A wealth accumulation tool, investment-linked policies (ILPs) may take some time for many to understand, especially with its extreme fund flexibility coupled with unexpected additional fees.
In this article, we will delve into the ins and outs of an ILP.
Table of Contents
- What is an Investment-Linked Insurance Plan (ILP)?
- Why Do People Get Investment-Linked Policies?
- Pros of Investment-Linked Plans
- Cons of Investment-Linked Plans
- What Should I Look Out For Before Investing In An Investment-Linked Policy?
What is an Investment-Linked Insurance Plan (ILP)?
An Investment-linked insurance policy (ILP) is a policy that has life insurance coverage and investment components. Most policies contain various packaged funds with diversified risks for consumers to choose from according to their risk appetite. These respective funds would have various sub-funds in stocks, bonds, and more.
Premiums paid by a consumer would be used to pay for units in the sub-fund of their choice. Some allow consumers to choose their own sub-funds, while others have pre-allocated packaged funds for consumers to pick. When needed, some of these units purchased may be sold to pay for other charges, such as management charge fees. The management charge fee is charged monthly by deducting away the units that the customer has. The remaining amount would stay invested accordingly into the pre-allocated ILP sub-funds.
In the event of death, ILPs provide insurance protection for the policyholder. A claimant can be paid a lump-sum payment of the policyholder’s account value or between 101% to 105% of the net premium. The net premium refers to the initial premium you placed in the policy taking into account any top-ups or withdrawals you made along the way.
There are two main types of ILPs: single-premium ILPs and regular-premium ILPs. With single-premium ILPs you pay a one-time lump sum premium which would be invested into a sub-fund. With regular-premiums ILPs, you make premium payments on an ongoing basis. Single-premium ILPs typically provide slightly lower insurance coverage than regular-premium ILPs.
Net Premium = Total Premium Paid + Top-up – Withdrawals
Why Do People Get Investment-Linked Policies?
Many people get investment-linked policies for the following reasons:
- For flexibility of cash flow in their insurance coverage and wealth accumulation.
- To grow wealth. These individuals mostly have their basic coverage already done up.
- For individuals considering temporarily taking a “one stone to kill two birds” approach and are uncertain on whether to focus their finances on insurance protection or wealth accumulation.
Pros of Investment-Linked Plans
Liquid funds with zero lock-ins
As long as the minimum value needed is present in the account, most investment-linked policies allow for partial withdrawals at any time throughout the policy’s lifetime. This gives users the option to draw from their policy if they are in need of cash now in the case of an emergency.
Moreover, many policies also give policyholders the flexibility to make top-ups according to their personal financial means. Some policies have options for both ad-hoc and recurring top-ups according to one’s preference, subjected to various minimum top-up values. You are able to adjust your premiums as your income grows so as to grow your wealth quicker with your investment-linked policy.
Some investment-linked policies also allow policyholders to switch their packaged funds to suit their financial means or risk tolerance. Other investment-linked policies provide their policyholders with the option of a “premium holiday” where premium payments can be temporarily stopped without the policy being terminated. Both if these increases the flexibility of ILPs as a wealth enhancement tool.
Death benefit
With a death benefit, claimants upon a policyholder’s decease or officiation of terminal illness are usually able to retrieve a lump sum of money.
Cons of Investment-Linked Plans
Fees and charges
ILPs have many layers of unseen costs. Often, these fees amount to a hefty price. Sometimes more expensive than separate life insurance policies and investments combined. As a result, the premiums placed into Investment-Linked Policies are not fully used to invest as some would be used to foot the costs of these fees.
Relatively higher risk compared to other options
It is important to read the fine print when purchasing an ILP. Like other financial investment products, an Investment-Linked Policy carries investment risk, and does not always provide guaranteed returns. This may make ILP’s unfavourable when compared with other life insurance alternatives, like an endowment insurance plan.
With non-guaranteed policies, to keep losses within their policyholders’ risk appetites, insurers have different packaged funds with diversified risks to suit different consumers.
When policyholders have full control over choosing their packaged funds, policyholders need to bear the financial risk of their investments. Hence, it is crucial for you to be aware of the amount of risk you are willing to take prior to purchasing a packaged fund. If you have the financial capacity to afford this risk, investing in an ILP might potentially bring returns higher than other participating plans (eg. whole life policies or endowment insurance plans).
Related: Life Insurance vs. Endowment Insurance: Which One Should You Get?
What Should I Look Out For Before Investing In An Investment-Linked Policy?
When choosing a suitable ILP, it is important to avoid common misconceptions. Beyond that, below are some traits that you can look out for when considering to purchase an ILP.
A low and affordable starting premium
This gives you room to experiment without breaking the bank. In the event that you wish to withdraw completely from the ILP, any penalties will be minimised as well.
Clear packaged funds
Compared to ILPs that allow policyholders who might not have the necessary investing knowledge to pick their own sub-funds, packaged funds are sub-funds pre-picked by insurers that are experienced in the market. This allows ILP investors a clearer understanding of the financial risk they are taking when they choose to purchase an ILP. Through this, they will be able to better select a fund that is more suited for their risk appetite.
Clear charges and fees
Clear charges and fees will help you estimate the total cost you might incur if you choose to purchase this ILP. This will allow you to better see where it will function in your financial plan, and weigh the growth it may achieve in the long run.
Need more coverage than what an ILP offers? Check out our roundup of the best health insurance plans in the market today!
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Read More:
- Common Misconceptions about Investment-Linked Insurance Policies
- VC Compares: Endowment Plans vs ILPs — Which Should You Get?
- How Endowment Insurance Plans Work — T&Cs You Need To Know
- Endowment Insurance vs. Fixed Deposits: Which Is Better for You?
- 5 Important Things You Need to Know Before Buying Life Insurance
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