• You pay a financial charge, which is called the premium. These are usually monthly, but can be quarterly and even annual. This is a fee for having the health plan.
• Many health plans have what is called a deductible. A deductible is the amount the policyholder has to pay for care until their health plan kicks in to share a percentage of the costs.
• Once the policyholder meets their deductible and the plan steps in, the insurance company starts sharing costs with your plan. For example, the health plan may pay 70% of your medical costs, and you may pay 30%. This is called “coinsurance.” Most insurance ID cards will show the deductible and coinsurance rates.

Preventive care is usually 100% covered. This includes standard items like an annual medical check-up, seasonal shots, kids’ vaccinations, general wellness screenings, and more. 

Policyholders save money when they stay in-network. Network providers agree to give lower rates to the insurance company’s customers. You can usually find a list of network providers on your health insurance website or by calling and asking them for a list of in-network providers. This is a key part of how health insurance works to help keep your costs low.

To learn more about deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, visit our blog Understanding Health Insurance Deductibles, Copayments, and Coinsurance Concerns in Pakistan.

How To Get Health Insurance

Many employers include some form of a health plan as part of their job benefits. They work with the insurance company to design the health plans they offer you. Employers can choose to include certain programs and services for their employees’ benefits, as well.

In case your workplace doesn’t offer health insurance, you can buy one on your own through a health insurance company. You’ll have to research thoroughly, as there are multiple options to meet different needs.

What Health Insurance Covers

Health insurance plans can cover a wide range of medical care and services. Common items include preventive and non-preventive care, while emergency care is a usual fixed item. Some policies can also offer coverage for behavioral health, and some categories of vision and hearing care.

What people pay out of pocket and what their plan helps pay for can depend on several factors. These include whether you’ve met your deductible, what your coinsurance is, if you are getting care from in-network providers and facilities, if your care is preventive or not, and more.

Some examples of health insurance benefits your plan may cover include:

• Preventive visits: Things like an annual check-up (adult or child) are typically covered 100%.
• Vaccinations: Some vaccinations are covered 100%, too. For example, many plans pay for an annual flu shot and certain kinds of childhood vaccinations.
• Non-preventive doctor visits: For in-network doctors and specialists, you get a reduced rate as part of the network. Your plan helps pay its share of the cost once you’ve met your deductible.
• Hospitalization: Your plan helps pay its share of the cost once you’ve met your deductible. You will pay less if you go to a hospital that’s in your plan’s network, if required.
• Emergency Room: Many health plans do not require you to go to an in-network ER in an emergency, but plans can differ.
• Lab work: If you go to an in-network lab, your costs for lab work will be lower. Your health plan negotiates lower rates with them, too.
• Additional coverage that’s added to your health plan: Coverage for cancer care, accident coverage, and more can help you pay for care that’s often costly and unexpected.  

What Health Insurance Usually Doesn’t Cover

What’s not covered by health insurance can also vary depending on the plan. Here are some types of services that are not typically covered:

Alternative medicine: Such as massage, acupuncture, herbal healing, and more.

Vision Care: Most insurance policies do not cover visits to the ophthalmologists and eye care expenses. 

Dental Care: Many insurance policies do not cover visits to the dentist, as well as orthodontic procedures or even extractions. 

Cosmetic surgery: Things like plastic surgery, laser skin removal, liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose job), etc.

Weight-loss surgery: Gastric bypass and bariatric surgery may not be covered. This depends on the plan you get, though. Some procedures may be covered if medically necessary, so check your plan documents carefully.

Vein surgery: Laser surgery to correct spider veins is often considered cosmetic and may not be covered unless a doctor can show it’s medically necessary.

Elective surgeries: Especially surgeries for which a doctor cannot prove a medical need.

Unapproved medical care: If you fail to get a required prior authorization for care or a service, your health plan may deny you coverage. Prior authorization is pre-approval from your health insurer. Many health plans require this type of pre-approval for certain types of procedures or treatments.

