Frequently Asked Questions

Star Secure Pro

Product Coverage

• Q:What is Star Secure Pro?

  A:

  Star Secure Pro is a regular premium whole life insurance plan that includes Star Secure Pro – Protection Benefit, a regular premium compulsory rider.

  This plan provides protection against death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability and accidental death (before the anniversary immediately after insured reaches the age of 70) during the policy term. It also provides retrenchment benefit and family waiver benefit.

  It offers a minimum protection value of 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% of the sum assured (before the anniversary immediately after the insured reaches the age of 75 or age of 80, whichever is applicable). The applicable age and minimum protection value are to be selected by you at the start of the policy.

Minimum Protection Value

• Q:What is Minimum Protection Value?

  A:

  Minimum protection value means a percentage of the sum assured shown in the policy schedule (e.g. 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% of the sum assured). The minimum protection value is applicable before the anniversary immediately after the insured reaches the age of 75 or age of 80. The applicable age will be based on the option selected by you as shown in the policy schedule. You cannot change the minimum protection value and its applicable age which you chose at the start of the policy.

Death Benefit

• Q:What is the death benefit payable?

  A:

  if the insured dies, we will pay the benefit shown in the table below. The applicable age in the table below is based on the option selected by you for your minimum protection value as shown in the policy schedule.

  
  

  When claim event happens	Benefit
  Before the anniversary immediately after the insured reaches the age of 75 or age of 80 (whichever is applicable)	100% of sum assured and 100% of bonuses; or Minimum protection value; whichever is higher.
  On or after the anniversary immediately after the insured reaches the age of 75 or age of 80 (whichever is applicable)	100% of sum assured and 100% of bonuses.

  
  

  The policy will end when we make this payment. We will not pay any further benefits.

• Q:What are the exclusion(s) for death benefit?

  A:

  This policy is not valid if the insured commits suicide within one year from the cover start date.
  
  We will refund the total premiums paid, without interest, less any amounts we have paid you, and any amount you owe us, from the cover start date.

Terminal Illness (TI) Benefit

• Q:What is the TI benefit payable?

  A:

  if the insured becomes terminally ill, we will pay the benefit shown in the table below. The applicable age in the table below is based on the option selected by you for your minimum protection value as shown in the policy schedule.

  When claim event happens	Benefit
  Before the anniversary immediately after the insured reaches the age of 75 or age of 80 (whichever is applicable)	100% of sum assured and 100% of bonuses; or  Minimum protection value; whichever is higher.
  On or after the anniversary immediately after the insured reaches the age of 75 or age of 80 (whichever is applicable)	100% of sum assured and 100% of bonuses.

  The policy will end when we make this payment. We will not pay any further benefits.

• Q:What is the definition of TI?

  A:

  Terminally illness, and terminally ill means an illness which, in the opinion of the registered medical practitioner involved and a registered medical practitioner we have appointed, is highly likely to lead to death within 12 months. However, we will exclude terminal illness in the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

  
  

• Q:What are the exclusion(s) for TI benefit?

  A:

  We will not pay this benefit if your claim arises from:

  - deliberate acts such as self-inflicted injuries, illnesses or attempted suicide; or

  - unlawful acts, provoked assault, or deliberate exposure to danger; or

  - the effects of alcohol, drugs or any dependence.

  
  

Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Benefit

• Q:What is the TPD benefit payable?

  A:

  If the insured becomes totally and permanently disabled, , we will pay the benefit shown in the table below. The applicable age in the table below is based on the option selected by you for your minimum protection value as shown in the policy schedule.

  When claim event happens	Benefit
  Before the anniversary immediately after the insured reaches the age of 75 or age of 80 (whichever is applicable)	100% of sum assured and 100% of bonuses; or  Minimum protection value; whichever is higher.
  On or after the anniversary immediately after the insured reaches the age of 75 or age of 80 (whichever is applicable)	100% of sum assured and 100% of bonuses.

  The policy will end when we make this payment. We will not pay any further benefits.

  
  

• Q:What is the definition of “TPD”, “Total physical loss” and “Severe disability”?

  A:

  Total and permanent disability (TPD), and totally and permanently disabled, mean any of the below.

  - If the insured is under 65 years old, TPD, and totally and permanently disabled mean total physical loss, or the inability to take part in any paid work for the rest of a person’s life.

  - If the insured is 65 years old and above, TPD, and totally and permanently disabled mean total physical loss, or severe disability.

