Mr. Anand Roy,MD & CEO Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited.

Health insurance is designed to provide peace of mind and financial protection when it matters the most. In moments of stress, the last thing the Policyholder need is Confusion. Yet, Unauthorized “Instigating Agencies”/ “Claim Influencers” are increasingly attempting to insert themselves between Policyholders and Insurers and position themselves as advisors, mediators, or problem-solvers.

These Unregulated entities often appear helpful on the surface, but in reality, they misguide, exploit, and monetise the innocence of policyholders in traumatic situations. Operating outside the regulatory framework, they thrive on vulnerability, especially during claims or grievance scenarios when emotions run high and clarity is most needed. By charging exorbitant fees or a high percentage of the claim as their so‑called service charge, they leave Policyholders with nothing of value and deprive them of their rightful benefits.

The Real Risk Behind “Instigating Agencies”/ “Claim Influencers”

These agencies claim to “support the Policyholders” or “speed up claim settlements,” but their actions can have the opposite effect. With no legal mandate, Regulatory accountability, or professional responsibility, they:

• Make Unrealistic Promises to gain financial advantage
• Misinterpret policy terms or provide Misleading Advice
• Push customers into Avoidable Disputes
• Create Delays by interfering with established procedures
• Misuse, Mishandle, or Expose sensitive personal information

Most importantly, they undermine trust - Trust between the Insurer and Policyholder, and in the Insurance System that exists to protect the Policyholder.

Only Insurers and IRDAI-registered Intermediaries can rightfully guide, assist and support policyholders in Claims and Grievance Resolutions and they operate under the strict Regulatory oversight to safeguard the interests of the policyholders.

Policyholders Should Always Approach the Insurers First:

Insurers have a robust infrastructure in place to assist the Policyholders at all times through various touchpoints such as Insurer’s Call Centre, Website, dedicated Customer App, Branch offices, etc. Insurers also have a well-defined Grievance Redressal Mechanism and Escalation Matrix to Protect the Interest of the Policyholder.

• Quick Resolution: Direct contact with Insurers ensures faster claim processing and grievance resolutions.
• Protection: Policyholder’s personal, financial, and medical information remains secure.
• Clarity: Policyholders can avoid unnecessary disputes leading from misleading promises and safeguard themselves from financial exploitation and mental stress.
• If the Policyholder is still not satisfied with the Insurer’s resolution, they can appeal the decision at Insurance Ombudsman forum.

Insurer is rightful Partner for Policyholder. Trust them, approach them directly, and together eliminate the influence of Unauthorized Agencies!