Star Health Insurance launches India’s first insurance policy in Braille

Star Health and Allied Insurance, has introduced an industry-first health insurance policy in Braille. The policy, named “Special Care Gold,” is aimed at providing visually impaired individuals with accessible health insurance options. This initiative is part of Star Health Insurance’s broader effort to promote inclusivity and accessibility within the insurance sector.

The company also announced a diversity and financial inclusivity drive to economically empower India’s 34 million visually impaired individuals. This drive focuses on creating income generation opportunities by training and upskilling visually impaired individuals to become health insurance agents with Star Health Insurance. The initiative allows them to work at their own pace and in their familiar surrounding

Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur and Co-Founder & Chairman of Bollant Industries, along with Anand Roy, MD & CEO of Star Health Insurance, graced the launch event.

Anand Roy, MD & CEO of Star Health Insurance said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of ‘Special Care Gold’ policy in Braille. This is a significant milestone in our mission to deliver equitable access to health insurance across all segments of society. This policy transcends traditional insurance, embodying our commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the comprehensive support and coverage they need. We aim to build a more inclusive insurance sector – and specifically the 34 million individuals in India that are visually impaired. Aligned with IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All’ vision, we are dedicated to ensuring democratisation of not just quality health insurance but also extend to enabling financial inclusivity by creating sustainable income generation opportunities for this unserved and marginalised  section of society.”

Srikanth Bolla, Co-Founder & Chairman Bollant Industries said, “As someone who has experienced the challenges faced by individuals with special abilities, I applaud Star Health Insurance for this industry first, inclusive initiative. Special Care Gold is not just an insurance policy in Braille; it is a message of empowerment and equal opportunity. It 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.”

The ‘Special Care Gold’ policy is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of persons with disabilities (PWD). In 2017, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare reported that 34 million people in India, or 2.5 per cent of the population, are visually impaired. A 2022 study by the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology estimated that vision impairment causes an economic loss of INR 646 billion in productivity, with a per capita loss of INR 9,192. This policy addresses a critical need for inclusive and comprehensive health coverage for this critical but unserved segment of customers. Special Care Gold exemplifies Star Health Insurance’s commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all, including those with conditions that are often overlooked. 

Star Health Insurance aims to provide comprehensive support to these new recruits, including fully funded exam preparations, audio training and scribe for the exam for persons with disabilities (PWD). A hotline number for agents has been established to offer ongoing assistance and to address concerns. This initiative is designed to offer marginalised communities the flexibility to work at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes, making income generation accessible and adaptable to their individual needs.

The Braille version of “Special Care Gold” policy document was produced in collaboration with the National Association of the Blind (NAB). The policy offers tailored coverage for individuals with 40 per cent or more disability, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments. It covers essential medical treatments and support services.