Benefit illustration are not contractual

Hi Mr. Tan,

I have a question about the recent AIA case. I'd like to clarify that a benefit illustration does not count as a legal contract (as the AIA's defence suggests). If this is true, does that mean the numbers shown in the benefit illustration can be changed by the insurer at any time? 

REPLY

The benefit illustration said that the benefits are projected and are based on the projected future investment returns. If the actual investment returns are lower, the actual benefits will be lower. If the actual returns are higher, the actual benefits should be higher.

They cannot be changed at the whims of the insurer. However, the insurer may not give the fair distribution of the actual results. It is better to invest in a more transparent way, e.g. through an ETF.