There have been numerous petitions received by the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of Aadhaar. The world’s largest biometric identification database has been mired in privacy concerns, amid fear that data of millions of Indians may be compromised.

All these concerns have led the Supreme Court to come out with an order that extends, indefinitely, the deadline for linking Aadhaar with various services such as existing bank accounts and health insurance policy.

Why is KYC done when buying an insurance policy?

Know Your Customer (KYC) is a mandatory process in financial transactions, including insurance. It ensures transparency, prevents fraud and verifies the identity of policyholders.

Key Reasons for KYC in Insurance:

• Prevents identity theft and fraudulent claims.
• Complies with government regulations.
• Ensures that the benefits of insurance reach the rightful policyholder.
• Helps insurers assess risk and issue appropriate policies.

When purchasing a health insurance policy, KYC documents such as a PAN card, voter ID, passport or Aadhaar may be required for verification.

Why was Aadhaar linked to insurance policies earlier?

In 2017, the government made it mandatory to link Aadhaar with financial services, including insurance policies. The primary reasons for this move were:

• To streamline the identification process and eliminate duplicate or fake policies.
• To curb money laundering and fraudulent claims.
• To improve efficiency in claims settlement and reduce paperwork.

However, the Supreme Court later ruled that Aadhaar linking cannot be mandatory for services other than government subsidies. As a result, its requirement in insurance policies was reconsidered.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for existing insurance policies?

Making its stance clear, the insurance regulator IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has said that Aadhaar is not required to buy an insurance policy. It released a circular that stated, “In view of the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India for existing insurance policies, the date of linking Aadhaar is extended till the matter is finally heard and the judgment is pronounced by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India”.

Further to this, IRDAI said that customers buying new insurance plans will be given 6 months from the date of the policy to submit their Aadhaar number, failing which, they will need to submit any “officially valid documents” as mentioned in the Prevention of Money-Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005.

The “officially valid documents” consist of driving license, passport, PAN card, and voter identity card among others. All of these documents, except the PAN card, can serve both as photo and address proof.

How to link Aadhaar with insurance policies - online and offline

While Aadhaar linking is optional, some policyholders may prefer to use it for convenience. Here’s how you can link Aadhaar to your insurance policy.

Online Process:

1. Visit the insurer’s website and log in to your account.
2. Go to the Aadhaar linking section in the customer portal.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify it with an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
4. Submit the request and wait for confirmation from the insurer.

Offline Process:

1. Visit the nearest branch of your insurance provider.
2. Fill out the Aadhaar linking form and provide a self-attested copy of your Aadhaar card.
3. Submit the form along with other KYC documents.
4. Receive confirmation after verification.

Conclusion

Aadhaar is no longer mandatory for insurance policies, including a health insurance policy or any other form of coverage. However, it remains a valid and widely accepted KYC document. Policyholders have the choice to link their Aadhaar voluntarily for ease of transactions. Whether it is for your individual health insurance or health insurance policy for family, keeping updated with regulatory changes and ensuring compliance with KYC norms will help you maintain a seamless insurance experience.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

Gastritis is made up of two words- gastro, meaning stomach, and itis, which means inflammation. In this condition, the protective lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. This condition can be acute and occur suddenly in severe form. In chronic form, gastritis can exist for years if not treated. Erosive gastritis is less common but serious and can lead to bleeding and ulcers. The formation of ulcers and cancer of the stomach can occur if this condition is not treated on time. It is important to know the causes of gastritis to understand the condition better.

How is Gastritis Caused?

Gastritis can occur if the protective lining of the stomach becomes weak or damaged. It can be categorized as erosive or non-erosive. In erosive gastritis, erosion of the stomach lining and the formation of ulcers occur, while in non-erosive gastritis, irritation or reddening of the stomach lining occurs. Given below are the main causes of gastritis as well as the causative factors that increase the risk of gastritis.

• Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori): H. pylori bacteria is the causative agent for infectious gastritis. This bacteria grows in the mucous lining of the stomach and causes inflammation. H. pylori infection can spread through food, water, and contact with infected people.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Chronic consumption of alcohol can irritate and inflame the stomach lining. Alcohol consumption can also increase the secretion of stomach acid, which can further harm the stomach lining.
• Use of pain relievers like non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs can increase the permeability of the gastric membranes, neutrophil infiltration, and production of oxygen-free radicals, which can increase the risk of gastritis.
• Autoimmune disorders: Chronic inflammation can also result from autoimmune disease, where immune cells start attacking their own cells.
• Stress: Acute gastritis can result from major surgical procedures, injury, severe infections, or burns.
• Ageing: In older adults, the stomach lining becomes thin, which increases the risk of gastritis. Apart from a thinner lining, the chances of H. pylori infection and autoimmune disorders are high in older adults.
• Cancer treatment: chemotherapy or radiotherapy to treat cancer can also make the stomach lining thinner and more vulnerable to ulcers.
• Other causes of gastritis include viral infections, fungal infections, tobacco use, digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease, bile reflux, and reduced blood supply.
  

Brain fever, also known as Encephalitis, is a condition that can be frightening and life-threatening. This condition strikes the brain and causes inflammation, which can cause seizures, fever, and in severe cases, lead to a coma. There are many causes of this condition such as a viral or bacterial infection, parasites or fungi, and sometimes even autoimmune diseases. In this article, we will go over the common causes of brain fever:

How is Brain Fever Caused?

Brain fever is caused by a number of different agents, including:

• One of the most common causes of brain fever is a viral infection. The herpes simplex virus is one of the most common causes of the condition and can lead to inflammation of the brain. Another common virus that can lead to this condition is the West Nile virus, which can be transmitted through mosquito bites. These viruses can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as headaches, fever, confusion, and seizures. Sometimes these symptoms may be mild, and other times they can be severe and even life-threatening.
• Bacterial infections can also lead to Encephalitis. One of the most common bacterial infections to cause this condition is Streptococcus pneumonia. This bacteria can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the brain membranes) and can in turn lead to inflammation of the brain. This condition can present with symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, severe headache, and sensitivity to light. It is important to treat bacterial infections quickly to prevent bacterial spread and reduce the risk of serious complications.
• Parasites and fungi can also lead to Encephalitis. One such parasite is the Nematode worm, which can cause eosinophilic meningitis leading to brain fever. Fungal infections such as Aspergillosis can also result in Encephalitis, especially in people who have weakened immune systems. These infections can cause symptoms such as seizures, confusion, and difficulty thinking.
• In some cases, Encephalitis can be developed due to autoimmune diseases such as Lupus or Sjogren's syndrome. These conditions lead to the immune system attacking healthy cells in the body, resulting in brain inflammation. Symptoms of autoimmune Encephalitis can include hallucinations, difficulty with coordination, personality changes, and memory problems.
  

During the colder months, many of us find ourselves dealing with the unpleasant side effects of influenza, or “the flu.” Highly contagious and sometimes dangerous for those whose immune systems are already compromised, influenza affects people all over the world. It is important that we understand what causes it in order to minimise our risk and protect ourselves and our families from becoming sick. In this article, we will discuss some common causes of influenza as well as some measures you can take against this illness.

How is Influenza Caused?

Influenza is caused by different types of viruses, which are classified into four distinct types: influenza A, B, C, and D. This is can be caused by several ways including the following:

• The transmission of influenza typically happens through person-to-person contact, predominantly via respiratory droplets produced when individuals infected with the flu sneeze, cough, or engage in conversation. The airborne droplets have the potential to infect others within a radius of approximately 6 feet.
• Although less frequent, an alternative route of transmission involves indirect contact, where the flu virus lingers on objects or surfaces. If an individual touches a contaminated surface and subsequently makes contact with their mouth, nose, or eyes, they may become infected.

