Newbie’s Guide To Buying Insurance In Singapore

Insurance is a binding contract or policy in which an individual receives reimbursement or financial protection against losses. It provides coverage or security against a myriad of unwanted or unforeseen events such as death of the spouse, permanent disability, critical illness, and damaged car.

First, you must determine the situation you are in then and decide what type of insurance is appropriate for you. The policies and the insurance jargons can be confusing to a novice. To help you, here are some things you should consider before purchasing an insurance policy in Singapore:

1. PRICES

When purchasing for an insurance policy in Singapore, look for the best-priced deal that is suitable for you because prices can vary from one company to the next. Furthermore, the policies these companies offer are different. So, beyond the price, it is important to consider other factors as well.

2. TYPES

There are three main types of insurance sold in Singapore namely: Life Insurance, Health Insurance, and General Insurance. It is important to make sure you know what you want and you know what the insurance policies entails.

a. Life Insurance

This policy protects you and your dependants by giving the sum assured under certain circumstances such as being permanently disabled or critically ill. The agreed amount of money is intended to help you and your dependants meet your financial needs.

b. Health Insurance

This policy covers accidents, illnesses, and disabilities that affects your health. To help you and your family deal with the expenses, different health insurance policies are available in the market.

c. General Insurance

This policy secures you against a wide range of events such as damage to your home or loss of your belongings. Upon the occurrence of the event, the insurance company will pay you with an agreed amount to cover a portion or all of your loss.

3. TERMS

As a newbie, you are exposed to different insurance terms that can sometimes be confusing. This is why you must read through a comprehensive glossary of terms such as this list compiled by A.M. Best Company. This is the sample:

a. Annuity- a type of insurance policy that pays out fixed income payments at regular timings for one’s retirement.

b. Premium- price of protection for a specified period of time or a specified risk.

c. Whole Life Insurance- a type of life insurance serves a lifetime of protection. The policy will pay out the total sum insured plus any additional that you have accumulated before you passed away or become permanently disabled.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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Secrets That Are Possibly Hidden By Your Life Insurance Agent

Not all life insurance agents are trusted advisors. So, the simplest way to prevent being exploited is to seek for an independent agent that will save you time and money. Here are the other secrets that your Life Insurance Agent may be keeping from you…

1. THEIR INCOME IS BASED ON COMMISSION

The agent’s income is solely compensated from the commission. It is one of the possibilities for the agent to have a personal interest that leads to you buying the highest premium possible equating to their highest commission possible. Thus, it may change his/her perspective of things, as well as the type of products clients are introduced to.

2. CASH VALUE WILL NOT BENEFIT YOU RIGHT AWAY

Yes! Cash value will build-up. But it takes about five years to have the cash value equal to the amount you paid for the whole life insurance.

3. BUY TERM AND INVEST THE DIFFERENCE

The term insurance is significantly less expensive than the whole insurance. This is why you can buy term then invest the difference on mutual funds. In fact, the combination of term and your investment for mutual funds may be less costly that the whole life insurance.

4. YOU MAY NOT NEED CHILD LIFE INSURANCE AFTER ALL

Renowned experts namely: Dave Ramsay, Suze Orman, and Neal Frankle are on a arguing against buying life insurance for kids.

“The only reason you need life insurance is if anyone is dependent on your income…please, you new parents, do not let anyone talk you into buying a life insurance policy on your child.” said Suze Orman.

Image Credits: State Farm via Flickr

Image Credits: State Farm via Flickr

According to them, if your child is not at the risk of a serious illness and you are financially stable to cover foreseen medical bills then, you are better off without it. Instead, save up for your child’s education until tertiary level.

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