General Insurance: Bhargav Dasgupta

I am 25 and diabetic for 10 years. Both sides of my parents' families are diabetic. Will I never get covered for diabetes under a health insurance plan? A friend says I should not waste money on health insurance as it won't help in my case. Do you agree?
Insurance companies consider long-standing diabetes with early onset as a high risk as part of their underwriting guidelines. Accepting a particular individual with diabetes depends on the company and you will need to check with your preferred insurer.

Today, there are policies specifically introduced for diabetic individuals. You can opt for these. Last, considering the rising medical cost and increasing complexity of diseases, it is important to avail health insurance to prevent any unforseen medical emergencies.

Do home insurance plans also cover electronic gadgets like iPads, laptops ?

Home insurance policies do cover electronic items like iPad or laptops as part of the list of contents kept within the premises. The insurance cover for such contents is payable in case of loss due to burglary or damage to the house. As such, the cover for these items will not be applicable if taken out of the premises. In case you wish to get these gadgets covered for any eventuality, you will need to purchase a separate policy that provides such coverage.

My wife is expecting; she's in her second trimester. We both are covered under a family floater plan. Can I include my child as soon as he/she's born?

Most insurers allow addition of members at the time of policy renewal only. You will need to check with your insurance company if a mid-term inclusion is possible. Nevertheless, if your insurance policy includes maternity and new-born baby cover, your child will be covered for 90 days from birth even if he or she has not been included in the policy.

I own a three-year-old Maruti Suzuki Alto. I plan to upgrade to the Ertiga. Will my motor insurance plan automatically upgrade or will I have to buy a new plan?
Your motor insurance will not be automatically upgraded; however, your policy does provide an option of change of vehicle endorsement. This means the details and IDV of your old vehicle can be replaced with the new vehicle for the balance policy period. An additional premium may need to be paid, depending on the model and given the higher value of the new vehicle.

At the same time, you or the new owner will need to purchase a policy for the Alto, since it is mandatory that a vehicle is insured at all times. A more convenient option would be to purchase a separate insurance policy for your new vehicle and transfer the No Claim Bonus accrued on your old vehicle.
The views expressed are the expert's own. Send your queries to yourmoney@bsmail.in
Today, Bhargav Dasgupta, MD & CEO, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, answers your questions