In this case, the payout comes at a time when the Tan family needed the cash flow most, because he was still in the process of building his retirement nest egg. He was 12 years short of that goal (planned for his age of 57) when this health calamity struck. That $1 million, thus, greatly reduced the financial burden and mental stress on the family. 

Andrew was smart to have bought the insurance plan as soon as he could. This is because:

(a) the premiums were lower.

(b) he was still in good health, and hence, did not face any exclusions in his policy. 

After 20 years:

Even if his stroke had afflicted him at his age of 55 (i.e. 20 years after taking up the policy), his “returns” would still have been a remarkable 24.5% compounding per year (in-flow of 20 times the premium paid till then). And 20 years is a long period of time during which any significant health condition can befall us. We have to be aware of this risk, and be fully prepared.

This is why, even for my clients who are enthusiastic investors, I refer to this example and remind them: a well-balanced insurance portfolio, if bought early enough, is one of the very best investments money can buy.

P.S. After a full 30 years of taking up the plan, i.e. at Andrew’s age of 65, still a very impressive 13.92% per annum compounding (in-flow of over 13.3 times the premium paid till then).

After 30 years:

Food for thought:

Well, you may ask what if nothing happens to me, wouldn’t I have wasted my money paying for insurance?

The overall cost of a personal calamity – mental, physical, emotional – is often far greater than the mere financial loss it entails.

So, besides being thrilled and grateful that you remained safe over the years, most of us would hope and pray that those few pennies on the dollar that we spent protecting ourselves are “wasted” i.e. never needed to be used!