on serving underserved communities, driven by its financial inclusion agenda to bring finance to low-income families and small businesses. Shriram Group serves over 3.44 crore customers, has a marketing force of more than 1.79 lakh, employs over 1.16 lakh people, and operates through more than 4,675 branches. It manages an AUM of Rs. 3.49 lakh crore as of June 2025.

Zurich Kotak Goregaon East (L-R): Ms. Surabhi Kanjilal, Chief Marketing Officer; Mr. Alok Agarwal, MD & CEO; and Mr. Pushah Mahapatra, Non-Executive Director

Besides connecting Mumbai’s suburban population, the Zurich Kotak Goregaon East metro station, located adjacent to the company’s head office, connects major residential pockets with key business districts such as Goregaon and Andheri, significantly improving accessibility and easing daily commutes.

Post the unveiling ceremony of Zurich Kotak Goregaon East metro station, Mr. Alok Agarwal, MD & CEO, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited, said, “The Mumbai Metro stands testament to India’s mobility revolution. It has now turned out to be a real lifeline for the city, fast-tracking its residents toward their goals. We are proud to be associated with this milestone in modern infrastructure that will continue serving and supporting generations of Mumbaikars. Our journey in India represents a commitment to securing the future of Indians. As the average Mumbaikar moves toward their goals, the Zurich Kotak Goregaon East metro station stands as a meaningful metaphor for relentless progress, resilient journeys, and safeguarded dreams.”

Ms. Surabhi Kanjilal, Chief Marketing Officer, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited, said, “Metro stations are a part of everyday life; they are touchpoints that shape everyday experiences. The Zurich Kotak Goregaon East metro station reflects our commitment to be present alongside every commuter, throughout their thick and thin. We want our brand to stand for support, progress, and confidence, something families can rely on as they move through life. The Zurich Kotak Goregaon East station amplifies our efforts to build an innovative and future-ready insurance brand for India, blending Zurich’s global experience and Kotak’s profound understanding of Indian consumers.”

As Zurich Kotak General Insurance celebrates this monumental moment, the brand remains committed to innovation and customer centricity and strives to further strengthen its identity as a future-forward, trustworthy insurance partner.

About Zurich Kotak General Insurance
Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited (Zurich Kotak General Insurance) formerly known as Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. (Zurich) and Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. It was renamed in August 2024 after Zurich acquired a majority 70% stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited and the company was renamed to Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited. Established in 2015 to service the growing non-life insurance segment in India, the company aims to cater to a wide range of customer segments & geographies, offering an array of non-life insurance products like Motor, Health, Home, Commercial, etc. As a practice, Zurich Kotak General Insurance seeks to provide a differentiated value proposition through customized products and services, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and digital infrastructure. 

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (“Axis Max Life” / “Company”), formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited, today unveiled the findings of the fifth edition of its annual India Retirement Index Study - IRIS 5.0, conducted in partnership with Kantar, a leading global marketing data and analytics company.

 India’s Retirement Index Score Rises to 48 as Early Planning Gains Momentum; Half of Urban Indians believe in prioritizing early retirement savings: Axis Max Life IRIS 5.0

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) continues to serve as India’s most comprehensive benchmark on retirement preparedness—assessing financial, health, and emotional readiness. The 2025 edition shows steady progress, with the Index score rising from 44 in 2022 to 48 in 2025, driven by stronger fitness habits, regular health check-ups, and higher insurance adoption. While financial confidence remains stable, awareness about the required retirement corpus continues to be low, with 7 in 10 respondents believing that ₹1 crore would be sufficient for a comfortable retirement. Health preparedness records the sharpest gain, highlighting India’s growing focus on wellness as a pillar of secure retirement.

This year’s edition sharpens focus on segments such as Return Migrants and Gig Workers, capturing the diverse emotional and financial realities shaping India’s retirement landscape. For the first time, Return Migrants have been studied separately as a cohort, offering insights into how this group balances financial confidence with renewed focus on health and well-being after relocation. With rising awareness, better product understanding, and growing health consciousness, IRIS 5.0 reflects a more retirement-ready India preparing for a secure and balanced future.

Sumit Madan, MD and CEO, Axis Max Life said, “IRIS 5.0 signals a clear shift towards smarter and more holistic retirement planning. Today’s consumers are showing greater health consciousness, higher product awareness, and sustained financial confidence. As health preparedness improves, the next frontier is building adequate retirement corpus and emotional resilience. The study also highlights a growing segment of individuals uncertain about how to begin their planning, reinforcing the need for a trusted advisory support. Diverse segments such as gig workers, women, and return migrants require tailored and inclusive solutions. The findings underline how the next phase of growth for the industry will hinge on delivering more innovative, advisory-led, and inclusive retirement solutions.”

Soumya Mohanty, MD and Chief Client Officer, South Asia, Kantar said "IRIS 5.0 highlights evolving retirement behaviors across India. The rise in product awareness and health-first behaviour is notable. The study’s richer segmental analysis provides actionable cues for policymakers, employers and financial service providers to move from awareness to measurable preparedness.”

Key findings from the India retirement index study 5.0

Retirement readiness rises across the country

• IRIS 5.0 reflects a positive trend in retirement preparedness, with the national score rising to 48 — a 4-point increase from IRIS 2.0. Health readiness has improved to 46, up from 41 in 2022, driven by increased physical activity, more frequent preventive health checks, and a rise in health insurance ownership (now at 50%, +7%). Emotional preparedness remains the next priority, with 71% reporting loneliness concerns in certain cohorts. Emotional confidence has slightly declined, with 72% of Indians expressing concern about potential dependence on family.

Women Show Slight Edge Over Men in Retirement Readiness
Women have a slightly higher retirement preparedness score at 49, compared to 48 for men. A greater proportion of women (82%) expect to remain physically fit during retirement, versus 78% of men. However, women are 8% less likely to invest in risk-based financial instruments and report higher levels of loneliness (74%), underscoring the dual need for both emotional and financial empowerment.

Metros Lead in Retirement Preparedness, Awareness Grows Across Indian Cities 

• IRIS 5.0 indicates a clear upward trend in retirement preparedness across India’s urban centers, led by metros and Tier I cities. Metros, with an IRIS score of 50, reflect a stronger focus on wellness and financial discipline, as more residents adopt regular fitness routines and preventive check-ups (60%). Tier I cities are fast following suit, showing a 13% rise in regular physical activity and a 21% increase in participation in risk-based investments, pointing to growing comfort with diverse financial tools.

Regional Insights Highlight Varied Preparedness Across The Country

• East India leads in overall preparedness, balanced across finance, health, and emotion.

• North India shows highest health recovery post-COVID (+11 points in Health Index), boosted by monitoring and insurance adoption.

• West India demonstrates strong financial momentum (+7 points in Finance Index), driven by stock (+15%) and real estate (+20%) investments.

• South India reflects a balanced wellbeing profile, marked by a 4-point improvement in health sentiment (43) and emotional resilience (59), even as financial sentiment holds steady at 47 points.

Segment Spotlight: Diverse Cohorts Show Varying Preparedness

• Gig Workers (IRIS index score - 47): Reflecting India’s evolving workforce, gig professionals show growing financial independence but weaker health engagement. However, 74% worry about meeting family’s basic needs, and many lack access to structured retirement or health benefits, highlighting a need for inclusive coverage.

• Return Migrants (IRIS index score - 48): Financially confident due to earlier urban exposure, but 52% haven’t had preventive health checks in three years; thus offsetting savings optimism by health neglect. 

• Women (IRIS index score - 49): Lead in financial and health preparedness, driven by stronger health optimism (+7) and rising fitness focus, reflecting proactive planning and higher retirement confidence compared with men (IRIS 48).These cohorts highlight India’s shifting workforce and post-pandemic realities, pointing to a broader need for tailored financial and wellness solutions.

