INSURANCE COVER
3 shocking ways you could suddenly lose your social security benefits — are you at risk?
Many Americans rely on Social Security as a financial lifeline, but what few realize is that your benefits can vanish more quickly than you think. From working too early to unexpected life changes or even unpaid debts, the Social Security Administration has strict rules that could reduce, suspend, or even cut off your checks. With more than 67 million people collecting benefits in 2025, knowing the hidden risks isn’t just smart — it could save you from sudden income shocks that derail your retirement or family security.
Rule of 72, withdrawal rule of 4% & more: 7 personal finance rules that help you in building wealth
This article outlines seven personal finance rules that can help you enhance your financial well-being. It covers investment doubling, retirement corpus calculation, income allocation, equity exposure based on age, borrowing limits, life insurance coverage, and emergency fund requirements. Following these rules provides a simplified approach to achieving financial goals and security.
SCSS vs Bank FD: Which investment scheme is offering 8.2% interest rate to senior citizens?
With falling FD interest rates, senior citizens are seeking better investment options. The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), a government-backed scheme, offers a higher interest rate of 8.2% compared to many leading bank FDs. SCSS has a five-year term, tax benefits under Section 80C, and a maximum investment limit of Rs 30 lakh, making it an attractive alternative.
Sebi may ease FPI entry with ‘automatic window’ to boost capital inflows
Sebi plans to ease Foreign Portfolio Investors entry into India. The regulator will consider an automatic window for simplified registration. This move aims to boost ease of business amid ongoing equity exits. The automatic window will cover 70% of registered FPIs. Sebi will also review quota for domestic insurance firms in IPO anchor books.
GST removed from life, health insurance but how much will you gain?
No Goods and Services Tax means no additional cost on premiums. But the savings you see will hinge on how companies reprice policies.
Can I take multiple term insurance plans from different insurers?
Can I take multiple term insurance plans from different companies? If yes, will the sum assured be paid by all the insurers in case of a claim?
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BCCI sets bid floor price for Team Lead rights
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the reserve prices for the National Team Lead Sponsor rights. The price is ₹3.5 crore per match for bilateral and Asian Cricket Council games. For ICC events, the price is ₹1.5 crore per match. The sponsorship cycle will run from September 30, 2025, to March 31, 2028.
How GST cuts will change what you pay from Sept 22
With GST rates slashed on numerous goods and services, companies are gearing up to revise prices and extend the benefits to consumers by September 22. This involves manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers coordinating to adjust for products already in distribution with older tax rates. While some sectors anticipate increased demand, others face challenges like managing unsold stock and potential losses.
I need Rs 25 lakh for daughter’s college & Rs 5 crore for retirement. Can I do it with Rs 50,000 SIP?
I need Rs 25 lakh for daughter’s college & Rs 5 crore for retirement. Can I do it with Rs 50,000 SIP?
Silent and long-term winners of GST rationalisation: 17 stocks from different sectors which fit the bill
In the last few days, a simple trade has been taking place on the street. The government cuts the GST rate on a product, price falls, and households should buy more of it. So, stocks from FMCG and some other sectors have done well. But India’s experience over the last two decades tells a subtler story: Because a family saves on tax in one corner of its consumption basket, it doesn’t mean it will spend more in that same corner. Just to put this in perspective: If one is saving money on buying a soap, that saving will not go into buying additional soap. It might go into buying anything else. What is that something else? It may even be a product that has not seen any GST cut. The fact is that there are many stocks that are silent and long-term winners of the GST rate rationalisation.
State-run insurers likely to roll out zero-tax policies
India's state-run insurers are set to introduce zero-tax individual policies to broaden insurance coverage, following a government decision to exempt individual insurance purchases from GST. While this move aims to lower premiums, the unavailability of input tax credits may initially squeeze insurer profitability. Insurers are exploring cost-cutting measures to mitigate the impact and ensure the benefits reach consumers.
Free ex-servicemen medicare scheme extended to cadets injured during training: Centre tells SC
The Central government has informed the Supreme Court about extending health benefits to military cadets injured during training. These cadets can now access the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme without paying a fee. They will also receive monetary compensation, including payments to families in case of death.
GST reforms: Life & health insurance to see 0% GST
The GST Council has eliminated the 18% tax on individual life and health insurance policies, aiming to boost affordability and coverage. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expects companies to pass on the benefits to consumers. This move, effective for all individual policies and reinsurance, seeks to reverse the recent decline in insurance penetration across India.
GST 2.0 explained: When will new GST rate for life, health insurance be applicable?
In a significant move, the GST Council announced on September 3, 2025, that individual life and health insurance premiums will be exempt from GST. The council also reduced GST rates on medicines to a concessional 5%, aiming to lower healthcare costs.
UPI limit increased to Rs 10 lakh within 24 hours for these transactions
NPCI has increased the per-transaction and 24-hour aggregate UPI limits for specific categories, effective September 15, 2025. Capital markets, insurance, and government e-Market Place transactions now have a Rs 5 lakh per-transaction limit and a Rs 10 lakh daily limit. Credit card payments and collections will also see increased limits, enhancing convenience for high-value transactions with verified merchants.
