Buying life insurance is one of the most important financial decisions, but believe it or not, only 10 per cent of Indians are insured. But why is it so important? Well, regardless of how much you earn, no one knows what the future holds. Lots of people die a prematurely every year from illness or accident and, if you happen to be the sole breadwinner in the family and you were to pass away, it could have devastating consequences for your loved ones-their ability to pay household expenses, debts and maintain their standard of living.
The least you can do, therefore, is to secure your family’s financial future by buying a life insurance policy. Besides, do not overlook benefits of a life insurance during your lifetime, especially if you are young. It can be an important tool in the following situations:
- Replace income for dependents.
If people depend on your income, life insurance can replace that income for them if you die. The most commonly recognized case of this is parents with young children. However, it can also apply to couples in which the survivor would be financially stricken by the income lost through the death of a partner, and to dependent adults, such as parents, siblings or adult children who continue to rely on you financially. Insurance to replace your income can be especially useful if the government- or employer-sponsored benefits of your surviving spouse or domestic partner will be reduced after your death - Pay final expenses.
Life insurance can pay your funeral and burial costs, probate and other estate administration costs, debts and medical expenses not covered by health insurance.
- Create an inheritance for your heirs.
Even if you have no other assets to pass to your heirs, you can create an inheritance by buying a life insurance policy and naming them as beneficiaries.
- Tax-Saving Purposes:
You could save taxes with insurance policies irrespective of what plan you buy. The premium you pay on an insurance policy is eligible for a maximum tax benefit of Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C, and for tax-free proceeds on death/maturity under Section 10 (D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Make significant charitable contributions.
By making a charity the beneficiary of your life insurance, you can make a much larger contribution than if you donated the cash equivalent of the policy’s premiums.
- Create a source of savings.
Some types of life insurance create a cash value that, if not paid out as a death benefit, can be borrowed or withdrawn on the owner’s request. Since most people make paying their life insurance policy premiums a high priority, buying a cash-value type policy can create a kind of “forced” savings plan. Furthermore, the interest credited is tax deferred (and tax exempt if the money is paid as a death claim).
- A tool for forced savings:
If you choose a traditional or unit-liked policy, you pay a premium each month, which is higher than what it costs to insure you. This bit of extra money is invested and it accrues cash value. This cash can then be borrowed against the policy or you can choose to sell it or draw income from it.
- Peace of mind:Death is unavoidable. In the face of tragedy, the least you can do for your family is to secure their financial future. Even if it is a small policy, you know that you’ve done all you can to help them tide over difficult times.
Being a responsible adult means making sure loved ones who depend on you are financially safeguarded if you unexpectedly leave them behind. The way you provide that protection is with life insurance.