Frequently Asked Questions
What is Annuity?
An annuity is an investment that you make, either in a single lump sum or through installments paid over a certain number of years, in return for which you receive back a specific sum every year, every half-year or every month, either for life or for a fixed number of years.
After the death of the annuitant, or after the fixed annuity period expires for annuity payments, the invested annuity fund is refunded, perhaps along with a small addition, calculated at that time.
Annuities differ from all the other forms of life insurance discussed so far in one fundamental way - an annuity does not provide any life insurance cover but, instead, offers a guaranteed income either for life or a certain period.
Typically annuities are bought to generate income during one’s retired life, which is why they are also called pension plans. Annuity premiums and payments are fixed with reference to the duration of human life. Annuities are an investment, which can offer an income you cannot outlive and provide a solution to one of the biggest financial insecurities of old age; namely, of outliving one’s income
What is life insurance?
Life insurance is protection against financial loss resulting from death. It is an insurance company's promise to pay your beneficiary a specific amount of money when you die in exchange for timely payment of premiums.
Why do I need life insurance?
Although you may not think about it, your ability to earn income is a significant asset and life insurance helps replace lost income in the event of your premature death. Here are some reasons people buy life insurance.
The death benefit may be used:
- To replace income the family would need to maintain their standard of living after the death of a wage earner.
- To pay off a mortgage loan and other personal and business debts or to create a rent fund.
- To create a fund for children's education.
- To pay final expenses, such as funeral costs and taxes.
- To create a family emergency fund or a fund for a family member with special needs.
What is auto insurance?
An auto insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium, and in exchange, the insurance company promises to pay for specific car-related financial losses during the term of the policy.
Why do I need it?
In some states, to drive (get license plates) you must carry:
Liability coverage to pay for losses you cause others, or:
No-fault coverage to pay you and your passengers for medical and related expenses caused by injuries from a car accident, regardless of fault, or Both coverages.
What is health insurance?
Simply put, health insurance is protection against medical costs. A health insurance policy is a contract between an insurer and an individual or group, in which the insurer agrees to provide specified health insurance at an agreed-upon price (the premium). Depending on your policy, your premium may be payable either in a lump sum or in installments. Health insurance usually provides either direct payment or reimbursement for expenses associated with illnesses and injuries. If your employer does not offer a health insurance plan, you may wish to purchase health insurance on your own.
Why do you need it?
Let's face it--health insurance is a necessity in today's world. The costs of medical care and treatment have soared to new heights in recent years and are expected to rise even further in the years to come. Think for a moment about the enormous medical costs you would incur if you suffered a major injury tomorrow or were suddenly stricken with a life-threatening illness. Uninsured people live with such risk every day of their lives; health insurance can shield you from that risk. Even if you're healthy today and have never had any major problems in the past, you simply can't predict the future.
In addition to medical emergencies, routine conditions requiring visits to a physician happen all the time. This is especially true if you have children. Ear infections, rashes, and high fevers are commonplace with infants and children; numerous trips to the doctor can be pretty expensive without health insurance.
What do you need to know?
You should know where to get health insurance, and understand the various types of private health insurance that are available. There are some important differences between indemnity plans, HMOs, PPOs, and POS plans worthy of understanding.
You should also make every effort to understand your own health insurance policy, and become familiar with common health insurance provisions, including limitations, exclusions, and riders. It's important to know what your policy covers, and what you'll have to pay for in out-of-pocket expenses.
When comparing health insurance policies, you should strive to balance coverage against cost. While price is an important consideration, there are also other factors that may influence your decision when it come to choosing a health insurance plan.
Understanding the taxation of health insurance benefits and premiums is also an important issue, especially if you're self-employed.
Being aware of your COBRA rights, in the event that you lose your health insurance coverage due to a change in employment or other factors is also worth investigating.
When to get it
If you don't have health insurance right now, you should seriously consider purchasing it as soon as possible. No one can predict the future--you don't know when you might suffer an accident or become seriously ill. Health insurance can help to protect you against financial ruin.
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