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Roopam

Roopam Asthana  | Answer  |Ask -

Answered on Jul 01, 2022

Vedant Question by Vedant on Jul 01, 2022Hindi
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I am 18-year-old and am migrating to the UK to pursue further studies. If I land up having a health emergency abroad, will my existing health plan in India provide adequate cover?

Ans: First, check your existing health plan to see if it covers worldwide hospitalisation and offers emergency medical assistance for the desired duration and location. Most locally sold policies do not cover hospitalisation costs outside India, except maybe emergency hospitalisation during short-term travel.

Also, students going abroad are asked by their universities to buy a health plan having minimum pre-defined coverages or benefits. Your existing plan may not be sufficient to take care of your university's requirement.

Seek confirmation from your insurer regarding the benefits available outside India to ensure you do not end up with inadequate coverage.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Moneywize

Moneywize   | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 25, 2024Hindi
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I am an NRI from Dubai. My queries: Can I avail of any health insurance from India? I often travel to India for 30 days at a stretch and would like to cover myself for any medical emergencies. I am 48 now.
Ans: Yes, you can definitely avail of health insurance from India as an NRI living in Dubai.

Many Indian insurance companies offer health insurance plans specifically designed for NRIs. These plans provide coverage specifically for medical expenses incurred during your visits to India. Here's what you need to know:

Benefits:

• Coverage for medical emergencies: These plans typically cover hospitalisation expenses, including room and board charges, surgeon fees, doctor consultations, and specific medical procedures.
• Flexibility: You can choose plans with varying sum insured amounts (coverage limit) to suit your needs.
• Renewal options: These plans are usually renewable, allowing you to continue coverage over your future visits to India.

Things to Consider:

• Coverage scope: These plans are generally valid only within India.
• Pre-existing conditions: Some plans may have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so be sure to disclose your medical history accurately during the application process.
• Renewal requirements: Some insurers might require you to be physically present in India for renewal.

How to Buy:

• Online platforms: Many insurance companies offer online application options, allowing you to compare plans, choose the best fit, and purchase the plan directly.
• Insurance agents: You can also get in touch with a trusted insurance agent in India who can guide you through the process, compare options and help you choose the right plan.

Given your situation:

Considering your 30-day visits and your age (48), a short-term health insurance plan (also called travel medical insurance) might be a good option. These plans typically offer coverage for shorter durations and are generally more affordable than regular comprehensive health insurance.

Research and compare different plans offered by different companies to find one that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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I'm an NRI. We're planning to return to India for my wife's health reasons - the family support and help needed at home will be better here in India for changes in her lifestyle due to multiple health challenges she's facing. The question in front of us is, health insurance for my wife. Initially she is returning to India in June/July 2024 and in one year, I will be shifting after sorting out transferring my job from my US company our Hyderabad office - takes time for approvals and official/legal/immigration/financial norms to comply for the transfer. Once I transfer to Hyderabad in June/July 2025, I will get company provided health insurance in Hyd and my wife will be on it. Till then, for next one year, I'm working in US and I've company provided health insurance in US but not in India, but my wife will be in India. Can we buy health insurance as individuals in India? I quickly scanned and found Tata AIG, HDFC, ICICI offering health insurance but it was not clear to me whether private individuals can buy it, will it cover regular hospital visits, medicines, medical equipment supplied and how good the coverage and how well the participating hospitals are across the country and in major city like Hyderabad? My wife is diabetic, needs insulin, has arthritis, has gluten issues. Please help us with any insight, guidance you can provide on health insurance access for my wife.
Ans: Hello,
It's understandable that you're concerned about your wife's health insurance coverage during the transition period before you relocate to India permanently. Here are some insights and guidance to help you navigate this situation:
1. Health Insurance for Individuals: Yes, private individuals in India can purchase health insurance policies. Many insurance companies, including Tata AIG, HDFC, and ICICI, offer health insurance plans that cater to individual needs.
2. Coverage: Health insurance policies typically cover hospitalization expenses, including room rent, doctor's fees, medical tests, surgeries, and medication costs. However, coverage for pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and gluten issues may vary depending on the policy terms and conditions.
3. Policy Features: When selecting a health insurance policy, consider factors such as coverage for pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, network hospitals, claim settlement process, and premium costs. Look for policies that offer comprehensive coverage and benefits suited to your wife's specific health requirements.
4. Network Hospitals: Most health insurance providers have tie-ups with a network of hospitals where policyholders can avail of cashless treatment facilities. Before purchasing a policy, ensure that there are network hospitals available in Hyderabad and other cities where you may need medical assistance.
5. Customized Plans: Some insurance companies offer customized health insurance plans for individuals with pre-existing conditions. These plans may provide enhanced coverage for chronic illnesses like diabetes and arthritis. Consider exploring such options to meet your wife's healthcare needs.
6. Consultation with Insurance Advisor: To make an informed decision, consult with an insurance advisor or agent who can guide you through the process of selecting the right health insurance policy based on your wife's health condition, budget, and coverage requirements.
By researching various health insurance options, comparing policy features, and seeking expert advice, you can find a suitable health insurance solution to ensure your wife's medical needs are adequately covered during the transition period.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 11, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 70 years old. I will be visiting UK for 6 months to be with my son. I am a heart patient. Would like to know about the best health insurance policy during my stay in UK which would cover procedures like angioplasty/ heart surgery and the premium I will have to pay for buying such a mediclaim.
Ans: It’s wonderful that you’ll be spending time with your son in the UK. Considering your heart condition, securing comprehensive health insurance is essential. This guide will help you understand your options and the best approach to finding suitable health insurance for your stay.

