My wife and I have been insured for a Reliance Health Policy since 2007 without a break. We have never filed a claim for any illness/hospitalisation. Our coverage in the Policy document has been Rs.5 lace since inception.

We tried porting the policy to some other insurer but no other company agreed to have it ported. My wife (73) and I (70) have been requesting Reliance to increase the coverage to at least Rs.50 lacs for which we are prepared to pay the enhanced premium. However, Reliance is refusing to do so despite our paying them a premium for 14 years with a No Claim record.

Please advice how we can get higher coverage since in these times Rs.5 lacs is a pittance.

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.

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.

Ans: I understand you're concerned about Reliance General settling claims properly. It's good to be aware! Here's how we can approach this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: We can understand. You may check with other insurers if they have a better plan.