Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

Pregnant Wife's Delivery & NICU Expenses: Which Insurance Plan Covers it?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1147 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Feb 16, 2025

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 15, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money

Hello sir, I want a health insurance which covers my wife's delivery cost, and if any complications occurred or my baby is pre delivered in 7 months, insurance to cover the baby NICU fees which may go upto 30 Lakhs for 3 months.

Ans: Hello;

Many health insurance companies offer coverage of maternity expenses in their plans, however you need to look out for:

1. Wating period ranging from 1 to 2 years. Maybe higher if spouse has some previous ailments like hypertension, diabetes etc and also if spouse age is higher.

Some companies may warrant a prior health check up before underwriting.

2. Sub-limits on coverage. For eg some companies offer limited neo-natal coverage.

3. List of network hospitals for cashless claim. Also need to avoid blacklisted hospitals.

4. Do your own study and also seek help from an insurance advisor.

Apart from private insurers do take a look at the offerings by Govt general insurance companies too.

Best wishes;
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2024Hindi
Money
Need to buy a comprehensive health insurance for myself, wife and a kid 3 years old . Also need to buy term plan. Pl suggest.
Ans: Buying comprehensive health insurance and a term plan for your family is a wise decision. It ensures financial security in case of unforeseen medical emergencies and provides life coverage. Let’s explore the best way to choose and purchase these insurance plans.


First, I appreciate your proactive approach towards securing your family’s future. Thinking about health insurance and a term plan at this stage is a responsible move. This decision will safeguard your family's financial well-being.

Understanding Your Needs
You are a family of three: yourself, your wife, and a 3-year-old child. You need comprehensive health insurance and a term plan. Let's break down how to proceed effectively.

Choosing Comprehensive Health Insurance
1. Sum Insured:

Opt for a high sum insured to cover significant medical expenses. Consider Rs. 10-15 lakhs coverage for your family.

2. Network Hospitals:

Choose an insurance provider with a wide network of hospitals. This ensures cashless treatment options in emergencies.

3. Pre and Post-Hospitalization:

Look for plans covering pre and post-hospitalization expenses. These costs can add up and strain your finances.

4. No-Claim Bonus:

Select a policy offering a no-claim bonus. This increases your sum insured for every claim-free year without additional premium.

5. Family Floater Plan:

A family floater plan covers all members under a single policy. It's cost-effective and simplifies management.

6. Maternity and Newborn Cover:

Check if the policy includes maternity benefits and newborn cover. This is crucial for families planning to expand.

7. Daycare Procedures:

Ensure the policy covers daycare procedures. These are treatments requiring less than 24 hours of hospitalization.

8. Critical Illness Cover:

Consider adding a critical illness rider. It provides a lump sum amount on diagnosis of specified critical illnesses.

Evaluating Term Plan Options
1. Coverage Amount:

Opt for a term plan with coverage of at least 10-15 times your annual income. This ensures financial stability for your family.

2. Policy Tenure:

Choose a tenure covering your working years. Ideally, the policy should last until your retirement age.

3. Claim Settlement Ratio:

Check the insurer's claim settlement ratio. A higher ratio indicates reliability and better chances of claim approval.

4. Riders and Add-Ons:

Consider adding riders like accidental death benefit, critical illness cover, and waiver of premium. These enhance your policy's coverage.

5. Premium Waiver:

Choose a term plan with a premium waiver option in case of critical illness or disability. This ensures the policy remains active.

6. Flexibility:

Select a plan allowing flexibility in premium payments. Options like annual, semi-annual, or monthly premiums can be convenient.

7. Online vs. Offline Plans:

Online plans are often cheaper due to lower administrative costs. Compare both options and choose the best fit.

8. Inflation Adjustment:

Ensure your coverage keeps pace with inflation. Some term plans offer increasing sum assured options.

Health Insurance: Key Features to Consider
1. Room Rent Cap:

Check if the policy has a room rent cap. Higher caps or no limits are preferable to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Co-Payment:

Avoid policies with high co-payment clauses. These require you to pay a portion of the claim amount.