Even before symptoms could typically manifest, most healthy adults can transmit the virus to others. The timeline is up to seven days post-onset of symptoms. Individuals with weakened immune systems or children may remain contagious for an even longer duration. Typically, flu symptoms commence approximately two days after the virus gains entry into the body.

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Poliovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that has been causing serious health problems for millions of people worldwide since ancient times. It can cause irreversible paralysis, with around 10 to 15 percent of those infected dying from the disease and many others forced to live with lifelong disabilities. Although effective vaccines against polio were developed in the 1950s, cases still occur - but why? In this blog post, we'll explore the causes of polio for better understanding of this severe disease.

How is Polio Caused?

Polio is caused by the poliovirus, and is also known as poliomyelitis. This highly contagious virus exclusively targets humans and enters the body through the mouth. Here are a few causes of polio:

• Poliovirus transmission can occur if a person touches their mouth after coming into contact with even tiny traces of infected feces.
• Consuming food and drinks infected with poliovirus
• Poliovirus, however, less commonly spreads through droplets from sneezes or coughs.
• Additionally, objects like toys contaminated with feces can pose a risk.

Infected individuals can spread the poliovirus to others shortly before and up to two weeks after showing symptoms. The virus can persist in an infected individual's intestines for weeks, continuing to contaminate food and water sources. Even asymptomatic individuals can carry and pass on the virus to others, causing illness.

There are two types of vaccines available to prevent polio. The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). The vaccines prepare children's immune systems to combat the polio virus, with over 99 per cent protection achievable by following the recommended IPV vaccine schedule. Polio typically affects young children. But people who haven’t been vaccinated are at a huge risk of getting polio.

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Hypertension is also referred to as elevated blood pressure. It is a persistent condition characterised by increased pressure within the blood vessels. The heart continually pumps blood throughout our bodies via the blood vessels. Blood pressure results from the force of blood pushing against the artery walls as it is propelled by the heart. When blood pressure is elevated, the heart must work harder. By knowing the causes of hypertension, it is easier to get timely medical intervention.

How is Hypertension Caused?

The following are some of the popular factors that may contribute to the causes of hypertension development:

• Smoking
• Excess body weight or obesity
• Insufficient physical activity
• An excessive intake of dietary salt
• Insufficient intake of nutrients like potassium and magnesium
• Overindulgence in alcohol
• Prolonged stress
• Advancing age
• Genetic predisposition
• A family history marked by high blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Disorders affecting the adrenal and thyroid glands
• Sleep apnea

The much coveted Bariatric surgery for obesity has recently entered the robotics era in the city with Apollo Hospitals. Robot-assisted techniques have been introduced and these are considered as a better option or alternative to laparoscopy. However, these are also thought to be more expensive.

Dr. Rajkumar Palaniappan, consultant, Apollo Hospital, Addressed a press conference recently and stated that the latest robotic surgery offered excellent results as compared to laparoscopy. The basic downside of this project was that it would cost at least `1.75 lakh more as compared to a laparoscopic procedure.

There are numerous benefits of robotic surgery including supreme precision, enhanced ergonomic flexibility of the robotic arm in a body of patient, less amount of blood loss, pain score reaching 4/10 as compared to 6/10 for laparoscopy. Another benefit is that one can expect faster turnaround time for the patient.

Swine flu, caused by the H1N1 virus or Influenza A, is a highly contagious type of influenza that can be potentially life-threatening in extreme cases. It is particularly dangerous for young children and those who are immunocompromised due to other illnesses or age. As with any pandemic, it’s important to understand what the causes are so that appropriate precautions may be taken to reduce infection risk or severity. In this article, we will explore some of the possible causes of swine flu and how you can protect your health during an epidemic.

How is Swine Flu Caused?

