Insurance refers to a contractual arrangement between an insurer (insurance company) and an insured individual, wherein the insured obtains financial safeguarding from the insurer against potential losses incurred under specified conditions. In layman’s language, insurance is a contract agreement where an individual pays a constant premium depending on the arrangement to protect them against a potential loss.
Within the framework of an insurance policy, the insured is required to make periodic premium payments to the insurer. In the event of an unfortunate occurrence, such as the death of the insured individual or damage to their property, the insurer disburses a predetermined sum assured to the insured. There are different types of insurance coverage including;
Life Insurance: Offers financial protection to beneficiaries upon the death of a policyholder, often including investment features.
Health Insurance: Covers medical expenses resulting from illness or injury, encompassing hospitalization, medication costs, and preventive care.
Auto Insurance: Guards against financial losses in vehicular accidents spanning vehicle damage, liability for injuries or property damage, and medical expenses.
Disability Insurance: Ensures income continuation if the policyholder becomes unable to work due to illness or injury.
Travel Insurance: Offers protection against unforeseen events while traveling, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and travel delays.
The question that comes to people’s minds often is whether it is worthwhile taking any insurance coverage. In the rest of this article, I will enlist a few pros and cons of insurance to help you decide whether to take one or otherwise.
PROS
1. Provide financial protection
Taking an insurance cover can be a good way of protecting oneself from future uncertainty. That is because it provides financial security by covering the cost of unexpected events such as natural disasters, accidents, illness, death, and even theft. That can serve as a mitigating strategy for the policyholder. What makes this very crucial is the fact that tomorrow is unpredictable, and no one can tell their fate.
2. Help in risk management
That is another key because it allows individuals and businesses to transfer the risk of potential losses to the insurance company in exchange for periodic premiums. In that case, the policyholder can plan well for unforeseen circumstances.
3. Resilience and Business continuity
In the aftermath of disasters or emergencies, insurance helps individuals and businesses to recover and rebuild. By providing financial assistance for repairs, replacements, and recovery efforts, insurance contributes to the resilience of the individual of the business entity and their ability to bounce back from adversity.
4. Peace of mind
Knowing that one is protected by insurance can provide peace of mind, reducing stress and anxiety associated with potential risks and uncertainties. This sense of security allows individuals and businesses to focus on their daily activities and long-term goals without constant worry about unexpected financial setbacks.
CONS
1. Claim Denials and Dispute
Insurance companies may sometimes deny claims or engage in coverage disputes, particularly if they perceive the claim to be outside the policy terms or suspect fraud. The truth is that resolving claim disputes can be time-consuming and stressful for policyholders. As a result of this, some people don’t want to have anything to do with insurance.
2. Complexity of Policies
Insurance policies can be complex and filled with legal jargon, making it challenging for policyholders to fully understand their rights, obligations, and coverage terms. However, it is possible to seek clarification from insurance agents or professionals to help you grasp the nuances of a policy before signing up for it.
3. Premium Increases
Insurance premiums may rise over time due to factors such as inflation, changes in risk profiles, or insurance company policies. Therefore, in an event where there are such sudden premium hikes, it can strain one’s budget. Other times, it may even lead to reevaluation of insurance needs or seeking alternative coverage options.
I believe you now have clarity on the subject of insurance, its good side as well as the challenges that come with it. Now, the ball is in your court. Nevertheless, while insurance provides protection against financial risks, weighing the pros and cons and making informed decisions based on individual circumstances is essential to maximize its benefits and mitigate potential drawbacks.
In conclusion, I invite you to solve your financial needs or expand your business with an affordable yet flexible loan from SRF today. We offer the best services in Accra.
Call us on 0240061709 or
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.