The question of raising your premium comes up at least once a year – with the anniversary indexation letter. But there's more than one way to raise it, and it matters which one you use when. This article gives you a decision tree: it shows the right move based on income, the cap, and your life situation.
- Three tools: indexation (at the anniversary, at the recommended rate), a voluntary premium increase (any time, at whatever rate you choose), and an ad-hoc payment (one-off, flexible).
- The root of the decision tree: can your budget handle it – and does the increase bring extra credit?
- The goal-oriented logic: let the premium follow your income, and let cap usage follow your opportunities.
The three tools – which one, when?
Indexation is the maintenance tool: at the anniversary, to keep pace with value – accepting it is a decision that “the goal shouldn't shrink” (details). A voluntary premium increase is the step-up tool: raising your regular premium when your income grows on a lasting basis, regardless of the anniversary. An ad-hoc payment is the flexible tool: a one-off surplus during good periods, with no obligation attached – and it's also the right tool for filling up the annual cap (the cap article).
The three don't compete with each other: on most well-maintained contracts, all three show up – each on its own rhythm.
The decision tree
- Is your current premium a strain? If yes: don't raise it – in fact, look at a reduction before any late payment happens (the relief valves). If no: continue.
- Are you making full use of your credit cap? If not: an increase or an ad-hoc payment up to the cap moves on “supported ground” – this is the strongest argument. If yes: continue.
- Has your income grown on a lasting basis? If yes: a proportional increase is both inflation protection and a step up for your goal at once. If no: weighing indexation remains the option – to protect your goal's real value.
Every branch of the tree uses the same yardstick: the premium should stay comfortable – the retirement goal isn't a sprint.
The increase and the contract's rules
Before raising it, it's worth knowing two things about your product: what cost structure applies to the increased portion of the premium (in some plans, an increase can open a new “initial” phase – we clarify this in advance), and how it affects your bonus entitlements (the bonus article). An ad-hoc payment typically carries a more favorable cost – often the more efficient route for using up the cap.
These are product-dependent details – when it's warranted, or if you ask, I'll answer them specifically for your own contract.
The yearly rhythm
Good practice: decide on indexation and your regular premium at the anniversary, and on an ad-hoc payment in November–December based on your remaining cap. Two fixed points in the year – and the retirement goal doesn't drift, it moves along a steered course.
If you're unsure what counts as “proportional”: bring the anniversary letter to the consultation – book a time.
A question about your own situation? Book a free 20-minute consultation →
