My parents bought a whole life policy 23 years ago for me and I would like to get some advice on policies that were purchased a long time ago. Would older policies have higher accumulated bonuses?

Hi anon,

You are correct. Older policies would have higher accumulated bonuses. As the bonuses are paid out upon a claim, these policies would have an increasing payout value over time.

The policy document is separate from the policy illustration. You can call in to the hotline to request for a copy of the most recent policy illustration and it will contain the numbers you are looking for.

I highly recommend that you keep the policy due to the CI coverage and the compounding bonuses. Since the premiums are level, eventually when you retire, it should be a small amount compared to the costs of living then. With proper planning, you should not have any issue paying off the premiums even in retirement. However, as the policy was bought 23 years ago, you need to evaluate your situation now to see if the coverage amount is still sufficient for your needs, especially if you are working or about to start work.

Generally the longer you hold, the more bonuses declared and the value grows over time, provided payments have been faithfully and diligently paid on time.

Missing payment dates may lead to APL which is a loan on your policy cash value and interests could go as high as 6%.

indeed you can treat it as a long term savings product should you continue the policy. 20 over years would've probably broken even by now for some policies. ​​​