Life insurance is a contract between an insurance policy holder and an insurance company, where the insurance company promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money in exchange for a premium, upon the death of an insured person.
Three main types of life insurance
There are three primary types of life insurance you have to choose from, each providing the ability to serve your specific needs.
Some people only need one type and some have needs that require using multiple types of life insurance, which is the great thing about life insurance. Life insurance is fully customizable to meet the various needs of individuals, families, business owners, banks and even large corporations. Life insurance is as simple or complex as it needs to be to match the your scenario, and you should work with an agent who can help you have those discussions to ensure you make the right choice.
Term Life Insurance
Term life is often chosen for its simplicity and affordability, especially for temporary coverage needs.
- Definition: Term Life Insurance is a type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specific period or “term” (e.g., 10, 20, 30 years). If the insured person dies during this term, the policy pays a death benefit to the beneficiaries.
- Characteristics: It’s typically the most straightforward and affordable type of life insurance. The premiums are fixed and are based on the term length and the amount of coverage. There is no cash value accumulation in this type of policy.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life is selected for lifelong coverage and cash value accumulation, often for estate planning or wealth transfer.
- Definition: Whole Life Insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for the insured’s entire lifetime, as long as premiums are paid. It includes a death benefit and a savings component, known as cash value.
- Characteristics: Premiums are typically higher than term life insurance. The cash value component grows over time and can be borrowed against or withdrawn. Whole life policies offer fixed premiums and a guaranteed cash value growth rate.
Universal Life Insurance
Universal life offers a balance between permanent coverage and financial flexibility, suitable for those with varying income or financial needs over time.
- Definition: Universal Life Insurance is another form of permanent life insurance that offers more flexibility than whole life insurance. It provides a death benefit and a cash value component, but allows policyholders to adjust their premiums and death benefits.
- Characteristics: The cash value of a universal life policy earns interest based on the current market or minimum interest rate, which can vary. Policyholders can use the cash value to pay premiums or leave it to accumulate. The flexibility in premium payments and death benefits makes it more complex but adaptable to changing financial situations.
Each type of life insurance serves different financial needs and goals, so it’s important to meet with a licensed agent who can help you understand which type makes the most sense for your needs and budget.
