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Roopam

Roopam Asthana  | Answer  |Ask -

Answered on Aug 03, 2021

Neeta Question by Neeta on Aug 03, 2021Hindi
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I have United India health insurance since 2009. I have paid a regular premium with only one claim for hysterectomy in 2012. My renewal date is 12/8/2021. I want to port my UIIC insurance. I have sent a proposal form to HDFC Ergo online for porting with my 2 months back medical test details so that I can get the exact loading amount if any. I am taking medication for hypothyroidism, hypertension and cholesterol at the moment, very minimum dosage. I have sent those details too.

According to them the procedure is to pay a premium then you will receive a consent call which will decide about medical test requirements and loading amount if any. For any reason, if we want to discontinue, they will refund the full amount paid by us. This procedure of porting is not mentioned clearly on the website so all are non-proof.

My query is: How much I should trust them?

I was interested in family floater with my husband, who doesn't have any diseases at present. This is a new policy for him. So no loading for him for sure. HDFC ERGO advisor is suggesting me to go for individual policy as floater has more chance of rejection than individual policy for both of us.

So my second query is: Will loading be charged according to floater premium which is almost double than the individual policy? My husband’s new policy without any diseases and mine is porting with pre-existing diseases.

Please advise whether individual or floater is better for us with reasons. Seeking your help as soon as possible.

Ans: For your first query it is advisable to speak with the insurance company you wish to port to for understanding the exact procedure for porting. You may also wish to engage a trusted insurance agent to help you with the porting process as they will be fully abreast with the procedure and will guide you well.

Remember to ensure that you fully disclose your existing medical condition at the time of application itself.

As regards your second query it is advisable to go for separate individual policy for your husband because basis your current health status there are high chances of the insurance company charging higher premium for a floater.

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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Rakesh

Rakesh Kaul  | Answer  |Ask -

Answered on Jan 18, 2022

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 I have family floater policy since 5 years with Apollo Munich, Which is changed now to HDFC Ergo. I am paying approximately 36000 for 2 +1 family, I am aged now 62 years. I am not getting proper service from the person from whom i took the Apollo policy he is called Intermediator in the Apollo company and when it’s changed to HDFC his Records (like his name Mob Number and his Code) are not shown in the policy. In the absence of the above details, I don’t know whom to contact for any information and follow up for claim reimbursements. In the past years, with Apollo and HDFC Ergo my reimbursement claims was not settled ON TIME as well as the full amount not settled, approximately 50 to 60 percentage only settled even after many follow ups, courier and emails. Though the claims were around 50000 only. I am the bread winner in my family, after paying so much for Premium, if I get admitted in hospital, the family members can’t do follow up and intermediary is not helpful, even he doesn’t bother to attend phone call, though he is substantially earning 15% premium as his commission (I hope) in such scenarios I am fearing that you won’t get help. What is your advise? Should I change the intermediary in the policy, if there is provision in system? Why in HDFC Ergo why those intermediary details not there or portability is another option and what are conditions to meet portability at the ripe age/ financial scenario I should not be denied cashless facility/ at the need of my HOUR.
Ans:  The intermediary can be changed in the policy by the Insurer upon a request by the customer. However, for claims assistance, I would advise you to connect with your Insurer’s customer service team to get a response swiftly.

Portability of a policy can be done at any age but there are certain guidelines that differ from insurer to insurer. It is advisable to get the complete details of the insurance company you wish to port to and thoroughly understand the portability/ continuity benefits which will be carried forward in your ported policy. Please ensure you check the product/ plan coverages offered and compare it with the existing policy before making your decision to port.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2038 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 17, 2024

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Hi I have taken an insurance Policy : Click 2 Protect 3D policy. its a combi policy where Term Insurance is from HDFC Life and Health Insurance from ERGO (In first year it was Apollo Munich). Its been 5 years since I have been paying the premiums, every year the health premium increased. Recently I paid 32k as premium where initially it was 26k. here Term is around 12K odd, rest is for health. My first issue is like I feel I am being charged more for less benefits, the insurance covers my Wife and two kids (7 years) and me. By God Grace till date its no claim policy. The base cover is 3L and added benefits is 3L. I see , their counter parts offer more benefits for such an amount say 20K. i tried to shift to Star but portability denied saying it is not possible since it is combined policy. Here i want more cover or able to port to other service provider. plz suggest.
Ans: I understand your concerns about the Click 2 Protect 3D policy and your desire for either more coverage or the ability to switch providers. Here's what you can explore:

Increased Premiums and Coverage:

Review your Policy: Carefully examine your policy document to understand the breakdown of the premium between term insurance (HDFC Life) and health insurance (ERGO). This will help you assess if the health coverage benefits justify the increasing cost.
Contact HDFC Life and ERGO: Reach out to both HDFC Life (for term insurance) and ERGO (for health insurance) to inquire about possible options for increasing your sum assured (coverage amount) within the existing plan. This might lead to a higher premium, but it would also provide greater financial protection.
Portability Limitations:

Combined Policy Challenges: You're right; combined term and health insurance policies like Click 2 Protect 3D can be difficult to port due to their integrated nature. While individual term insurance plans are generally portable, porting health components often faces challenges.
Alternative Solutions:

Consider Separate Policies: Explore the possibility of purchasing separate term life insurance (potentially with a higher sum assured) and a new health insurance plan from another provider that better suits your needs and budget. This might involve surrendering the Click 2 Protect 3D policy, but it could offer more flexibility and potentially lower costs in the long run.
Negotiate with HDFC Life and ERGO: You could try negotiating with HDFC Life and ERGO to see if they can offer a more competitive premium or increased coverage within the existing plan.
Here are some additional tips:

Compare Online Quotes: Use online insurance comparison platforms to get quotes for separate term life and health insurance plans from different providers. This can help you compare coverage options and premiums.
Focus on Needs, Not Just Cost: While cost is important, prioritize getting adequate coverage for your term and health needs. Don't compromise on coverage just to get a lower premium.
Remember:

Carefully review the terms and conditions of any new policy before purchasing.
Consider factors like your age, health condition, and family needs when determining your required coverage amount.
By thoroughly evaluating your current plan, exploring alternatives, and comparing options, you can make an informed decision about whether to adjust your Click 2 Protect 3D policy or switch to separate plans for better coverage or affordability.

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Moneywize

Moneywize   |106 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jan 31, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2024Hindi
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Hi I have taken an insurance Policy : Click 2 Protect 3D policy. its a combi policy where Term Insurance is from HDFC Life and Health Insurance from ERGO (In first year it was Apollo Munich). Its been 5 years since I have been paying the premiums, every year the health premium increased. Recently I paid 60k as premium where initially it was 54k. here Term is around 18K odd, rest is for health. I feel I am being charged more for lesser benefits, the insurance covers my wife and two kids (9 years) and me. By God's Grace till date its no claim policy. The base cover is 4L and added benefits is 4L. I see , their counter parties offer more benefits for such an amount say 40K. i tried to shift to Star Health but portability denied saying it is not possible since it is combined policy. Here i want more cover or able to port to other service provider. What shall I do?
Ans: It's understandable that you're concerned about the increasing premiums and the perceived lack of benefits in your current insurance policy. Here are some steps you can consider:

• Review Your Policy Documents: Make sure to thoroughly review your insurance policy documents. Understand the terms and conditions, coverage details, and any clauses related to premium increases. It's essential to be aware of the specifics of your current policy before making any decisions.
• Compare Policies: Compare the benefits and premiums of your current policy with those offered by other insurance providers in the market. Look for policies that provide similar or better coverage at a more reasonable cost. Take into account the coverage for both term insurance and health insurance.
• Contact Your Current Provider: Reach out to HDFC Life and ERGO to discuss your concerns. Inquire about the reasons for the premium increase and whether there are any options to customise your policy to better suit your needs without compromising coverage. Sometimes, providers may have different plans or options that could better fit your requirements.
• Explore Portability Again: Since you mentioned that Star Health denied portability, consider reaching out to other insurance providers to explore portability options. Different providers may have different policies on porting combined policies, and it's worth checking with multiple companies.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor or insurance expert to get personalised advice based on your specific situation. They can help you understand the nuances of your policy, assess your needs, and guide you on the best course of action.
• Consider Separate Policies: If portability remains challenging, you may explore the option of having separate term insurance and health insurance policies from different providers. This way, you can tailor each policy to your specific needs and potentially save on costs.
• Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes: Keep yourself informed about any regulatory changes in the insurance industry that may impact your policy. Sometimes, regulatory changes can affect premium calculations or portability options.

