7 term insurance features that are often overlooked

7 term insurance features that are often overlooked

People often tend to think about insurance only during times of crisis and contemplate what type of plan to choose based on their requirements. Term insurance provides life coverage and a lump sum payout if the insured individual passes away during the policy tenure. Despite its simple terms and policies, term insurance is often underestimated. It comes with numerous benefits, including high rewards and premiums based on current market rates.

Term insurance coverage
The majority of term life insurance policies offer coverage up to 85 years. It is advisable to get a term insurance plan in the 20s to maximize the benefits of any insurance plan. The payout, benefit, and term can be modified throughout a person’s lifespan based on individual needs. Most insurance companies allow the insurer to increase or decrease the life cover. Individuals  have the flexibility to  make changes based on their responsibilities, economic constraints, and needs.  Decisions about  term insurance coverage must consider a person’s lifestyle, age, and financial ability.

Low risk , high reward
Term life insurance is one of the most cost-effective plans. The premium is much lower than other insurance policies and does not include an investment component. Anyone wishing to ensure their family’s financial security after their demise must consider this policy. There is one major limitation to remember: most plans do not repay the premium if the policyholder outlives the term life policy tenure. However, adding a “return on premium” feature to the term plan for such scenarios is possible in specific policies. This aspect is a critical discussion to have with the insurance agent at the time of purchasing a term insurance policy.

Pay till retirement
Insurance companies generally have a maximum age limit of 80 or 90 for term life insurance. However, several  of them  ask individuals to pay premiums until the age of 60, that is, until retirement, since steady income generally stops.  Once the premium payment ceases,  insurees  have the flexibility to  select a long payout tenure, such as up to 90 years, without concern for reduced benefits.  This feature enables individuals to ensure their family’s financial security without  the need to postpone  retirement.

Flexibility in death benefit payout
Term life insurance allows the insured to decide the mode and frequency of payout to the nominee of their insurance policy. By default, it is a lump sum payment made shortly after the  demise of the insured . However, making it a monthly payment is also possible to ensure a regular income stream. This option is the common choice of sole household breadwinners who prefer steady financial support for beneficiaries in the event of their death. This flexibility is a lesser-known and unique feature of term life insurance.

Another essential aspect to note is that some term insurance policies offer coverage for non-working spouses of the insured at a discounted rate to ensure continued financial security after the insured’s death, especially if it was the primary income earner in a family.

Increasing monthly income plan
In addition to the flexible payout method mentioned above, there is the opportunity to pick from other fixed or increasing monthly income plans. Regular income payouts help meet recurring periodic expenditures and close the gap created by the absence of an earning member’s salary. Some insurance companies also sell a combination of both. The insurance company can make a lump sum payment with an increasing monthly payout. The repetitive installments can thus increase between 5-10% per annum. This steady stream can be an option for up to 40 years after the policyholder’s demise. The insurer can set the proportion of the lump sum and monthly payments, which can vary between 25%-75%, 50%-50%, or even 75-25%.

Make the plan comprehensive with  riders
One important aspect of maximizing the value of a term insurance plan is taking advantage of riders or add-on benefits. These hidden features are often overlooked but can significantly enhance the coverage offered by a standard plan. While plans with riders come at a higher cost, they provide valuable benefits that can be crucial in certain situations. For instance, the waiver of premium payments or critical illness rider ensures that the insured individual does not have to make premium payments if they do not become critically ill or disabled. Additionally, the accidental death benefit rider increases the payout in the event of death due to an accident, providing additional financial security for the beneficiaries of the insured.

Easy to manage
Term life insurance  policy is one of  the most uncomplicated and straightforward life insurance products.  There are often no hard-to-understand clauses, few ambiguous terms and conditions, and innumerable benefits beyond payout at the time of death. These include extensive life coverage that covers major expenses like buying a house, taking care of pre-existing loans, or financing higher education or a foreign trip. It is also the most secure of plans as it ensures financial security even after the death of the primary earner in the family.

Term Insurance is one of the best plans, considering the flexibility in claim settlement ratio, payout method, and fluidity in payment and coverage decisions.  Most people  are unaware  of these unique features and thus choose other insurance plans that might not be as beneficial.  Interested individuals should decide about term insurance based on their family needs and financial conditions. The best way to get the most out of an insurance policy is to learn about the lesser-known features of term insurance that are often overlooked.

Featured Articles

Key things to know about macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that affects the macula, a tiny part of the retina that provides sharp central vision. The most common kind of this disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects many people in our country over 60 years. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatments and lifestyle changes help manage the symptoms and improve your vision so that it does not interfere with everyday life. What are the types of macular degeneration? There are two common types of the condition: Wet or exudative macular degeneration This is the more common type. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels in front of your retina get damaged and leak fluid into your eye, causing swelling, redness, and dampness. The condition can affect your central vision and cause blurry patches in the center. Central vision is the area you see directly in front of you. Dry or atrophic macular degeneration Also known as senile macular degeneration, this condition occurs when the retina does not receive sufficient oxygen due to damage from aging; it results in a breakdown of the central part of the retina (the photoreceptors). What causes this eye disorder? The risk factors include genetics and lifestyle ailments, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. But these do not affect vision overnight; it takes years for the effects to show up. Here is a quick look at the many risk factors of macular degeneration: Age You are at risk of macular degeneration as you get older, especially after age 55. Hence, older adults are advised to go for regular screenings. Genetics You are at a higher risk if one or both parents have this condition. Past eye injury Head or eye trauma can lead to loss of central vision in the future.

Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps can be a symptom of an underlying condition or occur independently. The visible signs and symptoms of nasal polyps include congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, and pressure or pain around your eyes and cheeks. A deviated septum may contribute to nasal polyps. However, they can also occur in people who do not have this condition, such as athletes who blow their noses frequently during exercise routines. Read on to learn more about nasal polyps. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are small, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They are also sometimes called nasal tumors or nasal corking. They are not cancerous, contagious, or caused by allergies. Nasal polyps may also be associated with other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis (CS), and asthma. Nasal polyps typically develop before the age of 40, and they do not usually cause symptoms until they grow larger or become inflamed or infected.  However, large nasal polyps can block airflow through your nose. If this happens, you may experience sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. You may also experience difficulty breathing through one nostril at a time if large polyps block the other nostril completely. The result could be an imbalance in oxygen supply to both sides of the body and possible damage to blood vessels in the head (for example, inflammation). Symptoms of nasal polyps In most cases, nasal polyps are painless and cause no symptoms. However, some people with nasal polyps may experience the following symptoms: Congestion or stuffiness A runny nose Loss of smell Loss of taste Pressure or pain around your eyes, cheeks, and teeth Facial pain or headache Snoring Need to clear the throat frequently Frequent bleeding of the nose When to see a doctor?

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful. Symptoms Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores.  Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching. The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection. Itching, redness, and irritation can all worsen by rubbing and scratching the skin. What causes eczema skin disease? The underlying etiology of eczema still has to be thoroughly comprehended. The cause, according to scientists, is an overactive immune system. When allergens from the outside come in contact with the skin, the immune system reacts, causing eczema to flare up. A collection of typical flare-up triggers is provided below. Additionally, researchers have shown that the bodies of some people with eczema do not produce enough of the protein filaggrin. This protein is essential for keeping skin healthy and nourished.

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the usually stable and regular electrical impulses in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) begin firing chaotically, causing them to quiver or twitch (fibrillate). This can cause blood accumulation and clotting in the atria. These clots can reach the lungs through the blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism or can reach the brain, resulting in a stroke. Let’s look at the forms, signs, and causes of Afib and its treatment options: Types of atrial fibrillation Afib can be classified as one or more of these: First-diagnosed Afib: Regardless of symptoms or the number or length of episodes, this refers to individuals diagnosed for the first time with Afib. Asymptomatic Afib: This condition is also called silent Afib, given the lack of signs or symptoms. A random electrocardiogram (ECG) could reveal asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal Afib: Two or more episodes of the conditions that spontaneously resolve within a week are categorized as paroxysmal Afib. Persistent Afib: This refers to two or more episodes of atrial fibrillation that last seven days or more. Long-term persistent Afib: If the condition persists for more than a year, it is referred to as long-term persistent Afib. Permanent Afib: This is a chronic condition that cannot be managed using common treatment options. So here, the patient and doctor decide to stop treatment to get the heart rate back to normal and begin considering other management options. Causes and risk factors Typically, the condition is brought on by coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. Often, atrial fibrillation is triggered by an irregular heartbeat. However, it might occasionally be difficult to determine what triggered such irregularity, and there may be no apparent cause in some cases. In most cases, Afib runs in families, so if one has a family history of the condition, i.e., a close relative has the condition, the likelihood of developing the condition increases.

Recent Articles

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast.  Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer.  Causes of breast cancer Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include: Family history and genetics The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age.  Gender The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.   Personal history of breast conditions The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast. Radiation exposure The risk of developing the disease increases if you have been exposed to radiation in your head, neck, or chest areas during past treatments. Hormone replacement therapy Women who use hormone replacement therapy may be more prone to breast cancer. Types of breast cancer Breast cancer  can be categorized into two broad types— invasive and non-invasive.  Invasive breast cancer Cancer that has spread from the place of origin to other parts of the body is termed invasive breast cancer.

10 best laundry detergents and their features

Detergents are available in multiple forms, such as pods, powder, and liquids, and choosing the best one can be tough. In addition to daily wear clothing and regular laundry items, you could have some garments that require specialized products for effective cleaning. Some members of your family might have sensitive skin and need mild chemical-free products. So here is a list of the best detergents that can make your laundry task hassle-free.  Gain Laundry Detergent Among the list of laundry detergents that are known for their fragrance is Gain Laundry Detergent. The liquid not only cleans your clothes but also gives them a delicate fragrance that can last for up to 6 weeks or until the garment is worn. This detergent can be used in all washing machines, including highly efficient ones. The detergent also has Oxi Boost, a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and pre-treaters that aid in eliminating stains and odors that could be two weeks old. Moreover, this product is available in multiple sizes to cater to the needs of every household. Persil ProClean Laundry Detergent Among the laundry detergents that excel in stain removal is Persil Proclean. This concentrated liquid offers deep cleaning and has stain-fighting enzymes. It has an active scent boost that eliminates the toughest of stains and odors so that your clothes have a fresh feel. This detergent has exceptional performance in all washing machines and provides effective cleaning at all water temperatures. The clean rinse formula and low suds ensure that white clothes stay white and bright clothes stay bright. Kirkland Laundry Detergent If you are looking for laundry detergents that are easy on your pocket, then choosing this Kirkland laundry detergent will be the best. The detergent offers a great combination of performance and cost-effectiveness. It has an ultra-clean formulation which enables it to travel deep in the fabrics to eliminate odor and stains.