Understanding Your Insurance Needs
Coverage for Heart Conditions
Given your heart condition, it’s vital to have coverage for cardiac procedures like angioplasty and heart surgery. Not all travel insurance policies provide this, so you'll need a specialized plan.

Duration of Stay
Since you'll be in the UK for six months, you require a long-term travel health insurance policy. Most standard travel insurance policies cover shorter trips, so ensure your policy matches your duration of stay.

Pre-Existing Conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions can complicate insurance coverage. Ensure the policy explicitly covers pre-existing conditions like heart disease to avoid any claim rejections.

Types of Health Insurance Policies
Travel Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is designed for travelers and provides coverage for medical emergencies, including hospitalization, surgeries, and sometimes even follow-up treatments.

International Health Insurance
International health insurance offers more comprehensive coverage, often similar to domestic health insurance plans. These plans are suitable for extended stays abroad and cover a wider range of medical services.

Specialized Senior Citizen Plans
Some insurance companies offer specialized plans for senior citizens, including those with pre-existing conditions. These plans might be more expensive but provide necessary coverage tailored to seniors.

Evaluating Health Insurance Plans
Coverage
Ensure the policy covers:

Hospitalization
Surgeries, including angioplasty and heart surgery
Doctor consultations
Prescription medications
Emergency medical evacuation
Network Hospitals
Check if the insurance plan has a network of hospitals in the UK. Network hospitals often provide cashless treatment, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Claim Process
The claim process should be straightforward and efficient. Look for insurers with a reputation for quick claim settlements.

Premium Costs
The premium cost will depend on factors like age, medical history, and coverage. Get quotes from multiple insurers to compare premiums and benefits.

Steps to Secure the Best Health Insurance Policy
Research and Compare
Start by researching different insurance providers and their plans. Use comparison websites to evaluate policies based on coverage, premiums, and customer reviews.

Contact Insurance Providers
Speak directly with insurance providers to clarify coverage details, especially concerning pre-existing conditions like heart disease. Ask about exclusions and limitations.

Read the Fine Print
Carefully read the policy documents to understand what is covered and what is not. Pay attention to terms related to pre-existing conditions and medical emergencies.

Seek Professional Advice
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who specializes in health insurance for international travelers. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and medical history.

Insurance Providers to Consider
Comprehensive Coverage Providers
Look for insurance providers known for offering comprehensive coverage, including major medical procedures. These providers often have plans tailored for long-term stays and senior citizens.

International Insurers
Some international insurers specialize in expatriate health insurance, offering extensive networks and comprehensive coverage. They understand the needs of international travelers and provide suitable plans.

Domestic Insurers with International Plans
Many Indian insurance companies offer international travel health insurance plans. These plans are designed for Indians traveling abroad and provide coverage for medical emergencies and pre-existing conditions.

Additional Considerations
Medical History and Documentation
Keep detailed medical records handy. Insurers may require a thorough medical history and recent health check-ups. Providing accurate information ensures appropriate coverage.

Emergency Assistance Services
Choose a policy that includes 24/7 emergency assistance services. These services can help with hospital admissions, medical evacuations, and coordination with local healthcare providers.

Renewal and Extension Options
Check if the policy offers easy renewal or extension options. This is crucial if your stay extends beyond six months or if you plan to travel again in the future.

Case Study: Example Scenario
Scenario
Mr. Sharma, a 70-year-old heart patient, plans to visit the UK for six months to be with his son. He needs health insurance covering procedures like angioplasty and heart surgery.

Approach
Research and Comparison:

Mr. Sharma starts by researching various health insurance plans. He uses online comparison tools to evaluate coverage, premiums, and reviews.
Contacting Providers:

He contacts several insurance providers to discuss his specific needs. He asks detailed questions about coverage for heart conditions and pre-existing conditions.
Consulting a CFP:

Mr. Sharma consults a Certified Financial Planner specializing in health insurance for seniors. The CFP helps him understand the nuances of different plans and recommends a few suitable options.
Reviewing Policy Documents:

Mr. Sharma carefully reads the policy documents of the shortlisted plans. He pays attention to exclusions, limitations, and the claim process.
Selecting the Plan:

Based on the advice from his CFP and his own research, Mr. Sharma selects a plan that offers comprehensive coverage, including hospitalization, surgeries, and emergency medical evacuation.
Finalizing the Purchase:

He finalizes the purchase by submitting necessary medical documents and completing the application process.
Outcome
Mr. Sharma secures a health insurance policy that covers his heart condition, ensuring peace of mind during his stay in the UK. He benefits from comprehensive coverage, a straightforward claim process, and 24/7 emergency assistance services.

Final Insights
Securing the right health insurance policy for your six-month stay in the UK is crucial, especially with your heart condition. Focus on finding a policy that offers comprehensive coverage, including hospitalization, surgeries, and emergency medical evacuation. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and carefully read the policy documents. With the right insurance plan, you can enjoy your time with your son without worrying about medical expenses.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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