Whole Life Insurance in Singapore: Is It Really Worth It?
Whole life insurance is one of the most commonly misunderstood insurance plans in Singapore. Some people swear by it, while others feel it is too expensive compared to term insurance.
So is whole life insurance worth it in Singapore?
How does it work, how much does it cost, and should you be buying one?
In this guide, we break down how whole life insurance works, its pros and cons, and show you how to compare whole life insurance plans instantly based on your age.
What Is Whole Life Insurance?
Whole life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for your entire lifetime, usually up to age 99 or 100.
Unlike term life insurance, whole life insurance includes:
-
Death & terminal illness coverage
-
Often comes with a multiplier to give you ample coverage during your most active years
-
Cash value accumulation
-
Optional critical illness (CI) riders
This means your policy not only protects your family but also builds a cash value over time.
Read more: 4 Best whole life insurance in Singapore
How Does Whole Life Insurance Work in Singapore?
In Singapore, most whole life insurance plans work as follows:
-
Premium payment term: 5 to 25 years
-
Coverage duration: Lifetime
-
Cash value: Combination of guaranteed + non-guaranteed returns
-
Riders available: TPD, CI, Early CI, Multipay CI, premium waivers
You can surrender the policy later for its cash value, or keep it for lifelong protection and legacy planning.
Whole Life Insurance vs Term Life Insurance
One of the most searched questions is whole life insurance vs term life insurance in Singapore.
| Feature | Whole Life Insurance | Term Life Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Lifetime | Fixed term |
| Premium | Higher | Much cheaper |
| Cash Value | Yes | No |
| CI Riders | Common | Optional |
| Best For | Long-term planning | Pure protection |
Term insurance is cheaper and ideal for income protection.
Whole life insurance suits those who want lifelong coverage plus savings.
Is Whole Life Insurance Worth It?
Whole life insurance may be suitable if you:
-
Want lifetime protection
-
Plan for long-term critical illness coverage
-
Prefer forced savings
-
Are doing legacy or estate planning
It may not be ideal if you:
-
Are on a tight budget
-
Only need short-term protection
-
Want maximum coverage at the lowest cost
There is no “best” whole life insurance plan, only the most suitable one for your needs.
Read more: How your pre-exisiting medical conditions can affect your insurance application
How Much Does Whole Life Insurance Cost in Singapore?
Whole life insurance premiums depend on:
-
Age
-
Gender
-
Smoker status
-
Coverage amount
-
Riders added
The younger you buy, the cheaper the premium.
Compare Whole Life Insurance Premiums Instantly
Want to know how much a whole life insurance plan costs for your age?
Compare whole life insurance plans from multiple insurers instantly and see your premiums now.
(No obligation, instant results)
Best Whole Life Insurance Plans in Singapore (2026)
Instead of asking “Which is the best?”, you should compare:
-
Premium vs coverage
-
Cash value projection
-
CI rider structure
-
Multiplier benefits
-
Flexibility to upgrade
Different insurers excel in different areas. Comparing plans side-by-side helps you avoid overpaying.
Compare whole life insurance plans based on your age and needs here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add critical illness coverage to whole life insurance?
Yes. Most whole life plans allow CI or multipay CI riders.
Is whole life insurance an investment?
No. It is primarily protection, with savings as a secondary feature.
Should I buy whole life or term insurance?
It depends on your financial goals, budget, and planning horizon.
Compare Whole Life Insurance Quotes Now
🧮 Check Your Whole Life Insurance Premium Instantly
Compare plans based on:
-
Your age
-
Desired coverage
-
CI riders
👉 Compare Whole Life Insurance Plans Now
Need Personal Advice? We’ll Get Back to You
Not sure which plan suits you best?
Leave your contact details and our advisers will help you compare and explain your options — no obligation.
✔Fill up the contact form below
✔ Whatsapp us
✔ Get Personalised Quote
Contact Us!
Or Whatsapp us to let a licensed financial adviser work out a proposal at no cost to you.
All financial reviews and proposals provided are 100% free of charge. There will be no obligation to take up any proposed financial products or services in any way.
We compare quotations head to head on all leading insurers in Singapore
Our Partners
Our Partners
