Vodafone Idea (Vi) has rolled out a new set of prepaid data packs bundled with handset loss insurance across India, marking a fresh push into value-added services as the telecom operator looks to strengthen customer engagement beyond core connectivity.
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The newly introduced packs combine data allowances with handset loss insurance coverage of up to Rs 25,000, offered in partnership with Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL). The data pack offering is available on a pan-India basis and can be purchased through the Vi app, website, and retail channels.
Vi has launched three variants under this scheme. The highest-priced pack costs Rs 251 and offers 10GB of data with a validity of 30 days, while the handset insurance cover remains valid for 365 days. A second Rs 201 pack also provides 10GB of data for 30 days but comes with a shorter handset insurance cover period of 180 days. The entry-level option is priced at Rs 61 and includes 2GB of data valid for 15 days, along with handset loss insurance coverage for 30 days. None of the packs extend service validity, meaning users must already have an active base plan to continue outgoing services.
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According to Vi’s insurance terms, the handset loss cover applies to theft or loss of the registered device, subject to eligibility checks carried out by ABHICL. The insured handset must be registered against the Vi number, should not be older than three years at the time of purchase, and must meet the insurer’s eligibility criteria. Customers are required to complete the registration process within 48 hours of receiving an SMS from the insurance partner to activate coverage. The final insured value is determined in real time based on the handset’s details, with a maximum cap of Rs 25,000
The insurance product excludes several scenarios, including loss due to negligence, unattended devices in public places, losses occurring at the customer’s residence, software or data loss, refurbished or second-hand devices, and cases involving fraud or incomplete documentation. Claims are handled directly by ABHICL, with Vodafone Idea positioning itself strictly as a facilitator rather than an insurer.
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The packs also reflect a growing trend in Indian telecom where operators are increasingly bundling insurance, financial protection, and utility-style services with mobile recharges. For Vi, which continues to face pressure from subscriber churn and a relatively weaker 5G footprint compared to its larger peers, such bundled offerings may help retain low-usage or secondary SIM customers without significantly increasing network costs.
It looks like the launch signals Vi’s intent to experiment beyond traditional tariff structures as competition in India’s telecom market intensifies.
