Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched the unit-linked, regular premium, individual life insurance plan Index Plus, which offers life insurance cover-cum-savings throughout the policy term

Insurance can be a strategic tool for tax optimization, offering financial safety net and potential tax-saving benefits.

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has introduced a novel plan encompassing individual savings and whole life insurance. The plan is called LIC’s Jeevan Utsav with effect from November 29, 2023. This plan is non-linked and non-participating, offering extensive life insurance coverage throughout one’s lifetime.

Having health insurance is crucial for ensuring financial protection in case of medical emergencies. However, it is disheartening to know that a majority of claims get rejected by insurance companies.

Consider this scenario: Did you buy a health insurance cover of Rs. 3 – 5 lakhs for your family a few years back? At that time, the cover amount would have been adequate, but not today. Consider another scenario: Your employer provides you a health insurance cover of Rs. 3 – 5 lakhs for your family, or you are covered for a similar amount under a State Government health insurance scheme. 

To chart out a personal finance strategy without factoring in unexpected medical expenses is practically impossible in today’s world. It wasn’t too long ago when the world experienced an unparalleled health crisis in the form of a deadly pandemic, the after-effects of which can still be felt with long-term health issues. On top of that, the cost of healthcare is rising across the world.

We observe “Life Insurance Awareness Month” in September every year, thus, reminding people of the need to focus on buying a life insurance plan.

The Finance Act, 2023, amended section 10(10D) of the Income Tax (I-T) Act to remove the exemption available to sum received from a life insurance policy in case the aggregate premium for all policies issued on or after the 1 April exceeds ₹5 lakh.

A hospital cash insurance policy is a specialized health insurance plan designed to provide policyholders with a fixed cash benefit for each day they are admitted to a hospital due to illness or injury.

Inflation is an inevitable aspect of any economy, and its effects can ripple through various financial instruments, including life insurance policies.

As the rainy season approaches, it brings with it an array of diseases and health risks that can affect individuals of all ages. From common ailments like stomach infections and coughs to more serious conditions such as viral fever, cholera, and malaria, the rainy season leaves us vulnerable to various illnesses if left untreated.

For individuals living paycheck to paycheck or facing tight budgets, health insurance premiums may be seen as an additional financial burden.

The pandemic has undeniably imparted valuable lessons, foremost among them being that "health" is our most precious asset.

The Indian health insurance industry has seen massive transformation in the last few years. Post the COVID-19 crises, policyholders have turned their attention to the importance of having an appropriate health insurance policy.

Health insurance has become a high priority financial risk mitigation measure for individuals as well as families. Hospitalizations of family members during Covid-19 showed how grossly unprepared many were financially to meet hospitalization expenses.

How do you plan to wish your mother this Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day would be observed on May 14 this year. Apart from the gifts and flower bouquets that you might consider gifting, why not buy her insurance to secure her health and future in the long run? It’s not surprising to consider gifting insurance to your mother.

Facing a term insurance claim rejection can be distressing, particularly when the policyholder is the primary financial provider for the family. Although the policyholder might not be present to address a denied claim, it’s vital to understand and avoid common pitfalls that can lead to term insurance claim rejections.

The purpose of the health insurance is to cover the hospital bills and related expenses. Today, we will give you top reasons why you should buy health insurance today and should not depend only on health cover provided by the employer.

New income tax rule 2023: After ushering in new financial year from 1st April 2023, a good number of income tax rules are going to change. These income tax rules have been changed on the basis of Union Budget 2023 proposals that have been passed by the parliament in recently through Finance Bill 20223.

ITR filing: Last date for submission of income tax return for FY 2019-20 is 31st March 2023.

Insurance and investment are both important aspects of financial planning and should be considered together to create a well-rounded financial plan.

It’s that time of the year again when tax planning is on everyone’s priority list. While one looks at growing their wealth, it’s also important to secure your health as a medical emergency can shake up the foundation of your financial planning.