Your Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC) document that comes with your health plan will itemize the care and services covered, as well as what’s not covered. When you know how your health plan works, you are better able to avoid paying unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

The Benefits of Having Health Insurance

The benefits of health insurance include:

• Lower out-of-pocket costs for care since it’s shared with your health plan.
• Coverage for unexpected costly medical care, such as hospitalization and care for a serious illness like cancer, or in the event of an accident or serious injury. 
• Peace of mind—having a health plan may give you some comfort in knowing that there is a limit to how much you need to pay out of pocket for costly medical care. In addition, since your health plan pays for most preventive care, you can also have the peace of mind that you and your family can get all your routine care, with little to no additional cost. (Some plans may require a small copay at the time of a visit.)

When To Get Health Insurance

Health insurance only works when you have it. Consider your lifestyle. Do you live risk-free, or do you like to live life on the edge? Adventurous? Or a homebody? Do you have a chronic health condition that requires treatment? Do you have a family to care for? These are things to keep in mind when considering whether you should get health insurance:

If you are offered a health plan through your employer, you should get it. Your employer helps foot the bill for your medical care. Preventive care is usually at no cost to you—a big savings for you and your family.

In general, how health insurance works is similar across plans, but depending on your needs, the details of your medical coverage can vary. Make sure to learn about your particular health plan or any plan you’re considering enrolling in.

Sadia Zaheer

Sadia Zaheer holds a Masters in Business Administration from IBA, Karachi. After working in several financial institutions in Client Management, Corporate Lending, Islamic Banking and Product Management she jumped careers to pursue a career in writing.
She is a Finance, Business and HR Development writer with four years of experience. She reads a lot and takes care of her multiple cats to remain calm.

The post Does Your Health Insurance Cover Dental and Vision Care? What to Expect  appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Every health insurance plan has its own set of exclusions. Some of these exclusions are common across health insurance plans while some others are specific to the policy. 

This guide will break down the common exclusions in most health insurance policies in Pakistan and how you can mitigate their impact.

 Common Health Insurance Exclusions

 1. Pre-existing Conditions

Most health insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions for a certain period, usually ranging from one to four years. A pre-existing condition is any illness or medical condition diagnosed before you buy a policy. This could be diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Some insurers may provide coverage after a waiting period, while others may exclude them permanently.

Waiting period in health insurance refers to the period before which certain conditions are not covered under your health insurance policy. Your policy starts covering these conditions only after you serve the waiting period fully.

How to Mitigate: Choose a policy with a shorter waiting period or opt for plans specifically designed for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Some insurers allow policyholders to reduce waiting periods by paying higher premiums.

 2. Cosmetic and Elective Procedures

Health insurance policies usually do not cover treatment or surgical costs rising due to obesity or plastic surgery. These are usually categorized under cosmetic procedures. However, if such procedures are rendered necessary due to an illness, injury or accident, your health insurance policy should cover them.

How to Mitigate: If cosmetic procedures are important, consider saving separately or checking if employer-sponsored plans offer partial coverage. In some cases, reconstructive surgery after an accident is covered, so verify that with your provider.

 3. Dental and Vision Care

Standard health insurance plans do not cover routine dental checkups, orthodontic treatments, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Some policies do offer coverage for dental or vision related expenses only in case of accidents.

How to Mitigate: Look for add-on coverage riders for dental and vision care or explore standalone insurance plans that provide these benefits. Many corporate health insurance plans offer separate vision and dental benefits.

 4. Maternity and Newborn Care

Many individual health insurance plans exclude maternity expenses, including prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth, and newborn medical care. These can be added on through riders to the existing policy with additional charges.

How to Mitigate: you can pick a maternity-specific insurance plan or check if your employer provides maternity benefits as part of group health coverage. Some insurance providers allow policyholders to include maternity riders at an additional cost.

 5. Alternative and Experimental Treatments

Alternative medicine like homeopathy, acupuncture, and naturopathy, are generally excluded from health insurance coverage. Similarly, experimental treatments or therapies that have not received regulatory approval are not covered.

