In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and empowerment, Star Health Insurance has unveiled India’s first health insurance policy in Braille, called ‘Special Care Gold’. This innovative step is not just about making insurance accessible, but also about enabling visually- impaired individuals to make informed health and financial decisions. Star Health’s commitment to inclusivity, however, doesn’t stop there. Alongside the policy launch, the company has initiated a programme to offer job opportunities to the visually-impaired in the insurance sector, specifically as agents.
The introduction of the Special Care Gold policy in Braille is a significant move towards democratising access to health insurance. In a country where approximately 34 million individuals are visually- impaired, making critical information accessible in Braille empowers them to make decisions independently. Developed in collaboration with the National Association of the Blind (NAB), this policy is tailored to provide comprehensive medical coverage, including treatments for various disabilities. But beyond offering health protection, Star Health is looking to create economic opportunities for visually-impaired individuals through training and employment in the insurance sector.
Star Health’s initiative to recruit visually impaired agents is built on the belief that empowerment should be sustainable and adaptive. The company provides a supportive environment, covering the cost of IC38 certification-a crucial exam for insurance agents-along with specialised audio training modules and scribes to assist with the examination. This support enables visually-impaired individuals to become certified health insurance agents and, in turn, promotes financial inclusion for this underserved community. Additionally, a dedicated hotline has been set up for these agents to address their specific needs and ensure continuous support.
For the visually- impaired, becoming a Star Health agent offers a lucrative and flexible insurance career path. Star Health is creating a work environment where agents have the liberty to work at their own pace, from the comfort of their homes. This flexibility is particularly important for visually-impaired individuals, as it allows them to manage their schedules based on their personal needs, without the pressure of adhering to a rigid work structure. Furthermore, the income generation possibilities provide a route to economic independence, making this profession a viable and fulfilling option for those who may not have previously had access to similar opportunities.
The initiative is not just about creating agents; it’s about building role models who can inspire and support their communities. Through this programme, Star Health is helping visually- impaired individuals develop skills, gain confidence, and contribute meaningfully to society. The agents become representatives of the visually- impaired community, spreading health insurance awareness, not just within the community itself, but elsewhere too. By sharing their stories and experiences, these agents are breaking barriers and demonstrating that disability does not limit one’s capabilities.
Star Health’s inclusivity drive aligns perfectly with the IRDAI’s vision of “Insurance for All” by 2047. The company’s approach not only opens doors to equitable health insurance access but also ensures that marginalised communities have the means to generate sustainable income, breaking barriers that have long restricted their participation in the workforce. As the visually- impaired agents step into their new roles, they become both, representatives of Star Health’s commitment to inclusion and powerful symbols of how corporate initiatives can transform lives.
The “Special Care Gold” policy reflects Star Health’s deep-rooted values of customer centricity, innovation, and transparency. By leading the way with these initiatives, Star Health Insurance is making a profound statement: that true inclusion is not just about providing access, but about empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
Through accessible health insurance policies and supportive career opportunities, Star Health Insurance is setting a powerful precedent for the entire industry-a commitment to inclusivity that transforms lives, empowers communities, and leads us all towards a more equal and fair society.