Insurance products currently available in the market can be broadly categorized into two types—a pure vanilla term insurance plan and others. All ‘other’ insurance products would either be market-linked or provide guaranteed returns which are generally equivalent to the level of fixed-deposit rate of returns

The Budget is a financial blueprint that lays out the government's plans for revenue and spending for the upcoming year. This year's pre-Budget discussions have been particularly important as the world is still reeling from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is expected to take into consideration the present global economic landscape while formulating the Budget.

Before the 1st of January 2023, it was not mandatory to get your KYC done for buying insurance policies.

Healthcare costs in our country have been rising at a faster pace. According to the latest reports from various health organisations, healthcare inflation in India is 14% per annum. While creating a financial plan for the family, insurance plays an important role in managing the risks. We have already discussed term insurance as a measure to mitigate the risk of death.

Senior citizens have limited options while buying health insurance, and that is why they must exercise utmost care before choosing one.

As per Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, death benefits are always tax-free. Maturity benefits, however, are taxed based on the premiums.

The policyholders can very conveniently get the services like Premium statement, ULIP plan statement

Notwithstanding the level of success you achieve, its longevity cannot be guaranteed. Among other things, permanent disability or death — the God may forbid — can throw all your plans and financial security of your family out of gear.

In these times, health insurance has become a neccesity as it guarantees that a long-term medication does not put your family in financial jeopardy. You can obtain coverage under a comprehensive health insurance plan by paying a nominal fee to the insurer. This helps safeguard your savings from the unexpected shocks of medical procedures.

Motherhood is one of the most loving experiences in everyone’s life. Planning for a child is one of the critical decisions for couples though it brings joy in every couple's life. The joy of bringing a newborn into the world comes with so many medical costs whether it is a normal delivery or C-section.

People are generally under the impression that the due date is also the last date beyond which you can not submit your ITR, which is not correct

Under the amendment, depositors of a bank under moratorium will no longer have to wait to access their money All commercial banks and even branches of foreign banks operating in India will come under the purview of this Act

If there are co-applicants in the home loan, they, too, should have a life insurance. The recent deaths due to covid-19 have shown that it's always better if all borrowers are covered

According to a survey conducted by Policybazaar.com, over 90% of Indians believe that Health and Term insurance is important for their financial safety and mental wellbeing

Like many other twenty-somethings in India, Beverly Coutinho kept postponing buying a life insurance policy, until a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths made her confront her own mortality. "I saw people my own age dying, which prompted me to get life insurance immediately," says Coutinho, a 24-year-old senior executive at a public relations agency in Mumbai.

When buying a term insurance policy, you aim to secure the future of your wife and children in your absence. You want that the claim amount reaches them quickly and without any hassles. However, if there are any outstanding loans to any creditors or relatives or friends, the creditors would have a prior claim to the money before your beneficial nominees (spouse and children).

One needs to remain alert while doing any kind of high value cash transaction because the Income Tax Department has become highly vigilant about the cash transactions

Life Insurance Corp. of India (LIC) booked a record ₹37,000 crore profit from share sales in 2020-21, the highest in its 65-year history, as the stock market reached record highs. The latest profit is a 44.4% jump against its ₹25,625 crore profit from stock sales in fiscal 2020.

The purpose of reporting these transactions is to enable the tax department to provide this information pre-filled in the ITR forms to the taxpayers as announced in the Budget speech of 2021 by the finance minister. There is no ceiling prescribed for reporting such transactions

NEW DELHI : Up to 10% of the LIC IPO issue size would be reserved for policyholders, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur said on Tuesday. The government will remain the majority shareholder and will continue to retain management control safeguarding the interest of policyholders, he said.

It must be noted that the senior citizens who are above 75 years age, are not exempted from paying tax but only from filing income tax return (ITR) if they are eligible

Several factors affect the need for an insurance plan at different stages of life. Here are some significant reasons why one should review their health or life insurance plan in 2021

LIC’s profits primarily come from sale of shares in the insurer’s large, non-linked portfolio, which includes traditional life insurance policies

The taxability of the gift is determined on the basis of the aggregate value of gift received during the year and not on the basis of individual gift.

