LIFE INSURANCE: MYTHS AND FACTS
Life insurance is a topic that, for a variety of reasons, does not receive enough discussion. As a result, we shall attempt to dispel several myths about life insurance throughout the course of time. Life insurance can be tricky to figure out with all its technicalities and rules.
Misconceptions
surrounding life insurance products discourage people from considering them as
one of the most crucial instruments of financial planning. However, life
insurance is one of the most essential financial contingency plans that
protects your loved ones and secures their future even when you are not around.
It helps as a source of savings and an add-on during shortages of funds. It may
also serve as a source of income after retirement or in the event that
illnesses or accidents impair your ability to work. However, there are so many
common myths surrounding life insurance that people believe them without
knowing the facts. So, let us break those myths and get a comprehensive
understanding of the benefits of life insurance.
Myth 1: Life insurance is only for tax savings
Facts
Tax deductions is
not the only advantage of life insurance. Life insurance has additional
benefits in addition to the Section 80C tax reduction. It helps in providing
the payout from your life insurance in case of your death, which will help in
covering the monetary needs of those who are dependent on you. The maturity
benefits from your insurance product can act as a corpus to achieve all your
future financial goals.
Myth 2: Life insurance is very costly
Facts
Far from the
truth than that can be. Insurance policies today offer extensive coverage at
reasonable prices. If you do proper research with the help of an expert, you
can easily find life insurance policies that fit into your investment budget
and serve your purpose. An impressive life insurance policy can be obtained
with even a small yearly payment, enabling your nominees to take care of their
needs even in your absence. You can start with a lower sum assured and then
build up additional coverage as your income increases. You can also opt for a
term life plan. Term insurance typically provides a large sum assured for a low
premium.
Myth 3: It is too early to think of life insurance. Young and healthy people do not need life insurance
Facts
Life is full of
uncertainties. There are already too many instances of young individuals
passing away and leaving their families on their own in the absence of a life
insurance policy. As they often say, death keeps no calendar, and it makes a lot
of sense to plan early.
Accidents can
take a toll on your life, even if you are a young person at the peak of your health.
In the early stages of your career, you do not have the chance to accumulate a
large corpus through savings alone. However, life insurance makes sure that
your family will not be shortchanged financially.
Furthermore,
young people are required to pay a smaller premium than they would when they
are older. The best time to buy life insurance is at a younger age, when you
start earning. This way, you can get substantial coverage at a lower cost. You
can easily select a plan that fits your income bracket and age because there
are so many different life insurance policies to pick from. In turn, you can
also achieve various investment goals with your life insurance policies.
Myth 4: Life insurance will be useful only after the policyholder’s death
Facts
In addition to
giving your loved ones a financial safety net, life insurance plans can be
helpful in other scenarios, depending on the type of plan chosen and its
specific features. Retirement plans help you enjoy financial independence in
the later years of your life. Term insurance plans with critical illness riders
help meet the exorbitant expenses of medical treatments. Endowment plans can
also be used as instruments for accumulating assets. A timely purchase of the
ideal life insurance coverage will benefit not only your nominee but also you.
Myth 5: Singles do not need life insurance
Facts
Even if you are single, it is likely that you will get older and require enough money to pay off any debts you may have as well as any medical or funeral expenses. Retirement and income loss only make those issues worse. All these expenses could easily become more than just a pain in the absence of such a life insurance policy.
Myth 6: Group insurance plans from the employer is sufficient
Facts
In some cases,
they might be. For one, these plans are valid only until you remain in their
service. It may be terminated once you change jobs or retire. Moreover, the
life insurance that your employer offers may not be sufficient for your
family’s future needs.
A personal life
insurance policy is also advised if you have a spouse who is a parent or if you
have a lot of debt that your spouse and other dependents might need to pay off.
It is recommended to have a life insurance policy worth at least ten times your
annual income. You must also factor in inflation. Consequently, investing in an
insurance policy privately can prove much more advantageous in the long run.
It is very
important to assess your family’s financial needs and goals carefully and conduct
proper research for the right insurance policies that suit your and your
family’s needs. Avoid believing these myths. Remember that regardless of your
age or savings, you should always choose to safeguard your family with life
insurance.
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