  
  

  Total physical loss means:

  - the total and permanent loss of sight in both eyes;

  - the loss of, or total and permanent loss of use of, two limbs at or above the wrist or ankle; or

  - the total and permanent loss of sight in one eye and the loss of, or total and permanent loss of use of, one limb at or above the wrist or ankle.

  
  

  Severe disability means the inability to perform at least three of the following activities of daily living, even with the aid of special equipment and always needing the help of another person throughout the entire activity.

  - Washing: the ability to wash in the bath or shower (including getting into and out of the bath or shower) or wash satisfactorily by other means;

  - Dressing: the ability to put on, take off, secure and unfasten all garments and, as appropriate, any braces, artificial limbs or other surgical appliances;

  - Transferring: the ability to move from a bed to an upright chair or wheelchair and vice versa;

  - Mobility: the ability to move indoors from room to room on level surfaces;

  - Toileting: the ability to use the lavatory or otherwise manage bowel and bladder functions so as to maintain a satisfactory level of personal hygiene;

  - Feeding: the ability to feed oneself once food has been prepared and made available.

• Q:What are the exclusion(s) for TPD benefit?

  A:

  We will not pay this benefit if your claim arises from:

  - deliberate acts such as self-inflicted injuries, illnesses or attempted suicide;

  - unlawful acts, provoked assault or deliberate exposure to danger; or

  - the effects of alcohol, drugs or any dependence.

  
  

  We will also not pay this benefit unless the insured is certified by a registered medical practitioner to have been totally and permanently disabled for at least six months in a row.

Star Secure Pro - Protection Benefit

• Q:What is Star Secure Pro - Protection Benefit?

  A:

  This is a regular premium non-participating compulsory rider attached to Star Secure Pro. It provides the accidental death benefit, retrenchment benefit, and family waiver benefit of the policy. It also pays part of the minimum protection value of the policy.

Accidental Death Benefit

• Q:What is the accidental death benefit payable?

  A:

  If the death was a result of an accident (before the anniversary immediately after insured reaches the age of 70), we will pay an additional 30% of the sum assured, on top of the death benefit, as long as he or she was not taking part in a restricted activity at the time of the accident. If the insured was taking part in a restricted activity at the time of the accident, we will only pay an additional 10% of the sum assured, on top of the death benefit.

  We will pay this benefit only if the death happens within 365 days of the accident.

  This policy will end when we make this payment. We will not pay any further benefits.

• Q:What is the definition of Restricted activity?

  A:

  Restricted activity means any of the following activities:

  
  

  - Duties as firefighters, police force personnel, fishermen, armed security guards, aircrew, ship crew, marine salvage crew, oil riggers, dock workers, drivers, despatch riders, driving instructors, bodyguards and bouncers.

  - Any activities involving explosives, heavy machinery, woodworking, dangerous gases or substances, using underwater breathing apparatus, work on construction or demolition sites, work at heights above 10 metres, work in underground tunnels, oil and gas rigs or offshore work.

  - Military, air force or naval operations in peacetime, including training and exercises for national servicemen or reservists in peacetime.

  - Motorcycling whether as rider or pillion rider.

  - Professional sports, any form of race (except racing on foot, cycling or swimming), action or adventure sports that involve speed, height at above 10 metres, highly specialized gear, stunts or using underwater breathing apparatus. This definition includes rock climbing, mountaineering, parachuting, white-water rafting, horse riding, winter sports and scuba diving.

• Q:What is the definition of accident or accidental?

  A:

  Accident and accidental mean an unexpected incident that result in an injury or death. The injury or death must be caused entirely by being hit by an external object that produces a bruise or wound, except for injury or death caused specifically by drowning, food poisoning, choking on food, or suffocation by smoke, fumes or gas.

• Q:What are the exclusion(s) for accidental death benefit?

