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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2479 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Shsilasri Question by Shsilasri on Apr 05, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir ,my huband has taken medical insurance frm manipal cigna frm 2015 till date never claimed anything all these years but last year july suddenly my husband got pneumonia he got hospitalized before joining inthe hospital we consulted the insurance agent and took necessary file number to claim insurance but sadly at the end insurance company rejected to pay bill saying(2.5lks) he used to pay 58 thosand per year family floater,now thy have canceled whole policy and thy didn't even paying the amt we paid all these years ,agent is not responding can we do anything to get our hard-earned money back now we dont have any medical insurance he is 57yrs now pls suggest anything we can do

Ans: I'm truly sorry to hear about your husband's health complications and the subsequent challenges with your medical insurance. Facing such situations can be distressing, especially when dealing with unexpected denials and cancellations. It's important to take action to address this issue.

Firstly, gather all relevant documents, including policy details, correspondence with the insurance company, and any communication with the agent. This documentation will be crucial in understanding the reasons for the denial and in any potential appeals or legal actions.

Next, consider reaching out directly to the insurance company to request a review of the decision and clarification on why the claim was rejected. If you're unsatisfied with their response, you may escalate the matter through their grievance redressal mechanism or regulatory authorities.

Additionally, seeking legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in insurance matters could provide insight into your rights and options for recourse. They can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and pursue appropriate action to recover your hard-earned money.

While the situation is undoubtedly challenging, remember that you're not alone. Reach out to consumer rights organizations or advocacy groups that may offer support and guidance in dealing with insurance-related issues. Your perseverance and determination to seek justice are commendable, and I hope you find a resolution that provides the relief and security you deserve.
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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Sanjib

Sanjib Jha  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2022

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Dear Sir, Greetings of the day. I have got a health insurance of family floater type from Tata AIG for a sum of four lakhs. Recently, I got hospitalised and full four lakhs was paid by Tata Aig. But my hospital bill was six lakhs and sixty two thousand. So there was a shortfall of two lakhs sixty-two thousands. I have an Aditya Birla health Policy of family floater type for 45 lakhs. But it will come in to effect after 5 lakhs expenditure. So I myself paid one lakh from my pocket. And for rest one lakh sixty two thousand only I applied for cashless to Aditya Birla .But they denied it. Finally I paid that amount myself and came home. Afterwards I kept continuous follow up with them. Reconsideration and reminder letter was sent by TPA and Treating doctor. But again it was rejected. Now Aditya Birla employee is saying apply for reimbursement. When Tata Aig is clearing full amount, how come Aditya Birla is denying it? And how can I bridge the gap one lakh between two policies? Tata Aig says you have taken full claim so we cannot make your limit from four to five lakhs this year. Pls advise suitably. Best Wishes
Ans: Hi Mr. Tripathi, greetings to you. To answer your first question as to why Aditya Birla won’t provide you with cashless claim as opposed to TATA AIG is because the policy you bought from Aditya Birla is a ‘Super top up plan’ which basically means it is an addition to your base policy which in your case is your TATA AIG policy.

Super top up policies do not offer cashless claims but only provide reimbursements.

The one lakh gap, unfortunately, cannot be filled at this point. However, while renewing your policy you can opt for increased sum insured with TATA AIG. The insurer will ask you a set of questions and schedule medicals to analyse your risk profile. Post that based on your reports, the insurer will take a decision on increasing the limit.   

