Bajaj Allianz Life Launches Bima-ASBA, a First in India

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (BALIC) has introduced the Bima-Application Supported by Blocked Amount (Bima-ASBA) facility, making it the first insurer in India to adopt this new payment method. The initiative, introduced by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), aims to enhance transparency and convenience in premium payments. Bima-ASBA allows policyholders to block a specific premium amount in their bank accounts, ensuring better financial security and control. This move aligns with IRDAI’s broader goal of increasing insurance accessibility and simplifying transactions for customers.

How Does the Bima-ASBA Facility Work?

Bima-ASBA, launched on February 22, 2025, enables policyholders to authorize the blocking of a premium amount—up to ₹2 lakh—directly from their bank accounts using UPI’s One-Time Mandate (OTM). Unlike traditional payment methods, the blocked amount remains in the policyholder’s bank account, earning interest until the insurer completes underwriting and accepts the policy. If the policy is issued, the amount is debited; if it is rejected or not processed within 14 days, the blocked amount is automatically released back to the policyholder.

This feature eliminates the need for upfront premium payments, ensuring that customers do not face delays or hassles in getting refunds if their policy is not approved.

Why Is Bima-ASBA Important for Customers?

One of the biggest challenges in insurance premium payments has been the lack of control over upfront payments and refund delays in case of policy rejections. Bima-ASBA directly addresses this issue by allowing policyholders to keep their money in their accounts while the policy is under review.

• Financial Security: Policyholders do not have to worry about paying premiums in advance without assurance of policy issuance.
• No Refund Delays: If the policy is rejected, the amount is instantly unblocked, avoiding the hassle of refund requests.
• Interest Earnings: Unlike traditional payments where funds are transferred immediately, policyholders continue earning interest on their money until the payment is finalized.

What Does This Mean for the Insurance Industry?

Bima-ASBA aligns with IRDAI’s long-term vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, which aims to increase insurance penetration in India through digital innovation. The facility is expected to set a new standard in the industry, encouraging other insurers to adopt similar customer-friendly payment mechanisms.

• Boosts Trust in Insurance: Many people hesitate to buy insurance due to concerns about refund processes. Bima-ASBA eliminates such worries.
• Encourages Digital Transactions: With UPI-based payments becoming mainstream, this facility makes insurance purchases more seamless and convenient.
• Supports IRDAI’s Goals: The regulator has been pushing for simpler, transparent, and digitally enabled processes in the insurance sector, and Bima-ASBA is a step in that direction.

Final Thoughts

Bajaj Allianz Life’s adoption of Bima-ASBA is a significant step forward for the Indian insurance industry. By allowing customers to block their premium amounts instead of making upfront payments, the initiative enhances financial transparency, security, and convenience. As other insurers look to follow this model, Bima-ASBA could soon become a standard feature, making insurance transactions smoother for millions of policyholders.

Bajaj Allianz Life Launches Bima-ASBA – Key Highlights