Whole life vs. simple insurance contracts
The whole life indemnity supplying firms usually offer simple insurance packages, but if you want complete protection, you will need an investment feature. This feature is given by the whole life insurance package. However, this option does not only give you the possibility to benefit of an increased protection, but also access to a reserve fund that can be used whenever you need that money. For example, you can use it to help your child with college, but also with a new home or a car. Read the contract of the insurance policy contract with options for youngsters, and see which one of those facilities can be applied to your case.
The unit-linked insurance policies are packages based on investments. Unlike the common investment financial institutions that will use the money only for opened investment funds, the insurance companies prefer the closed funds with no public access, funds that will only invest in safe and reliable instruments. The rate paid by the insured person is invested in those funds, and the insured entity receives some money back in the base of the contract. Some insurance companies give you the possibility to choose your plan, and based on your profile, you can choose a risky but profitable plan, or an option with small but safe interests.
There are some disadvantages connected with those options also. For example, the simple investment fund gives you the possibility to choose the companies you invest in. the closed funds are administrated by professional companies, and you as a client will not have the possibility to change the investment plan.
Usually, the risks of this investment plan belong to the insurance company, and you should check this aspect carefully. Find those companies that will guarantee a certain level of incomes every month, and see what happens with your money in case something goes wrong with the investment.