How to Mitigate: If you prefer alternative medicine, look for policies that offer limited coverage or set aside funds for these treatments. Some comprehensive policies have the flexibility to include coverage for alternative therapies, so it’s worth comparing options.

 6. Self-Inflicted Injuries and Substance Abuse

Health insurance policies do not cover any treatment which is needed due to alcoholism or substance abuse. If you smoke, or consume alcohol or drugs, and end up needing treatment because of these habits, your health insurance policy will not cover your treatment.

How to Mitigate: If substance abuse treatment is needed, explore specialized rehabilitation programs that offer financial assistance. Some mental health insurance plans now provide partial coverage for addiction treatment.

 7. Injuries Due to Hazardous Activities

No health insurer will be keen to cover treatment when it is due to an injury caused by participation in any hazardous or adventure sports. So you can either stop participating in such sports or be cautious while participating in them. 

How to Mitigate: Some insurers offer additional riders for extreme sports coverage, so inquire about these options if you participate in high-risk activities. If your profession involves hazardous work, explore occupational health insurance plans.

 8. Fertility Treatments and Surrogacy

Procedures such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and other fertility treatments are generally not covered by standard health insurance policies. However, some policies allow for fertility treatment riders for additional charges

How to Mitigate: If you require fertility treatments, check for specialized plans or employer-sponsored benefits that offer some level of coverage. Some premium insurance providers offer partial coverage for fertility treatments.

 9. Mental Health and Psychological Disorders

While mental health awareness is improving, many traditional health insurance policies still exclude mental health treatments, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care.

How to Mitigate: Look for insurance providers that include mental health coverage or seek standalone mental health plans. Some progressive insurers are now offering mental health benefits as part of comprehensive coverage.

 10. Non-Prescription and Experimental Medications

Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and experimental drugs are typically excluded from coverage unless prescribed as part of an inpatient hospital treatment.

How to Mitigate: Budget separately for non-prescription medications or seek employer-sponsored healthcare plans that offer reimbursement options. Some insurance companies offer drug coverage riders that include a wider range of medications.

 11. Overseas Medical Treatments

Many health insurance policies do not cover medical expenses incurred outside of Pakistan, except for emergency treatments.

How to Mitigate: If you travel frequently, consider an international health insurance policy or travel medical insurance that covers overseas medical expenses.

 12. Long-Term and Home Care Services

Most health insurance policies do not cover long-term nursing care, assisted living, or home care services for chronic illnesses or disabilities.

How to Mitigate: If long-term care is a concern, look into long-term care insurance plans or family support options.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan

Understanding exclusions is the first step toward selecting the right health insurance plan. Here are a few tips:

• Read the policy document carefully: Always check the exclusions section before purchasing a policy.
• Compare different plans: Some insurers offer better coverage for specific conditions.
• Consider add-ons and riders: If certain exclusions matter to you, look for policies with optional riders that expand coverage.
• Consult an insurance expert: If you’re unsure about policy details, speak to a professional who can guide you based on your needs.
• Check for employer-sponsored options: Some workplace health insurance plans offer more comprehensive coverage than individual policies.

Conclusion

Having a health insurance policy is a valuable financial safety net, but no policy covers everything. Understanding exclusions in the policy you pick helps you plan better and avoid unexpected medical costs. Before buying a policy, assess its coverage limitations carefully, compare different options, and consider add-ons that match your healthcare needs. 

By staying informed, you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. 

Sadia Zaheer

Sadia Zaheer holds a Masters in Business Administration from IBA, Karachi. After working in several financial institutions in Client Management, Corporate Lending, Islamic Banking and Product Management she jumped careers to pursue a career in writing.
She is a Finance, Business and HR Development writer with four years of experience. She reads a lot and takes care of her multiple cats to remain calm.

The post Health Insurance Exclusions: What’s Not Covered in Your Policy? appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

1. The Rise of Digital Insurance Platforms

Technology continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of Pakistan’s insurance sector. Digital insurance platforms are gaining traction, offering consumers a seamless experience to compare, purchase, and manage policies online.

