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Life Insurance

Determining what life insurance you may need — including benefits, costs and the time to buy — can be challenging. Deepen your understanding of whole, term and universal life insurance and how these solutions could help increase security for you and your loved ones. 

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A medical provider talks with a patient's spouse about critical illness riders.

What Is a Critical Illness Rider?

A critical illness rider allows you to tap into your life insurance benefits early if you are diagnosed with a serious illness.
A joint life insurance policy could make sense for married couples. Here's what you should know.

What is a Joint Life Insurance Policy for Couples?

Joint life insurance is a policy that covers both spouses and pays out either when the first or second spouse dies, offering potential cost savings but limited coverage options.
Auto accidents may lead you to qualify for a higher death benefit or a dismemberment payment.

AD&D vs Life Insurance

AD&D can provide additional protection when you're injured or die in an accident, but it's not a substitute for life insurance.
A couple with two young children might consider the benefits of group life insurance coverage

What Is Group Life Insurance?

Have you been offered group life insurance coverage through work? Here's what you need to know to decide if it's a fit for you.
A person reviews an accidental death rider at the kitchen table with a family member nearby.

What Is an Accidental Death Rider?

An Accidental Death Rider is an add-on or provision to a life insurance policy that provides an additional payout if the insured's death results from an accident.
A grandmother smiles as she talks with her granddaughter about a life insurance death benefit.

Life Insurance Death Benefit

A life insurance death benefit is the sum of money paid out to the designated beneficiaries upon the death of the insured person, providing financial protection and support to their loved ones.
Happy family together, parents with their little child at sunset. Father raising baby up in the air.

Should You Consider Endowment Life Insurance?

Endowment life insurance combines life insurance with a savings plan. Here's how a policy could factor into your long-term finances.
Before signing a legal document, you should know what is an irrevocable beneficiary.

What Is an Irrevocable Beneficiary?

An irrevocable beneficiary is a person or entity in a life insurance policy who cannot be easily changed or removed, providing security and predictability for the beneficiaries.
Family life insurance plans can cover a whole family at once.

How to Create Total Family Life Insurance Plans

Families may need life insurance to provide financial support for their children's everyday needs, cover funeral costs, and replace the income and contributions of working and nonworking parents or spouses.
An older couple sits outdoors looking at autumn leaves, discussing a survivorship life policy.

What Is Survivorship Life Insurance?

Survivorship life insurance is a policy that pays out the death benefit upon the death of the second insured person. It is used for estate planning, financial protection, and to cover estate taxes or other expenses after both policyholders pass away.
Two people in an office review a document explaining supplemental life insurance.

What Is Supplemental Life Insurance?

Supplemental life insurance is extra coverage that you can buy on top of the life insurance provided by your employer. You often pay for this additional coverage directly from your salary.
Family in the kitchen cooking together.

Explore the Top 8 Benefits of Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance offers stable premiums, tax advantages, and in some cases, the opportunity to earn dividends, appealing to individuals seeking comprehensive financial security and wealth transfer capabilities.
Life insurance for people with diabetes may be harder to qualify for, but it isn't impossible.

Life Insurance for Diabetics

Life insurance coverage for diabetics depends on factors like age, type of diabetes, its management, and overall health, with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and younger age potentially offering better chances of obtaining coverage.
Mother and Daughter using Computer Tablet

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: Which One Fits Your Needs?

