The e-commerce industry in India has come under severe strain due to the ongoing lockdown across the country. But even during these troubling times, Amazon India announced that it is providing free COVID-19 insurance to its sellers within the country.
The e-commerce giant said during a press statement that the insurance which will be valid for one year after activation will help cover expenses associated with hospitalization, treatment, ambulance assistance, and ICU charges are covered up to an amount of Rs 50,000 for one year. The company has partnered with insurance firms, Acko General Insurance to manage the policy delivery and handling of claims and reimbursements. The premium is going to be fully funded by Amazon India.
This will be available for Amazon sellers who had an active product listing on the Amazon in the site between January 2019 and May 26, 2020. Amazon will provide a seven-day enrollment window to let sellers enroll themselves by providing their particulars and KYC documents.
As per the terms and conditions decided by the company only one person will be covered under the insurance policy. Sellers won’t be required to require any medical tests for the registration of the insurance. When the necessary details are processed and acknowledged, a singular Health Identification (UHID) number will be issued to the sellers by Acko, which they can use to file their claims and reimbursements. To claim COVID-19 related hospitalization and treatment expenses, registered sellers will need to intimate Acko. A standard waiting period of fifteen days will be applicable at the start of the insurance policy.
Gopal Pillai, the Vice President, Seller Services, Amazon India, said, “We genuinely hope none of our sellers need to use this, we want to make sure they have a sense of security and one less thing to worry about and can focus on developing their business.”
Akhil Saxena, Vice President Customer fulfillment Operations, Amazon India, said, ”One thing we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is how important a task Amazon and e-commerce can play for our customers as much as for small businesses and the economy. We take this responsibility seriously, and we are proud of the work our teams are doing to help small and other businesses deliver to our customers through this difficult time”.