Awareness vs Preparedness Gap Persists

• Awareness improves with the average of known financial products rising to 11.6 in 2025 (IRIS 5.0) from 8.7 in 2022 (IRIS 2.0). Friends/family (72%) and financial advisors (47%) remain key sources.

• Preparedness gap: Only 37% have achieved ≥25% of their target corpus; many underestimate required corpus for retirement (₹1 crore remains common benchmark).

NPS & Workplace Benefits Gain Traction

• NPS awareness at 66% (up from 59%), but ownership stable at approx. 17% due to complexity and need for guidance.

• As per IRIS 5.0, Employee Provident Fund (EPF) continues to be the most common benefit, cited by 69% respondents. When asked about additional add-ons, they would like to receive, regular health check-ups (55%) and medical or hospitalization coverage (49%) emerged as the top preferences.

Health & Prevention Take Center Stage

• 81% engage in regular physical activity (+5 pts since 2022).

• Preventive check-ups remaining at 55%.

• Health insurance ownership at 50% (+7 pts), signaling growing focus on wellness and proactive health management.

Read more about the India Retirement Index Study at - <Website Link>

About India Retirement Index Study 
India Retirement Index Study is an annual retirement study by Axis Max Life conducted in partnership with KANTAR. The study evaluates India’s readiness for a healthy, peaceful, and financially secure retirement across three indices Financial, Health, and Emotional Preparedness each measured on a scale of 0 to 100. The fifth edition surveyed 2,242 respondents across 28 cities, including new segments such as gig workers.

About Axis Max Life Insurance (https://www.axismaxlife.com)
Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.axismaxlife.com.

About Kantar 
Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. To know more, visit www.kantar.com.

PNB MetLife

360 BIZ is designed for businesses of all sizes. The value of the platform lies in its easy, effortless ability to bring together what both employees and employers want – comprehensive insurance coverage and flexible employee benefits into one seamless, digital experience. The platform brings together a wide range of benefits like Group Term Life, Voluntary Group Life, Critical Illness cover for employees.

Sameer Bansal, MD & CEO, PNB MetLife, said, “PNB MetLife believes in meaningful innovation that delivers tangible benefits. 360 BIZ brings this promise to life by empowering employees while enabling organizations to manage benefits with greater speed, accuracy, and insight. By using technology to enhance the human experience, 360 BIZ bridges the gap between corporate offerings and individual needs, for informed choices, deeper engagement, and stronger financial preparedness.”

Key Features for Employers

• Real Time Dashboards with Total Control- Manage group benefits, employees’ insurance coverage and administrative tasks effortlessly with real time dashboards

• Employee Engagement Tools: Drive employee engagement through rewards, polls, and surveys

• Wellness-Driven Workforce

Promote a healthier, more resilient workforce with wellness-focused insurance and health support programs.

Key Features for Employees

• Digital Benefits Management: Seamless access to insurance and employee benefits through a unified platform.

• Instant Top-Up Coverage: Voluntary insurance top-ups available instantly online.

• Personalized Recommendations: Tailored product suggestions based on life events (e.g., child’s education, retirement planning).

• Convenient Access: All policies and coverage detail available digitally for easy tracking and updates.

• Flexible Payment Option: Enable premium payment through Salary adjustment or online payment options e.g. Cards, Online banking, Unified Payment Interface (UPI) etc.

About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited

PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) is one of the leading life insurance companies in India that combines the financial strength of MetLife, Inc. with the credibility of PNB, one of the India's oldest nationalized banks. PNB MetLife’s positioning, Milkar Life Aage Badhaein, is demonstrated through its customer-centric innovations and employee empowerment practices.

With a strong presence in 177 branches and access to customers in over 20,000 locations through bank partnerships, PNB MetLife offers a comprehensive insurance solutions portfolio covering Child Education, Family Protection, Long-Term Saving and Retirement. The Company has a wide range of protection and retirement products available through its sales channel of over 36,000 financial advisors and multiple bank partners and caters to over 585 group relationships in India.

For more information, follow us on:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/PNBMetLife

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pnb_metlife or

visit - www.pnbmetlife.com

The scholarships are expected to partly fund the students’ expenses in their intermediate course.

Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life and D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT and Industries, Govt of Telangana, awarding a scholarship at an event by Shriram Life Insurance

As part of the eligibility criteria, only government-run state board schools are covered. The list of students has been provided by the Department of School Education, Government of Telangana.

D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT, Electronics and Communications, Industries and Commerce, and Legislative Affairs was among the key dignitaries present at the event. The minister handed over the scholarship cheques to the students. KRC Sekhar, MD, Shriram Life; R. Duruvasan, Director, Shriram Life; and Srinivas Reddy, Executive Director, Shriram Life also attended the event. 

This scholarship initiative is part of Shriram Life’s ongoing CSR initiatives, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting the education of children from underprivileged communities.

“This initiative closely aligns with our purpose of serving the community. We look forward to more students getting motivated through this programme and aspire for higher achievements in their academics and in their overall well-being,” said Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance. 

Stressing the importance of value-based education, minister Shri D. Sridhar Babu urged students to develop their self-confidence and acquire the necessary skills to take advantage of the rapidly growing job opportunities in Telangana. He emphasized the importance of skill development, noting that only an education that combines values, discipline, and skills will provide long-term success to the youth.

About Shriram Life Insurance Company 
Shriram Life Insurance is committed to serving the underserved and unserved segments of India, focusing on families that truly need financial protection. With a network of 537 branches across the country, the company offers a range of affordable products including term, endowment, ULIPs, and annuities—tailored for rural and urban middle-class customers. With over 14.6 lakh in-force policyholders and INR 14,187 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), as of September 2025, the company continues to drive financial inclusion by addressing the needs of the most deserving households.

About Shriram Group
Shriram Group is one of India’s leading financial conglomerates, with a strong presence in retail financing, life insurance, general insurance, chit funds, stock broking, financial product distribution, and asset management services. The Group’s focus is on serving underserved communities, driven by its financial inclusion agenda to bring finance to low-income families and small businesses. Shriram Group serves over 3.44 crore customers, has a marketing force of more than 1.79 lakh, employs over 1.16 lakh people, and operates through more than 4,675 branches. It manages an AUM of INR 3.49 lakh crore as of June 2025. 

The Company’s key performance metrics includes a gross written premium (GWP) of INR 7376 crore, registering a growth of 10.7% in H1 FY26 v/s the overall industry growth at 7.3%. Excluding the impact of 1/n accounting norm, the GWP of the Company grew by 13.9% for H1 FY26. The Ex-Crop business growth is 24.0% v/s Private insurance growth at 8.0%.
 

SBI General Insurance outpaces industry with 10.7% growth in H1FY26, driven by strong Health, Motor, and PA business performance
 

Additionally, the Company improved its private market share by 38 basis points from 6.45% in H1FY25 to 6.83% in H1 FY26. The growth in H1 FY26 was led by consistent performance across key business like Health business which grew by 41%, Personal Accident (PA) by 48%, and Motor business by 17%. This growth has been fuelled by SBI General Insurance’s expanding distribution footprint and strengthened digital ecosystem.
 

During this period, the Company recorded a PAT of INR 422 crore. The Loss ratio also improved significantly to 79.6% in H1FY26 from 86.1% in H1 FY25. In addition, it maintained a strong solvency ratio of 2.13 times, well above the regulatory requirement, thereby underscoring its sound financial position and prudent capital management.
 

