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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 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
Sunil Question by Sunil on Jul 08, 2024Hindi
Money

Which is the best/safest Health Insurance Policy Company for 63-year-old males for Rs-10 Lakhs per annum where I don't have to pay any money for any Treatment or Disease upfront? Most companies Mislead their Customers. Kindly give me a Frank Opinion.

Ans: Choosing the right health insurance policy for a 63-year-old male with a cover of Rs 10 lakhs per annum, where you don't have to pay any money upfront for treatment, requires careful consideration. The health insurance market in India can be confusing with many companies and policies offering various benefits. However, certain parameters can help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Importance of Health Insurance
Health insurance is critical, especially as one ages. Medical costs can be substantial, and having a robust health insurance policy can provide peace of mind. For seniors, it is particularly important to have a policy that covers all possible medical expenses without the hassle of upfront payments.

Cashless Treatment Facility
One of the key features to look for in a health insurance policy is the cashless treatment facility. This feature allows the insured to get treated without paying any money upfront at the time of hospitalization. The insurance company directly settles the bill with the hospital.

Network Hospitals
Check the insurance provider’s network hospitals. A larger network means more options for cashless treatment. Ensure that the hospitals in your vicinity or preferred hospitals are part of the insurer's network.

Comprehensive Coverage
Look for a policy that offers comprehensive coverage, including pre and post-hospitalization expenses, ambulance charges, day-care treatments, and critical illnesses. Comprehensive policies ensure that you are covered for a wide range of medical scenarios.

No Claim Bonus (NCB)
Some insurance companies offer a No Claim Bonus, which increases the sum insured for each claim-free year without any extra premium. This is beneficial as it enhances your coverage over time without additional cost.

Lifetime Renewability
Ensure the policy offers lifetime renewability. Health insurance policies with lifetime renewability allow you to renew the policy for as long as you live, without any age limit. This is crucial for senior citizens.

Minimal Exclusions
Every health insurance policy has certain exclusions. It is important to read the fine print and understand what is not covered. Opt for a policy with minimal exclusions to avoid surprises during a medical emergency.

Waiting Period for Pre-Existing Diseases
Check the waiting period for pre-existing diseases. Policies with shorter waiting periods for pre-existing conditions are preferable.

Claim Settlement Ratio
The claim settlement ratio of an insurance company indicates the number of claims settled against the total number of claims received. A higher claim settlement ratio indicates a reliable insurance provider.

Customer Reviews and Feedback
Look at customer reviews and feedback about the insurance provider. Real-life experiences of other policyholders can give you valuable insights into the company’s service quality and reliability.

Understanding Policy Terms
Health insurance policies can have complex terms and conditions. It is essential to understand these terms clearly. If needed, seek assistance from a Certified Financial Planner to interpret the policy details. This ensures that there are no misunderstandings at the time of claim.

Professional Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice based on your specific needs. They can help you compare different policies, understand the benefits, and make an informed decision.

Avoiding Misleading Information
Many insurance companies may mislead customers with attractive advertisements and offers. It is crucial to go beyond marketing and understand the real benefits and limitations of the policy.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
While the focus here is on health insurance, it is worth mentioning the benefits of actively managed funds if you are looking at investment options as well. Actively managed funds can outperform the market as professional fund managers use their expertise to make investment decisions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Investing in direct funds without guidance can be challenging. Direct funds do not provide advisory services, which can lead to poor investment decisions. It is beneficial to invest through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential, who can offer professional advice and ensure your investments align with your financial goals.


Navigating the world of health insurance can be overwhelming. It is commendable that you are taking proactive steps to secure your health and financial well-being. By focusing on these parameters, you are ensuring a safer and more secure future.


We understand the importance of finding the right health insurance policy, especially when healthcare costs are rising. It is crucial to choose a policy that not only fits your budget but also provides comprehensive coverage without any financial strain at the time of treatment.

Final Insights
Choosing the best health insurance policy for a 63-year-old male requires careful evaluation of various factors such as cashless treatment, network hospitals, comprehensive coverage, NCB, lifetime renewability, minimal exclusions, waiting period for pre-existing diseases, claim settlement ratio, customer reviews, understanding policy terms, and seeking professional guidance.