  A:

  The accidental death benefit will not be paid if the claim arises directly or indirectly from:

  - deliberate acts such as self-inflicted injuries, suicide or attempted suicide;

  - unlawful acts, provoked assault or deliberate exposure to danger;

  - the effects of alcohol, drugs or any dependence;

  - illnesses, psychological conditions or eating disorders;

  - heat stroke;

  - a bad reaction to drugs or medication;

  - the effects of viruses (for example, dengue), bacteria or diseases;

  - the negative effects or complications of medical and surgical care;

  - treatment aimed at improving appearance, such as cosmetic surgery or any treatment relating to a previous cosmetic treatment;

  - radiation or contamination from radioactivity;

  - being in any aircraft, except as a fare-paying passenger in a commercial aircraft, or during military operations in peacetime;

  - military, air force or naval operations, except when carried out in peacetime;

  - warlike operations (whether war is declared or not), war, invasion, riot or any similar event;

  - an accident which happens outside of Singapore; if the insured has been outside Singapore for more than 180 days in a row at the time of the accident; or

  - an act of terrorism. However, the policy will pay S$10,000 or 10% of the sum assured, whichever is lower, on top of the amount payable for death benefit.

Retrenchment Benefit

• Q:What is the retrenchment benefit payable?

  A:

  If you (the policyholder) are retrenched, you will not have to pay the premiums for the basic policy and Star Secure Pro – Protection Benefit for six months from the next premium due date onwards. For this to apply, you must meet all the following conditions.

  -You must have paid at least six months’ premiums.

  -Your retrenchment must have taken place no earlier than six months after the cover start date.

  -You have not been able to find employment for three months in a row after being retrenched.

  
  

  You will have to pay premiums for the month that you start permanent paid employment and this benefit will end.

  
  

  You can claim for the retrenchment benefit only once under this policy.

• Q:What is the definition of “Retrenched”, “Retrenchment”, “Employer” and “Permanent paid employment”?

  A:

  Retrenched and retrenchment mean losing your job as a result of redundancy or because your employer’s profession, business, trade or work is being reorganised.

  
  

  Employer means any person, company, association, club, society or organisation that is formed, incorporated or registered in Singapore and which employs people. This includes the Government and any statutory organization or authority in Singapore.

  
  

  Permanent paid employment means entering into any contract of service with any person, company, association, club, society, government or authority, whether in Singapore or overseas, where you agree to serve as an employee, including an apprenticeship contract or agreement, or are self-employed.

• Q:What are the exclusion(s) of retrenchment benefit?

  A:

  We will not pay this benefit if your claim arises from:

  - retiring, leaving after a probation period, resigning or being dismissed;

  - suffering a psychological condition, disability or illness;

  - taking part in a labour dispute;

  - coming to the end of an employment contract;

  - being involved in a staff-reduction programme or unemployment you knew was going to happen before the cover start date;

  - being employed for less than six months by an employer; or

  - being employed by an employer not incorporated or registered in Singapore.

Family Waiver Benefit

• Q:What is the family waiver benefit payable?

  A:

  If a family member (before the anniversary immediately after he or she reaches the age of 70) becomes totally and permanently disabled, becomes terminally ill or dies during the premium term of this policy, you will not have to pay the premium for this policy and its riders. We will also pay a lump sum of 24 months’ premiums of this policy and its riders.

  We will pay this benefit only if the family member is of age 64 years old or younger, as of his or her last birthday, at the time we issue the policy.

  This benefit will end upon a successful claim, or when the basic policy is vested, whichever is earlier.

  
  

• Q:What is the definition of family member?

  A:

  Family member means any of the following when the policyholder makes a claim on the family waiver benefit:

  - Policyholder’s legal spouse if the Policyholder is the insured;

  - Policyholder if the insured is the Policyholder’s legal spouse; or

  - the insured’s legal or natural parents if the insured is a juvenile. Juvenile mean age below 18 years old at the time we issue the policy.

• Q:What are the exclusion(s) of family waiver benefit?

  A:

  The benefit will not apply if the family member becomes totally and permanently disabled, becomes terminally ill  or dies from any condition of the family member that is:

  -diagnosed;

  -treated;

  -for which a registered medical practitioner was consulted; or

  -for which the existence or onset of signs or symptoms of any illness or disease were present,

  before or within 2 years from:

  - the cover start date; or

  - registration of marriage date,

  whichever is later.

  
  

  This benefit is not payable if the family member commits suicide within one year from the cover start date or registration of marriage date, whichever is later.

  Under the definition of TPD, if the family member is under 65 years old, he or she must be unable to carry out any occupation, or there is total physical loss. We do not pay if the family member is merely unable to perform the same job as before, or is unable to perform a job to which his or her training, education or experience is suited for.

  If the family member becomes totally and permanently disabled when he or she is 65 years old and above, he or she must be suffering from a severe disability or there is total physical loss. Otherwise, we will not pay the benefit.