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “In H1 FY26, we’ve grown by 1.4 times faster than the industry and 3 times faster than Private & SAHI Insurance companies (ex-crop), marking the Company as one of the fastest-growing general insurers in the country. Over the past few months, we have strengthened our distribution network, deepened partnerships, and enhanced digital capabilities. These initiatives have helped us scale efficiently while staying customer-focused. Leveraging the trust of our customers and the strength of the SBI ecosystem, we remain committed to making insurance simpler, more accessible, and affordable for every Indian. Our focus will continue to be on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and creating lasting value for all stakeholders.”
 

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added, “Our H1 FY26 performance reflects the strength of our growth strategy, with significant momentum across key business segments driving a 10.7% increase in Gross Written Premium. Growth across multiple line of business demonstrates our diverse portfolio and responsiveness to evolving market needs. Our Loss ratio has shown significant improvement in H1 FY26, standing at 79.6% from 86.1% in H1 FY25. Backed by our multi-distribution model, customer-centric approach, and investments in technology and analytics, we are well-positioned to deliver sustainable, high-quality growth and lasting value to our stakeholders.”
 

SBI General Insurance remains committed to building a future-ready organization powered by technology, innovation, and customer trust, as it continues to expand its presence and drive inclusive insurance penetration across India.
 

About SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.
 

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.
 

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

For more details, please visit www.sbigeneral.in.

Loop launches HealthFlex

Indian employers spend an average of INR 25,000–30,000 per employee annually on health benefits, yet nearly 90% of these allocations remain unused—locked in traditional insurance structures while employees continue to pay out-of-pocket for gyms, diagnostics, and consultations they actively use.

Unlike traditional broker platforms that offer variations of insurance coverage, HealthFlex converts employer allocations into digital health wallets with transparent balances. Employees select from life-stage benefit bundles—such as maternity care, chronic disease management, or preventive wellness—and access services through cashless, e-commerce-style transactions. The approach eliminates reimbursement delays and paper-based claims that typically suppress utilization.

Early adopters including Ola, Zepto, Livspace, ShareChat, Blu Pine, and Data Direct Networks report 30% upgrade rates, with participating employees averaging Rs. 18,000 in additional benefit utilization.

Loop Health is uniquely positioned as both an IRDAI-licensed Direct Broker managing group insurance and a healthcare provider with in-house doctors, 24×7 medical concierge, and partnerships with Cult.fit, Clove Dental, Orange Health, Redcliffe Labs, Lenskart, Newmi, and other healthcare vendors. This vertical integration eliminates the vendor fragmentation typical of traditional insurance companies, where employers must coordinate between separate insurance brokers, TPAs, wellness vendors, and healthcare providers—a process that typically requires Rs. 5-10 lakh in implementation fees and 3-6 months of HR bandwidth. With HealthFlex, the entire set-up is provided at no implementation cost to Loop's customers.

"The flex benefits market has grown 300%, but we've been solving the wrong problem," said Mayank Kale, CEO and Co-founder, Loop Health. "Legacy flex was designed by insurers to sell more coverage variations. HealthFlex empowers employees to direct their benefits where they're actually needed—health checkups for themselves, diabetes management for aging parents, fitness memberships for prevention. This is what benefits were always supposed to do.”

Following strong early adoption, Loop Health plans to expand HealthFlex availability to mid-market and enterprise organizations across India over the next 12 months.

About Loop Health

Founded in 2018, Loop Health combines IRDAI-licensed insurance brokerage with integrated healthcare delivery. The company serves 1,250+ organizations and one million lives across India and is backed by global investors including General Catalyst, Elevation Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Y Combinator.

SBI General Insurance launches “Health Alpha” a fully customizable health insurance product - Industry first product after GST reform

The product provides wide range of sum insured options ranging between INR 5 Lacs to unlimited sum insured. Policyholders can opt for a long-term policy option of up to five years, which enables them to safeguard towards medical inflation while enjoying tenure-based discounts. The entry age to purchase the plan is 18 years to no restriction for adults and 91 days to 25 years for children.

Crafted to cater for the rapidly evolving ecosystem and wide array of customers, Health Alpha provides a range of customer-focused, personalized coverage options that emphasize comprehensive protection and flexibility. The key features of Health Alpha include:

• Up to 10x Cumulative Bonus - This is add-on cover which provides up to 10x cumulative bonus annually, if no claim is made under the policy.

• Unlimited Sum Insured- Base Sum Insured of the policy will be unlimited. A claim of any amount will become payable, subject to Policy terms and conditions

• Endless Sum Insured - Covers hospitalization expenses for a single claim beyond the Base Sum Insured, this benefit can be availed once in lifetime of the policy

• Gym & Sports Injury Cover – This is industry’s-first and exclusive add-on which provides OPD benefits for injuries sustained during hobby sports or daily fitness activities, covering specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medicines, and physical therapy.

• Plan Ahead - This unique add-on benefit provides Waiting Period continuity earned by the policyholder to newly married spouse (age up to age 35 years) and/or newborn children (maximum 2 children), provided they are enrolled within 120 days of marriage or birth. 

• Welcome Discount – The product offers distinctive “Welcome Discount” of 5%, if new policy is purchased within 5 days of quote generation.

Along with Hospitalization, the product brings together essential health insurance benefits such as Pre and Post hospitalization cover, Day Care Treatments, AYUSH Treatment, Critical Illness, Hospital Daily Cash, Global Cover, Personal Accident Cover to new coverages like Gym and Sports Injury Cover, Endless Sum Insured, Modifiers and many more. While all covers are offered on an optional basis therefore, reinforcing its DIY approach, Health Alpha allows customers to adjust coverage limits within each benefit, select from multiple sub-limits, and modify waiting periods, ensuring complete flexibility to customize their health plan to individual needs.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Mohd. Arif Khan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SBI General Insurance, said “At SBI General Insurance, we are delighted to introduce “Health Alpha”, an industry first offering post GST reforms, revolutionizing affordability and accessibility. With rising medical costs, securing the right health insurance plan with adequate coverage is more critical than ever. Health Alpha is not just another health insurance plan; it redefines the way people experience health coverage, combining customization, innovation, and customer-first solutions. With our extensive hospital network and robust claims process, we believe this product will set a new benchmark in empowering individuals and families to take control of their health insurance like never before.”

With this launch, SBI General Insurance aims to strengthen its leadership in the retail health segment and set new benchmarks in customer-centric health insurance.

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

Axis Max Life Wins Gold at 2025 Brandon Hall Group™ Human Capital Management Excellence Awards®

Axis Max Life’s flagship internal initiative, VISHWAAS – A Customer Obsession Journey, was recognized for driving transformational training that strengthened ownership, empathy, and end-to-end problem-solving across customer operations teams. Aligned with the company’s core value of ‘Customer Obsession,’ Project VISHWAAS was designed as a multi-stage blended learning that combines classroom instruction with flexible, technology-driven online learning to transform employee mindsets and equip them with practical skills to deliver superior customer experiences. The learning journey, designed with upGrad Enterprise, combined workshops, leader coaching, micro learning, gamified assessments, and action planning to upskill employees in operations, claims, underwriting, and service delivery to own customer issues end-to-end and reimagine service with empathy and speed. 

Entries were assessed by a panel of veteran industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and senior executives based on the below criteria:

• Alignment to business need and environment

• Program design, integration, functionality and deliver

• Overall effectiveness, impact, and measurable benefits

Shailesh Singh, Chief People Officer, Axis Max Life Insurance, said, “Winning Gold at the Brandon Hall Group™ HCM Excellence Awards® is a proud milestone for all of us at Axis Max Life. VISHWAAS was designed as a transformative people initiative, created to strengthen accountability, foster a growth mindset, and deepen our culture of customer obsession. This recognition is more than an award; it is a global validation of our commitment to building a high-performance, customer-first organization.”

