Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd (Star Health Insurance) launched the Braille version of its Special Care Gold policy today. This product is an industry-first insurance policy to help the visually impaired and blind diaspora. The policy document in Braille would aid visually impaired individuals to access information and make independent decisions on matters related to their health and finances.

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In addition to this, Star Health Insurance has also extended an ‘employment opportunity’ to empower the 34 million diaspora of visually impaired/blind individuals in India. This initiative would enable them to work at their own pace in their familiar surroundings.

‘Special Care Gold’ in Braille

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2017 reported that 34 million people in India (around 2.5 per cent of the population) are visually impaired. Moreover, visually impaired individuals bear an economic loss of Rs 646 billion in productivity due to this disability, notes a 2022 study by the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.

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With a per capita loss of Rs 9,192, Star Health’s ‘Special Care Gold’ policy addresses a critical need for inclusive and comprehensive health coverage for this critical but unserved segment of customers.

The Braille version of this policy document has been produced in collaboration with the National Association of the Blind (NAB).

Policy Coverage: Individuals with 40 per cent or more disability, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments will get tailored coverage under this policy. It also covers essential medical treatments and support services.

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“This policy acknowledges that people with special abilities have the same right to health protection as anyone else, and that’s a significant stride towards true inclusivity in our society,” says Srikanth Bolla, co-founder and chairman of Bollant Industries.