I’ve come across many insurance agents who can be grouped into predictable bands based on their persuasive marketing techniques. But not this unrelenting man who carpet-bombed me, parroting the ‘more than 30 major sickness’ card. The other day, he stormed into my office cabin despite my stressing over phone that I wouldn’t be available in office the whole day. Seated opposite me, he beamed and said, “By sheer chance, I could meet you now, though I know you won’t be available in office.” Was it a satirical dig at me for lying to him about my absence? Whatever, I knew the bald and stocky man in his sixties wearing a tie would try to hook me into one of his insurance schemes I was eschewing. “Just wanted to say hello to you. By the way, could you spare a thought for the wealth builder-cum-insurance policy I proposed that gives coverage against over 30 major sicknesses?” Rao (name changed) opened up.
“Sorry Mr Rao. I’m not at all keen on it. I have a host of insurance policies. It’s now my policy not to opt for another policy.” My curt reply went unheeded. “You see, I don’t compel anyone. Never... Not at all... But this policy is too good to resist. Mind you. Rarely do you get such a sickness plus life coverage policy, one that covers you against more than 30 major sicknesses. Heart attack is one among them,” he said. “But, I don’t have a heart problem,” I protested. “Today... may be, yes. But heart attack can strike anyone. Do you know Alphonse who worked in ABC company?” “What happened to him?” I asked, petrified. “I was after him to take this policy and he dodged me. Poor guy, two weeks back, he died of heart attack. I suppose Senthil of XYZ company is your friend.”
“What went wrong with him?” I asked and pat came Rao’s reply. “He availed of my policy and he was fortunate to have a heart attack. We promptly paid him $25,000.” “So it’s either heart attack prior to or post policy,” I heaved. “Not necessarily... You can suffer any other ailment from the list of over 30 major sicknesses – say stroke, paralysis or even complete loss of hearing,” Rao consoled me phlegmatically. “What!” I yelled. “Didn’t you hear me? This is why I’ve been advising people like you to go for this policy. Never too late. Even if you lose your vision, you’re fully covered.” I screamed, “OMG! Mr Rao. Stop. Stop. You scare me out of my wit’s end. Have mercy on me. I’ve to be hale and hearty.” “Sir, I’m your true friend. When you’re fine, everyone will be around you. But when you’re down with a major sickness, they’ll desert you. It’s then persons like me will rush to your aid. Never underestimate an insurance agent.” “I never did, Mr Rao. In fact, insurance policies have greatly helped me. But now I’ve to get on with my work. Pleassssse.” I was about to fall at his feet. “Sure, I’ll not disturb,” Rao assured me, “But bear in mind.... more than 30 major sicknesses....”
Next day, as I was in office, there was a phone call. “More than 30 major sickness..?” I shot. “Now you’re on my page. Just thought of dropping in,” Rao said. “No sir, I’m not in office. I’m in a meeting outside,” I said. “I know. That’s why, I came to your office. Can you see me through the cabin glass? Yeah, That’s me,” answered Rao. “Oh, my goodness! Feel like I may get a stroke.” My soliloquy got transmitted on the phone and Rao rushed in. “Stroke or angina. Don’t worry. You are at the right moment to avail of the policy. No second thoughts please. You’ll be covered against more than 30 major sickness.” Though I had declared that I would not take another policy, I found myself terminating that avowed policy and instead, hurriedly filling up the form for the wealth builder-cum-insurance policy that had coverage against...... yes, more than 30 major sicknesses! vishyvaidya@gmail.com