  
  

  The policy does not pay this benefit unless the family member is certified by a registered medical practitioner to have been totally and permanently disabled for at least six months in a row.

  This benefit is not payable if your claim for family member becoming totally and permanently disabled  and terminally ill arises from:

  - deliberate acts such as self-inflicted injuries, illnesses or attempted suicide;

  - unlawful acts, provoked assault or deliberate exposure to danger; or

  - the effects of alcohol, drugs or any dependence.

  
  

  This benefit is not payable if you fail to give us a valid copy of the following documents.

  -proof of identification of the family member;

  -proof of relationship of the insured and the family member

  -any other documents that may be requested by us, including but not limited to the completed declaration and authorization form for a claim on the family member and confirmatory result from medical investigations at the time of processing any claim or payment of any benefit under this policy.

Cash Value and Bonuses

• Q:Is there any cash value for this policy?

  A:

  Yes, for premium term of five years, cash value is available after premiums have been paid for at least 1 year. For all other premium terms, cash value is available after premiums have been paid for more than 2 years.

• Q:Is this policy eligible for any bonus?

  A:

  Yes, this policy is eligible for bonuses. There are two types of bonuses:

  - “Annual” or “reversionary” bonus is added to the policy each year.

  - “Terminal” bonus is an extra bonus which we pay at the time of making a claim or if you cash in this policy

  To avoid doubt, Star Secure Pro – Protection Benefit does not form part of the Life Participating Fund, and no bonus is payable on the benefit.

  Bonuses are not guaranteed. They are recommended by our Appointed Actuary and approved by our Board of Directors.

  Bonus pay-outs to policyholders are primarily influenced by the performance of the Life Participating Fund (Par Fund). The Fund’s performance is predominantly driven by factors such as the investment returns of the Par Fund, its expenses and claims experience. Aligned to industry practice, Income is safeguarding policyholders’ interest by allocating 90% of Par Fund surpluses to them. This means for every $9 distributed to policyholders, only a maximum of $1 is allocated to shareholders.

Riders Supplementary Benefits

• Q:What are Riders / Supplementary Benefits?

  A:

  Riders, also known as supplementary benefits, can be attached to a basic insurance policy to provide additional protection at lower cost.

• Q:What are the riders(s) that can be attached to this plan?

  A:

  The following rider(s) can be added to Star Secure Pro:

  
  

  List of available rider(s)

  Enhanced Payor Premium Waiver

  Dread Disease Premium Waiver

  Advanced Life Accelerator

  Early Life Accelerator

  Hospital CashAid

Eligibility and Premium Payments

• Q:What are the minimum and maximum entry ages for insured?

  A:

  There is no minimum entry age for the insured. The maximum entry age for the insured depends on the premium term of the policy as shown in the table below.

  Insured

  Premium Term	Maximum Age (last birthday)
  5, 10, 15, 20 years	64
  25 years, Up to age 64	59
  30 years	54

• Q:What are the minimum and maximum entry ages for the policyholder?

  A:

  Minimum entry age (last birthday)	Maximum entry age (last birthday)
  16*	N.A.

  * Parents cannot be the policyholder on their child who are 18 years old (age last birthday) and above at the point of application.

• Q:What is the minimum and maximum sum assured for this policy?

  A:

  The minimum sum assured is S$20,000 per policy. The maximum sum assured would be subjected to underwriting.

• Q:What are the premium frequencies available?

  A:

  The premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly.

• Q:Can I use funds in Central Provident Fund or Supplementary Retirement Scheme to buy this policy?

  A:

  No, you can only use cash to buy this policy.

• Q:Can I backdate my policy?

  A:

  Backdating is allowed if all of the following conditions are met:

  i. The backdating is for a traditional individual (savings or protection) life policy paying regular premium or single premium. Backdating for investment-linked policy and annuity policy is not allowed;

  ii. The backdating results in a lower premium or better protection value / policy payouts due to a lower entry age; and

  iii. The policy is backdated to a date up to one day before the Insured’s last birthday and it must be within 6 months from date of receipt of application by Income.

  iv. Backdating of policy to a date before the launch date of the main plan or rider is not allowed.

Policy Loan

• Q:Can I take a policy loan?

  A:

  Yes, we may grant the loan from this policy depending on our terms and conditions.

  We will take all loans and their interest from any amount we may be due to pay under this policy. If at any time the amount of the loans and interest is more than the cash value, this policy will end.