Readers' Corner: General insurance

My son was learning to drive. I was with him in the car. He dashed into a divider and the car is damaged. Will the insurer pay for damages caused by a holder of learner’s license?

If the vehicle is driven by a valid and effective learner’s license holder at the time of accident, claim will be payable, if requirements of the Rule 3 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 are met. This means, that the co-driver has a valid and effective permanent license and displays the L board on the vehicle, as per said rules.

My parents are 68 and 63. I have purchased a Rs 5 lakh family floater plan for them. I wish to know if there are super top-up cover that I can get for them without any medical tests. They both have high blood pressure. Father is diabetic and mother has suffered from trans ischemic attack. What should be the range of premium that I can expect for them and until what age will they be covered?

Super Top up plans are offered by multiple Insurance Companies, however your parents may be required to undergo medical tests considering their age and also since they are having pre-existing conditions. Once the health insurance policy is taken, it can be renewed lifelong.

My parents would be visiting my sister in the US. If they extend their stay, will it be possible to get an extension on their travel insurance policy?

Extensions are offered by Insurers in travel policies. Generally, insurers insist upon declaration of health status, details of claims, if any, and the period of extension required when an extension request is received in a travel policy. You need to apply for extension of the policy before the policy period expires.

I want to buy a critical illness plan. I already have a family floater health insurance. What should I consider when buying a critical illness plan from any insurer?

Critical illness insurance is basically a benefit policy which complements medical expenses policies. Such covers are important as it protects the income generation capacity of an individual. Look at policies which covers the maximum number of critical illnesses (at least the major and common ones), higher sum insured as required, less waiting periods and reasonable premium.   

My parents are covered in my company's health insurance policy. It is a co-pay policy. If I quit this job will my parents lose out on the coverage? Since I have paid a part of the premium will my parents be eligible to a part of the cover?

I understand your parents are covered with you under the group health insurance policy provided by your employer and part of the premium is borne by you for your parents. When you quit the job, the cover for your parents will end along with your cover since they have been covered as your dependents under the group policy. However, it is possible for you to apply for portability to a retail product of the existing insurer who has provided the group policy to your employer where you have been covered with your parents.

My daughter is going on a school trip. I am not sure the organisers are buying travel insurance for the students. Can I buy an individual travel insurance for my daughter alone?

Generally, organisers/schools buy a group travel cover for the students. It would be advisable to check with the organisers. If they have not procured a group travel policy and the school trip is abroad, it is very important to buy an overseas travel insurance for the period of travel. Even for domestic travel, there are products available in the market.

The writer is MD and CEO, Future Generali India Insurance Co. Ltd. The views expressed are the expert’s own. Send your queries to yourmoney@bsmail.in