In many parts of the world, Insurance policies get sold. They do not get bought.

Almost 70-80% of the Insurance Policies which get sold in India comprise of the Non-Term Life Variety (means that approx 80% policies are not pure risk cover).
Do you know the components of the premium which gets paid periodically. Many agents miss-sell and never disclose the breakup of the premium components.
It makes a lot of sense to be aware of the breakup and make a wise decision when buying a life insurance policy (whole/endowment etc)

 
Next time be sure to ask your agent. Here is an example.

e.g. Annual Premium = Rs.100000, Sum Assured = 25,00,000, 15 yr Endowment policy for a 35 year old

Then (these are approximate figures, meant only for illustration purposes)

Mortality Premium = Rs. 10000

Agent Commission Expense = Rs. 25000

Operational Expense = Rs. 10000

Profit/ Loss = Rs. 5000

Policy Holder Fund ( Investible Surplus) = 100000 – 10000-25000  – 5000         = Rs. 50000

 

Mortality premium is the pure risk premium in case of a fatal event on the life of the insured. This is same premium which will be paid when one insures using a pure term policy for a sum assured of 25,00,000. 

 

Agent Commission/Operational Expense … self explanatory

 

The Investible surplus is the amount which can be invested by the insurance company in G-secs (Government securities)/ Bonds. 90% of the interest generated is distributed in the forms of bonuses. 

 

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