Term insurance
Pure protection, low premium, large cover, no maturity payout if you survive. Best for maximising your family's financial safety at the lowest cost.
Whole life / endowment / ULIP
These mix insurance with savings or investment, so premiums are far higher and the cover is usually smaller. Returns are often modest compared with keeping insurance and investment separate.
The common recommendation
For most people: buy adequate term cover for protection, and invest the difference separately (for example, in mutual funds) for growth. But your situation may differ — an advisor can tell you honestly.
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Vijay Singh Rana — HDFC Financial Advisor · IRDAI & AMFI Registered