..Read more

Sanjib

Sanjib Jha  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 24, 2022

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I was customer of Oriental Bank of Commerce. Being a customer of Oriental Bank of Commerce, Oriental Insurance Company provided Group Health Insurance Policy and inception date was 04-05-2015. My policy with them continued till 03-05-2021 without any break. Because Oriental Bank of Commerce merged with Punjab National Bank, Oriental Insurance Company discontinued that policy from 03-05-2021 onward. Being a customer of Punjab National Bank, I approached them, and they migrated my Group Health Insurance Policy of Oriental Insurance Company to Star Group Health Insurance Policy for customers of Punjab National Bank from 04-05-2021 to 03-05-2022.  As All my policy periods were continued from 04-05-2015 till 03-05-2021 with Oriental Insurance Company, Star Health Insurance given me the benefit of pre-existing disease waiting periods being waived because of continuity (They mentioned it in Policy Document too). They reimbursed my 1st claim of 15 July to 22 July 2021 (Non Empaneled Hospital) and Cashless claim of 16 December to 19/12/2021 but denied reimbursement of 19/12/2021 to 26/12/2021 with the excuse of pre-existing disease even I directly shifted from cashless hospital to non-Empaneled Hospital for same problem because Empaneled hospital having been less facilities.  Here I want to address that I was discharged from Cashless Hospital, on request, to get treated in Higher Hospital and treatment was in continuation of previous cashless hospital to new hospital. So, sir, please guide me accordingly as my correspondence with them is not fruitful.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2479 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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I have bought a Health Insurance for My family 2+1 on Aug 23 with a 25Lacs covering from Reliance General Insurance Co. This Policy is port from Niva Bhupa which i had taken in 2021. I come to know some one from my surrounding is that the Reliance is not settling claims Properly and full. This policy is taken for 2year. Can u Suggest me
Ans: I understand you're concerned about Reliance General settling claims properly. It's good to be aware! Here's how we can approach this:

Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) Check: Every insurance company has a CSR, a public record showing the percentage of claims they settle. You can check Reliance General's CSR online to see their historical performance.

Policy Review: Review your policy documents carefully. Understand the terms and exclusions related to claim settlements. If something seems unclear, reach out to Reliance General for clarification.

Network Hospitals: Using network hospitals within your policy can streamline the claim settlement process.

Remember, a single experience doesn't represent the entire picture. However, your concern is valid. Let's not worry, we can assess further!

You did well porting your policy! Health insurance is crucial, and you've taken a great step for your family.

Moving forward: If you'd like a more in-depth analysis of your health insurance options, consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can assess your specific needs and recommend the best plan based on your family's requirements.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2479 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Am 34 yr old, I hav 60k income monthly & EPF 4k monthly. Am investing in PPF 2k, maxlife insurance Savings plan - 5k, UTI flexi cap fund - 2k, SBI contra- 0.5k & nippan India small cap- 0.5k since from year. Pls suggest any changes are required or else can i continue
Ans: You are on the right track by investing regularly and diversifying your portfolio. Your disciplined approach to saving and investing is commendable. Let’s assess your current investments and suggest any necessary changes.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
PPF Contribution: Investing ?2,000 monthly in PPF is a good choice for stable, tax-free returns. PPF is a safe investment with government backing.

EPF Contribution: Your EPF contribution of ?4,000 per month is a secure and tax-efficient way to build a retirement corpus.

Max Life Insurance Savings Plan: The ?5,000 investment in a savings plan combines insurance and savings. However, the returns on such plans are often lower compared to pure investment products. Ensure you have adequate life cover through term insurance.

UTI Flexi Cap Fund: Investing ?2,000 in a flexi cap fund offers good diversification across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, providing a balanced risk-reward ratio.

SBI Contra Fund: The ?500 investment in a contra fund can be beneficial as it follows a contrarian investment strategy, buying stocks that are currently out of favour but have growth potential.

Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Small cap funds, though risky, can offer high returns over the long term. Your ?500 investment here adds to your growth potential.

Suggested Changes for Optimal Growth
Review Insurance Plan: Consider whether the Max Life Savings Plan meets your financial goals. Pure term insurance combined with higher returns from mutual funds might be more efficient. Term plans offer high coverage at a lower premium.

Increase SIP in Diversified Funds: You might consider increasing your SIP amount in diversified funds like the UTI Flexi Cap Fund. This fund balances risk and return by investing across different market capitalisations.

Balanced Asset Allocation: Ensure your portfolio has a good mix of equity and debt. You may consider investing in a balanced or hybrid fund, which provides exposure to both equities and debt, offering growth with reduced risk.

Regular Monitoring: Review your portfolio periodically to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances can change, necessitating adjustments.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This fund should be easily accessible and can be kept in a savings account or liquid fund.

Additional Recommendations
Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. This protects your savings from unforeseen medical expenses.

Retirement Planning: Given your age, consider long-term retirement planning. Increase contributions to retirement-specific investments like PPF and EPF. You could also look at the National Pension System (NPS) for additional retirement savings.

Tax Planning: Maximise your tax-saving investments under Section 80C and other relevant sections. This optimises your tax liabilities and increases your disposable income.

