Life insurance is a crucial financial tool that not only provides protection to your loved ones in case of your untimely demise but also serves as a means of saving and achieving life goals. However, navigating the world of life insurance can be overwhelming with various policies and features to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into different types of life insurance plans, their benefits, and key factors to consider when selecting the best policy for your needs.
Understanding Your Needs
When you buy a smartphone, you check your needs before making a purchase. Similarly, when selecting the best insurance plans, it is essential to assess your individual requirements. As a general rule, the coverage should be at least 10 times your annual earnings to ensure financial security for your dependents. Identify your financial goals, such as providing for your children’s education, covering wedding expenses, or building a corpus for retirement.
Types of Life Insurance Plans
- Term Life Insurance
A term life insurance plan is a vital tool for comprehensive life risk coverage. It offers the purest form of life insurance, focusing solely on covering risks without providing returns after the policy term ends.
Premiums for term plans can be paid annually, monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually, with annual payments offering a discount. Salaried employees often prefer monthly deductions for convenience. The premiums paid for term insurance are exempted from income tax under Section 80C.
Know:Differences Between Term Insurance and Life Insurance
In the unfortunate event of the insured’s death, the sum assured is paid to the nominee tax-free. There’s also a variant called the term plan with a return of premium, where if the policyholder survives the term, the insurance company returns the premiums paid, albeit at a higher cost compared to a pure term insurance policy.
- Money Back or Endowment Policy
A money-back or endowment policy is designed to meet financial needs effectively. In a 15-year term, for instance, you receive 25% of the sum assured in the 12th, 13th, and 14th years, with the remaining sum assured and annual bonuses paid at maturity.
Paying premiums on a long-term basis allows companies to share profits with policyholders through bonuses. This policy combines insurance and savings, with variations available in the Indian market.
The distinction between a money-back plan and an endowment plan is minimal. In an endowment plan, the maturity amount is paid at the end of the term, resulting in a higher payout compared to the money-back plan.
- Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
ULIPs offer market-associated returns, utilising policyholders’ premiums to cover risks and generate higher returns. A portion of the premium is invested in the stock market, managed by a fund manager based on policyholder choices. Free fund switches within a policy year are provided, with additional switches incurring charges per policy terms.
ULIPs allow fund selection based on risk appetite, with higher risks potentially yielding higher returns. Ideal for those in their 20s and 30s, ULIPs absorb market fluctuations over the long term, presenting opportunities for capital appreciation.
Suited for various life goals like education and weddings, ULIPs accept regular premium contributions or a single payment for those with sufficient funds.
Selecting the Best Policy
Consider the following factors before finalising a life insurance policy:
- Insurance Premium: Should be affordable and fit within your budget.
- Sum Assured: Ensure the coverage is sufficient to meet your family’s needs.
- Riders: Additional benefits can be added to enhance the policy’s coverage.
- Policy and Premium Term: Align with your financial goals and ability to pay premiums.
- Online Policy: Choose for the convenience of managing your policy online.
- Claim Settlement Ratio: Choose a company with a high claim settlement ratio for a hassle-free claims process.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial for assistance during the policy term.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the best life insurance product is one that efficiently covers your risks, offers affordable premiums, and fulfils your financial goals. Whether you choose term insurance, money-back policies, or ULIPs, understanding your needs and selecting a reputable insurance provider with a high claim settlement ratio is key. By making an informed decision, you can secure your family’s financial future and achieve peace of mind. Consider subscribing to an online life insurance policy for added convenience in managing and tracking your coverage.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.
