Universal cover: On the IRDA’s all-in-one insurance policy

Context: A new plan to protect a wider section of the population from the risks of unfavourable shocks was presented last week by India's chief insurance sector regulator.

Features of the policy

• Bima Vistaar’ scheme: Households would receive prompt financial assistance in the event of accidents, thefts, medical emergencies, or a death in the family.
• Awareness: The regulator has suggested a Gramm Sabha-level women-led initiative to inform every household's female head of how such a programme could be useful in times of need.
• Bima Sugam’ platform: In order to provide customers with a one-stop shopping experience right away and to streamline claims processing moving forward, it would merge insurance players and distributors.