3. Sub-Limits:

Beware of sub-limits on specific treatments. Choose policies with minimal or no sub-limits for better coverage.

4. Network Hospitals:

Ensure the insurer has a vast network of hospitals. This facilitates cashless treatment and reduces hassle during emergencies.

5. Health Check-Ups:

Some policies offer free annual health check-ups. These are beneficial for monitoring your family's health.

Term Plan: Important Considerations
1. Pure Protection:

Term plans are pure protection plans. They provide a high sum assured at an affordable premium.

2. Low Premiums:

Term plans have lower premiums compared to other life insurance policies. This makes them cost-effective.

3. No Maturity Benefit:

Term plans do not offer maturity benefits. The policy only pays out in case of the policyholder’s death.

4. Tax Benefits:

Premiums paid for term insurance are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C. Death benefits are tax-free under Section 10(10D).

Making an Informed Decision
1. Compare Policies:

Use online comparison tools to compare policies. Look at features, premiums, and customer reviews.

2. Read Reviews:

Customer reviews provide insights into the insurer's service quality. Check for feedback on claim settlement processes.

3. Consult a Certified Financial Planner:

A CFP can help tailor policies to your specific needs. They provide expert advice and personalized recommendations.

Steps to Buy Health Insurance and Term Plan
1. Assess Your Needs:

Evaluate your family’s medical history, lifestyle, and future needs. This helps determine the appropriate coverage.

2. Research and Compare:

Research various policies and compare features. Look for policies offering the best value for your needs.

3. Check Exclusions:

Understand the exclusions in both health and term plans. This prevents surprises during claim time.

4. Read Policy Documents:

Read the policy documents carefully. Ensure you understand all terms, conditions, and benefits.

5. Apply Online:

Most insurers offer online applications. It’s convenient and often comes with discounts.

6. Medical Tests:

Undergo any required medical tests. Accurate disclosure of health conditions is crucial for claim approval.

7. Review Annually:

Review your policies annually. Update them as your needs change.

Benefits of Comprehensive Health Insurance
1. Financial Security:

Health insurance provides financial security during medical emergencies. It covers hospitalization and treatment costs.

2. Peace of Mind:

Knowing you’re covered brings peace of mind. You can focus on recovery without financial worries.

3. Quality Healthcare:

Insurance ensures access to quality healthcare. You can choose the best hospitals and doctors.

4. Preventive Care:

Many policies cover preventive care and annual check-ups. This helps in early detection and treatment of diseases.

Advantages of Term Insurance
1. Financial Protection:

Term insurance ensures your family’s financial stability. It provides a lump sum amount in your absence.

2. Affordable Premiums:

Term plans are affordable. They offer high coverage at low premiums.

3. Flexibility:

You can choose the coverage amount and tenure. This provides flexibility to match your financial goals.

4. Tax Benefits:

Term insurance premiums qualify for tax deductions. This reduces your tax liability.

Final Insights
Choosing the right health insurance and term plan requires careful consideration. A high sum insured and extensive network hospitals are crucial for health insurance. For term plans, adequate coverage and a reliable insurer are key. Regularly review and update your policies to ensure they meet your evolving needs. Your proactive approach and responsible financial planning are commendable. By securing comprehensive health and term insurance, you’re ensuring a secure future for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hi Sir, Hope you finding this message well and healthy. Thankyou so much for the response on my last question. I want your help or recommendations in choosing a health insurance for me and wife and 2 kid. I am looking a for best plan not cheap for at least 15 lac cover. I have shortlisted HDFC ergo optima secure. However I need your expert advice and recommendations.
Ans: Choosing the right health insurance plan for your family is crucial. A good plan ensures that you are financially protected in case of medical emergencies. You have shortlisted HDFC Ergo Optima Secure, which is a great start. Let’s discuss the factors you should consider when choosing the best health insurance plan for your family, covering you, your wife, and your two kids with at least a Rs 15 lakh cover.

