Insurance sector grew by 7.7%, attracted 62% of FDI inflows: Economic Survey FY25 

Insurance sector grew by 7.7%, attracted 62% of FDI inflows: Economic Survey FY25 

Budget 2025: The Economic Survey 2025 stated that the Indian insurance sector has shown an upward trajectory. It noted that total insurance premiums grew by 7.7% in FY24, reaching Rs 11.2 lakh crore. The survey noted that insurance received the highest FDI of 62% of total equity FDI inflows tothe  services sector.  The survey, tabled by … Read more

I want to return to India from the US. How and where all should I invest once I am back?  

I want to return to India from the US. How and where all should I invest once I am back?  

After careful consideration, I have made the decision to return to India from the US as my father is unwell. At 33 years old, I have approximately 10 crores post taxes in the US that I plan to bring back to India. I am considering splitting the funds in an 80-20 or 70-30 ratio and … Read more

‘Paid Rs 5,467 GST…’: Finfluencer questions high tariffs on insurance premium renewals

‘Paid Rs 5,467 GST…’: Finfluencer questions high tariffs on insurance premium renewals

There is a growing demand to reduce or eliminate the current 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on life and health insurance policies. The high GST rate on insurance premiums poses a significant obstacle, especially for individuals with limited incomes. The combination of high premiums and GST makes insurance products inaccessible to many. Ajit … Read more

Budget 2025: Hike in 80D deduction limit, insurance for all, tax relief – insurers list their wishes for FM

Budget 2025: Hike in 80D deduction limit, insurance for all, tax relief – insurers list their wishes for FM

Budget expectations: The upcoming Union Budget for 2025, scheduled to be announced on February 1, is anticipated to bring forth reforms to bolster the expansion and reach of the insurance industry in India. Given the sector’s upward trajectory in recent times, industry experts are optimistic about initiatives that could promote financial inclusivity and stability.  Insurers … Read more

Should policyholders consider financing options instead of prematurely surrendering their policies?

Should policyholders consider financing options instead of prematurely surrendering their policies?

Life insurance policies are long-term financial instruments designed to provide stability and security during unforeseen circumstances. However, policyholders often face financial challenges that lead them to prematurely surrender their policies to access immediate funds. While this may seem like a quick fix, it can have long-term repercussions. Instead, financing options can offer a less disruptive … Read more

‘Cost of health, life insurance…’: Nirmala Sitharaman shares crucial update on GST in Parliament

‘Cost of health, life insurance…’:  Nirmala Sitharaman shares crucial update on GST in Parliament

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the cost of insurance for policyholders is expected to decrease if the GST Council recommends reducing the GST rate on health and life insurance policies.  In a written response in the Lok Sabha on December 2, Sitharaman mentioned that during its meeting on September 9, the GST Council had … Read more

GST on healthcare and life insurance services raised over Rs 16,000 crore in FY24

GST on healthcare and life insurance services raised over Rs 16,000 crore in FY24

Revenue from goods and services tax (GST) levied on healthcare and life insurance services fetched over Rs 16,000 crore last fiscal, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. In all, Rs 16,398 crore was collected as GST from healthcare and life insurance services in FY24, including Rs 8,135 crore … Read more

Insurance query: Why is life insurance essential for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad?

Insurance query: Why is life insurance essential for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad?

Is it essential to take life insurance for my daughter who is pursuing higher education abroad? We have taken a travel insurance for her.   AnusreePatna, Bihar Reply by Srinivas Balasubramanian, Chief of Products, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited Studying abroad is a coveted aspiration for many Indian students, necessitating years of relentless effort … Read more

‘CIS to help policyholders to know about policy in simpler terms’: Experts on key insurance rights

‘CIS to help policyholders to know about policy in simpler terms’: Experts on key insurance rights

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued a new circular that recommends insurance companies to furnish important details to policyholders to ensure their protection of interests. This initiative aims to improve transparency for policyholders and streamline their communication with insurers. As per the guidelines, the life and general insurance companies have … Read more

Insurance policy: IRDAI issues guidelines on holders’ protection rights for life, health plans. Check details 

Insurance policy: IRDAI issues guidelines on holders’ protection rights for life, health plans. Check details 

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued  a master circular on Protection of Policyholders’ Interests 2024, which gives details on norms on the protection of policyholders’ interests. The latest circular combines policyholder entitlements into a comprehensive reference document. It focuses on measures towards providing a seamless, faster and hassle-free claims settlement … Read more