Brandon Hall Group Chief Operating Officer Rachel Cooke, HCM Excellence Awards® program leader, said “This year's Excellence Award winners exemplify the transformative power of strategic human capital management. Through their innovative approaches to talent development and employee engagement, these organizations have not only achieved remarkable business outcomes but have also redefined what it means to create truly people-centric workplaces. Our comprehensive evaluation process has identified these programs as benchmarks for organizational excellence and innovation."

About Brandon Hall Group™
Brandon Hall Group™ is the only professional development company that offers data, research, insights, and certification to Learning and Talent executives and organizations. For over 30 years, Brandon Hall Group™ has empowered, recognized and certified excellence in organizations worldwide, influencing the development of over 10 million employees and executives. The awards recognize the best organizations that have successfully developed and deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems and tools that have achieved measurable results.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)
Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited, is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

Axis Max Life has recently transitioned to a new domain https://www.axismaxlife.com as part of its rebranding exercise. This migration has no impact on existing policyholders who will continue to receive all policy benefits and services as earlier.

Axis Max Life launches High Growth Pension Fund to power long-term retirement growth

The fund will be available under the Axis Max Life Forever Young Pension Plan, a Unit-Linked Non-Participating Individual Pension Plan (UIN: 104L075V06), with a Net Asset Value (NAV) of Rs. 10 per unit during the New Fund Offering (NFO) period from September 22 to October 7, 2025. 

High-Growth Equity for Smarter Retirement Planning 
With a rising need for inflation-protected retirement income, the Axis Max Life High Growth Pension Fund offers long-term investors access to equity market growth through a carefully selected portfolio of mid-cap and high-growth companies. The fund strategy focuses on identifying scalable businesses across traditional and emerging sectors such as renewables, new-age manufacturing of electrical equipment, and financial services. This robust diversification is designed to enhance the fund’s potential for superior long-term returns. 

Sachin Bajaj, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, Axis Max Life, stated, “In a world of rising costs, the Axis Max Life High Growth Pension Fund offers a forward-looking solution for long-term resilience. By providing a highly diversified portfolio with a significant equity allocation, it empowers customers to actively grow their wealth and protect their savings against the eroding effects of inflation”. 

Driven by internal equity research and sectoral insights, the fund aims to capture compounding opportunities early, while maintaining active oversight for risk-adjusted returns. 

Key Highlights of the Axis Max Life High Growth Pension Fund: 

• Fund Type: Pension – Actively Managed Equity Fund 

• Benchmark: Nifty Midcap 100 Index 

• Risk Profile: Very High 

• Asset Allocation: 70–100% in equities; Upto 30% in government Securities, Corporate Bonds, money Market & Cash Instruments 

• Top Sectors: Financial and Insurance Services, Infrastructure, Computer Programming, Consultancy and Related Activities, Manufacture of Electrical Equipment, Information Service 

• Fund Management Charge: 1.35% p.a. 

• NFO Period: September 22 to October 7, 2025 

• NAV at Launch: Rs. 10 per unit 

• Available with: Axis Max Life Forever Young Pension Plan

In addition to equities, the fund has the flexibility to invest in other asset classes including money market instruments, corporate bonds, and government securities. Despite this diversification, the fund continues to be classified as a high-risk investment option given its substantial exposure to equities and it looks at a five-year-plus investment horizon. 

The fund aims to serve investors seeking to actively grow their pension savings while enjoying the dual benefit of market-linked growth and life insurance protection under eligible pension plans. 

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com) 
Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customercentric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr. 

*Axis Max Life has recently transitioned to a new domain https://www.axismaxlife.com as part of its rebranding exercise. This migration has no impact on existing policyholders who will continue to receive all policy benefits and services as earlier.

SBI General Insurance mobile app now offers face & finger-scan based health tracking, fostering proactive wellness and digital empowerment

The health tracking feature, developed in collaboration with CarePlix, enables users to access vital health metrics such as heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, BMI, body weight, stress levels, total body fat, body water and more. By simply scanning their face or finger, users can quickly gain a comprehensive understanding of their health, empowering them to make informed decisions about their wellness. 

Utilizing CarePlix’s innovative remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) technology, this feature extracts health data from a simple video recording via the device’s camera or by fingerprint scanning, allowing users to monitor their health anytime, anywhere, without the need for physical sensors or needles. 

Speaking about the launch, Shri Mohd. Arif Khan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SBI General Insurance, “This innovative health scanning feature is a major step towards offering accessible health insights beyond traditional insurance. It reflects our vision of a digitally empowered, health-conscious society, equipping individuals to actively manage their well-being. By integrating proactive wellness with ease, this feature positions us at the forefront of the health insurance sector, where innovation and convenience merge seamlessly with everyday life. The Company will continue to expand its technological capabilities to provide customers with advanced and user-friendly solutions.”

The new biometric health feature is available for existing and new customers. The app also offers 5% discounts on standard lab tests through partnered providers, providing further value to customers. The ease of use and instant accessibility of health metrics reflect SBI General Insurance’s dedication to fostering a digitally connected customer base and providing them with practical tools to stay healthy.

This launch marks a key milestone in SBI General Insurance’s digital journey, reinforcing its commitment to customer-centric innovation and value-added services beyond traditional insurance, aimed at building a healthier, more secure society.

Download the SBIG app now! 

For Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sbig.insurance 
For iPhone: apps.apple.com/in/app/sbi-general-insurance/id1495616048

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

This reinforces its commitment to global best practices in governance, operational resilience, and information security. These certifications are regarded worldwide as badges of quality and trust, achieved only after a rigorous evaluation of business processes and systems.

The ISO 27001:2022 confirms implementation of a robust Information Security Management System, systematically designed to safeguard sensitive data, intellectual property, and financial information. It is the comprehensive auditable international standard that defines the requirements for ISMS, making it the most trusted benchmark for information security.

Complimenting this, the ISO 22301:2019 establishes company’s adherence to a strong Business Continuity Management System. This critical certification ensures the organization is fully equipped to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions whether caused by natural disasters, cyberattacks, or unforeseen events thereby maintaining uninterrupted delivery of critical business operations.

This achievement also boosts the trust and confidence of its policyholders, making it a more reliable insurer in today's dynamic insurance landscape.

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IT security Team Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd.

SBI General unveiled 30 Specialized Health Insurance Branches across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

A large section of our population is uninsured and this problem is more severe in smaller towns and remote areas. SBI General Insurance has taken this initiative to launch 30 specialized Health Insurance Branches which will offer health protection via a comprehensive bouquet of products, completely digital journey and backed by the widest network of more than 2100 hospitals in the states and rapid cashless response of average half an hour to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The Health Insurance branches are strategically located across key areas in Telangana, including Bhuvanagiri, Jagityal, Kamareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Kothagudam, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Miryalaguda, Nirmal, Sangareddy, Siddipet, Suryapet, Wanaparthy and Zaheerabad. In Andhra Pradesh, they are present in Anakapalli, Anantapur, Bheemavaram, Eluru, Jangareddigudem, Kadapa, Kakinada, Nellore, Ongole, Pallakollu, Rajam, Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Tenali and Vizianagarm.

These branches will offer a range of specially curated health insurance products such as Arogya Supreme Policy, Super Health Insurance, SBIG Health Super Top-Up, Arogya Sanjeevani and Personal Accident Insurance. With these tailored products, SBI General Insurance seeks to address the unique healthcare needs of local communities, delivering affordable coverage and enhancing financial protection for a broader and more diverse population.

