Understanding Endowment & Term Insurance

Table of Contents

1. What is term insurance?

2. What is an endowment plan?

3. Difference Between Term Plan Vs Endowment Plan

4. How To Choose Between Term Insurance And Endowment Plan?

5. Conclusion

6. FAQs On Endowment Plan Vs Term Plan

What is term insurance?

Term insurance plan policy is a pure protection plan that offers financial coverage to the nominee when the policyholder dies untimely within the course of the plan. This payout is a death benefit which the family can opt to receive in a lump sum or at a regular interval and is tax-free. 

What is an endowment plan?

An endowment plan is a policy that acts as both a life insurance and an investment tool. Here, the nominee receives a death benefit in the event of the policyholder's unfortunate death within the policy period. In case the policyholder survives, the total premium paid grows at a pre-specified rate and is paid out as a lump sum at maturity.

Difference Between Term Plan Vs Endowment Plan

How To Choose Between Term Insurance And Endowment Plan?

Once you have clarity of the differences between term insurance and an endowment plan, it’s easier to figure out which one is ideal for you. To do that, it’s better to focus on the following aspects.

Financial objective: Be sure of what you want to achieve in life and what your requirements are. Depending on that, identify whether you would need only life insurance, an investment or a plan that acts as a combination of the two.

Expenses: Take note of your current expenses as well as planned future expenses. Keep in mind the growing cost of living and inflation, too. Considering both, you can decide whether to go for an endowment plan or term insurance.

Affordability: Needless to say, if you pick a plan, you need to pay the premiums regularly to enjoy its benefits at the right time. Term insurances come for a lower premium, while endowment plan premiums are on the higher side. Check your affordability before taking the pick.

Life goals: It is essential to identify your life goals and have clarity on what you want from your life 20-30 years later. This will help you realise if the term insurance or the endowment plan is ideal for you.

Understanding the distinct features of the term plan as well as the endowment plan, therefore, is a key factor here. The rest will fall into place automatically.

Conclusion

Endowment Plan vs Term Plan is an important comparison for individuals looking to secure their financial future and ensure protection for their loved ones.

Both plans come with pros, cons and distinct features. Your aim, budget, expectations and financial goals will decide what kind of policy to purchase.

The best way to make the right choice is to compare different plans (term plan and endowment plan) along with taking professional advice.

FAQs On Endowment Plan Vs Term Plan

Which is better: A term plan or an endowment plan?

To decide which is better for you, it is advisable to note your life goals, financial objectives, expectations and budget.

What is the difference between insurance and endowment policy?

Insurance offers life cover, while an endowment policy offers insurance and investment facilities.

Is an endowment plan a good investment?

If your aim is to build wealth along with getting insurance, an endowment plan is indeed a good investment in such cases.

Do I get maturity as well as death benefit with an endowment plan?

Yes. If you outlive the policy, you will get the maturity benefit. And if you pass away, your beneficiaries get the sum assured/death benefit.

How much life cover should I choose with term insurance?

The coverage can vary from one individual to another depending on income, personal goals, needs, age, expenses, lifestyle, inflation, etc. Hence, there is no one amount suited for everyone.

Are there any riders available with endowment plans?

Yes. You can enhance the policy's coverage by adding riders¹ such as accidental death rider¹, waiver of premium, critical illness, disability, etc. These riders can vary from one person to another depending on the specific requirements of the individual.