Can I lose my money in a savings policy?

Yes, the value can fall, and if you sell when it is low the loss becomes real. You bear the market risk, unless the policy has an explicit guarantee. The risk indicator in the Key Information Document shows how much it can move.

Usually from a combination of three: charges that are higher in the first years, the cost of the insurance cover, and the course of the markets. Ask for a written breakdown: how much you paid, how much went into units, which charges were deducted.

Each route has different costs, risks and features: an insurance product may include life cover and payment discipline, an ETF usually has lower costs and no cover. We cannot say what suits you; a licensed advisor judges that from your goals and horizon.

Only if the policy says so explicitly. Unit-linked policies usually have no guaranteed return. Ask in writing what, if anything, is guaranteed and on what conditions.

They are examples built on assumptions about returns, not promises. Look mostly at the unfavourable scenario and the effect of costs. If they were presented to you as certain, that is something you can raise in a complaint.

An 8% projection is not a promise, and the actual return can be very different. The question is whether that was explained to you, whether you received the Key Information Document and, if you were advised, a written suitability statement. If not, make a written complaint to the insurer and then, if needed, to the Financial Ombudsman.

Usually: premium allocation charges, a policy fee, the fund management charge and the cost of the insurance covers. The law requires you to see the costs in total and their effect on returns, with an itemised breakdown if you ask for it.

It is a short standard document for investment products, which must be given to you in good time before you are bound. It shows the risk indicator from 1 to 7, return scenarios and costs. Yes, it is worth reading before you sign.

In many policies you can switch funds, sometimes at a cost. A switch after a fall, though, locks in the loss, because you sell low. Discuss it with a licensed advisor before deciding.

It is the summary risk indicator of the Key Information Document. 1 is the lowest class, not “risk-free”; 7 is the highest. Read the recommended holding period with it.

Combining insurance and investment has costs that must be visible. The law requires a total picture of the costs and their effect on returns before you sign. If you do not see it clearly, ask for it in writing.

Usually the policy pays the beneficiaries the sum insured or the value of the units, whichever the terms set. Check in your policy exactly what is paid on death.

Some people do. It needs discipline, and each route has its own costs and risks. We cannot tell you which suits you; a licensed advisor assesses that and must explain in writing why a proposal fits your objectives.

Inflation reduces the buying power of any amount over time. A sum that looks large in 20 years will buy less than today. So when you read a projection, think about what it will be worth then.

Look at: how many units you hold, the unit price, how much you paid in the year, which charges were deducted, and the surrender value. We have an article that explains it line by line.

This should have been visible in the documents before you signed: the Key Information Document, the costs and the table of surrender values. If they were not given or explained to you, you can make a written complaint. Before cancelling, ask about middle-ground options.

Some products offer a guarantee of all or part of the capital. The guarantee usually has a cost or limits the possible return, and applies on conditions. Ask in writing exactly what is guaranteed, when, and what it costs.

Yes. When advising on an insurance-based investment product, the advisor must ask about your knowledge and experience, your financial situation and ability to bear losses, and your objectives and risk tolerance. Before the contract, they must give you a written suitability statement.

Some policies allow a partial surrender, with charges or limits. From tax year 2026, on a partial surrender above the gross surrender value of four years earlier, 50% of the excess is added to taxable income. Ask what your policy allows and, before that, whether you have an emergency fund.

A comparison only makes sense if you compare like with like: costs, risk, horizon, and whether one includes insurance cover. Past returns do not show what will happen. Do not cancel out of disappointment; first ask for the costs and the surrender value, and discuss it with a licensed advisor.