The launch event was held in SBI General Insurance Hyderabad branch office in the presence of Shri. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI Group, Shri. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO of SBI General Insurance, Shri Rajiv Kumar, DMD, Internal Audit Department (SBI) , Shri S Radhakrishnan CGM Hyderabad Circle (SBI), Shri Rajesh Kumar Patel CGM Amravati Circle (SBI) and Shri. Mohd Arif Khan, Deputy CEO, SBI General Insurance along with senior leadership and other key dignitaries. 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. CS Setty, Chairman, SBI Group said “Leveraging SBI’s expansive network, we are committed to empowering citizens with greater access and security through financial services. We believe that our efforts will strengthen our connections with customers and contribute towards IRDAI’s vision of 'Insurance for all by 2047’. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive, reliable & accessible health insurance to every Indian.” 

Shri. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD and CEO at SBI General Insurance added, “At SBI General Insurance, our goal is to make insurance accessible across India, and this expansion is a key step in that direction. With the addition of these 30 branches, now SBI General has one of the largest branch network in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana covering 40 districts. Every such branch reflects our commitment to bring our services closer to our customers, understanding their needs and delivering innovative solutions” 

This initiative is part of SBI General Insurance’s overarching strategy to enhance insurance penetration in semi-urban and rural geographies, where access to insurance coverage has been limited. By focusing on health insurance, these offices will offer localized service delivery, ensuring that the offerings are not only accessible but also relevant and responsive to the unique challenges of each region.

As part of its commitment to building a more inclusive and customer-centric ecosystem, SBI General Insurance aims to significantly enhance the awareness and adoption of health insurance in these underserved regions, ensuring that families, businesses, and individuals are financially protected in times of need. 

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence of over 145 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named the winner in the Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

For more details: www.sbigeneral.in

Celebrating Senior Citizens Day: Tata AIG Extends Legacy of Trust with Tata AIG Elder Care Health Insurance

According to a recent report published by the NITI Aayog, report titled "Senior Care Reforms in India - Reimagining the Senior Care Paradigm: A Position Paper", only around one-fifth of the elderly population in India is covered by health insurance, while nearly 78% remain without any pension coverage. This stark reality underscores a widening protection gap for India’s ageing population — where the majority of seniors are entering their most vulnerable years without any safety net of medical or financial security. With longer life expectancy, rising healthcare costs, and the growing prevalence of lifestyle and chronic diseases, this gap poses a dual challenge: increased dependence on family support and heightened risk of financial distress in the face of medical emergencies.

Mr. Dinesh Mosamkar, Senior VP of Consumer Underwriting, Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., said, “Senior Citizens Day is a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the health and dignity of our elders. With Tata AIG Elder Care, we are ensuring that our senior customers get the right mix of healthcare protection, specialized care, and support services. Health insurance is not just about covering hospitalization costs — it’s about enabling a healthier, more confident life in the golden years.”

Tata AIG Elder Care covers hospitalization and many more benefits like-

• Home Physiotherapy Services through network.

• Home Nursing Service for post operative care.

• Personalized Health Manager for telephonic assistance with booking appointments, scheduling, and service coordination.

• Annual Preventive Health Consultation for dental, eye, and orthopedic consultation.

• Home care treatment for dialysis, chemotherapy and pandemic care. 

• AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) at certified AYUSH hospitals and centres, making healthcare inclusive of traditional systems.

• Compassionate Care to assist the insured person in the ‘Activities of Daily Living’ post discharge from the hospital.

• Home Assessment and Modification for Elderly Care/Disability. Financial and technical support for mobility adjustments at home.

• Pre-existing Disease Coverage after 24 months of continuous coverage with us.

• Exclusive coverage for high end diagnostic tests on OPD basis, ensuring seniors do not compromise on quality care.

With a network of 12,000+ hospitals across India, Tata AIG Elder Care ensures that senior citizens and their families can access seamless, cashless treatment without financial stress.

BSE Limited Felicitates HDFC Life Commemorating the Life Insurer's 25th Anniversary of Incorporation

HDFC Life was established on 14th August, 2000. Over the last 25 years the Company has achieved many milestones and has become one of the leading life insurers in the country. Among the key ones is the successful IPO in 2017, to become a listed company, which was subscribed over 3.8 times. On 17th November, 2017, the company’s shares were listed on BSE Ltd. and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE India) Ltd.

The company has built a legacy of trust and continues to secure lives as it continues its journey in sync with the life insurance industry's collective goal of 'Insurance for All by 2047'.

Congratulating HDFC Life, Mr. Sundararaman Ramamurthy, Managing Director and CEO, BSE Ltd., said, “This silver jubilee milestone reflects the company’s steadfast dedication towards insurance penetration and empowering financial resilience across the nation. BSE Ltd. celebrates contributions of the organisation that empower and lead the growth path for a secured and Viksit Bharat.”

 Speaking on this milestone, Mr. Vineet Arora – Executive Director and Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life, commented, "This is a special day for us as it marks 25 years of our incorporation. We sincerely thank BSE Ltd. for their wishes on this occasion. As India's first private life insurer, our journey has been full of achievements. The trust that our customers have reposed in us over the years has been and will continue to be our driving force. With our focus on customers, innovative products and a large number of partners and agents, we are taking life insurance to customers beyond the top markets, thus deepening our reach in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. We are committed to the vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047'."

In FY’25, HDFC Life insured over 50 million lives, reaching Indians across diverse locations. The company has maintained a consistently high claim settlement ratio (99.68%* in FY’25).

*Death claim settlement ratio for individual life policies

About HDFC Life 
Established in 2000, HDFC Life is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity and Health. The Company has over 70 products (individual and group products) including optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs.

HDFC Life continues to expand its presence across the country, having a wide reach with branches and additional distribution touch-points through several new tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 500, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, new ecosystem partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants.

For more information, please visit www.hdfclife.com. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Team CamCom, ERGO AG & HDFC ERGO at the strategic partnership event in Bengaluru

The partnership signals CamCom’s growing global footprint and affirms its position as a world-class platform delivering enterprise-ready AI solutions for critical sectors. The solution is already live in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, with phased rollouts planned across other ERGO markets in Europe.

CamCom’s proprietary Large Vision Model (LVM) — the world’s first domain-specific AI engine for defect and damage detection on surfaces — is trained on a dataset of over 450 million customer-validated images. It allows insurance customers to capture and upload images of vehicles or properties via their smartphones, enabling accurate, auditable, and scalable pre-inspection and damage assessments. This reduces subjectivity, improves efficiency, and enhances transparency for both insurers and customers.

“We are proud to be ERGO’s trusted technology partner,” said Geetha Sham, Director and President – Europe, CamCom Technologies. “This partnership marks a milestone in our global journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering scalable, high-performance AI solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the insurance sector.”

“Good technology is not just innovative — it must be practical, scalable, and intuitive,” said Mark Klein, Chief Digital Officer and Member of the Board of Management, ERGO Group AG. “CamCom’s AI solution meets all these criteria, and we’re excited to expand this collaboration beyond India and into our European markets, where we operate in motor and homeowners’ insurance classes. Together, we aim to simplify and digitize insurance experiences for our customers’ workflows, helping validate the platform’s robustness, accuracy, and scale in real-world applications. The partnership with ERGO Group AG signals the success and maturity of this collaboration”, he added.

Parthanil Ghosh, Executive Director, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, commented “Our long-standing partnership with CamCom has brought measurable improvements to our automotive claims and underwriting operations. Their AI-driven inspection solutions have enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience — we are pleased to see this proven technology now supporting ERGO Group’s global initiatives.”

Ajith Nayar, CEO of CamCom Technologies said, “CamCom as an industry-agnostic computer vision platform, we have built world-class solutions that are not only accurate and scalable, but also trusted by global enterprises and Governments. With the onboarding of an esteemed brand like ERGO Group AG, we are expanding our global footprint and reaffirming our commitment to delivering AI innovation that drives real-world impact from India.”