Swine flu infects the cell lining the nose, throat and lungs. The virus spreads when a person coughs, sneezes, breathes or talks and releases droplets in the air which get spread when a person inhales the virus and it can also enter the body if a person touches a virus- contaminated surface and then directly touches their own eyes, nose or mouth. Contrary to popular belief, a person cannot catch this type of flu from eating pork. People with the virus are able to spread the virus even before the day when their symptoms appear until about four days after they start. Swine flu is caused by other factors responsible for the spread of the virus which include:

• Age: The cases of Influenza virus tend to have worse outcomes in children under age 2 and people older than age 65.
• Living or working conditions: People who live or work in health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, dental care and diagnostic centres are more likely to get the flu.
• Weakened immune system: Anyone with a weak immune systems due to cancer treatments, anti-rejection medications, long-term use of steroids, organ transplants, blood cancer or HIV can weaken the immune system which makes a person more prone to catch swine flu and may increase the chances of developing complications.
• Chronic illnesses: Chronic conditions may increase the chances of developing the influenza virus-related flu. Certain conditions include asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, nervous system diseases, metabolic disorders, and problems with the airway and kidney, liver or blood disease.
• Aspirin use under age 19: If people below the age of 19 years are taking long-term aspirin therapy are at risk of developing Reye syndrome when infected with this virus.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant people are more prone to develop swine flu complications, especially in the second and third trimesters because during that time immune system tends to be weak and may increase the risk for the baby after birth.
• Obesity: individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher have a greater chance of acquiring flu complications and another related disease as their metabolism slows down with a gain in weight

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which comprise two tissue masses at the back of the throat. These are oval-shaped pads of tissue on each side that are part of the body’s immune system that helps to filter out bacteria and viruses entering through the mouth and nose. As a result, tonsils become inflamed or infected, leading to conditions like tonsillitis that causes swollen tonsils, presence of white patches on the tonsils, sore throat, trouble with swallowing and tender lymph nodes which may require medical attention. In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of tonsillitis.

How is Tonsillitis Caused?

The following are the causes of tonsillitis:

• Bacteria: The most common bacteria causing tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes belonging to group A streptococcus which causes strep throat. Other bacteria like Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus and other strains of streptococcus bacteria are also reported to cause tonsillitis.
• Virus: A virus damaging the tonsils is one of the major causes of tonsillitis. Various kinds of viruses that cause tonsillitis include adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, cytomegalovirus and the Epstein-Barr virus, and other viruses which attack the tonsils at the back of the throat. It is advised to stay in a clean and dust-free environment to avoid any damage to tonsils, especially children who can easily get affected.
• Age– Children aged 5 to 15 years are more prone to getting affected by this infection because their body is still adapting to immune system changes occurring due to exposure to new viruses and bacteria.
• Exposure to Germs– Constant exposure to germs and bacteria also increases a person’s chances of getting affected by swollen tonsils. So it is advisable to maintain a cleaner and germ-free environment to avoid such infections.

Don't mix up tonsillitis with tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, the main symptom of which is bad breath. So, what causes tonsil stones? They are formed when materials and debris get stuck in your tonsils and harden. The trapped material can include calcium, food, bacteria, or fungi.

Anemia is a common medical condition affecting millions of people worldwide, and it can have many underlying causes. Anemia results from an insufficient supply of healthy red blood cells which are the cells responsible for transporting oxygen to the body's tissues. People may suffer from mild cases of anemia with few symptoms or more severe cases leading to debilitating fatigue and other serious health problems. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of anemia in order to better understand what can lead to the development of this disorder.

How is Anemia Caused?

There are different types of anemia, which are discussed below:

1. Iron deficiency anemia: The following are some of the causes of iron deficiency anemia, which is one of the most common forms of anemia:

• Pregnancy is one of the common causes of anemia.
• Blood loss stemming from heavy menstrual bleeding, ulcers, cancers, or the regular consumption of pain relievers.

