Question

What does "guaranteed" really mean in my benefit illustration?

Short answer

The guaranteed figures are the amounts the insurer is contractually bound to pay, whatever happens to its investments. The non-guaranteed figures are projections at assumed rates, and they can turn out lower or higher. Only the guaranteed column is a promise.

Two kinds of number in one table

A benefit illustration usually shows the policy's value in each year in two parts. The guaranteed part is set by the contract. The non-guaranteed part depends on future bonuses or investment performance and is shown at illustrated rates. Read the guaranteed column first and treat the rest as a projection.

What the illustrated rates are

The illustrated rates are assumptions about the insurer's fund, not the yearly return on what you pay. For new Singapore-dollar participating policies they have been capped at 4.25% and 3.00% a year since 1 July 2021. Because premiums are paid in over time and cover costs are taken out, the return on what you pay is lower than the fund rate that is illustrated.

"Capital guaranteed" is not a guaranteed return

A plan can guarantee that your original money comes back as the policy states, usually if you hold it to maturity, without guaranteeing any return on top. Check what the guaranteed maturity value is, compared with the premiums you will have paid.