There are several insurtech platforms in Pakistan now that are making life easier for customers. They can find customized insurance plans, whether it’s health, auto, or life insurance. This shift not only enhances convenience but also increases transparency, allowing consumers to make more informed decisions.

 Why This Matters:

• Reduced paperwork and faster processing times.
• Broader reach to underserved and remote areas.
• Enhanced customer support through AI-driven chatbots.

 2. Microinsurance Expansion

Microinsurance is emerging as a game-changer for low-income populations in Pakistan. With a significant portion of the population still uninsured, microinsurance provides affordable and accessible solutions to protect against risks such as health emergencies, crop failure, and natural disasters.

 Key Developments in Microinsurance:

• Partnerships between insurance companies and fintech firms to distribute low-cost policies.
• Increased awareness campaigns to educate rural populations about the benefits of microinsurance.
• The use of mobile payment platforms for premium collection and claims settlement.

Example:

Companies like Telenor Microfinance Bank have already pioneered mobile-based microinsurance products, enabling financial inclusion at scale.

 3. Focus on Health Insurance Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently altered how Pakistanis view health insurance. In 2025, health insurance remains a top priority, with providers introducing innovative policies tailored to meet diverse needs.

 Current Trends:

• Telemedicine Integration: Many health insurance plans now offer teleconsultation services, enabling policyholders to access healthcare remotely.
• Preventive Care Coverage: Policies are evolving to cover preventive measures like annual check-ups and wellness programs.
• Family-Focused Plans: Insurers are targeting families with bundled plans offering comprehensive coverage at competitive rates.

 Tip for Consumers:

Evaluate plans for their hospital network, ease of claim processing, and value-added services like 24/7 medical hotlines.

 4. The Rise of Takaful (Islamic Insurance)

Islamic insurance, or Takaful, continues to gain popularity in Pakistan. Offering Shariah-compliant coverage, Takaful appeals to individuals who prefer ethical investment options aligned with Islamic principles.

 Key Features of Takaful in 2025:

• A growing number of operators offering both family and general Takaful products.
• Collaboration between banks and Takaful companies to provide bundled services.
• Enhanced digitalization of Takaful services, improving accessibility and customer experience.

 Fun Fact:

Takaful now constitutes a significant share of the overall insurance market in Pakistan, with double-digit growth expected this year.

5. Customized Auto Insurance Policies

With the rise in vehicle ownership and increasing road traffic, auto insurance is becoming a necessity for many Pakistanis. In 2025, customized policies are in high demand, catering to specific needs like ride-hailing drivers, electric vehicle (EV) owners, and first-time car buyers.

 Notable Trends:

• Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance: Premiums calculated based on driving behavior and mileage.
• Coverage for EVs: Policies designed to include battery replacements and charging station support.
• Add-Ons: Optional features like roadside assistance and zero depreciation coverage.

 Pro Tip:

Drivers can save on premiums by maintaining a clean driving record and opting for higher deductibles.

6. Climate Insurance: Preparing for Natural Disasters

Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters has underscored the importance of climate insurance. Floods, droughts, and extreme weather events pose significant risks to lives and livelihoods, especially in rural areas.

 2025 Developments:

• Expansion of crop insurance programs to protect farmers from losses.
• Introduction of weather-indexed insurance, where payouts are triggered by predefined weather conditions.
• Collaboration between the government and private insurers to subsidize premiums for vulnerable communities.

 Why It’s Important:

Climate insurance not only provides financial relief but also encourages sustainable practices among farmers and businesses.

7. The Impact of InsurTech Innovations

The fusion of insurance and technology is known as InsurTech. This is driving efficiency and innovation across the industry. From blockchain to artificial intelligence, these technologies are transforming how insurance is bought, sold, and managed. Developments mentioned below are in international markets.

Notable Innovations:

• AI-Powered Claims Processing: Reducing claim settlement times from weeks to days.
• Blockchain for Fraud Prevention: Ensuring secure and transparent transactions.
• IoT-Based Monitoring: Devices like fitness trackers and car sensors provide real-time data to tailor premiums.