Coverage and Benefits
Sum Insured
Adequate Coverage: Ensure the plan offers a minimum cover of Rs 15 lakh. Higher coverage provides better financial protection.
Hospital Network
Cashless Treatment: Look for a plan with a wide network of hospitals offering cashless treatment. This ensures ease during emergencies.
Room Rent Limits
Room Rent Capping: Choose a plan with higher room rent limits or no capping. This prevents out-of-pocket expenses during hospitalization.
Pre and Post-Hospitalization
Extended Coverage: Ensure the plan covers pre and post-hospitalization expenses. This covers expenses incurred before and after hospitalization.
Daycare Procedures
Comprehensive Cover: The plan should cover various daycare procedures. Many treatments don’t require 24-hour hospitalization.
No Claim Bonus (NCB)
Incremental Benefits: Look for plans offering a No Claim Bonus. This increases your sum insured for every claim-free year.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Maternity and Newborn Cover
Family Planning: If you are planning for more children, ensure maternity and newborn cover is included.
Critical Illness Cover
Serious Conditions: Consider a plan that covers critical illnesses. This ensures coverage for life-threatening conditions.
Disease Waiting Period
Waiting Period: Check the waiting period for pre-existing diseases. A shorter waiting period is preferable.
Specific Exclusions
Understand Exclusions: Read the policy document to understand specific exclusions. This helps avoid surprises during claim time.
Additional Benefits
Annual Health Check-Up
Preventive Care: Plans offering annual health check-ups help in early detection of health issues.
Wellness Programs
Healthy Lifestyle: Some plans offer wellness programs and discounts for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Ambulance Cover
Emergency Services: Ensure the plan covers ambulance charges. This is crucial during medical emergencies.
Restore Benefits
Reinstatement of Sum Insured: Look for plans that offer restore benefits. This reinstates your sum insured if exhausted within a policy year.
Premiums and Co-Payments
Affordable Premiums
Cost-Effectiveness: Ensure the premium is affordable for the benefits offered. Compare different plans for cost-effectiveness.
Co-Payment Clause
Co-Payment: Be aware of the co-payment clause. Lower co-payment means less out-of-pocket expenses.
Claim Process and Customer Service
Easy Claim Process
Smooth Claims: Choose a plan with a hassle-free claim process. Online claim settlement options are preferable.
Customer Support
Support System: Good customer service is essential. Ensure the insurer has a robust support system for queries and claims.
Claim Settlement Ratio
Reliability: Check the insurer’s claim settlement ratio. A higher ratio indicates reliability and trustworthiness.
Recommendations
Balanced Plan
Comprehensive Coverage: Choose a plan that balances coverage, benefits, and premiums. Ensure it meets your family’s healthcare needs.
Customizable Plans
Tailored Options: Opt for plans that allow customization. Add-ons and riders enhance the basic plan as per your requirements.
Renewability
Lifelong Renewability: Ensure the plan offers lifelong renewability. This is crucial for continuous coverage in old age.
Portability
Switching Plans: Check if the plan allows portability. This helps in switching insurers without losing benefits.
Final Insights
Choosing the right health insurance involves evaluating coverage, benefits, and costs. Ensure the plan meets your family’s healthcare needs and offers adequate financial protection. Regularly review your policy and update it as per changing requirements.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Listen
Money
Dear Sir, I am 47 years old IT professional. My current salary is 1.5 lakhs per month. I have a daughter who just completed her 10th board exam. My corpus is around 1.6Cr FD&PPF; 30 lakhs in MF & stocks; 50 lakhs in EPF. I have no debt and living in my own house. Please suggest if I can plan for retirement
Ans: Your financial position is strong, and planning for retirement at 47 is a smart decision. Below is a detailed 360-degree approach to assess whether you can retire comfortably and how to ensure financial security.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Income: Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

Corpus:

Rs 1.6 crore in Fixed Deposits (FD) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Rs 30 lakh in mutual funds and stocks.

Rs 50 lakh in Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

Liabilities: No debts.

