Star Health and Allied Insurance , a leading health insurer in India, has swiftly activated emergency response measures to support residents and policyholders affected by the recent flash floods in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The natural disaster, triggered by heavy rains and cloudbursts, has caused widespread damage in Tharali village and the Harsil region after the Khir Ganga and surrounding rivers surged.

Comprehensive Support Initiatives

The company has rolled out a series of initiatives to provide immediate assistance:

1. 24/7 Emergency Helplines: Star Health has set up round-the-clock helpline numbers (18001024477 / 18004252255) to offer medical guidance and claim support.

2. Local Help Desks: The insurer is establishing help desks in Uttarkashi and nearby districts, with designated nodal officers to handle flood-related claims and provide policy assistance.

3. Free Telehealth Services: Flood-affected residents can access free teleconsultation services through the Star Health mobile app for any medical concerns, including infections, injuries, and chronic health management.

4. Expedited Claim Processing: All claims related to flood-induced illnesses and hospitalizations will be fast-tracked and processed on priority.

5. Health Awareness Campaigns: Star Health is initiating awareness campaigns on flood-related hygiene, disease prevention, and mental health via WhatsApp and social media platforms.

Commitment to Timely Assistance

Amitabh Jain, COO of Star Health Insurance, emphasized the company's commitment, stating, "In such difficult moments, our foremost priority is to extend timely and compassionate support to those affected. We stand with the people of Uttarakhand and are activating all possible resources to ensure uninterrupted healthcare assistance and swift claim resolution."

The company has assured that all flood-related health claims, including those for waterborne and vector-borne diseases, will be addressed with urgency. Star Health is leveraging its extensive network, which includes over 11,300 hospitals across India, to provide comprehensive support.

Health Precautions for Affected Residents

Star Health has also issued health precautions for residents in affected areas, including:

• Avoiding contact with contaminated flood water
• Boiling water or using purification tablets before consumption
• Maintaining hand hygiene and using sanitizers
• Proper food storage and discarding items exposed to floodwater
• Seeking prompt medical help for infections or fever
• Using mosquito repellents and nets to prevent vector-borne diseases
• Wearing protective footwear and avoiding walking barefoot

About Star Health and Allied Insurance

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. is a market leader in standalone health insurance in India. The company, which commenced operations in 2006, reported a gross written premium of Rs. 17,553.00 crores with a net worth of Rs. 8,668.00 crores in FY25. With 914 offices and over 11,300 network hospitals, Star Health continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing comprehensive health insurance solutions and support during critical times.

As the situation in Uttarkashi continues to evolve, Star Health Insurance remains dedicated to supporting its policyholders and the broader community affected by this natural disaster.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company , India's leading retail health insurer, has reported a robust financial performance for the first quarter, with significant growth in profitability and premium income.

Key Financial Highlights

• IFRS Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 44% year-on-year to ₹438.00 crores
• Gross Written Premium (GWP) grew by 13% to ₹3,936.00 crores
• Retail health GWP surged by 18% to ₹3,667.00 crores
• Combined ratio stood at 99.60%
• Investment income rose to ₹586.00 crores, including ₹292.00 crores in mark-to-market gains

Strong Retail Performance

Star Health's retail segment continued to drive growth, with retail health GWP increasing by 18% to ₹3,667.00 crores. This growth was fueled by a 25% increase in fresh retail premiums and an impressive 98% renewal persistency on premiums. The company maintained its market leadership with a 31% share in the retail health segment.

Product and Channel Performance

The company's flagship products, Super Star and Health Assure, have been well-received in the market, contributing to nearly 80% of new business. Notably, the Super Star product crossed ₹1,000.00 crores in GWP within 10 months of its launch.

Star Health's agency channel, which contributes 82% of overall GWP, grew by 16% in both fresh and overall business. The company added 14,000 new agents during the quarter, expanding its agency base to 7.89 lakh.

Digital Growth and Innovation

The digital business showed impressive growth, with fresh business increasing by 73% year-on-year. Digital channels now contribute around 20% of new business, up from 12% in the same quarter last year. The company plans to create a dedicated digital Strategic Business Unit (SBU) to accelerate this growth further.

Claims and Customer Experience

Star Health reported a net incurred claim ratio of 69.50% for the quarter. The company's focus on improving claims experience has resulted in a higher claims NPS of 57, up from 46 in the same quarter last year. The claim settlement ratio also improved to 90% from 85.70% in the previous year's corresponding quarter.

Management Commentary

Anand Roy, Managing Director and CEO of Star Health, commented on the results, saying, "Our strategy grounded in four fundamental pillars - a risk-first approach, customer-centricity, a digital-first mindset, and a steady ROE focus - is now yielding results. We are seeing improvements in claims and customer experience, with better NPS trends and product innovations driving our growth."

Future Outlook

While the company maintains its focus on profitability and customer experience, it has indicated that it may revisit its long-term guidance of ₹30,000.00 crores in premium, potentially moderating it to adjust for changes in corporate business strategy. However, Star Health remains confident about achieving its bottom-line targets.

Board and Management Changes

Star Health announced the appointment of Rajeev Kher, former Commerce Secretary, as the new Chairperson of the Board. Additionally, Amitabh Jain (COO) and Himanshu Walia (CMO) have been elevated to the Board as Executive Directors, subject to regulatory approvals.

As Star Health continues to navigate the evolving health insurance landscape, its focus on retail growth, digital innovation, and customer-centric approach positions it well for sustained performance in the coming quarters.