Learn the difference between term and whole life insurance and how to choose the right policy to protect your family.
mother and father think about 20-year term life insurance as they play with their toddler daughter

20-Year Term Life Insurance

20-year term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, offering financial protection to your loved ones in case of your untimely death. It's an affordable and practical option for those seeking temporary coverage.
mother thinks about 30-year term life insurance as her toddler daughter kisses her on the nose

30-Year Term Life Insurance Explained

30-year term life insurance provides temporary, fixed-rate coverage for three decades with guaranteed premium and death benefit. It expires if the insured outlives the term, but can be renewed or converted to permanent insurance at higher rates based on age.
mother and father think about 15-year term life insurance as they walk along a lake with their son

15-Year Term Life Insurance

A 15-year term life insurance policy provides coverage for a specific 15-year period, offering financial protection for individuals during that time. The policy ends when the term expires, making it suitable for short to medium-term insurance needs.
male patient consults male doctor to discuss health conditions that may affect life insurance coverage

Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions

Life insurance with pre-existing conditions refers to policies offered to individuals already diagnosed with health issues when they apply for life insurance.
Soldier with family upon returning home before considering life insurance for veterans

Understanding Life Insurance for Veterans

Life insurance for veterans is designed to help provide financial security specifically tailored to the needs of those who have served in the military. Understanding the options and benefits is crucial for making an informed decision.
smiling grandmother hugs her granddaughter on the couch and reflects about life insurance for children

Life Insurance for Grandchildren: Supporting Their Financial Future

Life insurance for grandchildren can help provide financial security, build cash value, guarantee coverage, and teach financial responsibility. Discover the benefits and options to make an informed decision about your family's future.
New parent holding their newborn baby consider life insurance for new parents

Life Insurance for New Parents

Life insurance for new parents helps provide financial protection to their surviving spouse and child, replacing lost income and covering daily living expenses, and offering security.
Middle-aged man and woman discussing the question of life insurance for your spouse at home

Life Insurance for Your Spouse

Life insurance is essential for both working and non-working spouses to provide income replacement and financial stability in the event of their unexpected death. Evaluating existing coverage, having open conversations about it, and determining the appropriate amount of coverage are key steps to protect the family's future.
Young, happy hiker carrying a backpack up a hill and wondering if single people need life insurance

Life Insurance for Single People

Is life insurance necessary for single individuals? Single and unsure about life insurance? Explore the pros, cons, and types of life insurance for singles, and get tips on choosing the right policy.
Woman and daughter in a tent: difference between whole life insurance and universal life insurance

Whole Life Insurance vs. Universal Life Insurance: What's the Difference?

Whole life insurance offers guaranteed premiums, cash values, and death benefits, while universal life provides more flexibility on payments but less predictability on cash values and coverage.
A couple relaxes, knowing they've provided for their grandchild with single premium life insurance

What Is Single Premium Life Insurance?

Single Premium Life Insurance is a type of policy funded with a one-time premium payment in exchange for lifetime coverage. Single premium life insurance can be a smart investment for those who want to provide financial security for their loved ones while maximizing their investment and minimizing taxes.
A mature man and woman walking on a tennis court discuss life insurance for people over 50

Life Insurance for People Over 50

Life insurance for people over 50 is helpful for securing their family's financial future through income replacement, debt coverage, and mortgage protection.
parents think about 10-year term life insurance as they walk in the woods with their daughter and son

10-Year Term Life Insurance

A 10-year term life insurance policy provides coverage for a specific duration of 10 years. If the policyholder passes away within that period, their beneficiaries receive a death benefit, but if they outlive the term, the policy expires without any payout.
Business partners discuss whether or not they can take out a life insurance policy on anyone

Can You Take Out a Life Insurance Policy on Anyone?

No, you cannot take a life insurance policy out on just anyone. To buy a policy for someone else, you need to have an "insurable interest," meaning you would face financial hardship if that person passed away. This typically applies to family members or business partners to provide a safety net, not a financial gamble.
young girl blows bubbles in the park with her parents as they ask themselves do i need life insurance

Do I Need Life Insurance?

