Child insurance, also known as children's insurance or child insurance plans, are financial products designed to provide financial protection to children in case of unforeseen events such as illness, disability, or death of the parents.
The primary purpose of child insurance is to ensure that children have access to financial resources that can be used for their education, healthcare, and other needs, even if their parents are unable to provide for them.
There are two types of child insurance plans - traditional plans and unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs).
Traditional plans offer a guaranteed sum assured and a fixed rate of return, while ULIPs offer a market-linked return based on the performance of the underlying fund.
Here are some benefits of child insurance plans:
Financial protection for the child: Child insurance plans provide financial protection for children, in case of any unforeseen events such as the death or disability of the parent. The sum assured can be used to cover expenses such as education, healthcare, and other needs.
Saving for future expenses: Child insurance plans can also serve as a saving instrument for future expenses such as higher education or marriage. The regular premiums paid over the policy term can help build a corpus that can be used to meet these expenses.
Tax benefits: Child insurance plans also offer tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act. The premiums paid towards the policy are eligible for tax deduction up to a limit of Rs. 1.5 lakh, while the proceeds received at maturity or in case of death of the policyholder are tax-free.
Flexibility in choosing the policy term and premium payment frequency: Child insurance plans offer flexibility in choosing the policy term and premium payment frequency. The policy term can range from 10 to 25 years, and the premium payment frequency can be monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly.
Riders and benefits: Some child insurance plans also offer additional riders and benefits such as accidental death benefit, waiver of premium, critical illness cover, and disability cover that can enhance the protection offered by the policy.
Here are some factors to consider before buying a child insurance plan:
Sum assured: The sum assured should be adequate to cover the child's future expenses, such as education and healthcare. It is important to choose a sum assured that is realistic and takes into account inflation and other factors.
Policy term: The policy term should be long enough to provide financial protection to the child until he or she becomes financially independent. The policy term should be based on the child's age and expected future expenses.
Premium payment frequency: The premium payment frequency should be chosen based on the policyholder's cash flow and budget. It is important to choose a premium payment frequency that is affordable and does not put a strain on the policyholder's finances.
Riders and benefits: It is important to review the riders and benefits offered by the policy and choose the ones that are relevant to the policyholder's needs and requirements.
Claim settlement ratio: The claim settlement ratio of the insurance company should also be considered before buying a child insurance plan. A high claim settlement ratio indicates that the insurer is reliable and efficient in processing claims.
In conclusion, child insurance plans can provide financial protection and security for children in case of unforeseen events. It is important to choose a plan that meets the child's future needs and provides adequate financial protection. Additionally, it is important to review the policy document carefully and understand the terms and conditions of the policy before making a decision. It is also advisable to seek the advice of a financial advisor to choose the right child insurance plan.
Comments
Post a Comment