Remember that making changes to insurance policies requires careful consideration, and it's crucial to ensure that you maintain adequate coverage for your family's needs. Always read the terms and conditions of any new policy thoroughly before making a decision. If needed, seek legal or financial advice to make an informed decision.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2038 Answers  |Ask -

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

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2038 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

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Hi..I am 41..In case I want to accumulate a corpus of around 4-5crs in next 10-12 yrs..how much amount should I need to invest and in what type of funds?
Ans: Strategic Financial Planning: Achieving a 4-5 Crore Corpus in 10-12 Years

1. Begin with the End in Mind:
Visualize your financial goal of accumulating a corpus of 4-5 crores within the next 10-12 years. Having a clear vision of your desired outcome will guide your actions and decisions throughout the journey.

2. Understand Your Starting Point:
Assess your current financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Understanding where you stand financially will help you determine the gap between your current position and your desired goal.

3. Determine the Required Investment Amount:
Calculate the amount you need to invest regularly to reach your target corpus of 4-5 crores within the specified timeframe. Consider factors such as expected rate of return, inflation, and risk tolerance in your calculations.

4. Set Realistic Investment Targets:
Break down your investment target into smaller, manageable milestones. Setting achievable targets will keep you motivated and focused on making consistent progress towards your ultimate goal.

5. Choose the Right Investment Vehicles:
Select investment options that align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Mutual funds offer a diverse range of investment opportunities across asset classes such as equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

6. Equity Funds for Long-Term Growth:
Allocate a significant portion of your investment portfolio to equity funds for long-term growth potential. Equity funds have historically delivered higher returns compared to other asset classes over extended periods.

7. Debt Funds for Stability and Income:
Include debt funds in your portfolio to provide stability and generate regular income. Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments, offering lower volatility compared to equity funds.

8. Consider Hybrid Funds for Balanced Allocation:
Explore hybrid funds that invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments to achieve a balanced allocation. Hybrid funds offer diversification benefits and can help mitigate risk while aiming for consistent returns.

9. Systematic Investment Approach:
Adopt a systematic investment approach by investing regularly through SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). SIPs allow you to invest smaller amounts at regular intervals, helping you benefit from rupee-cost averaging and mitigate the impact of market volatility.

10. Review and Adjust Your Strategy:
Regularly review your investment portfolio and track your progress towards your financial goal. Make necessary adjustments to your investment strategy based on changing market conditions, personal circumstances, and financial goals.

11. Seek Professional Guidance:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a customized investment plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. A financial advisor can provide valuable insights, guidance, and expertise to help you navigate the complexities of the investment landscape.

12. Stay Disciplined and Patient:
Achieving a significant financial goal like accumulating a corpus of 4-5 crores requires discipline, patience, and consistency. Stay committed to your investment plan, remain focused on your long-term objectives, and trust in the power of compounding to help you reach your financial destination.

13. Embrace the Journey:
View your financial journey as an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery. Embrace challenges, celebrate achievements, and remain resilient in the face of setbacks. Remember that financial freedom is not just about reaching a destination but also about enjoying the journey along the way.

14. Continuously Improve:
Commit to continuous improvement in your financial habits, knowledge, and skills. Educate yourself about investment strategies, market trends, and financial principles to make informed decisions and optimize your investment returns.

15. Express Gratitude:
Express gratitude for the resources, opportunities, and support that enable you to pursue your financial goals. Cultivate an attitude of abundance, generosity, and appreciation for the blessings in your life, both financial and non-financial.

