09/04/2026
1. Life (or Guaranteed) Annuity
A life annuity is a pension purchased from a life insurance company using your accumulated savings, providing a predetermined monthly income for the duration of your life. In this arrangement, the insurer assumes longevity risk, as the actual lifespan is uncertain.
You may select a level annuity, where the monthly payment remains constant, or opt for an annual escalation—such as 5% per annum—to mitigate inflationary effects. Choosing an escalating annuity typically results in a lower initial income compared to a level annuity.
Additionally, you can choose between a single-life annuity, which pays income solely during your lifetime, and a joint and survivorship annuity, which extends payments to a designated second person (usually a spouse) upon your death. The latter option generally leads to a reduced initial income.
Life annuities may incorporate a guarantee period, ensuring continued payments to a nominated beneficiary should you pass away within the stipulated timeframe. For instance, if a 20-year guarantee period is chosen and you survive beyond it, payments continue solely to you. Upon your death after the period, no further payments are made to beneficiaries. Conversely, if you pass away within the guarantee period, your beneficiary receives the remaining income until its conclusion.
Another variant is the “with-profit” annuity, where savings are invested in market-linked portfolios. The insurer guarantees a minimum income, with additional increases contingent on investment performance.
It is essential to recognise that a life annuity is a lifelong commitment; once entered, it cannot be surrendered or transferred to another product. Furthermore, outside the guarantee period, there is generally no residual benefit payable to beneficiaries following the death of the annuitant or surviving spouse.