this is a cash value or permanent life insurance product with variable returns-a not inconsiderable amount or substantial portion of your monthly or yearly contributions are invested in mutual funds run either by the insurance co or manage by 'partner' or 3rd party independent mutual funds.as we grow older,the portion allocated to 'investment' diminishes while the premium for the other part-life insurance increases

the insured can borrowed or even paid the premium by using those cash value accumulated in the investment'account'

the return on the investment and hence your 'cash value'is solely dependent on the performance of the mutual fund and these products imposes a hefty penalty for early withrawal which presumably would deter most participants from leaving the insurance scheme

if you are only interested in the life insurance part of the deal-just buy a term insurance wihich is considerable cheaper than this whole life insurance product

these are products originally designed in usa for taxation purposes as monies invested in the product can grow without incurring any capital gains/personal tax until withrawal