Is the whole life insurance returns (e.g. 3-4%) per annum or per the amount paid or per the amount covered?

Just to reclarify again, the returns of 3-4% p.a are based on the premiums paid to the whole life insurance.

If Its for the amount covered, its already more than 400% at least if anything happen to you in the first 5 years (lol)

The returns is for the amount paid!