Put more money where healthcare is
India's health insurance sector has surpassed ₹1 lakh crore in premiums, but a concerning trend emerges as insurers prioritize cost containment over operational efficiency. They are pressuring healthcare providers to cut costs, leading to delayed payments and compromised clinical decisions.
Will insurance premiums become cheaper in GST 2.0?
The GST Council has eliminated the 18% tax on health and life insurance premiums, a move under PM Modi's GST 2.0 reforms aimed at simplifying the tax structure. This exemption is expected to lower premiums, potentially boosting demand and increasing insurance accessibility for a wider population, though insurers may face short-term margin pressures.
GST cut on insurance premiums may lower costs, insurers brace for near-term impact: Report
The GST Council is considering GST rate cuts on health and term insurance, potentially lowering premiums for policyholders. While a full exemption could reduce premiums significantly, it may lead to a revenue shortfall for the government.
Insurers grab chunk of secured personal loans biz, rival banks
Insurance companies are increasingly competing with banks by offering secured personal loans to policyholders, totaling ₹1.35 lakh crore, comparable to bank loans against fixed deposits. These short-term loans, with rates from 8.50% to 10.5%, allow policyholders to access funds without surrendering their policies.
Bima Vistaar: New insurance product set to launch in rural India by December 2025
Bima Vistaar, a comprehensive insurance product covering life, health, and property for rural populations, is expected to launch by December 2025. All insurance companies will offer the product at a uniform price, providing a Rs 5 lakh cover per individual, aiming to increase insurance penetration in rural India.
Oman’s 10-year Golden Visa: Who is eligible and how much does it cost
Oman launched a golden residency program on August 31, offering long-term visas to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals as part of its Vision 2040 reforms. The program features two tiers with varying investment requirements for 10-year and 5-year residencies. This initiative aims to boost investor confidence, increase capital inflows, and diversify Oman's economy.
CA gets the craziest client request ever while ITR filing: 'No money, bro. You pay my tax. Going for Europe vacation'
Chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik shared financial advice after a client's audacious request to cover his income tax. He urges the middle class to prioritize financial discipline, spend wisely, diversify investments, and build additional income streams. Kaushik also emphasizes the importance of insurance, avoiding lifestyle comparisons, and distinguishing between good and bad debt for long-term financial security.
Flipkart SBI Credit Card with up to 7.5% cashback; offers deals on Myntra, Zomato, Uber, PVR & more
SBI Card and Flipkart have introduced the 'Flipkart SBI Credit Card', offering cashback rewards across various e-platforms. Cardholders can earn up to 7.5% cashback on Myntra and 5% on Flipkart, Shopsy, and Cleartrip. Additional benefits include 4% cashback on Zomato, Uber, Netmeds, and PVR, plus 1% unlimited cashback on other spends.
Irdai hardens stance: No insurance licence to VC-backed fintechs
Irdai is reportedly tightening its grip on insurance manufacturing licenses for venture-backed fintech startups, favoring promoter-driven companies. This shift challenges startups like Onsurity and Loop Health, which raised significant funding based on securing these licenses. The regulator seems to prefer startups focusing on distribution, potentially impacting valuations and business models.
SBI to provide up to Rs 1.6 crore insurance cover to Railway employees with SBI salary accounts
Indian Railways and SBI have partnered to provide enhanced insurance coverage for railway employees. Under the MoU, employees with salary accounts will receive a personal accident cover of ₹1 crore for permanent total disablement, a significant increase from previous limits. Additionally, the agreement includes ₹1.
Insurance Ombudsman reports: These health insurers top the charts with maximum complaints against them
Star Health tops the list of insurers with the most complaints in FY23-24, as per the Insurance Ombudsman. The CIO (Council of Insurance Ombudsman) received over 13,000 complaints against them. CARE Health and Niva Bupa follow with significantly fewer complaints. Most complaints relate to claim rejections. IRDAI is instituting an internal ombudsman to handle claim-related grievances, with an aim to resolve issues internally and efficiently for policyholders.
Indians flock to offbeat destinations: Seychelles and Vietnam see strongest rise
Indian travelers are now exploring offbeat destinations. Travel insurance purchases for these trips have increased significantly. Seychelles and Vietnam are gaining popularity. Young professionals are leading this trend. Travelers are opting for shorter, activity-filled holidays. Medical emergencies are the top reason for insurance claims. Travel to these locations peaks between October and March.
CA shares heart surgery costs in UK vs India, explains why diversifying Mediclaim is important
A UK family saved significantly on heart surgery costs by opting for treatment in India. The cost in India was a fraction of what it would have been in the UK. Long waiting lists plague the UK's NHS. India has emerged as a global hub for quality cardiac care at affordable prices.
GST waiver on health insurance to cost Bengal Rs 900 cr annually: Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee stated that waiving GST on health insurance premiums would cost West Bengal around Rs 900 crore annually. She advocated for this reform to make health cover more affordable. The GST Council is expected to discuss the proposal next month. Banerjee cautioned insurers against raising tariffs after the GST cut. The move aims to boost health insurance penetration.
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