What’s Next:

Expect more personalized products and dynamic pricing models based on real-time consumer behavior.

8. Enhanced Consumer Education and Awareness

As competition increases, insurance providers are investing in educating consumers about the importance of coverage. Awareness campaigns through social media, community outreach programs, and collaborations with influencers are becoming commonplace.

Key Focus Areas:

• Busting myths around insurance being too expensive or unnecessary.
• Highlighting the long-term financial security benefits of insurance.
• Simplifying policy language to make it easier for consumers to understand terms and conditions.

A Step Forward:

These efforts are empowering consumers to make well-informed decisions, contributing to higher insurance penetration rates in Pakistan.

 Conclusion: A Dynamic Future for Insurance in Pakistan

The insurance industry in Pakistan is at an exciting juncture, with 2025 bringing a mix of innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your existing coverage, staying informed about these trends will help you make better financial decisions.

From digital platforms to climate insurance and the growing popularity of Takaful, the landscape is evolving to cater to diverse needs. If you’re ready to explore your options, platforms like Smartbenefits.pk are here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to secure your future? Start exploring today and embrace the benefits of modern insurance solutions.

Sadia Zaheer

Sadia Zaheer holds a Masters in Business Administration from IBA, Karachi. After working in several financial institutions in Client Management, Corporate Lending, Islamic Banking and Product Management she jumped careers to pursue a career in writing.
She is a Finance, Business and HR Development writer with four years of experience. She reads a lot and takes care of her multiple cats to remain calm.

The post Insurance Trends in 2025: What’s New in the Pakistani Market? appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

PayPak’s strategic objective includes offering Domestic Payment Scheme to provide low cost payment services to every citizen of Pakistan.

The launch event was organized by 1LINK (Guarantee) Limited and was held at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi on April 05, 2016. The event was attended by various senior officials from the regulatory body and the banking industry.

PayPak was officially launched by the Chief Guest Mr. Ashraf Mahmood Wathra, Governor; State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Saeed Ahmed, Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan and Mr. Ashraf Khan, Executive Director, Operations, State Bank of Pakistan.

Mr. Ashraf Mahmood Wathra, after launching the Domestic Payment Scheme on the occasion said “With the launch of PayPak, Pakistan has become the 28th nation in the world to launch such a card scheme. We encourage all banks to utilize this new service and pass benefit to end customer”.

“1LINK has introduced various innovative services to promote electronic banking and financial inclusion, launch of ‘PayPak’ domestic scheme is the key milestone to make cards and electronic payments in reach of masses” said Mr. Faisal Ejaz Khan, CEO; 1LINK (Guarantee) Limited while addressing the event and explaining his vision, road map, objective and benefits of launching  Pakistan’s First Domestic Payment Scheme.

This local card scheme has received overwhelming response from banks, over 19 banks have already signed up for PayPak to launch debit card services including Habib Bank, Bank Al Habib, NRSP and many other.

1Link has always been in the forefront of enablement of the poor in the country by providing support to BISP, WATAN cards, IDP cards etc.  Launch of PayPak is also a step in the same direction.

The event concluded by giving away souvenirs to all major contributors in the Payment Industry of Pakistan.

Khurram Zahid

The post “PayPak”- Pakistan’s Domestic Payment Scheme launched. appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

TPL Direct Insurance offers Home, Travel, Auto and Health insurance. The management has now decided to engage into micro-finance which is growing at a rapid pace in Pakistan. According to an official notification relayed to stock, TPL Trakker has started a process to assess and evaluate the feasibility of potentially acquiring upto 100% paid up capital of Asia Care and Life Insurance Company.

Keeping this in perspective, the company is currently recruiting advisory and consultancy firms for the legal settlements and the financial transaction will only take place after an approval from the board of directors and regulatory authorities. As of now, health woes and medical expenditures have become an important concern for those who cannot afford quality medical treatment. Asia Care offers a comprehensive solution to such issues and has introduced health plans via the platforms of micro-finance bodies including the First Micro-Finance Bank, Khushhali Bank and Tameer Micro-Finance Bank. All of which offer affordable health plans to the masses.