Experts say the govt has given a suitable extension for annual compliance under GST laws as well as income tax laws due to disruptions caused by coronavirus.

The main objective of a life insurance policy is to provide financial protection to an individual and his/her family, in the face of uncertainties.

Starting from October 1, your debit and credit cards will be more secure All new debits and credit cards, including those which are reissued, can only be used for domestic transactions at ATMs and point of sale (PoS) terminals, said RBI

Motor vehicle rules, income tax, health insurance, credit and debit card rules are changing from today Let us know what is going to change from October 1

These measures will make debit, credit cards more secure and curb their misuse Let's take a look at RBI's new guidelines for credit, debit cards with effect from today

Trend in US dollar may continue to be key price determining factor for gold and silver, say analysts Gold and silver prices have declined sharply in Indian markets over the past six weeks

Launched in 2017, this LIC pension scheme for senior citizens will attract a fixed interest rate for FY 2020-21 The scheme can be purchased offline as well as online from LIC website

The financial status of 277 urban cooperative banks is weak.105 cooperative banks are unable to meet the minimum regulatory capital requirement, Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha

State Bank of India (SBI) has slashed interest rates on fixed deposits The new SBI fixed deposit (FD) interest rates is effective from September 10

The development could lead to higher bonuses for policyholders and a better valuation for its upcoming initial public offering

The alleged fraud was exposed when a large number of savers decided to withdraw their money amid covid-induced financial crisis

During the end of FY 2019-20, a number of individuals holding the status of RNOR or NR were stranded in India due to the COVID19 pandemic Indian Government relaxed residential provisions for FY20

Buying interest may emerge in gold at lower levels, say analysts Many analysts still maintain a bullish view on gold amid uncertain global economic recovery

The new found interest in pure protection products has improved sales in LIC’s term products

Analysts say that new of Russia approving world's first covid vaccine triggered profit-taking in gold and silver, Silver rates crashed ₹14,000 per kg in just two days

Concessions are limited to late fee only, LIC said The two-month campaign will end on 9th October

Some of the taxpayers who have reported capital gains are getting scrutiny notices from the tax department asking for more details regarding these transactions.

Insurer can send the completed proposal form to the customer's registered e-mail ID or mobile number in the form of an e-mail or a message with a link The customer can then give his consent by clicking the confirmation link or by validating the OTP shared

If an immediate family member is made the nominee, then the proceeds will go to the intended person

New business premium income of LIC's pension and group superannuation business reported nearly 40% growth

Fixed deposits are the most preferred savings instrument of Indians Here are the latest interest rates on fixed deposits of less than ₹2 crore offered by SBI, PNB, BoB and HDFC Bank

Health policy that addresses covid-related costs shouldn’t come at the cost of regular plans

Since April 2016, the government has been revising interest rates PPF account on a quarterly basis. Prior to that, PPF interest rates were revised once a year

Salary and job cuts have taught families to curtail unnecessary expenses and save more aggressively One of the major realizations people have had is that how little they need and how much they want

Household financial savings, which form a bulk of overall savings in the Indian economy, increased in 2019-20 after falling the previous year

Insurers are asking for covid-19-based disclosures at the time of buying insurance, especially term plans The number and kind of questions pertaining to covid-19 symptoms can differ among various insurers

IDBI Bank on 30 May reported a net profit of Rs135 crore in the quarter ended March as against a loss of Rs4,918 crore for Q4FY19. However, for FY20, it’s net loss stood at ₹12,887 crore against a loss of ₹15,116 crore in FY19

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) is a pension plan available with LIC for senior citizens Under the plan, the maximum pension amount is limited to ₹10,000 per month

Unlike fixed deposits, perpetual bonds have no guarantee even though they are issued by banks. Some of the perpetual bonds (such as AT1 bonds) are explicitly issued as 'risk absorbing' instruments.

