Vodafone Idea (Vi), India’s third-largest telecom operator, has rolled out three new prepaid data vouchers that combine high-speed 4G data benefits with handset loss insurance coverage of up to Rs 25,000. The move marks a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Indian telecom space, where mobile insurance is directly bundled with recharge plans.
The company has partnered with Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL) to offer this protection, aiming to deliver additional value to prepaid users while addressing concerns around mobile theft and loss. The launch comes at a time when telecom operators are increasingly focusing on value-added services to improve customer retention in a highly competitive market.
Vi’s newly introduced plans are data-only prepaid vouchers, meaning they do not extend voice calling or SMS validity. Users must already be on an active base prepaid plan to use these vouchers.
These plans are available pan-India and can be recharged via:
The Vi mobile app
The official Vi website
Authorised retail outlets
However, Vi has indicated that availability may vary by region in some areas.
Data benefit: 2GB of 4G data
Data validity: 15 days
Insurance coverage period: 30 days
Data benefit: 10GB of 4G data
Data validity: 30 days
Insurance coverage period: 180 days
Data benefit: 10GB of 4G data
Data validity: 30 days
Insurance coverage period: 365 days (one year)
Each of these vouchers offers handset loss insurance coverage of up to Rs 25,000, subject to eligibility criteria defined by the insurance partner.
The handset loss insurance bundled with Vi’s prepaid vouchers comes with several important conditions that users must be aware of.
To qualify for coverage:
The handset must be registered against the Vi mobile number
The device must not be older than three years
The handset must meet ABHICL’s eligibility requirements
According to the Vi website, users must complete registration within 48 hours of receiving the SMS from the insurance partner to activate the real-time insured value of the handset.
If the handset does not qualify for insurance under ABHICL’s terms:
Users may receive a refund
The refund is processed only after completing registration within 48 hours
For detailed terms, conditions, and claim-related information, Vi advises users to visit the Vi app or official website.
The introduction of recharge-linked handset insurance highlights Vi’s broader strategy to:
Differentiate its prepaid offerings
Address real-world concerns like phone theft and loss
Add tangible value without significantly increasing recharge costs
With smartphones becoming increasingly expensive, bundled insurance could appeal strongly to budget-conscious prepaid users, especially in urban and semi-urban markets.
India’s telecom sector remains fiercely competitive, with operators battling on pricing, data benefits, and bundled services. By integrating insurance coverage directly into prepaid data vouchers, Vodafone Idea is attempting to carve out a niche beyond traditional telecom benefits.
Such value-added services could play a key role in customer retention and ARPU stability, particularly as data consumption continues to rise across the country.