4 mistakes most people make when they buy insurance

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  • Regularly review and update your insurance policies to ensure they align with changes in your financial situation and rising medical costs.
  • Understand the specifics of your insurance coverage, including exclusions and limitations, to avoid unexpected financial strain.
  • Consult with knowledgeable insurance advisors to stay informed about new products and tailor your policy to meet evolving needs.

It's possible that you bought your first health insurance policy or medical card when you were still in school or when you were just beginning out in the workforce and had a lower starting salary because you were just starting out.

It is reasonable to assume that your wage has grown over the course of the years. On the other hand, have you upgraded your medical card, added coverage for essential illnesses, or increased your assured sum in accordance with the changes? The answer would be "no" for the majority of people.

As time progresses, the financial landscape evolves, often leading to increased living costs and medical expenses. This makes it crucial for individuals to regularly reassess their insurance needs. A policy that was adequate a decade ago may no longer suffice due to inflation and changes in personal circumstances. Regularly updating your insurance coverage ensures that you are not left vulnerable in times of need.

When it comes to purchasing insurance, it is not uncommon for individuals to make errors, which, in many cases, involve being a penny wise and a pound foolish decision. The following are just four methods that you, as a policyholder in Malaysia, might improve your intelligence.

These days, a lot of people have one or two different insurance policies. There are some of you who may have purchased your life insurance policy ten years ago or perhaps longer. The inquiry is, what exactly does each policy cover, and how much does it cover? Are they not sufficient?

Insurance is not just about ticking a box; it's about ensuring comprehensive protection. Many people fall into the trap of assuming that having any policy is enough, without delving into the specifics of what it covers. This oversight can lead to significant financial strain if unexpected events occur. Hence, it's vital to understand the nuances of your policy, including exclusions and limitations, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

You might have a policy that covers RM50,000, for example, but will this be sufficient to pay off your obligations and provide financial support to your loved ones in the event that something were to happen to you?

When it comes to this matter, the issue is not simply about having insurance; rather, it is about the coverage amount.

It is also possible to apply this syndrome to medical cards. In the past ten years, medical cards with yearly limitations ranging from RM100,000 to RM500,000 were available. As a result of the rising cost of medical care, new cards now provide coverage for seven figures, which is increasingly important.

Moreover, as healthcare technology advances, the cost of treatments has surged. This makes it imperative for policyholders to opt for medical cards that offer substantial coverage limits. While the initial premiums might seem higher, the long-term benefits and peace of mind they provide are invaluable. Ensuring that your medical card can cover extensive medical procedures is a proactive step towards safeguarding your health and financial stability.

Avoid being overconfident in the policies that you have in place. Instead, you should conduct a policy review at least once a year and make sure you are up to date on the most recent developments in the sector. This will allow you to better alter your policies to meet your requirements.

These days, a lot of people have one or two different insurance policies. There are some of you who may have purchased your life insurance policy ten years ago or perhaps longer. The inquiry is, what exactly does each policy cover, and how much does it cover? Are they not sufficient?

You might have a policy that covers RM50,000, for example, but will this be sufficient to pay off your obligations and provide financial support to your loved ones in the event that something were to happen to you?

When it comes to this matter, the issue is not simply about having insurance; rather, it is about the coverage amount.

It is also possible to apply this syndrome to medical cards. In the past ten years, medical cards with yearly limitations ranging from RM100,000 to RM500,000 were available. As a result of the rising cost of medical care, new cards now provide coverage for seven figures, which is increasingly important.

Avoid being overconfident in the policies that you have in place. Instead, you should conduct a policy review at least once a year and make sure you are up to date on the most recent developments in the sector. This will allow you to better alter your policies to meet your requirements.

Additionally, the insurance market is dynamic, with new products and benefits being introduced regularly. Staying informed about these changes can help you make better decisions about your coverage. Engaging with a knowledgeable insurance advisor can provide insights into the latest offerings and help tailor your policy to better suit your evolving needs.

It is not uncommon for individuals to have the desire to provide company to their friends, members of their family, or other individuals that they like or trust. It's fine; it's only normal that you would want them to be successful in their professional endeavors.

However, it is important to keep in mind that it is not always the case that loyalty is rewarded with outstanding financial service. Consider the following scenario: two life-insurance agents working for the same business provide you with a policy that provides security for RM500,000 over the course of your lifetime.

For example, one of them offers a monthly premium of RM300, while your friend offers a monthly premium of RM800. The premiums are very different from one another. Which of these representatives would you do business with?

In the same way that you would want to be polite or supportive to your friend, it is logically appropriate to say it in the first person whenever possible. Prior to agreeing to a policy, it is recommended to shop around for comparable rates from at least two or three different insurance brokers.

The predefined insured money is transferred to a nominee in the event that the policyholder passes away due to an unexpected circumstance. Regrettably, it is not uncommon for the incorrect individual to be nominated for the position. Among the examples are:

As parents

The parents are trustees to the money assured, but they are not considered to be legal beneficiaries. The money will be given to the policyholder's parents in the event that the policyholder passes away. They will be entrusted with using the money to pay off creditors, settle taxes, and/or transfer the remaining amount to the beneficiaries who are legally entitled to receive it, such as the spouse or children.

In the event that parents fail to carry out their duties as trustees, they may be subject to legal action for misusing funds.

Minors and children

As a result of their lack of legal age, a juvenile is not eligible to receive any kind of compensation. It is important for the policyholder to bear this in mind and seek the advice of a specialist in order to carry out appropriate estate planning, or at the very least, to receive guidance in this regard from an insurance agent who is informed about matters of this nature.

Ultimately, the goal of insurance is to provide a safety net for unforeseen circumstances. By taking a proactive approach and regularly reviewing and updating your policies, you can ensure that this safety net remains robust and effective. This not only secures your financial future but also provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are protected against life's uncertainties.

In the hopes that you will be able to make more informed decisions regarding the insurance policies you acquire, you will be able to construct sufficient financial safety nets for yourself and the people you care about.


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