The move comes at a time when restaurants across the country have been severely impacted due to the country-wide lockdown announced to contain the spread of covid-19, and worked on limited capacity to fulfill delivery-only orders

The income tax department said that an employee can change the option of tax structure at the time of filing income tax return TDS will get adjusted accordingly

A rebound in global equity markets put pressure on gold prices Gold prices had hit new highs in India this week

Banks classify accounts as standard, substandard and doubtful, based on the number of days their payments are delayed Borrowers turn non-performing only after 90 days of overdue and are classified as standard prior to that, notwithstanding any delay in repayments

The clause of force majeure will not apply in case of Covid-19 death claims, Life Insurance Council said earlier this month LIC has announced an extension of 30 days for payment of premium

All person must wear a three-ply mask or a cloth mask in public places, said Praveen Pardeshi, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner The number of coronavirus patients in Maharashtra climbed to 1,078

Govt cuts small savings interest rates for April-June by 70-140 bps The Public Provident Fund will now fetch 7.1% returns, after an 80 bps cut in its interest rate

Government could revise interest rates on small savings scheme by a token 25-30 basis points across products SBI pays interest of 5.9% across its FDs between one and 10 years

A notification issued by the Government of India on 30th March 2020 with respect to some other amendments done in the Indian Stamp Act is being misquoted, the government said

The credit history of the borrower will not be impacted The RBI today cut repo rate by 75 basis points and also cut cash reserve ratio by 100 basis points

Coronavirus can sicken or kill young people as well, the World Health Organization said Today I have a message for young people: 'You are not invincible, this virus could put you in hospital for weeks or even kill you,' WHO Director-General said

On Tuesday RBI had done the first tranche of OMO following the tightness in the commercial paper market RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank was ready to act and the rate cut decision will be taken by the monetary policy committee (MPC)

SBI said the new FD rates of interest shall be made applicable to fresh deposits and renewals of maturing deposits SBI today also cut its marginal cost of fund-based lending rate (MCLR) by up to 15 basis points

A small portion of the estimated ₹10,000 crore AT1 bonds issued by the bank are also held by individual investors Many of the investors are guilty of believing that the bonds are as safe as FDs and will give better returns

Check with your health insurer if it’ll cover Covid-19 when it’s declared a pandemic Insurers are mandated to cover hospitalization as well as quarantine expenses related to coronavirus

The guidelines were issued after the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 rose to 39 in India The Health Ministry appealed to the people to observe the dos and don’ts, coughing etiquettes, hand-washing and avoid large gatherings

Loans and insurance products are priced differently for women based on the risk perception in terms of life expectancy and health parameters Longer life expectancy brings down life cover premium, but adds to the cost of health insurance

RBI has superseded the Board of Directors of Yes Bank and imposed a ban on withdrawals and advances Those who have their salary account with the bank are likely to face maximum problems.

EPFO subscribers will get the lowest interest rate in over five years for the current financial year (2019-20) EPFO had given 8.65% interest rate on provident fund deposits for the previous financial year 2018-19

Inflation, which had kept the RBI from cutting interest rates since Dec, is expected to moderate, Shaktikanta Das said The RBI cut interest rates 5 times last year to support an economy headed for its weakest expansion in 11 years

In the new income tax regime as announced in Budget 2020, there are seven tax slabs Contribution by the employer towards the EPF account of an employee of up to 12% remains tax-free

GST of 18% is charged on term policies, which are the cheapest form of insurance as they only carry the mortality cost In the case of traditional policies, which bundle insurance and investment, GST is levied at 4.5% on the first-year premium and 2.25% on premiums for subsequent years

PPF withdrawal from account will be allowed any time after the expiry of five years from the end of the year in which the account was opened The new rules has a provision for extension of PPF account with deposits after maturity

Withdrawal limits of pension plans are all set to increase The mandatory guarantee on pension Ulip segment will become optional from February 1