Assets: Own house, ensuring no rent or EMI burden.

Family Responsibility:

Daughter has just completed the 10th board exam.

Higher education expenses need to be planned.

Key Considerations Before Retirement
Expected Retirement Age

If you plan to retire early (before 55), corpus sustainability needs careful assessment.

If you work till 60, it will provide a larger financial cushion.

Post-Retirement Expenses

Living expenses, healthcare, travel, and lifestyle costs must be considered.

Inflation will increase future expenses.

Daughter’s Education

Higher education costs are significant.

Corpus should cover both education and retirement without compromise.

Medical Expenses

Health costs increase with age.

A high health insurance cover is essential.

Wealth Growth vs. Safety

A mix of equity and debt investments ensures growth while preserving capital.

Excessive reliance on FDs and PPF may limit long-term wealth accumulation.

Assessing If You Can Retire Comfortably
Current Corpus Size

Rs 2.4 crore (excluding house) is a strong starting point.

But, inflation will reduce its real value over time.

Expected Corpus Growth

Investments in mutual funds and stocks should continue to grow.

PPF and EPF offer stable but lower returns.

Withdrawals Post-Retirement

Sustainable withdrawals should not deplete the corpus too soon.

A balanced investment strategy is required.

Gaps in Planning

Heavy reliance on FDs and PPF may not be ideal.

More equity exposure can ensure inflation-beating returns.

Steps to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
1. Optimising Investment Strategy
Continue investing in mutual funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Reduce dependence on FDs for long-term needs.

Equity mutual funds help counter inflation and grow wealth.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns without active management.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer expert monitoring.

Diversify investments between equity, debt, and fixed-income products.

2. Planning for Daughter’s Education
Higher education costs can be Rs 30-50 lakh in the next 5-7 years.

Separate this goal from your retirement plan.

Increase equity investment to build an education corpus.

Avoid withdrawing from retirement savings for education.

3. Building a Healthcare Safety Net
Health insurance should cover at least Rs 30-50 lakh.

Consider super top-up plans for additional coverage.

Maintain an emergency medical fund to cover non-insured expenses.

Review insurance policies periodically.

4. Creating a Sustainable Withdrawal Plan
Avoid withdrawing a large portion of the corpus in early retirement years.

Keep at least 5 years of expenses in liquid assets.

Equity exposure should reduce gradually as retirement progresses.

Use dividends and interest income before selling assets.

Final Insights
Retirement is possible, but adjustments are needed for long-term security.

Continue investing aggressively for the next few years.

Ensure daughter's education is planned separately.

Review investments and insurance regularly.

Keep flexibility in withdrawal strategy post-retirement.

A structured plan will ensure a financially secure and comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
My employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions, but I don't fully understand how it works. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of joining such a scheme, and how does it affect my take-home pay and long-term financial planning?
Ans: A salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions allows you to give up a portion of your salary in exchange for increased employer contributions to your pension. It has tax and National Insurance (NI) advantages but also some potential drawbacks.

How Salary Sacrifice for Pension Works
You agree to reduce your gross salary by a chosen amount.

Your employer contributes this amount directly to your pension.

Since your taxable salary is lower, you pay less income tax and NI.

Your employer also saves on NI and may pass on some or all of this saving to your pension.

Advantages
1. Tax and NI Savings
You don’t pay income tax or NI on the sacrificed amount.

Your employer saves on NI (currently 13.8%) and may increase your pension with these savings.

2. Higher Pension Contributions
Since more money goes into your pension, your retirement corpus grows faster.

Compounding over time enhances long-term wealth.

3. Increased Take-Home Pay
Although you sacrifice part of your salary, the NI savings may offset some of the reduction.

Depending on employer policies, your net pay may not drop significantly.

4. Potential Employer Matching
Some employers pass their NI savings into your pension, increasing your total contributions.

Disadvantages
1. Reduced Gross Salary
A lower salary means reduced future pay rises if they are percentage-based.

Life cover, sick pay, and redundancy pay linked to salary may be affected.