Asiacare has also launched multiple products for the retail market including Prepaid Health Insurance Card which offers various benefits including out-patient, cashless claim, emergency care and etc at a reasonable premium amount.

Khurram Zahid

The post TPL Trakker Ltd. plans to acquire Asia Care Insurance appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

All Telcos in Pakistan offer two different pricing plans, Prepaid and Postpaid. Though both Prepaid and Postpaid have their pros and cons but there are certain advantages of postpaid connection which would allow you to enjoy certain benefits. For starters, you get priority customer support services along with the benefit of not having to deal with those extremely annoying promotional calls/SMS. There is also the option of getting your call history for the whole month with your monthly bill and you can also claim your taxes that are paid on top of your monthly line rent whereas Prepaid plans lack such option. Majority of the  subscribers in Pakistan are currently using Prepaid but there is a certain market of young people that are getting into professional lives and need to keep more in contact than ever before but remain within a budget which is why they might consider switching to Postpaid plans.

Below we will list a table of Postpaid packages from all 5 Telcos in Pakistan within the price range of PKR 1000, so that users who wish to stay within a limited budget can make the smart choice of choosing the one that suits them best!

Postpaid packages in Rs. 1000

Disclaimer: All prices mentioned above are exclusive of all applicable taxes.

We have mentioned the best Postpaid packages available in Pakistan within PKR 1000 for all Telcos, however this is only one side of the picture and there are some other factors that need to be considered as well to truly get the most out of your Postpaid plan. Hence we are listing these one by one below.

Rollover Minutes:
Zong is the only carrier to offer Rollover Minutes. What this basically means is that if you have leftover minutes from last month, they will be added to your current month instead of getting wasted. This can be very good for users who are not sure whether they will be able to consume the talktime minutes.

Security Deposit:
First of all let us inform our readers what a security deposit is and what its purpose is. A security deposit is a refundable amount that acts as a credit limit. For e.g if your monthly line rent is PKR 1000 then you can exceed your usage upto PKR 2500 without paying the bill. As about 90% of your credit limit is reached the company disables your outgoing services and then you can pay your bill partly/fully to resume using the services.

Here again Zong is facilitating its customers as its refundable security deposit (Rs. 2500) for both IDD(International Direct Dialing) as well as NWD(Nation Wide Dialing) within Pakistan. Other Telcos are charging a separate amount as security deposit of around PKR 2500 for IDD calls (in addition to Rs. 2500 for NWD calls).

Mobile Money Wallet:
Telenor is offering a free Easy Paisa account with its Postpaid plans. However other carriers like Ufone charge a small fee for this facility. EasyPaisa has proven to be a very useful feature as it has made the hassle of bill payments easier as you don’t have to stand in long queues at the bank. It also helps us send money instantly to our loved ones any time of the day.

Additional Data Bundles:
If you have exhausted your data bundle and want to get an additional one, then Warid offers the cheapest data bundle starting from PKR 100 for 500MB. However keep in mind that Warid offers very little Data limit in its Postpaid plans so getting a bundle might be necessary however it might add to your monthly bill Whereas other carriers offer 1GB data with their Postpaid plans. Zong also offers cheap bundles starting at PKR 50/150MB and PKR 150/500MB.

Video/Voice Calls over IP:
While some carriers in Pakistan are charging VoIP/Video Calls from the provided data bundle, some carriers like Ufone and Telenor charge separately as per normal data rates for Whatsapp, Skype, Hangout and other calling apps which might be a bummer for most users in Pakistan as these services are heavily used to contact loved ones living abroad.

Ufone charges PKR 20/MB for the 1^st MB and then 19MBs are counted free and then 1MB is charged again at PKR20/MB and this cycle continues.
Telenor charges Video Calls at PKR 1/MB whereas charging of video calls is done at a 5 minute pulse and charges are PKR 2/5 minutes.

