As the adage goes, most individuals fail to plan. What could be worse than not planning? Making inadequate or unrealistic plans. For instance, an unfortunate death of a person could result in undesirable consequences, such as family feuds and calls on debt obligations among other things.

Financial planning is an act of evaluating one’s current financial state and future expectations.

Wealth planning on the other hand is a form of asset calibration that requires sophisticated and systematic assessment of one’s financial standing, asset allocation, and asset distribution.

At its very core, one should never disregard or even underestimate the importance of insurance in the realm of financial and wealth planning and how having proper insurance consideration can help protect one’s wealth by providing a lump sum payout in case of any unfortunate event as above mentioned.

It must be emphasized that insurance is an essential part of any sound financial plan. Being prepared for the unexpected will ensure that you can still reach your goals even at the height of any financial or economic crisis.

"A successful wealth planning journey includes properly insuring what one has built and then protecting it from any form of diluting effects"

Insurance policies will keep one from having to empty their emergency fund and protect their loved ones, if they’re injured in an accident, become sick or disabled, or worse, face death. Certain situations can be expensive for those without coverage, so it’s important to purchase policies that are necessary and relevantly match one’s financial situation. In almost all instances, experts recommend getting insured before one is to get serious about investing. Insurance therefore must be recognized as a prerequisite prior to embarking on an investment journey.

In the past insurance was viewed as a pure protection instrument - a low-risk wealth management tool - the sole purpose of which was to provide funds at a particular point in time to satisfy certain liquidity needs that may arise upon one’s death. In more modern-day times, when used properly, insurance can help to enhance one’s family’s overall planning strategy and maximize wealth strategically.

Inter alia, Insurance provides for the following:

• Enhances wealth accumulation

• Seamless wealth distribution

• Secures one’s legacy

• Provides certainty for beneficiaries to retain ownership/ interest

As to which is the right type of insurance coverage depends entirely on one’s individual short-term needs and long-term financial objectives. One needs to assess one’s financial horizon and then subscribe to the appropriate plans to insure such risks.

Medical Insurance Policy

With the increasing inflation and rising cost of living, it has become imperative for every individual to take care of their health in recent times and ensure sufficient medical coverage.

Appropriate Medical insurance policy is important because of the imminent incidences of medical contingencies. If one were to suffer illnesses or is injured in an accident and require hospitalization, a health plan covers the ever[1]increasing medical bills.

Term Policy

Term Insurance provides financial protection for your family. With term life insurance in place, one will have a safety net that can provide funds to pay for the mortgage, send kids through college, or other important concerns over a longer horizon. In the unfortunate event of the insured person’s death, the benefit amount could be paid out to the nominee during the term of the policy.

Motor Insurance Policy

Motor insurance policy protects one from financial liability for injuring someone else or inflicting damage unto the third[1]party property. The plan handles the financial obligation and compensates the third party for the loss suffered.

Furthermore, should one subscribe to comprehensive motor insurance coverage, one could even get coverage for damages that one may suffer to one’s own vehicle. Certain plans also cover the theft of the vehicle and provide lump sum benefits to help the insured to be able to replace the stolen vehicle.

Investment Insurance Policy

 Investment Insurance Policy provides for investment as well as protection, with the insurance premiums paid being invested for the future benefit of the policyholder and any other beneficiaries. Unit-linked bonds, distribution bonds, and with-profits bonds are among the options here.

An Investment Insurance Policy can assist in solidifying one’s financial growth. It can be tailor-made to suit one’s personal financial needs so that one stays invested to achieve their financial goals.

In summary

Insurance is a contingency plan which helps one to plan and manage their investment portfolios and absorb the financial shocks of emergencies.

A successful wealth planning journey includes properly insuring what one has built and then protecting it from any form of diluting effects. It is therefore equally (if not more) essential to review and optimize one’s personal insurance plans just as one would do so with one’s own investment portfolio.

The approach towards insurance must change. People from the middle-income group to wealthy families are beginning to change their perceptions on the need to protect their potential future income, as well as preserve their wealth for their next of kin – the time is now to provide the right solution for these group of people in ensuring they achieve the correct means to an end.