Life insurance provides a guaranteed death benefit to named beneficiaries upon the death of the insured. There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent. Determining which type of insurance is right for you is largely based on your socioeconomic circumstances. Of the many reasons people need life insurance, it can be generally categorized by the following:
- Income Protection
- Debt Protection
- Tax and Estate Planning
- Funding Future Expenses
Term Insurance
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time. It is the most cost-effective form of life insurance and is used to provide financial protection for your children, your mortgage, or any short-term commitments. It does not include many of the features found in permanent insurance policies.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance is a type of permanent insurance that provides coverage for the entirety of an individual’s life. In addition to providing a death benefit, it provides an annual dividend and includes a savings component known as a cash value, which accumulates over time and can be accessed by the policyholder through loans or withdrawals.
Universal Life Insurance
Universal life insurance is a type of permanent insurance that offers flexibility in terms of premiums, death benefit and payment options. In addition to the death benefit, it can also have a savings component, and is a great way to provide lifetime coverage at reasonably priced rates.
Living Benefits
Living benefits insurance provides financial support to an insured while alive. It helps provide assistance when faced with an illness, injury or disability. This can include income replacement, recouping of medical costs, covering of expenses or just lump sum money to enjoy life.
Critical Illness Insurance
Critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum payment to the policyholder upon the diagnosis of one of the many covered illnesses. Coverage can either be for a specified period of time or for life. The payment can be used to cover medical expenses, lost income, or any other chosen cost. It is designed to help individuals focus on their recovery rather than worrying about financial stress.
Disability Insurance
Disability insurance is designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. It replaces a portion of income if unable to work for an extended period of time due to an injury or illness. Individual disability insurance is a valuable financial protection for those who are self-employed, do not have access to disability insurance through an employer or are underinsured with their employer.