Our Verdict:
Having given you all the nitty gritty details about all the factors that should be taken into consideration before switching to a Postpaid plan that a potential customer must analyze before making a switch. You can check all of these features offered by various carriers in Pakistan and then choose one that fits their needs best. With that being said we think that overall we’d prefer Telenor for its wide coverage and overall good Postpaid packages, however Telenor is separately charging for various VoIP/Video Call services which should be kept in mind.Also, If 4G LTE is a must for you then we’d say that Zong is a better choice over Warid as it offers 1GB of data volume within its Postpaid package whereas Warid skimps out on offering data within the packages but has attractive data bundles to be bought separately.

Did our article help you reach a decision to switch to Postpay? Don’t forget to voice your opinions in the comments below!

Khurram Zahid

The post Looking for Best Postpaid Package in Rs.1000? Find out your Options! appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

For salaried employees it is always a difficult decision to go for credit card or not. It’s a double edged sword, can be of great benefit as well as great trouble depending upon your payment history. Some credit cards though are not that big of a burden and if you have monthly salary around PKR 30,000 you can go for the basic ones that several banks offer.

For your convenience we have compared and compiled a list of credit cards from various banks in Pakistan that can be availed and be light on pocket.
 *All information extracted from Schedule of Charges July-December 2015 documents of respective banks

**Where required information was not available, we have mentioned “Unknown” in the chart above

We had assumed the salaries since most credit card companies require minimum 25k salary and two references (ideally existing credit card holders). The card limit that is assigned to any customer is based on the salaries, net worth and other factors, usually this limit is multiple of 2.5 to 3 of individual’s salary. Since calculations of possible spending limits would be out of scope of this comparison, we decided to leave that part out.

Conclusion

It is difficult to declare one credit card as the best of the lot since each comes with its own benefits. The special features of each card is what matters, apart from the obvious financial factors, because your card use and relevant benefits make the card best for you.

For example, for those who shop a lot and eat out, Faysal Bank would be best option as they offer up to 15% discount on number of restaurants and easily redeemable reward points, while those preferring direct debit monthly payments and internet banking would likely go for Standard Chartered bank cards. For some the rate of foreign transactions would matter while for others the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) rate would be a major factor.

Ideally, whatever card you choose, make sure it is providing you the maximum benefits based on your needs and requirements.

Khurram Zahid

The post Credit Card options for Salaried Employees appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

About the service

YahClick has footprint in 28 countries, including sub-Saharan nations, across three continents. In Pakistan the company has tied up with two local partners, Supernet and ClickSat, for service provision. The company provides satellite internet for essential services such as Small and Medium Enterprises, remote VIP locations, NGOs, healthcare and education, individuals and disaster-hit areas.

In Pakistan the service is already being used by banking sector to power 154 ATMs located at remote areas of the country. In addition to that the service is also being used for education purposes. YahClick provides dedicated downlinks and uplinks with uninterrupted connectivity to make sure the customer remains connected at all times. It is especially relevant to those customers who have critical services that cannot be compromised through any service disconnection.

How does it work?

To avail YahClick service in Pakistan the user would have to approach Supernet or ClickSat. A satellite dish and modem would be needed that can be placed to receive the signals, available at both upfront cost as well as on rent. A power backup would be best to deal with any power breakdown and keep the dish active to receive. The internet can only be availed through the modem of the dish, removing the need to have extensive infrastructure for service provision and no need to have so many wires in place.

There are various plans available for the customers, from 2 Mbps speed to 7 Mbps speed, with varying data caps based on selected plan.

Equipment Cost

• 74cm Dish with up to 3 Port Modem: Around Rs. 60,000
• 74cm Dish with up to 20 Port Modem: Around Rs. 75,000
• 98cm Dish with up to 3 Port Modem: Around Rs. 75,000
• 98cm Dish with up to 20 Port Modem: Around Rs. 90,000
• 120cm Dish with up to 20 Port Modem: Around Rs. 120,000

Packages

-These rates are per month and excluding taxes

Can I use this service?

