As healthcare costs continue to rise, a section of the policyholders are now seeking greater protection against frequent premium revisions by switching over to long-term health insurance policies.

“The gradual rise in consumer interest in long-term insurance coverages has been notable, especially those covers that run for between three to five years,’’ Narendra Bharindwal, President, Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI) told businessline. 

While health cover policies generally come with a tenure of one year, with a view to promote innovation and cater to diverse needs of the people, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has allowed long-term health insurance products under the existing regulatory structure subjected to adherence to the product approvals, underwriting guidelines, and other norms by the insurers.

There are several reasons behind this phenomenon. First, high inflation in healthcare expenses and hospital stays are pushing customers towards securing their health insurance policy for a prolonged period.

“Further, the consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of health insurance coverage without any breakage periods. Other reasons include technological advancements, product awareness, wellness health insurance policies, and the growing emphasis on preventative health care services,’’ Bharindwal said. 

According to the Head of Underwriting at a leading insurance company, uninterrupted coverage under long-term health insurance policies is emerging as a key attraction for policyholders as it eliminates the need for annual renewals and lowers the risk of policy lapses.

“Besides sparing customers the hassle of yearly renewals, such policies offer greater peace of mind through premium stability over the policy tenure, continuity benefits such as the carry-forward of waiting periods already served, and reduced administrative burden, the executive said.

The growing demand for long-term cover is also reflecting in the insurance premium finance business. “The insurance premium finance portfolio is dominated by long-term policies, which account for 70-75 per cent of the business, indicating that the demand for these policies is increasing,’’ Hanut Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO, BimaPay Finsure said. Those who are in the 30-45 years age bracket are showing a greater predilection to buy long term cover. 

The trend is likely to catch up futher going forward, according to Bharindwal, who added: “However, it should be noted that annual policies still form the bulk of most market segments while consumer awareness continues to grow.’’

According to IRDAI data, health insurance segment remained the principal growth driver for the non-life insurance industry in FY2025-26, with gross health premiums rising 15.6 per cent year-on-year to ₹1.37 lakh crore, up from ₹1.19 lakh crore in FY2024-25.

Published on June 14, 2026

One for the suit: Brooches collection from Shubham Motiwala Jewellers

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, a cliche, may or may not summarise the sudden boom in demand for men’s diamond and gold jewellery, but the ladies in the house are definitely not liking it. More so, when the steady rise in gold prices has already shrunk their budget.

Interestingly, the men’s jewellery collections were fighting for more shelf space at annual IGI D Show 2026 in Goa with evolution of demand from traditional, ceremonial wedding pieces to daily, fashion-forward wear.

The men’s jewellery market registered 30 per cent growth last year and the market has tripled since 2020. Once restricted to weddings, men already account for 15 per cent of the total jewellery market valued at ₹8.70 lakh crore.

Tehmasp Printer, CEO, International Gemological Institute said while IGI jewellery certification has been gender neutral, there has been a notable increase in men’s jewellery certification driven by changing fashion preferences, greater adoption of diamond and gold jewellery among men and the influence of celebrities and social media.

The democratisation of wealth and self-indulgence after takeover of family businesses by next-gen especially in smaller town have been pushing up demand for men’s jewellery.

The modern grooms are taking a leaf from recent period films to adorn high-value items such as necklaces, heavy gold bracelets and statement brooches. Families are actively including men’s trousseau sets right alongside bridal sets.

Items such as lightweight chains, studs, rugged cuffs, and rings are increasingly adopted for everyday professional and casual styling.

Industry veteran Ashok Minawala, past Chairman, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council said the innovation in mainstay items such chains and kada (bangles) has been eye-catching while the liking for diamond jewellery among men has been growing

Interestingly, this trend is catching up across metros, cities and smallest towns where men’s recognition comes from the way you get dressed up,” he added.

This apart, the peer pressure in smaller towns of neighbours wearing a smart ear rings and flashy necklaces are also driving men’s jewellery sales, he added.

The introduction of Bollywood and leading filmstars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Aditya Roy Kapur and Arjun Kapoor are also driving youngsters to adorn themselves.

Ashraf Motiwala, Managing Director, AS Motiwala Fine Jewellery credits Bollywood endorsements for the boom in men’s jewellery market.

“Consumers have recently seen Ranveer Kapoor wearing three carats in his ears and wearing a diamond chain. Shah Rukh Khan has become a big draw. Sachin Tendulkar son’s wedding was like a free advertisement for the diamond jewellery with influential people lining up with exquisite designs,” he said

While diamond prices have come down, it has stabilised and recently there was a 4 per cent uptrend for higher cartage of 4 and above, he added.

Moreover, supply of rough diamonds has also become tight and should ease with the demand picking up, said Motiwala.

(The correspondent was in Goa on IGI invitation)

Published on June 14, 2026

Amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, the Embassy of India in Muscat on Sunday said it has learnt of an incident involving a vessel with 14 Indian crew members off the coast of Oman.

The Indian mission did not share any details about the nature of the incident.

Search and Rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in vicinity of the incident, it said in a post on X.

“The Mission has learnt of an incident involving an Indian Flagged Mechanised Sailing Vessel Virat 1, off the coast of Oman, reportedly embarked with 14 Indian crew,” the mission said.

The Oman coast witnessed tensions last week as three vessels with Indian crew members came under US attack in the region. One of them killed three seafarers.

Published on June 14, 2026