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

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Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  |136 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I worked in IT industry for 12+ years. Then I had to quit my job because of family commitments. Its been 10+ years now. In those years, though I haven't been in a regular job, I have done a few freelancing jobs now and then. Also, run a couple of niche but non technical websites. I have also stayed in touch with latest technologies through certfications and self learning. Now, since my kids are grown up, I am thinking of resuming my career. But the huge career gap seems to hinder opportunities. Though I try to motivate myself to persevere, it is a bit frustrating as some of the jobs that suit my tech skills go past me because of the gap. What is the best strategy to restart my career? Kindly please advice. Thanks in advance.
Ans: It's understandable that the gap in your formal employment might be frustrating, but it doesn't diminish your 12+ years of experience and your ongoing efforts to stay updated. Here's a strategic approach to relaunching your IT career: Revamp your resume to showcase your core IT skills and accomplishments, not focusing heavily on the exact dates of your employment. Quantify your achievements with metrics whenever possible (e.g., increased website traffic by X% through SEO improvements). Frame your freelance projects as valuable consulting experiences where you independently tackled real-world problems. Your websites demonstrate your initiative and technical abilities in managing projects. Don't aim for the exact same senior-level positions you held before the break. Consider mid-level roles that allow you to re-enter the workforce and demonstrate your updated skills. You can gradually progress within a company. Reconnect with former colleagues or classmates on LinkedIn. Inform them you're re-entering the workforce and seek informational interviews to learn about current industry trends and potential opportunities. Update your LinkedIn profile and consider creating a professional website or portfolio showcasing your IT skills and freelance projects. Volunteer for a non-profit organization or take on short-term contract work to gain recent technical experience and build your resume. Remember, re-entering the workforce after a break takes time and perseverance. Focus on your strengths, strategically tailor your job search, and don't be discouraged by initial setbacks. By effectively showcasing your skills and experiences, you'll land the right IT opportunity to relaunch your successful career.

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Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  |136 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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I want to start a faceless youtube channel in infotainment niche. Iam from a science background i work full time in hospital. I have no idea about how to create eye catching content for the videos. where should i learn how to make these kind of videos? and about copy rights? Most of the youtube videos on how to make videos are sponsered bt some heavily priced software or any app that helps to edit videos. What to do ?
Ans: Here's a roadmap to creating eye-catching content for your faceless infotainment YouTube channel with a science background, without the pressure of expensive software. Pick interesting scientific concepts and explain them in a clear, concise, and entertaining way. Use humor, analogies, and relatable examples to connect with your audience. Lists and countdowns are popular formats. Create videos like "Top 10 Medical Myths Debunked" or "5 Amazing Facts About the Human Body." Use free animation tools like Powtoon or Animaker to create visuals that complement your narration. Show how scientific concepts apply to our daily lives. For example, "The Science Behind the Perfect Cup of Coffee." OpenShot is a great option for basic editing and adding text overlays, transitions, and sound effects. There are many channels like "Video Editing Rockstars" and "Film Riot" that offer free tutorials on editing techniques, storytelling for video, and creating motion graphics. Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers free trials and affordable monthly subscriptions with courses on animation, video editing, and scriptwriting to help you do well. Look for videos and images with a Creative Commons license that allow for reuse with attribution. Websites like Pixabay and Freesound offer a vast library of free music and videos that you can use in your content. The free editing software options listed above offer enough features to create engaging videos. Focus on honing your content creation skills and storytelling skills before investing in expensive software. Respond to comments, answer questions, and run polls to keep your viewers engaged. This builds a community around your channel and helps with audience retention. Remember, creating a successful YouTube channel takes time and effort. Be patient, experiment with different formats, and keep learning. By leveraging your science background and these free resources, you can create eye-catching infotainment videos that your audience will love.

