|
An investment-type policy
provides cover for as long as you live. Since the policy must eventually pay out, it builds up an investment value that you
can cash in by surrendering the policy. However, it takes many years for a surrender value to build up and, in general, whole-of-life
policies are an expensive buy if your main need is protection. As it is considerably more expensive than the protection-only
term life insurance alternative some advisers believe it's better to keep your insurance and investment needs separate.
Life insurance includes 'investment-type' and 'term' insurance. Investment-type insurance includes policies
that pay out on a certain date or when you die. Term insurance pays a lump sum if you die before a set date term insurance.
In its simplest form, it pays out a specified amount if you die within a selected period of years. If you survive, it pays
out nothing. It is the cheapest way overall of buying the cover you need. but doesn't pay out anything if you survive
the term. The term could be, for example, the number of years left on your mortgage or the number of years until your children
are financially independent. Term insurance is sometimes called 'protection only' insurance. An investment-type policy
provides cover for as long as you live. Since the policy must eventually pay out, it builds up an investment value that you
can cash in by surrendering the policy. However, it takes many years for a surrender value to build up and, in general, whole-of-life
policies are an expensive buy if your main need is protection. As it is considerably more expensive than the protection-only
term life insurance alternative some advisers believe it's better to keep your insurance and investment needs separate.
|