Sure, you can. But it is not like general broadband service. The shared broadband services provided by various companies is far cheaper than a satellite broadband service. Satellite broadband is very expensive and is used for critical services by various government and non-government (corporates, NGOs etc) entities at remote locations. This is also beneficial service for areas hit by disaster, since the internet infrastructure would be non-functional the satellite broadband can be used with just the dish antenna and backup power.

It is not for residential customers unless they don’t mind forking out thousands of rupees for handful of Gigabytes.

Khurram Zahid

The post YahClick Launches Satellite Broadband in Pakistan appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Following are some prominent services on offer:

Website Creation: PTCL Smart Cloud allow creation of websites that can also support e-commerce, using Zeendo platform that specialize in clean web designs and templates. These are responsive websites that run on all browsers and have clean interfaces for computers, tablets and smartphones.

Media Sharing: Through Spontania, a media collaboration platform, Smart Cloud will allow subscribers to collaborate in real-time through voice, video and data. It allow teams to stay connected and work without delay in communication, surpassing physical barriers that may affect work.

Smart Storage: Smart Cloud allows online storing of data through NEC Cloud Storing. The data hosting platform is integrated with mobile technologies and has smart cache system for rapid response. Teams can easily save their work and retrieve it from anywhere and on any device.

Email Marketing: Using emBlue Express, Smart Cloud provides step-by-step process to find out ROI (Return on Investment) based on your email marketing campaign.

Patient Records: For medical practitioners Smart Cloud offers iMedicPlus service, a cost-effective platform that stores and manages all information related to patients. Not only records and appointment scheduling, it includes automatic email reminders to patients, patient portal, electronic health record and a separate blog space for relevant news posting.

Data Protection: For safety and data protection, Smart Cloud uses McAfee SaaS Endpoint Protection. The solution provides comprehensive protection, smart firewall to prevent viruses, malwares, identity thefts, data hacks and updates regularly to maintain high protection level.

The services start from as low as $2.9 to as high as $100 per month (yet to be seen when will these services offered in local currency). Looking at the list there seems to be a lot of opportunities to introduce even more variety of services that small and medium enterprises can use, such as a comprehensive email solution. Interested businesses can check the details on the PTCL Smart Cloud signup page that can be found here.

Khurram Zahid

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The following infographic illustrate the details of the report:

Following is the excerpt from SBP’s report:

During the third quarter of FY15, Pakistan Realtime Interbank Settlement Mechanism (PRISM) settled 198,250 transactions of value Rs.51.5 Trillion showing an increase of 5.0% and 21% in volume and value respectively compared to second quarter of FY15. The major share in increase of number of PRISM transactions was contributed by Interbank Funds Transfer which increased by almost 6% while increase in value of PRISM transactions was contributed by securities settlement which increased by almost 45%.
During the third quarter of FY15, the volume and value of Internet Banking transactions showed an increase of 10% and 6% respectively. The volume and value of Point of Sale (POS) transactions has declined slightly by 1.4% and 3.0% compared to last quarter. The volume of Mobile Banking transactions has decreased by 15% while its value increased by 14% as compared to the previous quarter of FY15. Similarly, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions showed a growth of 2% in volume and 6% in value as compared to last quarter of FY15. The volume of Real Time Online Banking (RTOB) transactions showed a growth of over 6% while its value showed a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to second quarter of FY15. Non financial transactions1, during the third quarter of FY15 showed a growth of over 4%.
During the third quarter of current fiscal year, the network of ATMs continued to show a growth of 3.3% reaching to 9,312. During this quarter, 2,341 Point of Sale (POS) machines were installed by banks showing a growth of 7% as compared to second quarter of FY15. The number of cards issued by banks has also increased by 2% reaching the total of 26.5 Million by the end of the quarter under review. During the current quarter, registered users of Internet, Mobile and Call Centre banking showed a growth of 5.9% reaching to 19.7 Million by the end of third quarter of FY15.

Khurram Zahid

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