2. Lower Borrowing Capacity
Mortgage applications consider salary; a lower reported income might reduce borrowing potential.

3. Impact on State Benefits
If salary drops below certain thresholds, statutory benefits like maternity pay and state pension could be affected.

4. Restricted Access to Pension
The extra pension savings cannot be accessed before retirement (except under specific conditions).

Effect on Take-Home Pay
Your net pay will be slightly lower, but less than the actual amount sacrificed.

The tax and NI savings cushion the impact.

If your employer adds their NI savings, your total retirement savings increase.

Effect on Long-Term Financial Planning
Your pension fund grows faster, improving retirement security.

Short-term disposable income is slightly reduced, so budget planning is important.

Consider how the reduced salary affects other financial goals like buying a house or saving for education.

Should You Opt for It?
If employer NI savings are passed to your pension, it’s highly beneficial.

If you are close to lower tax bands or state benefit thresholds, assess the impact.

If you plan to apply for a mortgage, check how it affects your eligibility.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help assess your personal situation before making a decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi Sir , Greetings of the day!! hope you are doing well !! I want to do a savings of 50 lacs in as much less time span as possible because I want to buy a property in Gurgaon. My monthly salary is 1 lac 11k and I am currently investing 10k in mutual fund monthly and 50k in nps yearly. Can you please guide me how can I save 50 lacs and in how much time ?
Ans: Your goal of saving Rs 50 lakh for a property in Gurgaon is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy. Below is a structured approach to help you reach your target in the shortest possible time.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your monthly salary is Rs 1.11 lakh.

You invest Rs 10,000 per month in mutual funds.

Your annual NPS contribution is Rs 50,000.

You haven't mentioned any liabilities or existing savings. If you have any ongoing EMIs or debts, they should be factored in.

Key Considerations for Achieving Rs 50 Lakh Target
The speed of reaching Rs 50 lakh depends on savings rate and returns.

High savings rate is the most reliable way to accumulate wealth.

Investment returns are uncertain and depend on market conditions.

A balanced approach is necessary to ensure stability and growth.

Increasing Your Savings Rate
Currently, you are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

If you can increase it to Rs 50,000 per month, you will reach Rs 50 lakh faster.

Cutting discretionary expenses will free up more money for investments.

Consider reducing unnecessary spending on dining out, luxury items, and vacations.

Redirect bonuses, incentives, or salary hikes towards savings.

Choosing the Right Investment Instruments
Mutual Funds for Growth
Actively managed equity mutual funds can generate better returns than fixed deposits.

A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can balance risk and reward.

Mid-cap and small-cap funds have higher growth potential but also higher volatility.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns and lack active risk management.

Debt Investments for Stability
Fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, and PPF provide stability.

These should be used for short-term parking rather than long-term growth.

Debt mutual funds are taxed based on your income tax slab.

Avoid locking too much money in low-return instruments.

Balancing Risk and Return
Investing entirely in equity mutual funds can generate high returns but comes with volatility.

A mix of 80% equity and 20% debt can provide stability.

As your target nears, shift more funds towards safer instruments.

Avoid speculation and high-risk investments like cryptocurrency.

Role of NPS in Your Goal
NPS is good for retirement but not ideal for short-term goals.

Partial withdrawal is allowed only under specific conditions.

Do not rely on NPS for your property purchase.

Managing Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Investing in tax-efficient instruments will maximize returns.

Estimating the Timeframe
If you invest Rs 50,000 per month, you can accumulate Rs 50 lakh in about 7-8 years with moderate returns.

If you invest Rs 75,000 per month, you can reach Rs 50 lakh in about 5 years.

The faster you increase your savings, the sooner you will achieve your goal.

Final Insights
Increase your monthly investment to at least Rs 50,000.

Focus on actively managed equity mutual funds.

Keep a small portion in debt for stability.

Avoid unnecessary expenses and invest salary increments.

Do not depend on NPS for this goal.

Monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Stay disciplined and patient to achieve your target.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x