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Whole Life

Is It Okay For Me To Own Two Of The Same Policy Type Under One Insurer?

This is one common question that I have gotten from my clients and if you are one of them who have been asking around for an answer, the answer is a simple yes. But if you are referring to those health insurance, e.g. Shield Plans, you can only have one.

What You Need To Know About Owning Two Or More Same Policy Type

Basically you are not restricted to applying or owning two or more of the same policy type under one or two insurers. But for most insurers, you are only limited to the amount of coverage you are entitled to – and it can be based on your annual income (also quite subjective).

So how does it go? For example, some insurers may limit the amount of death coverage you may get under them up to a maximum limit of 10 – 20 times (or any multiples which you need to check out with your Financial Planner) of your annual income and also based on your current age group. For Total and Permanent Disability coverage, the common limit is around $1 million and likewise for critical illnesses coverage (recommended to verify as well).

That’s why you are not restricted to owning more of the same policy type but only limited to the amount of coverage you have with them. This is also one reason why in your insurance application form, it’s common to see a particular section that will ask you on the total number of insurance policies you have and the total amount of coverage. You may also be asked to provide a copy of your income tax as a proof to your current annual income status – the moment you apply for a certain amount of sum assured.

The Benefits Of Getting More Of The Same Policy Type Under One Or More Insurers

If your Financial Planner has done a financial planning review with you and recommended that you ought to get more insurance coverage but your rejection to him is that you are worried of the above – this particular section will share some light and maybe help to change your mind a little.

This is because there are certain benefits to getting more than one of the same policy type and even under more than one insurer. Benefits like:

1. You Get To Choose How You Want To Claim Or Surrender

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What Are Those Insurance Plans All About – Part #1

(All About Life Insurance Related – Whole Life, Term and Group Term)

This post and the continuous ones will form the basis of all the past and current insurance plans out in the market and I hope this will give you a better understanding of the structure of plans that you may have in your current portfolio.

Note: there are many different variations of plans and if you do not see it, it would be best to seek your Financial Planner with regards to it. It’s better to understand now then to have issues (in terms of claiming or maturity). Do not be shy about asking! Thanks!

Here Goes The List:

1. Traditional Whole Life Insurance Plans

This is a plan that usually covers against Death, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and the 26 (now change to 30) Critical Illnesses (CI). This plan pays a lump sum upon claim and will terminate. Premiums to be paid are usually to the age 85 (this may varies) and comes with cash value.  Some insurance companies offer the options to convert part or full amount of the surrender value to an Annuity Plan. Do note that this plan does not cover you against any hospitalization bills. Also note that early termination will result in heavy penalty (getting less than what you have paid)

2. Limited Premium Term Whole Life Insurance Plans

This is a new variation to the Traditional Whole Life Insurance Plan by offering you with a Limited Premium Term. This means that you do not have to serve the full premium term to 85 years old. You are given some options like 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and to age 65. The benefits are the same as per the Traditional Whole Life and pays a lump sum upon claim and terminates.

Read More »What Are Those Insurance Plans All About – Part #1

2010 – A New Year To Start And Improve Your Financial Plans

Happy 2010!

Phew! 2009 has been a rough year for many and there are many valuable lessons that one can learn from and apply to in 2010.

And some of these which I personally feel that it’s worthy to keep in mind at all times:

  1. It’s wise to be more knowledgeable in what you are investing – nothing is safe till you know the risks involved.
  2. It’s always good to diversify – not just your investment portfolios. Big companies with many years of history may just go bust overnight so do not put all your nest eggs into just one basket. In other words, it’s okay to have the same type of insurance plan with other companies. You need it too!
  3. Not everybody will tell the truth – learn to listen and ask good questions and to put the feedbacks or answers down in writing (do verify after the writing)
  4. What “goes down in March” will “come up in August” – this is an investment lesson or experience that I have personally went through. A unit trust that went real down in March 2009 (also the time when many people choose to sell off) climbed back up in August 2009 (and it was higher than the normal times). So do not follow what other average people do, learn to differentiate and understands from within.
  5. Not all are down during the recession – many stock prices are down but not all and it’s evident in the property market (especially in Singapore) and in the prices of Gold (have you seen how it climb at the last few months of 2009). What this mean to all of us is that we need to understand how the financial market really work – relationship between various investment options like Equities, Commodities, Properties and Cash.
  6. Take good care of your health. 2009 is the year that many people are concerned about their financial health but they are unable to get the insurance that they need. Common illnesses: Hypertension, High Cholesterol and Diabetes!

So will the new year in place, have you set aside some of your resolutions to start and improve on your financial planning?

If not, how about getting some pointers and guidelines from this blog?

For Newborns And Children Starting School (Kindergarten or Primary School)

Read More »2010 – A New Year To Start And Improve Your Financial Plans

How To Plan With $200/month If You Just Started Working

If you have just started work, around the age of 25 and holding a monthly salary of around $2,500 (Gross, before CPF contribution, bringing home around $2000) onwards, then you would love to appreciate this post as I will be sharing with you on how to plan well (coverage in almost every aspect) with just 10% of your monthly “bring-home” income ($200/month).

Note: If you are finding it hard to set aside this 10%, please read my Financial Planning Tip #1 – Paying Yourself First…

Note #2: The plans discussed below are mostly offered by the Insurance Company that I am representing and should not be served as a direct guide. Any queries, please do contact your Financial Planner.

How To Plan With $200/month?

How To Plan With $200/month?

The premiums are derived based on a Male, age 25, and a non-smoker. Rates for Female may differ accordingly.

1. Medical Insurance (Compulsory) With Rider (Optional)

Read More »How To Plan With $200/month If You Just Started Working