CamCom’s platform is currently deployed by over 15 insurance companies across globally. The platform complies with region-specific regulations, including GDPR in Europe and IRDAI guidelines in India — enabling secure, compliant, and efficient integration across geographies.

This partnership is also aligned with ERGO’s broader ambition to be the digital leader in insurance by 2025 and reflects the group’s continued investment in innovative technologies through platforms like the ERGO ScaleHub in Düsseldorf.

*Subject to IRDAI approvals

About CamCom

CamCom, an award-winning, industry-agnostic Computer Vision (CV) platform, is revolutionising defect and damage assessment on all surfaces. They are pioneers in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and associated technologies in the visual inspection process. CamCom’s expertise lies in assessing micro-defects during production and macro-damages in the aftermarket, which is often subjective and inconsistent. The impactful CamCom AI solutions increase efficiency, prevent defective product seepage, and offer non-linear scalability. Their track record includes successful implementations in various industries across the globe, demonstrating their capabilities and reliability.

For more information, please visit: www.camcom.ai.

About ERGO Group AG

ERGO is one of the largest insurance groups in Germany and Europe.

The Group is represented in over 20 countries worldwide, with a focus on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers an extensive product portfolio for private and corporate clients in every key insurance category, as well as end-to-end support and services. Three separate units operating under the umbrella of ERGO Group AG – ERGO Deutschland AG, ERGO International AG, and ERGO Technology & Services Management AG – manage the ERGO Group’s businesses and activities. The German and international businesses as well as global management of IT and technology services are organised in these units. Around 37,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time, independent agents. In the 2024 financial year, ERGO generated insurance revenue of €20.8bn and a result of €810m. ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.

You can find more information at www.ergo.com.

About HDFC ERGO

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, one of the leading private sector general insurance companies of India, whose promoters are HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private sector banks, and ERGO International AG, the primary insurance entity of Munich Re Group. A digital-first company, transforming into an AI-first company, HDFC ERGO is a leader in implementing technology to offer customers the best-in-class service experience.

HDFC ERGO offers a complete range of General Insurance products including Health, Motor, Home, Agriculture, Travel, Credit, Cyber and Personal Accident in the retail space along with Property, Marine, Engineering, Marine Cargo, Group Health and Liability Insurance in the corporate space.

Be it unique insurance products, integrated customer service models, top-in-class claim processes or a host of technologically innovative solutions, HDFC ERGO has been able to delight its customers at every touchpoint and milestone.

The Company has created a stream of innovative & new products as well as services using technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Processing Language (NLP), and Robotics. HDFC ERGO offers a range of general insurance products and has a completely digital sales process with 299 branches and 600+ digital offices across India. HDFC ERGO’s technology platform has empowered the customers to avail services digitally on a 24x7 basis, with 70%+ claims for retail products intimated digitally and over 80% of service interactions are catered digitally of which 10% are AI led. The Company issued ~3.4 crore policies in FY25 and has one of the best claims payout ratios in the General Insurance industry.

Please log on to www.hdfcergo.com or stay connected on the following social media handles to get more information on HDFC ERGO and the products and services offered by the company.

Disclaimer

This media information contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of CamCom Technologies, the ERGO Group and HDFC ERGO General Insurance. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the forward-looking statements given here and actual developments, in particular the results, financial situation and performance of the Companies. The company assumes no liability to update these forward-looking statements, or to adjust them to future events or developments.

Axis Max Life’s new app combines seamless policy management with wellness benefits like 24x7 health support, fitness tracking, and AI-powered assistance

This new app extends Axis Max Life’s digital offerings, creating a one-stop experience that enhances customer convenience and engagement.

It delivers an enhanced customer experience through several key features. Users can easily raise service requests with real-time tracking updates for efficient policy administration. It offers multiple payment methods, customizable reminders, and personalized notifications for secured premium payments; provides instant access to policy documents and detailed fund performance monitoring; and enables seamless online purchases of new policies, including document uploads, premium calculations, and application status tracking directly within the app.

The app also introduces a Wellness Benefit, offering complimentary health assessments, annual check-ups, 24x7 health support, and personalized wellness plans. Customers can track steps, monitor vitals, participate in fitness challenges, and enjoy discounts on doctor consultations, medicines, and lab tests.

The Axis Max Life App further differentiates itself with advanced AI integrations that enhance overall customer support and experience. It has Mili Chat Bot, which delivers swift, accurate responses to general policy-related inquiries as well as a specialized Wellness Bot offering personalized assistance for health and wellness queries, monitoring health concerns, suggesting remedies, and facilitating timely follow-ups to ensure continuous care.

The app also has customer-friendly features such as AI-powered voice search and a rich video content library to make life insurance-related queries easier to navigate and understand.

Manu Lavanya, Senior Director & Chief Operations Officer at Axis Max Life, said, “At Axis Max Life Insurance, our customer focus drives everything we do, from delivering consistent growth and value to building smarter, more human experiences. The Axis Max Life App marks a bold step in this journey, integrating policy services with wellness benefits for a seamless, holistic experience. Backed by AI, intelligent nudges, and customer empowerment through Do-It-Yourself (DIY) journeys, we’re deepening engagement and redefining life insurance as a partner in protection, care, and everyday value. As customer awareness and expectations rise, we are committed to leveraging Gen AI and customer data analytics to proactively meet their evolving needs.”

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per the annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

For more information, please visit: https://www.axismaxlife.com

• 31% YoY growth in GWP while the industry grew at 9 %

• 9% YoY growth in Net Profit

• Solvency ratio at 3.35 as on 30^th June 2025

• 31% YoY growth in the Motor segment

• 5% increase in recruitment of Financial Advisors during the quarter

Shriram General Insurance Company (SGI) delivered a strong performance in Q1 FY26, driven by sustained momentum in its motor insurance portfolio. The company recorded a 31% year-on-year increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), reaching Rs. 960 crore, up from Rs. 733 crore in Q1 FY25—well ahead of the general insurance industry’s average growth rate of 9%.

Net profit for the quarter rose by 9%, climbing to Rs. 125 crore from Rs. 114 crore in the same period last year. Additionally, investment income grew by 7%, supported by consistent returns from financial instruments.

Mr. Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO, Shriram General Insurance

Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO of Shriram General Insurance Company, said, “It’s been a strong start to the year. Our Q1 performance reflects the strength of our core segments and the growing trust of our customers. We issued 15.41 lakh policies during the first quarter of FY26, a 20% increase from 12.82 lakh policies in the same period last year.”

“While the motor segment continues to be a consistent performer, we’re also seeing promising growth in the recently launched health insurance products. We’re optimistic that this momentum will carry forward in the years ahead. With such a strong start to the year, we’re excited about the potential to deliver standout results in the upcoming quarters,” he noted.

The company’s solvency ratio stood at 3.35 as of June 2025, well above the regulatory requirement of 1.5 . SGI had 68 lakh active policies at the end of Q1FY26 compared to 63 Lakh a year ago.

The company’s drive to onboard Financial Advisors gained further momentum with 4777 new Financial Advisors recruited during the quarter. SGI’s total Financial Advisor strength stands at 93,769 with plans to scale this up to 2,00,000 by fiscal year 2029–30.

Segment wise GWP (in Rs. Cr)  

 About Shriram General Insurance Company

Shriram General Insurance Company (SGIC), jointly owned by Shriram Group and Sanlam Group, South Africa offers a complete range of general insurance products, ranging from motor, home and personal accidents and health in the retail space and customized products like fire, engineering, and marine insurance in the corporate space. Shriram General Insurance manages assets worth Rs 13377 crore across with 68 lakh live policies. The company has 279 branches in 26 states and an employee strength of 4156 across India, as of June 2025. 

