Choosing between a term plan and an endowment plan in the UAE can significantly impact your financial future. While both offer life coverage, they serve different purposes.
A term plan focuses on providing pure protection, offering a high sum assured for low premiums. It ensures your loved ones remain financially secure if something happens to you. In contrast, an endowment plan combines life insurance with a savings component, giving you a payout at maturity or to your beneficiaries upon your death.
Understanding the differences between these plans, including their benefits, costs, and suitability, is crucial for making an informed decision. This guide will explore the key factors to help you choose the right option based on your goals and financial needs.
Before diving into the difference between endowment plans and term insurance plans, we will take a closer look at each category for a better understanding.
A term life insurance plan is an agreement between the life assured and the insurance company. Under this agreement, the insurer financially secures the life assured’s family in case they pass away during the policy tenure. The beneficiary receives the sum assured in the form of a death benefit, which can be used to meet daily needs, continue a similar lifestyle as before, pay off financial obligations, and so on.
Endowment plans fall under the category of life insurance. They combine the benefits of insurance and an investment tool.
In case of the life assured’s death during the policy period, the beneficiary receives a death benefit. However, if the life assured survives the policy tenure, the premium accumulates at a pre-decided rate and is paid out as a lump sum at the time of policy maturity.
Let’s find out the key differences between an endowment plan and a term plan.
Basis | Term Insurance | Endowment Plan |
---|---|---|
Objective | To provide financial cover in case of the policyholder’s death | To help the policyholder save and get financial life cover |
Maturity Benefit | None — the plan provides a simple life cover | Maturity benefits provided without requiring any additional cover |
Withdrawal | You cannot withdraw the money from term life insurance | You can withdraw the savings in case of an emergency (after paying the surrender charges) |
Payout Options | Available as a monthly payment, a lump sum payment, or a blend of both | Usually done in lump sum only |
Suitable For | Individuals who are usually the sole bread earner of the family — to cover them in case of any unforeseen scenario | Individuals seeking insurance cover with wealth creation or creating long-term savings |
Premium Amount | More affordable than most life insurance plans | Higher premiums as the plan serves dual benefits |
Understanding the difference between term insurance and an endowment plan makes it easier to choose the right option. Here are key factors to consider when deciding which suits your financial needs -