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New Delhi, Dec. 10 If prayers fail, there is always insurance to fall back on. Sabrimala pilgrims, some of whom will be making a long tiring journey to the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, in these months, will now be able to buy medical cover at a premium of Rs 40 only.

Dhanalakshmi Bank and Oriental Insurance Company Ltd have jointly introduced ‘The Dhanam Oriental Sabari Insurance Policy’ with special counters at Sannidhanam, Erumeli and Nilakkal and a branch at Pampa, in Kerala.

The mediclaim policy provides for reimbursement of actual hospitalisation expenses of up to Rs 25,000 in case of an accident. A personal accident cover for mortality or permanent total disablement due to accident of up to Rs 1 lakh is also available.

The Mediclaim Policy can also be sought at all Dhanalakshmi bank branches and will cover anyone from of 5 to 70 years of age for a period of 60 days, starting either from the date of payment or from the commencement of the journey whichever is later.

The cover will cease on termination of the journey or 60 days from the beginning of the journey, depending on which occurs first.

0The banks hope to find converts amongst the millions of devotees expected to undertake the pilgrimage before the January 20, next year.

More and more pilgrims are taking insurance cover, says Mr Vinay Malhotra, Marketing Officer at United Insurance of India.

The cover is for around Rs 2 lakh with premiums at about Rs 380, both vary depending on the person. There are no specific policies; but more and more people travelling to Amarnath or Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, take an accidental death cover, says Mr Malhotra.

While those travelling to Haj are required to take an ‘overseas mediclaim’ policy for their travel, many tours and travel companies approach insurance companies, such as National Insurance Company who put together packages for groups.

According to media reports, quoting the chairman of the Haj Committee of India, Mr Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi, Haj pilgrims would be provided a comprehensive insurance cover from next year. Currently, the HCI used its funds from to assist pilgrims in distress.

Dhanalakshmi Bank is also offering an added incentive. ’Prasadam coupons’ for ‘Appam, Aravana, Neyyabhishekam and Modakam’ will be available across all its branches in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and West Bengal.

More Stories on : General Insurance | Tourism

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