Page 12 - Insurance Times March 2016 Sample

Health Insurance

Healthcare player Vipul
Group launches H3U
Launching first of its kind healthcare
platform, Vipul Group has launched
H3U, an Online Healthcare Platform
in India that promises to connect and
unite patients and healthcare pro-
fessionals,
bringing forth
timely access, the cost of premium by
resource opti-
mization, and
informed choices, under one um-
brella.
Launched by Mr. Vitthal Beriwala,
Director, H3U & Director, Vipul
Group, the platform has already
partnered with 10,000 providers
spread over 500 locations. Speaking
on the occasion, Mr. Beriwala said,
"The platform will link up those in
need with those who could assist,
anytime and anywhere, by which
precious time is optimized for all
parties, and the benefits of early ac-
cess to care is realized and that too
on a single platform. After Skill India,
Digital India, Swacch India, it is now
time to get a Swasth India."
Mr. Dhruv Kaushik, Vice President,
H3U added, "The website,
www.h3u.com, is already live with
initial set of services; would be fully
integrated with all products and ser-
vices within a month's time."
12 The Insurance Times, March 2016
Private health insurers offer a choice of hospital
For the first time Private health insur- Over the years, group mediclaim costs
ance companies are offering a choice have been rising for employers in this
of restricted network of hospitals un- fast growing segment. Insurers are ex-
der group mediclaim pecting the sector grow
policies that will reduce at 12%-15% on a year-
on-year basis, and in the
5-20%, a move that will overall Rs. 22,000-crore
come as a relief to firms health insurance indus-
that have been com- try, group health com-
plaining of rising premiums. prise about Rs. 10,000 crore - Rs.
"Three companies in information tech- 12,000 crore. The industry has been
nology, manufacturing, real estate and seeing claims outstripping premium
construction have opted for the re- over the past several years.
stricted network hospitals scheme that "Today, hospitals are not graded by way
has helped them to reduce their health of cost, service or quality. If there's an
costs. We are looking to offer 5-20% independent body grading hospitals, it
discount to companies opting for re- will make it easier for insurers to offer
stricted network of hospitals." said restricted network of hospitals." said
Sanjay Datta, head of underwriting Shreeraj Deshpande, head of health, Fu-
ICICI Lombard. ture Generali General Insurance.
Elders more concern about Health: Max Bupa survey
Insurance uptake is high among older health insurance policy. Of the total
people, says a survey by Max Bupa 1300 plus Indian respondents between
Health Insurance. The "Walk for age group of 22 to 60 years, 71 per
Health" survey to understand
the perception of health, cent of them currently own
health insurance and correla- health insurance. Jaipur tops
tion between the two; among with the list with 87 per cent
walkers and non walkers, having health policy, while
shows that young India (22-26 Mumbai only has 66 per cent
years) is least insured. The survey having a health cover. How-
showed that 72 per cent of those in age ever, young India (people under 30
group of 46-54 years while 68 per cent years) continues to be the least insured,
of those in 55-60 years bracket own a with almost 50 per cent of young India
not having any form of health insurance.