Life Insurance is a legal contract wherein an individual provides assurance that his family or any of his dependents will be provided with funds in the event that he dies. Usually, there are various types of life insurance policies, including permanent, term, and whole life insurance. Knowing the major differences between them will help you decide which type of life insurance suits your plans for the beneficiaries. For some individuals, life is probably the right choice.
Whole life insurance provides the insured with a steady income through his entire life. The insured pays premiums each month in the form of a fixed amount to the insurer on a monthly basis, which is used to pay the cost of his policy’s interest and other expenses. The premiums are usually tax-deductible and may also increase with inflation and the amount of time since the policy has been purchased.
Permanent life coverage is similar to whole life except that the insured is entitled to more benefits. The insurance coverage may only last up to the insured’s death date. In addition, the premium payments must be paid at the start of the policy period, which is normally when the policy is being purchased. This type of policy is ideal for people who do not wish to take out a separate, additional life policy.
Whole life and annuity coverage are usually bought together as a package. Annuity policies are paid for when the insured dies and the annuitant receives a lump sum, usually in the form of a regular monthly payment. This may come in handy if the insured is expected to live a long and productive life.
Many people also purchase a policy just to diversify their portfolio and obtain investment options. Whole life policies are designed to offer high returns in return for investment. The policy’s rates of return will vary, depending on the life expectancy of the insured. The most common types of investments are stocks and bonds. However, they can also be made from cash or from various investment vehicles, including CDs, savings accounts, and stocks.
Whole life policies can also provide protection to the beneficiary’s loved ones should they become ill or have other financial problems in the future. They can also provide additional funds for college education, funeral costs, home improvements, and even debt consolidation.
There are several different types of coverage available, but each differs slightly from state to state. In addition to these basic types of policies, some insurance companies offer “defined benefits” plans. Such plans pay a predetermined percentage of an insured’s total death benefit amount, without regard to the age of the insured’s death benefit amount.
If you choose to purchase life coverage for yourself, it is important to educate yourself about all the types of coverage that you are interested in purchasing. Read the fine print so you know exactly what the policy entails. Know the rules of your state and understand the difference between whole and term coverage. Compare the rates of your current insurance provider and get an idea of what you may qualify for if you decide to go this route.
For many people, term life insurance is the best way to obtain financial protection in the event of a sudden illness, accidental death, or disability. This type of policy is considered by many to be the cheapest of the four types of life coverage available. A person who purchases this type of policy at the same time as his or her birth certificate becomes eligible to receive a death benefit on the policy’s date of purchase.
Term coverage generally provides a lower premium than whole life coverage. This type of coverage is considered to have less risk than other types of insurance. This option provides benefits that will not be paid out if the insured’s death occurs during the duration of the policy.
If you purchase a term policy as part of a package, you may want to think about purchasing an annuity along with it. This type of policy pays a regular income stream to the insured upon his or her death and may also provide cash for expenses that arise due to the insured.
Choosing the type of life insurance policy you need depends on your goals and financial situation. Make sure you understand the rules and requirements of your state and what types of policies are available to you.