About Shriram Group

Shriram Group is India’s leading financial conglomerate with a dominant presence in retail financing, life insurance, general insurance, chit fund, stock broking, asset management, distribution of financial products, and wealth advisory services. The Group focuses on serving the underserved and is driven by its financial inclusion agenda of bringing finance to low-income families and small businesses. As of March 2025, Shriram Group has an overall customer base of over 3.3 crore, a marketing force of 1,74,000, manpower strength of over 1,16,500 across 4,650 branches and manages an AUM of Rs 3.37 lakh crore. 

(On the left) George K. John, Executive Director, ESAF Small Finance Bank and (on the right) Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance

ESAF Small Finance Bank received its banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India in November 2016 and started operations on March 10, 2017. As of June 30, 2025, it operates 788 branches, 713 ATMs, and 1,095 customer service centres across 24 states and two Union Territories, serving a customer base of over 5.6 million with socially responsible banking solutions. 

“At Shriram Life, our mission has always been to serve the underserved by making insurance simple, affordable, and truly within reach. We believe protection should not be a privilege, but a basic financial right for every Indian household—no matter where they live or what they earn. That’s why this partnership matters. With ESAF’s strong local presence and our shared commitment, together we can help fulfill the vision of ‘Insurance for All’,” said Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance.

“This partnership strengthens our mission of serving the underserved by providing essential insurance solutions that promote financial security and resilience. Together, we’re committed to building a more inclusive and empowered future for our communities,” said K. Paul Thomas, MD and CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank.

This partnership supports both companies’ efforts to promote financial inclusion by offering simple, relevant, and accessible protection to those who need it most. 

About Shriram Life Insurance Company 
Shriram Life Insurance is committed to serving the underserved and unserved segments of India, focusing on families that truly need financial protection. With a network of 478 branches across the country, the company offers a range of affordable products including term, endowment, ULIPs, and annuities—tailored for rural and urban middle-class customers. Shriram Life maintains an average individual policy size of Rs. 25,346 and a non-single premium ticket size of Rs. 24,112, significantly below the industry average. With over 14.4 lakh in-force policyholders and Rs. 13,207 crore in Assets Under Management, the company continues to drive financial inclusion by addressing the real needs of households earning Rs. 4–15 lakh annually, despite the inherent challenges in this segment.

About ESAF 
ESAF Small Finance Bank, which commenced operations in 2017, is dedicated to advancing social and financial inclusion in India. Staying true to its mission of serving the underserved and unserved, the Bank empowers women, micro-entrepreneurs, and rural communities through a community-centric approach that blends technology with deep local insights. ESAF’s banking model is guided by the principles of People, Planet, and Prosperity, reflecting its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development. A share of the Bank’s profits is reinvested into social initiatives that create meaningful impact across its areas of operation.

Backed by a 33-year legacy rooted in its beginnings as a mission-driven NGO founded in 1992, ESAF has grown into a trusted banking partner for millions, fostering financial independence and resilience at the grassroots level. 

Axis Max Life Launches Insurance Awareness Drive across 50 villages in Uttar Pradesh under State Insurance Plan

The activation was flagged off by Shri Sameer Verma (IAS), Special Secretary, Department of Finance, Government of Uttar Pradesh, alongside Udbhav Gupta, Executive Vice President & Head - Growth Verticals, Protection & Health, Axis Max Life. The event was also attended by Shri Sanjay Singh, Assistant Director, Directorate of Institutional Finance, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with Axis Max Life’s State Insurance Plan office bearers including Tariq Malhotra, Corporate Vice President & Head – Rural, Sumit Satyen, Vice President and Head - State Insurance Plan (SIP), and Anuj Singh from the SIP team.  

This on-ground outreach is designed to engage directly with the audiences of rural areas including farmers, and villagers from the same vicinity through culturally rooted interventions such as nukkad nataks (street plays), storytelling, and community baithaks. The campaign also involves influential voices like village pradhans, teachers, doctors, and females of self-help groups (SHG) to create a multiplier effect within the rural ecosystem.

Sumit Madan, Chief Distribution Officer, Axis Max Life said, “Our Bharosa Talks is a research-enabled thought leadership platform created to spark real, insight-led conversations on financial preparedness. Our latest IPQ 7.0 Rural edition points to rural India as an untapped market for life insurance, where demand exists but trust and access remain barriers. Our on-ground awareness drive across 50 villages in Uttar Pradesh brings these insights and conversations directly into the communities that need them most. It represents our commitment to meet people where they are, speak their language, and build protection narratives that resonate. Such grassroots efforts are key to achieving IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.

As part of the insurance awareness drive, the daily activity plan includes morning and midday community sessions bringing together general village audience, with a special focus on women and SHG members, for interactions, talks and Q&A sessions, followed by evening engagements at local mandis and markets. A signature element of the program is the ‘Spin the Wheel’ game where participants learn the importance of insurance across different life stages and calculate their Human Life Value (HLV) in real time.  

Leads generated through these mobilizations at the grassroots levels and community engagements will be serviced by Axis Max Life’s ‘Aarohan’ channel that focuses on emerging customer segments in rural and semi-urban India.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

For more information, please visit https://www.axismaxlife.com

• Rural India’s Protection Quotient rises to 16, up from 12 in IPQ 5.0 – but urban-rural gap stands at 32 points
• Life insurance ownership remains significantly lower, despite awareness gains
• Rural women lag rural men in all protection indices – Protection Quotient at 14 vs. 17
• West leads rural protection index; East lowest with just 2% ownership in Savings Plan
• 43% believe life insurance benefits only the family, not the individual
• Digital usage surges – financial transactions double; 88% use mobile for social media

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited. (“Axis Max Life” / “Company”), formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited, has unveiled the rural India findings of the seventh edition of its flagship survey – India Protection Quotient (IPQ), conducted in partnership with KANTAR, one of the leading marketing data and analytics company across the world. Capturing insights from over 155 villages across India, the survey delves into the aspirations, anxieties, and evolving protection needs of India’s rural population in their journey toward financial security. As per IPQ 7.0, rural India’s Protection Quotient rose to 16, from 12 in IPQ 5.0. The Knowledge Index recorded a 7-point gain, yet this improvement has not translated to ownership, which remains one-third of urban India’s levels. 

Axis Max Life’s IPQ 7.0 reveals rising awareness but persistent protection gap in Rural India

Prashant Tripathy, CEO and Managing Director, Axis Max Life said, “The IPQ 7.0 Rural Edition signals a defining shift — a rise in awareness and aspiration among rural Indians to secure their financial futures. However, the persistent protection gap is a clear call to action. As we collectively strive toward IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ the onus is on the industry to reimagine how we serve Bharat — through simplified products, inclusive advisory networks, and technology-led delivery models. The future of life insurance in India will not only be shaped by innovation, but by our ability to respond to the evolving needs and ambitions of rural India with empathy and intent.”

Notes to Editior: 

The following findings reveal insights that highlight rural India’s shift in attitude and approach towards financial preparedness studied by India Protection Quotient 7.0: 

Financial preparedness in rural India
Rural India’s Protection Quotient improved to 16 (from 12 in IPQ 5.0), driven by a 7-point rise in awareness. However, life insurance ownership remains far below urban levels. Despite increased familiarity with products especially term insurance (awareness up from 32% to 40%) adoption lags due to affordability concerns, poor service experience (41%), and the perception that life insurance only benefits the family (43%). 40% of rural respondents cited lack of funds as a barrier to purchasing insurance — notably higher than 31% in urban India. 

Gender gap: women behind on all protection indices
Women from rural India report a Protection Quotient of 14, compared to 17 among men. They also lag in awareness, ownership, and financial confidence. Many still depend on male family members for financial decision-making, and few independently navigate insurance products.

