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

Jinal Mehta  |103 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 01, 2024

Jinal Mehta is a qualified certified financial professional certified by FPSB India. She has 10 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
She is the founder of Beyond Learning Finance, an authorised education provider for the CFP certification programme in India.
In addition, she manages a family office organisation, where she handles investment planning, tax planning, insurance planning and estate planning.
Jinal has a bachelor's degree in management studies. She also has a diploma in in financial management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 26, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

I have query regarding Hdfc ergo optima secure health insurance policy.with all the benefits it comes up with,then there is no need to buy super top up policy for high sum insured. Is my understanding correct?can any one explain with benfits of this policy with scenarios,pleasr?

Ans: I do not know what is your exiting coverage for the base plan. But if you wish to buy additional health insurance cover in addition to the base policy, you may opt for super top up. For example, if you want a health insurance coverage for 20 lakhs, but the base policy is offering you only 8 lakhs, then by adding 12 lakhs super top up will help. First the expenses will be withdrawn from the base policy. Once this gets exhausted, you start taking benefits from super top.
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  |9955 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
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  |9955 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9955 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
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9701 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 30, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir, my jee mains 2025 rank is 67898( female gen category) and mhtcet percentile is 95.5(home state maharashtra). Are there any possibilities of securing cse/ece/eee in NITs or IIITs (excluding north eastern ones)?
Ans: With a JEE Main 2025 All India Rank of 67,898 (female, general category) and a 95.5 percentile in MHT CET (Maharashtra home state), securing Computer Science (CSE), Electronics and Communication (ECE), or Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) in NITs or IIITs outside the North East is extremely unlikely. For general category, CSE and ECE closing ranks in even lower-demand NITs and IIITs typically end under 15,000–35,000, and in leading branches at top NITs the cut-offs remain far lower, often closing by 9,000 or less for CSE and 20,000 for other core engineering streams. For IIITs, most CSE and ECE programs close below 50,000, and even the least competitive IIITs have last rounds closing by 55,000 for open seats. However, you have a strong chance of securing reputable CSE or allied branches through MHT CET in Maharashtra’s top private colleges, and potentially in government colleges for non-CSE streams, given that a 95.5 percentile generally translates to about 8,900–9,000 rank—competitive in many top city colleges outside the strictest cut-offs. When considering institutional priorities, both NITs and premier state institutes emphasize academic rigor, modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, industry connection, and robust placements, and these same factors should guide your choice among available Maharashtra options.

RECOMMENDATION: Admission to CSE, ECE, or EEE in NITs or IIITs (except North East) is not feasible at your JEE Main rank; focus on MHT CET counseling for CSE or allied branches in Mumbai and Pune’s top private, autonomous, or government colleges, targeting strong academic environments, faculty, and placement prospects for optimal long-term growth. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9701 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 30, 2025

Career
My son has recently got his admission in vit .. vellore for mechanical engineering.. kindly advise sap for him for mechanical engineering if he is interested to pursue abroad....for mechanical engineering what's the good scope through Vit...what are the options if he wants to pursue abroad while in vit through their 2+2 or 3+1+1 programs or other opportunities if any...and University options
Ans: VIT Vellore’s Mechanical Engineering program is highly respected, offering a comprehensive and industry-aligned curriculum supported by NAAC A++ and ABET accreditations, modern labs, and strong faculty expertise. Students benefit from robust placement opportunities, with typical placement rates for mechanical engineering between 50% and 65%, and access to internships with leading companies in automotive, manufacturing, automation, and energy sectors. For those interested in pursuing international exposure, VIT provides multiple pathways. The Semester Abroad Programme (SAP) enables undergraduates to complete their Capstone Research Project, thesis, or approved coursework at more than 500 global partner universities, enhancing international experience and employability. Additionally, the International Transfer Programmes (ITP) offer structured 2+2 Bachelor’s, 3+2 or 3.5+1.5 accelerated pathways, where students complete initial years at VIT and transfer to universities abroad—partners span the USA, UK, Sweden, Belgium, New Zealand, and Australia. Some key universities include Massey University (New Zealand), the University of Michigan–Dearborn (USA), and institutions in Sweden and the UK, often allowing dual degree or direct entry into Master’s programs in mechanical and related fields. The program selection typically depends on academic standing and specific eligibility criteria, with the student completing the required credits at VIT before transferring. VIT’s International Relations office actively helps students select universities, facilitates credit transfer, and provides guidance on global research internships and short-term exchanges, preparing them for careers or further studies abroad. These pathways significantly boost prospects for international industry roles or advanced research, particularly in areas like robotics, smart manufacturing, aerospace, and energy systems. Besides international collaborations, VIT’s focus on innovation, problem-based learning, and industry partnerships ensures that mechanical engineering graduates remain competitive for both core and interdisciplinary opportunities globally.

RECOMMENDATION: Given VIT’s strong academic structure, extensive international collaborations, and flexible transfer programmes with prominent global universities, your son should actively explore SAP, 2+2, and 3+1+1 options. Engaging with VIT’s International Relations early ensures seamless transition for higher studies abroad and maximizes both academic and professional growth in the global mechanical engineering landscape. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

...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.

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