Taking the time to research and compare different policies will pay off in the long run. It is always advisable to seek the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice and help you make an informed decision. Remember, the right health insurance policy can provide financial security and peace of mind, ensuring you get the best possible care without any upfront financial burden.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

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

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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  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 18, 2024Hindi
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Sir my son in 2009 invested in Mutual fund rs.5000/- and again rs.5000/- another in 2011 total rs.10,000/- with Reliance mutuval funds later this company changed in the name of Nippon India private limite. My son at the of investments he had Old PAN no. Later on job purpose gone abroad and settled. He came in 2019 and submitted redeem his units say 2250 units currenly valued rs. 50,000 above . His application was rejected at first Old PAN Card not surrendered so he surrendered same with original attached with NRE status PAN and submitted agiain who they says You have to link his Aadhar card. He is not in a position to obtain this because he may get citizenship. I referred to SEBI and RBI to intervene but no response from them Please guide me how to redeem and get my son’s investments which I require for my ailing age of 78. Thanks in advance If you require his PAN no surrendered and obtained new NRE status PAN no.
Ans: Since your son cannot link his Aadhaar due to his NRI status, the best approach would be to reach out directly to Nippon India Mutual Fund and explain the situation. You can request the redemption process based on his NRI PAN and KYC status without Aadhaar linking.

Here's what you can do:

Contact Nippon India: Explain that your son is an NRI and cannot obtain an Aadhaar card. Request guidance for an NRI-specific redemption process.

Submit an NRI KYC Update: Ensure that your son's new PAN and NRI status are updated in the KYC records with the fund house. This can be done via the KYC Registration Agency (KRA) or CAMS for mutual funds.

Alternative Contact: If there is no response from the fund house, consider contacting AMFI or SEBI again, providing all necessary documents.

These steps should help you resolve the issue and redeem the units without requiring Aadhaar linkage.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Money
Hello sir, With your earlier suggestion to achieve 5Cr for retirement and my 3yr old son's education, I'm planning the following monthly investment ( apart from current Parag, Nippon and Mirae investment of 10L+ 10L in PPF): Son's Parag: 8 My Parag:10 Mirae nifty ev & new age:30 Quant Infra:15 Nifty500 Manufacturing:10 Small cap:10 Mid cap:10 NPS vatsalaya:5(giving 25L) Term plan of 3Cr:8K Monthly in-hand savings:15k Plz suggest if I'm over diversifying & suggestion for small and mid cap fund
Ans: You have a good balance between long-term goals, such as retirement and your son's education, with monthly investments across multiple funds.

Investing Rs 15,000 of monthly savings alongside current investments and having Rs 10 lakh each in Parag and PPF is commendable. This shows discipline in securing your financial future.

Portfolio Overview
Let’s assess the diversification of your portfolio:

Son's Parag: Rs 8,000/month
This could be a good long-term investment for your child's future.

Your Parag: Rs 10,000/month
This adds value to your retirement goal.

Mirae Nifty EV & New Age: Rs 30,000/month
Investing Rs 30,000 in a thematic fund is a bold move. However, ensure this is for the long-term, as sector-specific funds can be volatile.

Quant Infra: Rs 15,000/month
Infrastructure is a good bet for growth in India. However, similar to thematic funds, it can be cyclical.

Nifty500 Manufacturing: Rs 10,000/month
Manufacturing is an essential part of India’s growth story. Still, its performance can depend on broader economic factors.

Small Cap: Rs 10,000/month
Small caps provide high growth potential but come with higher volatility. Keep a horizon of at least 7-10 years.

Mid Cap: Rs 10,000/month
Mid-cap investments are good for growth, but they too require a longer horizon.

NPS Vatsalaya: Rs 5,000/month
A good addition for retirement, as it provides long-term benefits and pension security.

Term Plan of Rs 3 crore: Rs 8,000 premium
This is a necessary expense to ensure your family’s financial security in your absence.

Assessing Over-Diversification
While diversification reduces risk, too much of it can dilute returns. Your portfolio seems slightly over-diversified.

Consider reducing thematic exposure (Mirae Nifty EV & Quant Infra) as they make up a large portion of your investments.

It might be more beneficial to concentrate on core funds like small caps, mid caps, large caps, and a flexi-cap fund for diversification across market caps without the risks of being overly thematic.

Small Cap and Mid Cap Suggestions
For small cap funds, consider selecting ones with a consistent performance history and a good track record in handling market volatility.

For mid cap funds, those that have shown steady growth across different market conditions will be a safer bet for building long-term wealth.

Instead of focusing on individual scheme names, select funds with a solid investment team, strong processes, and consistent performance.

Direct vs Regular Funds
Switching to Direct Funds might seem like a good idea due to the lower expense ratio. However, this shift means losing the valuable guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can help you optimize your investments over time.