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Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  |136 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I'm 40 years old ,i have done BBA in finance and marketing. It's completed in 2006.i have experience of 5 year in retail and then I moved to foreign exchange company and worked for another 4-5 years in 2-3 companies.but I lost my job in corona time.and since then I'm working as a freelancer for the forex customers.also looking for jobs but couldn't get right job.i have responsibilities but I am not earning as I needed. Pls suggest me what should I do?
Ans: I understand this must be a frustrating situation. You have a strong educational background and experience, but the job market can be tough. Don't view freelance work as a gap in your employment history. Frame it as an opportunity where you leveraged your expertise to consult with clients. Quantify your achievements as a freelancer whenever possible (e.g., increased client base by X%, secured Y new contracts). The financial and marketing fields have likely evolved since your graduation in 2006. Consider taking online courses, certifications, or workshops to update your knowledge in areas like financial technology (FinTech), digital marketing, or social media marketing. These in-demand skills can make your resume more attractive to employers. Since you already have experience freelancing for forex clients, explore ways to expand your freelance offerings. Can you offer additional services like market research, competitor analysis, or content creation related to finance or foreign exchange? Don't limit yourself to just finance or forex roles. Consider marketing positions within financial institutions, wealth management firms, or fintech companies. Your marketing background could also be valuable in other industries like retail, healthcare, or technology. Remember, your age and experience are assets. Age is not a liability; hence, by highlighting your transferable skills, expanding your skillset, and utilizing a strategic job search approach, you can increase your chances of landing the right job.

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Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  |136 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

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Hi, I am BE electronics engineering. I have 14 years experience in embedded firmware development. So 9 years in one company.i am saturated. I want to change domain Please guide and help
Ans: It sounds like you've had a significant amount of experience in embedded firmware development, and you're now looking to transition to a new domain. Explore different industries and sectors that align with your interests and skills. Look into areas such as IoT, AI, renewable energy, automotive, healthcare technology, or cybersecurity, among others. Identify transferable skills from your current role that are applicable to the new domain. Your experience in embedded firmware development likely includes skills such as problem-solving, coding proficiency, project management, and collaboration, which can be valuable in various industries. Depending on the new domain you choose, you may need to acquire additional knowledge or skills. Consider taking courses, obtaining certifications, or pursuing further education to enhance your expertise in the desired field. Connect with professionals working in the new domain through networking events, online forums, and social media platforms like LinkedIn. Seek informational interviews to learn more about their experiences and gain insights into the industry. Remember that transitioning to a new domain may take time and effort, but with determination and a strategic approach, you can successfully make the switch and embark on a fulfilling new career path.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2038 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2024Hindi
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I have a monthly income of 1.4 lacs. Have 62 Lacs in FD, 5 Lacs in PF and about 5 lacs in equity. I spend about 40 k per month. How can I plan my retirement. Please suggest. Thanks.
Ans: Given your current financial situation, planning for retirement requires a strategic approach to ensure financial security in your golden years. Let's outline a retirement plan tailored to your needs:

Assess Retirement Needs: Start by estimating your expected expenses during retirement. Consider factors such as healthcare costs, living expenses, travel, and leisure activities. Be realistic in your estimations to ensure you have adequate funds to maintain your desired lifestyle.

Evaluate Current Assets: Take stock of your existing assets, including FDs, PF, and equity investments. Calculate their expected growth over time and factor in inflation to determine their future value. This assessment will provide a baseline for your retirement corpus.

Investment Strategy: Given your conservative investment approach with significant holdings in FDs and PF, consider diversifying your portfolio to optimize returns while managing risk. Allocate a portion of your portfolio to equity investments for long-term growth potential, balanced with fixed-income securities for stability.

Retirement Corpus Calculation: Determine the desired corpus needed to sustain your lifestyle during retirement. Factor in inflation, life expectancy, and potential healthcare expenses. Use online retirement calculators or consult with a Certified Financial Planner to arrive at a realistic target amount.

Savings and Investments: Maximize your savings by setting aside a portion of your monthly income specifically for retirement. Channel these savings into a mix of retirement-focused investments such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), National Pension System (NPS), and Mutual Funds tailored for retirement planning.

Regular Review and Adjustment: Regularly review your retirement plan to track progress towards your goals and make adjustments as needed. As you approach retirement age, gradually shift your portfolio towards more conservative investments to preserve capital and minimize risk.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months' worth of living expenses to cover unforeseen expenses or income disruptions during retirement.

Consult a Financial Planner: Consider seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and retirement timeline. They can help optimize your retirement plan and address any concerns or uncertainties you may have.

By following these steps and staying disciplined in your savings and investment approach, you can work towards building a substantial retirement corpus that will provide financial security and peace of mind in your retirement years.

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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