However, female-led households and Self-Help Groups (SHG)-affiliated women show higher engagement, and younger women (aged 25–35), especially in the South and West, are more digitally curious and financially aspirational. This opens a pathway for inclusive, gender-sensitive communication and community-based outreach.

Zonal insights: West India leads, East India lags
West India leads the rural Protection Quotient, closely followed by the South. These zones report higher awareness and ownership of life insurance. The East zone, however, remains the least financially protected with term plan awareness at just around 32% and term ownership as low as 3%. The urban-rural divide is most severe in this region, with a 52% gap in life insurance ownership highlighting the critical need for regional intervention and targeted education.

Financial anxiety high despite growing awareness of life insurance 
One in four rural Indians now believe that their savings may not last even a year, although optimism is rising among the financially aware. In IPQ 7.0, 39% of rural respondents expect their savings to last more than five years up from 20% in IPQ 5.0. Still, basic expenses and debt repayments leave little room for long-term financial planning, especially in households with irregular incomes.

Key drivers of Life Insurance adoption in Rural India 
Rural Indians buy insurance primarily to secure family goals - 41% cite old age security, 35% children’s education, and 34% children’s marriage. Insurance is seen as a safe and dual-benefit investment by 41% of respondents. However, many still view it emotionally, with 43% believing it only helps their family, not themselves.

Public schemes remain cornerstone of rural investment
More than 60% of rural Indians rely on government-backed financial products or loans through SHGs/cooperatives which are considered as accessible and trustworthy. Market-linked instruments like mutual funds have seen marginal awareness growth but still remain under-utilised. Health insurance ownership has also grown, indicating improved awareness around medical preparedness.

Digital adoption surges across rural markets
Digital behaviour has transformed since the last rural survey. Around 88% of rural respondents use mobile phones to use social media; around 78% of them to enjoy video/music. Online financial transactions like mobile banking, money transfer, online payments through UPI have more than doubled from 17% to 40%. Nearly half of rural India population now use digital platforms for service requests and complaint resolutions, indicating rising digital readiness for financial inclusion.

Read more at - https://www.axismaxlife.com/maxlife-ipq

Disclaimer: 

The study is conducted in over 155 different villages spread over around 25 cities in India. A total sample size of around 1,620 respondents within the age group of 22 to 55 years were interviewed for the survey. The interviewees were picked from Rural Social Economic Classification (SEC) R1 and R2 households with an annual household income of INR 50,000 and above.

The information collected through this survey and the results published are intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Axis Max Life disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, or decisions arising from the use of this survey or the results provided.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited, is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

About Kantar

Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future.

In FY2025, PNB MetLife processed 5,615 retail claims amounting to INR 431.35 crore and 8,419 group claims totalling INR 510.77 crore. Of these, 99.99 percent claims were settled within 30 days of receiving all required documents, while 95 percent were settled within a week and 33 percent within a single day.

Mahendra Munot, Chief Operations Officer of PNB MetLife, said, “At PNB MetLife, claims aren’t just transactions, they are moments that define our relationship with customers. We take great pride in supporting them when they need us most, and our 99.57 percent claims settlement ratio reflects this commitment. With the support of enhanced digital processes, we are able to deliver a faster, more seamless and empathetic experience. By standing shoulder to shoulder with our customers with speed, empathy and consistency, we are bringing our promise of ‘Milkar Life Aage Badhaein’ to life.”

The company’s claim settlement performance remains consistent across all age groups and product categories. Customers under 25 years of age benefited from a 100 percent claim settlement ratio, while all other age brackets-maintained ratios above 99 percent. Settlement ratios across Non-Par, Par, Protection, and ULIP products also remained above 99percent, with retirement and annuity products achieving a perfect 100 percent settlement ratio.

*Terms and conditions are applicable. For further details, kindly visit PNB MetLife’s website. 

About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited

PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) is one of the leading life insurance companies in India that combines the financial strength of MetLife, Inc. with the credibility of PNB, one of the India's oldest nationalized banks. PNB MetLife’s positioning, Milkar Life Aage Badhaein, is demonstrated through its customer-centric innovations and employee empowerment practices.

With a strong presence in 155 branches and access to customers in over 20,000 locations through bank partnerships, PNB MetLife offers a comprehensive insurance solutions portfolio covering Child Education, Family Protection, Long-Term Saving and Retirement. The Company has a wide range of protection and retirement products available through its sales channel of over 36,000 financial advisors and multiple bank partners and caters to over 585 group relationships in India.

For more information, follow us on: 
Facebook - www.facebook.com/PNBMetLife
Instagram - www.instagram.com/pnb_metlife or 
visit - www.pnbmetlife.com

The winning products, Aviva Signature Increasing Income Plan and Aviva Signature Investment Plan, were voted by consumers as the most innovative in their respective categories. This highlights Aviva India’s strong focus on customer-centric product design, simplicity, and relevance to today’s financial needs.

Commenting on the win, Asit Rath, CEO and MD, Aviva India, said, “We are truly honoured to be recognised as Product of the Year 2025 in two key life insurance categories: Retirement Income and ULIP. The Aviva Signature Increasing Income Plan and Aviva Signature Investment Plan were thoughtfully designed to address our customers’ real-life needs, whether it’s creating a reliable stream of income post-retirement or building a disciplined investment habit for the future. Being voted by consumers as the most innovative in both categories is a powerful validation of our approach. We thank our customers for their trust and we remain fully committed to meeting their expectations, as their continued support is valuable to us.”

Speaking on the achievement, Raj Arora, CEO, Product of the Year India, said, “Consumers across the country have recognized two of Aviva Life Insurance’s products as Product of the Year 2025 winners in two categories: Retirement Income and ULIP. These wins are a testament to Aviva’s commitment to customer-first innovation, financial foresight, and product excellence. In a year where consumer choices spanned diverse categories from wellness and home solutions to financial security, it is commendable that Aviva Life Insurance stood out in two mission-critical segments of life insurance. We congratulate the Aviva team for earning the trust and votes of Indian consumers through thoughtfully designed and future-ready financial solutions.”

Adding his perspective, Ajai Kumar Tripathi, Chief and Appointed Actuary, Aviva India, said, “At Aviva India, every product we design begins with a single question - what does the customer truly need? This recognition as Product of the Year 2025 in both Retirement Income and ULIP categories is a proud validation of our approach to purposeful product innovation. We combine deep consumer insights with robust actuarial analysis and continuous benchmarking against the best in the industry to ensure our offerings deliver long-term value, simplicity, and security.”

Aviva Signature Increasing Income Plan is a non-linked, non-participating savings life insurance plan that provides customers with guaranteed annual income that increases by a simple interest rate of 15% on every 3rd anniversary of the Payout Period, along with life cover and flexible payout options. Designed for those planning long-term financial stability post-retirement, the plan offers the option to receive income for up to 40 years and includes an Accidental Death Benefit rider for added protection.

Aviva Signature Investment Plan is a Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) crafted for customers who seek long-term investment growth with life insurance coverage. With zero premium allocation charges, return of mortality, and access to 8 fund options with unlimited free switches, the plan supports goal-based wealth creation while offering peace of mind. Loyalty additions further enhance the value of the plan at maturity.

This dual recognition strengthens Aviva’s position as a customer-focused insurer committed to building simple, transparent and future-ready financial solutions that align with the evolving needs of Indian families.

About Aviva Life Insurance 

Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited is a joint venture between Dabur Invest Corp and Aviva International Holdings Limited, a UK-based insurance group with a rich history dating back to 1696. Aviva Life Insurance India is dedicated to enhancing the financial well-being of its customers through innovative insurance solutions and customer-centric initiatives.

Website: www.avivaindia.com