By sticking with Regular Funds through a professional MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor), you get personalized advice, monitoring of your investments, and support with tax-saving strategies. Regular funds also provide better handholding, which is crucial in volatile times.

Disadvantages of DIY Platforms
Platforms like MF Central or Zerodha may look attractive for their lower fees, but they have their drawbacks:

Complexity: Managing your portfolio without professional help can be complicated, especially when it comes to tracking performance, rebalancing, or adjusting investments based on changing goals.

Lack of Tax Optimization: Without professional guidance, you may not optimize for taxes, potentially losing out on gains.

No Personalized Advice: Unlike a Certified Financial Planner, DIY platforms will not provide you with tailored advice for your financial goals, leaving you to manage everything yourself.

Long-Term Return Expectations
Your current mutual funds are performing well, but you must be prepared for market volatility. While returns can be 20% in short-term spurts, a more realistic long-term average would be around 12-15%. This will help in planning more effectively for your goals like your son’s education and your retirement corpus of Rs 5 crore.

Final Insights
Your disciplined approach and allocation to mutual funds and NPS are excellent for long-term wealth building. However, fine-tuning your portfolio for better efficiency and consolidation will enhance your returns.

Review the Thematic Funds: Consider reducing your exposure to thematic funds like EV, infrastructure, and manufacturing. These sectors can be volatile and may require active monitoring.

Stick with Regular Funds through an MFD: While direct funds may seem appealing, sticking with regular funds and leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner ensures you won’t miss out on personalized advice and tax optimization.

Focus on Core Funds: Keep a balanced allocation towards small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds to ensure you cover different market cycles and benefit from market growth.

Adjusting for Volatility: Remember that 20% returns might not be sustainable over the long term. It's safe to plan for 12-15% average returns for your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

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I have ~40L in my portfolio and all my MF`s are Regular funds since I have been investing thru ICICIDirect. Now I want to start investing into Direct funds since I realize that Direct funds have lower Expense ratio. So I want to invest thru MFcentral or Zeroda. Now, my quesiton is: Is it a good idea to cancel my existing MF`s (not redeeming) in ICICIDirect and start new direct SIP`s ? Will I be loosing compounding effect of my existing regular MF`s? I dont want to redeem the SIP`s since it will incurr large LTCG taxes
Ans: It may seem tempting to switch to Direct Funds for the lower expense ratio, but there are key factors to consider before making the switch.

Here are a few points in favor of continuing with Regular Funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a professional Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):

Value of Professional Advice
A professional MFD or CFP adds value by offering timely advice, portfolio reviews, and strategic changes based on market conditions and your financial goals. They help you stay focused on long-term plans and avoid emotional decisions.

Platforms like MF Central or Zerodha do not offer personalized advice. You’re left managing the complexities of your portfolio alone, which can be overwhelming and risky, especially during volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Direct Platforms
MF Central and Zerodha are DIY (Do-It-Yourself) platforms. While the lower expense ratio seems appealing, managing the portfolio on your own requires time, expertise, and market insight. Any wrong move could cost you more than you save in expense ratio.

MF Central is not user-friendly and does not offer real-time support for managing SIPs, rebalancing, or tracking your overall portfolio’s health.

Zerodha is a trading platform, but it doesn’t come with personalized advice. It lacks the long-term relationship benefits that an MFD or CFP provides, including goal-based planning and tax-efficient strategies.

Compounding Effect & Tax Implications
Cancelling your existing SIPs and switching to direct funds will not directly affect the compounding of your current investments. However, starting new SIPs in Direct Plans could lead to a disjointed investment strategy. You may also lose out on expert guidance that helps optimize the compounding effect through proper fund selection and market timing.

Switching to direct funds might seem cost-effective in the short run but could result in higher LTCG (Long Term Capital Gains) taxes if you later decide to rebalance your portfolio on your own without professional help.

Avoid Disruption
Switching platforms might disrupt your current portfolio management process like consolidated reports and capital gains tracking, which helps during tax filings. On DIY platforms, you will have to manage all of this yourself.

If you are not satisfied with ICICIDirect's services, you can always switch to another professional MFD or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A good MFD will still provide the benefits of seamless portfolio management, including consolidated reports, capital gains tracking, and regular reviews, which are critical during tax filings and for keeping your investments aligned with your goals.

Final Thought
Instead of switching to direct plans, continue with Regular Plans through a professional MFD or CFP. The personalized advice you receive will often outweigh the slight difference in expense ratio. Regular reviews, goal setting, and rebalancing help ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your long-term objectives.

Making hasty decisions based on expense ratio alone can lead to missed opportunities and higher risks in the long run.

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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