2. Vitamin deficiency anemia: Beyond iron, the body relies on folate and vitamin B-12 for the production of healthy red blood cells. An insufficiency in these nutrients, along with other essential components, results in the insufficient production of red blood cells. This causes vitamin deficiency anemia. The following are some of the vitamin deficiency anemia causes. Some individuals face challenges in absorbing vitamin B-12, a condition that can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, often referred to as pernicious anemia.

3. Aplastic anemia:

Persistent inflammation stemming from diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and Crohn's disease can hamper the body's ability to generate an adequate number of red blood cells. This causes the condition called aplastic anemia. This rare and life-threatening form of anemia occurs when the body is unable to create an adequate quantity of new blood cells. Its causes encompass infections, specific medications, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

4. Sickle Cell Anemia: This is an inherited and potentially serious condition. Sickle cell anemia results from an unusual hemoglobin variant that forces red blood cells into a crescent or "sickle" shape. These irregular cells have a shortened lifespan, leading to a persistent shortage of red blood cells.

The typical body temperature for most individuals hovers around 98.6°F (approximately 37°C). If the temperature rises by one degree or more, it's classified as a fever. Fever often indicates your body's battle against bacterial or viral invaders. Viral fevers result from underlying viral illnesses. Viral illnesses generally encompass a range of infections. Infections include the common cold and flu. Many viral infections manifest as a mild fever, but certain ones, like dengue fever, can lead to more severe fevers. By understanding the causes of viral fever you can quickly adopt suitable preventive measures.

How is Viral Fever Caused?

The following are some of the most commonly known causes of viral fever.

• Viruses can be most commonly transmitted through the inhalation of air droplets. These tiny droplets are released into the air when an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes without properly covering their face. When you inhale these droplets, you become susceptible to infection. This mode of transmission is particularly concerning in crowded or close-contact settings.
• One of the most popular causes of viral fever is through contaminated food items. Viruses can infect foods, causing a high risk to individuals who consume these affected products.
• Certain viruses, including those responsible for diseases like malaria and dengue, can be transmitted through mosquito bites.
• The monsoon season, characterised by stagnant water that fosters mosquito breeding. This often leads to outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses.
• It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites and employ mosquito control measures to prevent the transmission of viruses.
• Viruses such as those causing viral fever, hepatitis B, and HIV can be acquired through the exchange of bodily fluids. This can happen during medical procedures like blood transfusions and accidental needle pricks with infected needles.

Indian students who enroll themselves for studying abroad are also required to avail an on-campus health cover.

The lack of awareness of the availability of student medical insurance plans in India, make many students pay heavy premium for the overseas on-campus health cover. Not only are such insurance plans available at around one-third the price in India, but they are also known to be more comprehensive in coverage.

Student medical insurance plans have been cut out to cover the expenses incurred by students for medical treatments and non-medical contingencies abroad.

Here are 13 benefits that a student medical insurance plan offers:

1. Cashless Hospitalization and In-Patient/Out-Patient Expenses

Expenses incurred to avail medical assistance during sickness or in the event of an accident are covered in the plan. Cost for dental treatment is included. The expenditure can be reimbursed or in case of hospitalization, can be settled in a cashless manner.

2. Relief of Acute Pain for Pre-Existing Diseases

The insurance plan would give financial support to students for relieving of acute pain, through emergency measures, due to any pre-existing medical condition.

3. Mental/Nervous Disorders and Other Special Expenses

Many universities require students to be covered for mental or nervous disorders. The student medical insurance plan not only provides for this, but also covers expenses related to pregnancy, inter-collegiate sport injuries, mammography, cancer screening and childcare benefits.

4. Aid, Treatments and Diagnostic Tests Prescribed by Physician

Medical aids, treatments like radiotherapy or diagnostic tests like x-ray are provided for by the student medical insurance plan.

5. Cost of Transportation to Hospital or Physician

Reimbursement of charges for traveling to the hospital or to the nearest physician is admissible under the plan. The cost of medical care provided before reaching the destination is also provided for.