Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd (Star Health Insurance) has launched a Braille policy.
The company explained that with this step, visually impaired people will be able to access information and make independent decisions on matters related to their health and finances.
Innovative policy for people with visual impairments
The new policy, called “Special Care Gold,” is designed specifically for people with a disability of 40 percent or more. It offers comprehensive protection tailored to the specific needs of people with disabilities, including those with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities.
“This policy goes beyond traditional insurance and embodies our commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities receive the comprehensive support and coverage they need,” said Anand Roy, CEO and MD of Star Health Insurance.
Addressing a critical need
The launch of this Braille policy fills a significant gap in the insurance market. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, approximately 34 million people in India, or 2.5 percent of the population, are visually impaired. A 2022 study by the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology estimated that visual impairment causes an economic loss of ~646 billion in productivity, with a per capita loss of ~9,192.
In addition to offering affordable insurance, Star Health Insurance has also launched a long-term inclusion and diversity initiative. This program aims to provide income-earning opportunities in the insurance sector to visually impaired people.
The company is committed to supporting this marginalized sector of society with training and further development, enabling them to become health insurance agents, the company said.
Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur and co-founder and chairman of Bollant Industries, who was present at the event, said, “Special Care Gold is not just an insurance policy in Braille; it is a message of empowerment and equal opportunity.”
Comprehensive support for new agents
Star Health Insurance also plans to provide extensive support to these new recruits, including:
– Fully funded exam preparation
– Audio training
– Write us for exams
– A dedicated hotline for ongoing assistance
Collaboration and future prospects
The Braille version of the ‘Special Care Gold’ policy document was produced in collaboration with the National Association of the Blind (NAB).
This launch is in line with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) vision of ‘Insurance for All’, the firm said.
First published: September 4, 2024 | 19:10 IS
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