While we wish for a fun-filled and smooth-sailing life with no accidents, illnesses or damages to our property, the unexpected can sometimes occur in the most unlikely of timing. These unexpected misfortunes can wreck our lives or even the lives of our family members.
While we cannot predict the future, we can still prepare for any misfortunes that might arise. One of the best way to do so is to get appropriate insurance coverage to cover you financially for any accidents or illness that fate can throw at you. You can also apply for appropriate insurance schemes for your family members.
Insurance is thus necessary as it helps to elevate your financial burden in the event an unfortunate accident were to occur. It also lifts the financial burden your family will have to bear in the absence of insurance. Insurance is thus a vital component of your financial health. The key is to select the appropriate insurance plan for your varying financial needs.
This article will touch on the key types of insurance coverage that you can seek out for your respective needs.
Life Insurance
Life insurance policies will pay out a sum of money to your beneficiaries (usually your family members) in the event of your death. This is important especially if you are a key bread-winner of your family and your family relies on your income for their daily living expenses.
Term Insurance
Term Insurance will pay out a sum of money to your beneficiaries in the event of your death, but this arrangement is enforceable for only a period (e.g. 5 years, or 10 years). Thus, term insurance is a temporary policy that can be used as supplements to your life insurance policy.
Annuities
Annuities are usually beneficial for the retired or old-aged. Annuity plans pay out a regular income (usually on a monthly basis) that the retired or old-aged can use to cover their monthly expenses. Some annuities have payouts that last until the death of the individual. A good plan to have especially if you are expected to live a longer life after retirement since the mean lifespan of individuals living in developed countries (and many developing countries) are increasing statistically every generation.
Disability Riders
Pays out a sum of money to cover your medical and hospital bills in the event of a disability (e.g. due to an accident). Disability riders are usually created as an ‘add-on’ to your life insurance policies.
Critical Illness Riders
Pays out a sum of money to cover your medical and hospital bills in the event of a critical illness. Critical illness riders are usually created as an ‘add-on’ to your life insurance policies.
Investment-Linked Plans (ILPS)
This policy is a hybrid between a life insurance plan and a mutual fund (also known as unit trust). Part of your premiums can be used to fund a life insurance plan, and part of it can be used to invest in a mutual fund of your choice. Sometimes, earnings from your mutual fund can be cashed out, or be used to purchase additional units of your life insurance policy to increase your insurance coverage.
Endowment Funds or Savings Plans
These are savings plans that usually requires you to save a sum of money every month or every year. Under this plan, your savings will benefit from interest given by the insurance company, and you will be able to cash out your savings with interests after a pre-decided duration. This is a good plan to have when you are saving for your children’s college tuition to be expensed some years from now.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate financial plan is essential as it provides you with coverage that are suitable to your needs and the needs of your family. It is thus vital to understand the different types of insurance products listed above before committing to an insurance plan.
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