Bangalore: As a follow-up to the COVID-19 health insurance policy arranged for its marketplace sellers in 2020, Amazon announced today that it is arranging COVID-19 health insurance cover, completely free of cost for registered sellers on Amazon.in the marketplace, through Acko General Insurance Limited (Acko). Amazon will fully fund the premium cost for this group insurance policy that will be valid for one year after activation. Sellers with an active listing on Amazon between January 1 2020 and May 1 2021 can enroll themselves under the group policy to get coverage for COVID-19 hospitalization and medical expenses up to INR 50,000. In addition, the insurance policy will also cover domiciliary treatment expenses, as prescribed, up to the sum insured.
Manish Tiwary, Vice President, Amazon India said, “We remain committed to serving the nation in its fight against COVID-19. As part of our efforts to support marketplace sellers during these challenging times, we are funding and enabling sellers to opt for this COVID-19 health insurance policy for their benefit. We are working tirelessly with sellers to serve customers across India safely and want to ensure that medical expenses are the least of their worries at this time. While we sincerely hope that none of the marketplace sellers need to use this, the policy ensures that if they need it, their medical expenses are taken care of through the insurance.”
Swapnil Dilip Vashikar from Kolhapur, who has been selling jewelry through Amazon.in said, “The health insurance policy coverage for COVID-19 that Amazon.in provided last year was immensely helpful for me, especially to cover part of my hospitalization costs. The claim process was executed seamlessly by Acko and I received the entire amount in 7 days, as promised. I urge other sellers to apply for the cover if they haven’t already.”
How can sellers register for the insurance policy?
Amazon. in has engaged with Acko to provide coverage, manage the policy delivery and handle claims and reimbursements. Amazon.in will open a 30-day enrolment window wherein eligible sellers can enroll themselves by providing basic personal particulars and KYC documents. No medical tests will be required for registration and opt-in. For each seller account, only one person may be covered under the insurance policy. Once the requisite details are processed, a Unique Health Identification (UHID) number will be issued post-registration to the marketplace sellers by Acko, which they can use to file their claims and reimbursements. To claim reimbursement for COVID-19 related hospitalization and treatment expenses, we will set up a mechanism to enable eligible sellers to apply directly to Acko. The claim under the policy will be payable for a seller who is enrolled under the policy and who tests positive for COVID-19 for the first time, after 15 days from the date of issuance of cover. Expenses incurred on co-morbidity in case of COVID-19 hospitalization will be covered under the policy.
For the benefit of its sellers amidst the extremely challenging and trying times, Amazon.in recently announced that the company will cover the COVID-19 vaccine costs for its eligible sellers and one dependent.In addition, valid from May 1, 2021 till May 31, 2021, Amazon.in has also introduced a host of measures to help marketplace sellers navigate the economic challenges caused by the pandemic including fee waivers, reimbursements, policy and performance relaxations for impacted sellers. Furthermore, Amazon.in has collaborated with Kettowhich will enable SMBs to use the crowdfunding platform to raise funds to support their communities. Ketto will waive off the success fees for all such fundraisers hosted by Amazon.in marketplace sellers.