Final Thoughts
Your current investment strategy shows a good start, but a few adjustments can optimise your portfolio for better returns and reduced risk. Consider reviewing your insurance plans, increasing SIPs in diversified funds, and maintaining a balanced asset allocation. Regularly monitor your investments and seek professional advice to stay on track with your financial goals. Your disciplined approach will help you achieve financial stability and growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2479 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello sir.. I am 23 Years old i have started SIP in Quant Small Cap fun for 5 years as 1000 per month..! How much return should expect.?
Ans: Starting Early is Commendable
You are off to a great start by investing in a SIP at the age of 23. Starting early gives you a significant advantage. Compounding will work in your favour over time.

Understanding Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential. These companies can provide substantial returns, but they come with higher risk. The returns can vary based on market conditions and company performance.

Expected Returns
It’s difficult to predict exact returns for small cap funds. Historically, small cap funds have provided higher returns compared to large cap funds. However, they also have higher volatility. Over five years, you can expect higher returns, but there will be ups and downs.

Risk and Reward
Small cap funds can offer impressive returns, but they also carry significant risk. Market fluctuations can impact small cap stocks more than large cap ones. It’s essential to be prepared for market volatility.

Importance of Diversification
Investing only in small cap funds can be risky. Diversify your portfolio to spread risk. Include a mix of large cap, mid cap, and debt funds to balance your investment.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds provide professional management. Fund managers can make strategic decisions based on market conditions. This can potentially lead to better returns compared to passive index funds.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Regular funds might have higher costs than direct funds, but they offer valuable benefits. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner gives you access to expert advice. They help in monitoring and adjusting your portfolio as needed.

Long-Term Perspective
Investing is a long-term journey. While five years is a good start, extending your investment horizon can yield better results. Consider increasing your SIP amount as your income grows.

Consistent Monitoring
Regularly monitor your investments. Markets change, and so do your financial goals. Reviewing your portfolio ensures it stays aligned with your objectives.

Staying Informed
Educate yourself about market trends and investment strategies. Staying informed helps you make better investment decisions. Reading financial news and attending seminars can be beneficial.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice. They can help tailor your investment strategy to your goals and risk tolerance. Professional guidance ensures your investments are on the right track.

Final Thoughts
Starting SIPs at a young age is a smart move. While small cap funds can offer high returns, they come with higher risks. Diversify your investments, monitor regularly, and consider seeking professional advice. Your disciplined approach will pay off in the long run.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2479 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi.. I am 47 years old. Combined cash savings with spouse is 3 crores. I have 2 flats worth 1.4 crores both. I earn net 4 lakhs per month. We don’t have kids. Am I doing poorly in terms of retirement planning?
Ans: Evaluating Your Financial Position
You have done well saving ?3 crores and owning property worth ?1.4 crores. Your net monthly income of ?4 lakhs is commendable. This shows disciplined saving and good financial habits.

Assessing Retirement Preparedness
Let us delve into your retirement planning. At 47, you have approximately 13-18 years until retirement. Without children, your expenses in retirement might be lower than a family with dependents. However, considering healthcare and lifestyle needs is crucial.

Understanding Investment Strategy
You should diversify investments beyond savings and property. Relying heavily on real estate can be risky. Explore other asset classes like equities and fixed income. Equities provide growth potential, while fixed income ensures stability.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
While index funds have low fees, they mirror the market and lack flexibility. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, adapt to market conditions and seek better returns. A Certified Financial Planner can help choose funds that match your goals and risk tolerance.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct funds may seem attractive due to lower costs. However, regular funds through a CFP offer professional guidance, performance monitoring, and rebalancing. This expertise often outweighs the cost difference, ensuring your investments align with your financial plan.

Creating a Comprehensive Plan
To ensure a comfortable retirement, a comprehensive financial plan is essential. This should include a mix of growth and income-generating investments. Consider the impact of inflation and ensure your savings grow in real terms.

Importance of Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance to cover medical expenses. Life insurance is less critical without dependents, but a health policy is non-negotiable. It protects your savings from unexpected healthcare costs.

Estate Planning
Even without children, estate planning is important. Decide how you want your assets distributed and make a will. This ensures your wishes are followed and reduces legal complications for your spouse.

Regular Financial Review
Regularly review your financial plan. Markets change, and so do personal circumstances. Regular reviews ensure your plan remains relevant and aligned with your goals.

Final Thoughts
You have a solid foundation with your savings and property. With a structured financial plan, diversified investments, and regular reviews, you can secure a comfortable retirement. Your disciplined approach so far is commendable, and with minor adjustments, you can further enhance your financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...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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