These days there are several ways to buy insurance: a recommendation from someone you know, a comparison website, a bank, or buying online yourself. Each has its own strengths. Here is a neutral look, to help you choose the channel that suits your style.

Life insurance agents

An agent is licensed by the OIC and advises on the plans of the company they represent. The strength is having someone looking after you continuously, from the day you apply to the day you claim — helping analyse your needs, prepare the documents and coordinate. It suits anyone who wants someone to answer questions over the long term. The limitation is that the plans available are those of the company the agent represents.

Insurance brokers

Brokers are also licensed, but can offer plans from several companies. The strength is comparing across companies in one place, which suits anyone wanting to see a broad set of options before deciding. After-sales care varies from broker to broker, so ask clearly who will help at claim time.

Banks and online channels

Buying through a bank is convenient when you are already doing business there, while buying online suits plans whose conditions are not complex. The point to watch in both cases is the same: you must read all the conditions yourself, and check who you can contact after the purchase if there is a problem.

What to check before buying, whichever channel

  • That the seller genuinely holds a licence — which can be verified on the OIC's website.
  • That you understand the cover, the exclusions and the long-term premium before signing.
  • That the application form is completed truthfully in every item, whoever helps fill it in.
  • That you read the policy document as soon as it arrives — you can exercise the free look right if it isn't what you intended.

In short

Every channel produces a policy with the same legal effect. The differences lie in the breadth of options and in the after-sales care. Choose the channel where you feel comfortable asking questions and where someone is clearly responsible on the day you have to claim. That is what matters over the long run.