Do mutual funds offer any death benefits?
What Happens to Mutual Funds on Death:
Nominee or Legal Heir: Upon the death of a mutual fund holder, the investment is transferred to the nominee (if mentioned during the investment process) or the legal heirs. The value transferred is based on the current market value of the mutual fund units on the date of transfer.
No Death Benefit: Mutual funds are primarily investment vehicles, not insurance. Unlike life insurance policies, they don’t offer a fixed sum of money (like a death benefit) to the nominee. The amount transferred depends entirely on the market value of the units.
Market Risk: The value of the mutual fund units can fluctuate based on market performance, which means the value the nominee receives can be higher or lower than the initial investment.
Options for Death Benefits:
If you're looking for an investment that combines returns and a death benefit, consider:
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs): These combine insurance with investments and offer both market-linked returns and a death benefit.
In summary, mutual funds don't offer any specific death benefits, but the investment is passed on to the nominee or legal heirs at its market value. If you need coverage for death, a life insurance policy is a more suitable option.