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Sunil

Sunil Lala  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 13, 2023

Sunil Lala founded SL Wealth, a company that offers life and non-life insurance, mutual fund and asset allocation advice, in 2005. A certified financial planner, he has three decades of domain experience. His expertise includes designing goal-specific financial plans and creating investment awareness. He has been a registered member of the Financial Planning Standards Board since 2009.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 24, 2023Hindi
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Jha ji, between HDFC Optima, Niva Bupa and Care, which is the best mediclaim. I am 55 years old and taking health insurance for the first time. No pre-existing diseases problem so far.

Ans: Any insurance company is good provided you have a good advisor
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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8231 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

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I am 32 years old male, working in a government organisation (institute). Where i get free health check-up, medicines and consultation in our institute dispensary. If anything they cannot cure then dispensary will give referral to other hospitals in the city (expenses borne by our organisation) for health related issues and get treatment at CGHS rates for all health issues. After retirement i will get a CGHS card if we go to other hospitals without referral still I will get reimbursement at CGHS rates. Now please suggest me whether I should buy a health insurance apart from this? I already have a HDFC ergo optima restore for 5 lakh sum assured to cover my family (wife, child and myself) which i did not use so far in 4 years and feel it's waste. Yearly I pay 24k for this hdfc health insurance. Please clarify. It's premium is increasing @10% every year.
Ans: Given your existing health benefits from your government organisation and the HDFC Ergo health insurance you already hold, adding another health insurance might seem redundant at this point. The CGHS benefits you'll receive post-retirement also offer substantial coverage. However, consider these factors:

Cost Analysis: Evaluate the total premium paid for the HDFC Ergo policy against the benefits received. If you find it's not cost-effective, reconsider its value.
Future Needs: As you age, healthcare costs tend to rise. With the HDFC Ergo premium increasing at 10% annually, assess if it remains affordable in the long run.
Coverage Gaps: Identify any specific healthcare needs or treatments not covered by your current policies. If there are significant gaps, you might consider supplemental insurance.
Savings Alternative: Instead of buying another policy, you could divert the premium amount to a separate health savings account or invest it for future medical expenses.
In conclusion, while your current coverage seems comprehensive, review its cost-effectiveness and your future healthcare needs. Balancing affordability with adequate coverage is key to making an informed decision.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8231 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 30, 2024Hindi
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Which is the best health insurance policy in india? Self -39yrs, Spouse -38yrs,Son-13yrs, son-7yrs. I have thyroid.
Ans: I can guide you towards finding the best plan for your family based on your needs and medical history (thyroid). Here are some key factors to consider:

Family Needs:

Age: Consider your family's age and potential health risks associated with each age group.
Medical History: Disclose your thyroid condition to ensure the plan covers pre-existing conditions or offers add-on riders for specific illnesses.
Coverage Requirements: Think about the type of hospital you prefer (network vs. non-network), room type (single, double), and preferred treatments (Ayurvedic, homeopathy).
Policy Features:

Sum Insured: Choose a sufficient sum insured to cover hospitalization costs for everyone in your family. Consider factors like city tier (medical costs are higher in metros) and inflation.
Coverage Type: Consider a comprehensive plan that covers hospitalization expenses, pre and post-hospitalization costs, ambulance charges, and day care procedures.
Network Hospitals: Opt for a plan with a wide network of hospitals in your city to ensure easy access to quality healthcare.
Co-pay/Deductible: A co-pay or deductible involves sharing a portion of the hospitalization cost. This lowers premiums but increases your out-of-pocket expense.
Exclusions: Carefully review policy exclusions to understand what treatments or conditions are not covered.
Here's a roadmap to finding the best policy:

Compare Online: Use online insurance comparison platforms to get quotes from different insurers.
Shortlist Based on Needs: Shortlist plans that meet your family's coverage requirements and budget.
Read Policy Wording: Carefully read the policy wording (wording can differ between insurers) to understand inclusions, exclusions, claim settlement process, and renewal terms.
Customer Service Reviews: Research customer reviews to get an idea about claim settlement experiences with different insurers.
Agent vs. Direct Purchase: You can buy directly from the insurer's website or consult an insurance agent who can guide you through the process and recommend plans based on your needs.
Here are some additional tips:

Pre-existing Conditions: Disclose your thyroid condition clearly during the application process.
Some plans might have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions before coverage applies.
Some might offer coverage with exclusions or higher premiums.
Renewability: Choose a plan with guaranteed lifetime renewability to ensure coverage throughout your life.
Claim Settlement Ratio: Consider the insurer's claim settlement ratio to understand their record of settling claims efficiently.
Remember: The best health insurance policy is the one that caters to your specific needs and offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable premium.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8231 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 21, 2025Hindi
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Dear Sir Namaskaram. Myself: Male 53 yrs B.P. since 2017 Andhra Brahmin Farmer's family Wife: 43 yrs. Suffering GERD since 2013 Daughter : 12 yrs. Mother: 70 yrs B.P. since 2020 Syster: 51 yrs Unmarried. Suffering with Depression & Schizophrenia for the past 30 years.Diabetic & B.P. for the past10 years Can you please suggest Health insurance policy/ policies as no health insurance coverage of any type as of now. Thank you very much sir
Ans: Getting health insurance for your family is very important. Since you have pre-existing conditions (BP, GERD, diabetes, schizophrenia), some insurers may have waiting periods or exclusions. But you can still get coverage with the right approach.

 

Key Factors to Consider
Pre-existing Diseases (PEDs): Most insurers have a waiting period of 2-4 years for existing illnesses. Some plans may offer waivers with extra cost.

Mental Illness Coverage: Schizophrenia and depression must be covered under IRDAI guidelines, but insurers may still have conditions.

Family Coverage: Choose individual or floater policies based on needs.

Senior Citizen Coverage: Your mother may need a separate senior citizen plan due to age and BP history.

Cashless Hospital Network: Ensure the policy covers hospitals near you.

 

Best Approach for Your Family
1. Individual Health Policies for Each Family Member
Since your sister has serious pre-existing conditions, a separate policy for her is better.

Your mother should get a senior citizen plan with day-care and domiciliary coverage.

You, your wife, and daughter can take a family floater policy.

 

2. Super Top-up Plans for Extra Coverage
Base policies may not be enough for major treatments.

A super top-up plan can give extra coverage at a lower cost.

This helps in reducing premium costs while increasing coverage.

 

3. Critical Illness Rider
You should consider a critical illness policy.

Covers major diseases like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Provides lump sum payout in case of critical illness diagnosis.

 

How to Get Insurance for Your Sister?
Mental illness coverage is now mandatory, but many insurers still hesitate.

Some insurers may exclude pre-existing mental conditions.

If regular insurance denies coverage, look for state-sponsored health schemes.

 

Final Steps
Check waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Get cashless policies for easier hospitalisation.

Choose a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or health insurance expert for the right selection.

 

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4431 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 14, 2025

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Career
hii i got 91 perecentile in jee mains with ews female cateogary and my home state is haryana which nit or iiit i got with any branch
Ans: Komal, Gopal, Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile | Convert the Percentile to AIR, based on the Formula available in Google.
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4431 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 14, 2025

Listen
Career
Sir I got 90 persentil in jee mains in obc category in rajsthan state. Can I get any nit and iiit in any branch. So tell me about the correct choice filling which I fill and get a decent college
Ans: Ashish, Gopal, Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile | Convert the Percentile to AIR, based on the Formula available in Google.
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4431 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 14, 2025

Listen
Career
Sir I have 98.68 can get top 5 NIT in mechanical ews quota
Ans: Gopal, Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile | Convert the Percentile to AIR, based on the Formula available in Google.
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |571 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Apr 14, 2025

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Dr Upneet Kaur  |30 Answers  |Ask -

Marriage counsellor - Answered on Apr 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2025
Relationship
I don't get along with my husband and in-laws. I am living with him only for the sake of my 5 year old son. I broke up with my ex to marry this man to keep my parents happy. However, he is not at all an ideal partner for me. He abuses me all the time and takes me for granted. He doesn't allow me to step out, or meet my friends and family. I have to wait for him to go to work, so I can call anyone. His family keeps a close watch on what I do and informs him if I step out to even meet my family or relatives. We fight and argue almost every day. I have told him that I want a divorce but he said No, I have to adjust and accept. I am a graduate but I don't have a job. It is frustrating when he doesn't let me do anything on my own. I blocked my ex when our marriage got fixed but he is always suspicious. Sometimes I feel like hitting him back to stop the torture. I want to go back home but my parents are financially dependent on my brother, so they want me to reconcile and find a way to sort things out with my husband. Recently I learned that my ex is still waiting for me but I can't stay with him legally till I am divorced. How do I explain all this to my son? I am unhappy and confused. What should I do?
Ans: Hello Mam, I understand that you are in a dilemma. The situation is like this. Either ways the situation will have its negative effect on your son. If possible take some time out from your family and spend some quality time with your husband. Clear negative thoughts from your mind regarding your husband and try to accept him. If you will think positive about your family it will reflect in your actions and then things will be sorted out. But one thing to be kept in mind that you should not tolerate physical abuse. Involve your parents in this and try to convince him to behave nicely with you. U can always start something online for your financial independence. Try this out. Take care ????
Reach me : https://www.instagram.com/dr_upneet

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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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