Both life insurance and mutual funds play important roles in financial planning. However, they are very different from each other in many regards. While one offers financial protection, the other focuses on wealth creation. Whether you are trying to choose between them or want to add both to your portfolio, it is important to understand how each one works. Here are key points explaining the difference between life insurance and mutual funds to help you make the right decision.
Purpose and Role
The difference between mutual fund investments and life insurance begins with their core purpose.
A life insurance policy is designed to provide financial protection to the family in the event of the policyholder’s demise. The life insurance benefits you choose today can ensure that your loved ones are not burdened financially tomorrow.
Mutual funds, on the other hand, are meant for wealth creation. They pool money from various investors to invest in equities, bonds, or other assets with the aim of generating returns.
Risk and Return
When comparing life insurance vs mutual fund investments, risk and return are key points.
Mutual funds are market-linked instruments. They offer the potential for higher returns, but they also carry a level of risk that comes from investing in the market.
Most life insurance plans, except for those that specifically provide savings or investment benefits, provide a fixed payout upon the policyholder’s death. However, there is no assurance of high returns. Some life insurance plans (like Unit-linked Life Insurance Plans) provide market-linked returns. However, the general focus of a life insurance policy is on financial security, not investment growth.
Tenure and Lock-in Period
Mutual funds usually come with flexible tenures, though certain funds like ELSS (Equity-linked Savings Scheme) have a lock-in period of three years.
Life insurance policies often come with longer commitments, such as 10 to 30 years, depending on the plan. A non-linked life insurance plan generally does not have a lock-in period, as that kind of feature does not fit into the purpose of life insurance. Potential buyers can use a life insurance calculator to assess the tenure they should opt for based on their budget and other needs.
Tax Benefits**
When comparing life insurance vs mutual funds, it is crucial to remember that both options offer certain tax benefits in alignment with prevalent tax regulations. Also, the gains from both, mutual funds and market-linked life insurance plans, are taxable.
In mutual funds, only contributions to ELSS mutual funds are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
On the other hand, premiums for all types of life insurance policies, including ULIPs, are eligible for tax deductions under the same section. However, when comparing ULIPs vs mutual funds, keep in mind that the former’s tax efficiency depends on conditions like the policy’s premium size and the sum assured.
Liquidity and Access to Funds
Mutual funds typically offer better liquidity as you can withdraw or redeem units at any time (except for funds with a lock-in).
In contrast, a life insurance policy is not a liquid asset. Surrendering the policy early may result in loss of benefits or penalties.
Customisation and Flexibility
Mutual funds are highly flexible. You can choose from equity, debt, or hybrid funds based on your risk appetite.
When you buy life insurance, you can customise some elements by adding riders, but not to the extent mutual funds allow.
The difference between mutual fund investments and life insurance lies in each one’s purpose: while one protects your loved ones, the other grows wealth. Ideally, your financial plan should include both. It is advisable to use mutual funds for growth and liquidity and buy life insurance for protection.
** Tax exemptions are as per applicable tax laws from time to time.
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