Star Health and Allied Insurance has unveiled the country’s first health insurance policy in Braille, titled “Special Care Gold”. This groundbreaking policy is aimed at providing accessible health coverage for visually impaired individuals, particularly those with 40% or more disability. The initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the insurance sector, making it easier for millions of visually impaired people to understand and access health insurance.
Key Features of “Special Care Gold”
The Special Care Gold policy is designed to address the unique healthcare needs of persons with disabilities (PWD), offering comprehensive protection and support services. This includes coverage for essential medical treatments and therapies tailored to those with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.
The policy was developed in partnership with the National Association of the Blind (NAB) to ensure that the Braille version is fully accessible to the visually impaired community. This initiative is especially important as the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare reported that approximately 34 million people in India are visually impaired, representing about 2.5% of the population.
Financial Inclusivity Drive
In addition to launching the Braille policy, Star Health Insurance has initiated a diversity and financial inclusivity drive aimed at empowering visually impaired individuals through income generation opportunities. The program will focus on training and upskilling them to become health insurance agents. This allows them to work from home, at their own pace, while contributing to the industry.
The initiative also includes:
- Fully funded exam preparations
- Audio-based training for visually impaired individuals
- Scribe assistance during exams
- A hotline number for agents to receive ongoing support
This drive aligns with IRDAI’s vision of “Insurance for All,” aiming to create sustainable income opportunities for marginalised communities while making insurance accessible to the unserved segments of society.
A Step Toward Inclusivity
At the launch event, Srikanth Bolla, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bollant Industries, and Anand Roy, MD & CEO of Star Health Insurance, highlighted the significance of the Special Care Gold policy. Anand Roy noted, “This policy transcends traditional insurance, embodying our commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the comprehensive support and coverage they need.” Srikanth Bolla praised the initiative, calling it “a message of empowerment and equal opportunity.”
Addressing a Critical Need
The Special Care Gold policy reflects Star Health Insurance’s dedication to serving underrepresented populations, particularly those whose conditions may often be overlooked. According to a 2022 study by the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, vision impairment in India causes an economic loss of INR 646 billion annually in productivity. With its tailored coverage, Special Care Gold seeks to provide much-needed support for this critical but underserved segment.
By launching India’s first Braille insurance policy and promoting financial empowerment for the visually impaired, Star Health Insurance is taking concrete steps toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