The need for life insurance depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals. If you have dependents who rely on your income, debts to be paid off, or a desire to leave an inheritance, life insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind.
Friends sit together at a cafe discussing life insurance for young adults

Life Insurance for Young Adults

Life insurance for young adults is important for several reasons: covering final expenses, paying off debts, preparing for future needs, taking advantage of lower premiums, and offering various policy options.
Senior couple discussing options how living benefits could help protect your future

Life Insurance With Living Benefits

Life insurance with living benefits helps offer financial protection for your loved ones and allows you to access part of the benefit early if you face a serious illness, helping with medical and financial needs.
A young couple using a laptop, deciding when to get life insurance

3 Key Considerations for When to Get Life Insurance

Employer-provided life insurance is a great benefit, but it isn't usually comprehensive.
Asian parents and young daughter playing and talking about life insurance myths

5 Common Life Insurance Myths

Learn the truth about life insurance, debunking myths such as affordability, age, and health restrictions, coverage through employers, and the importance of stay-at-home spouses having coverage, ensuring your family's financial stability.
A woman reviews paperwork and researches income replacement insurance

What to Know About Income Replacement Insurance

One of the primary reasons people buy life insurance is to replace the income of a primary wage earner in the event of death.
A mother and father play with their two young girls after choosing their life insurance beneficiary

What Is a Life Insurance Beneficiary?

A life insurance beneficiary is the person or entity designated to receive the death benefit from a life insurance policy upon the insured's death.
woman gives employer life insurance coverage presentation to two female and two male employees

What is Employer-Provided Life Insurance Coverage?

Employer-provided life insurance coverage refers to a benefit offered by employers to their employees, where the company pays for a life insurance policy on behalf of the employee. This coverage typically provides a lump sum payment to the employee's designated beneficiaries in the event of their death while employed by the company.
A smiling man on a phone call discussing no medical exam life insurance

A Guide to No Medical Exam Life Insurance

No Medical Exam Life Insurance provides quick and accessible life insurance coverage without a traditional medical examination, making it a convenient option for those who want quick and accessible coverage.
A care giver helps a senior who needs long-term care insurance

Who Needs Long-Term Care Insurance?

Long-term care insurance is important for safeguarding retirement savings and helps prevent financial strain on family members, providing coverage for various care options and greater flexibility than Medicaid.
A couple researching their options wonders, "Does life insurance cover COVID?"

Does Life Insurance Cover COVID-19?

Yes, life insurance covers costs related to COVID-19, including health care expenses, and death benefits are paid out regardless of the cause of death, as long as the policy is in good standing.
A couple does research to understand what life insurance covers

What Does Life Insurance Cover?

Life insurance provides a financial payout to the beneficiaries upon the insured person's death, offering protection and support for their loved ones. It typically covers the costs related to funeral expenses, debts, mortgage payments, income replacement, and future financial security.
Looking into details about the COVID vaccine and life insurance

How Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Life Insurance Coverage?

The COVID-19 vaccine does not affect life insurance coverage, as clarified by state departments, insurance industry groups, and the American Council of Life Insurers.
A family relaxes knowing they have enough life insurance

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

To determine the amount of life insurance you may need, one approach is to multiply your annual income by seven to ten. However, it is important to consider your specific financial goals and factors to accurately calculate the coverage amount required.
A smiling man looks at his wrist watch and ponders, "How long does it take to get life insurance?"

How Long Does It Take to Get Life Insurance?

The timeline for getting life insurance coverage varies depending on the type of policy, with some policies offering immediate coverage while others require thorough underwriting, which can result in delays.
Family of three walks and discusses why life insurance is an important part of their future planning

9 Reasons Why Life Insurance Is Important for Your Loved Ones

Are you aware of the financial risks your family could face without you? Life insurance is more than just a piece of paper; it's a commitment to safeguard your family when you're gone. In this article, we'll explore why life insurance is important and the 9 benefits of life insurance that could make all the difference for your family's future.
A woman tries to find a lost life insurance policy

Have You Lost a Life Insurance Policy Contract? Here's What to Do Next

Contact your life insurance company's customer service, provide your personal information, and request a copy of the policy; alternatively, use resources like the NAIC policy locator tool or search through financial documents to locate the policy.
A couple discusses the benefits of term life insurance

Benefits of Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance offers a range of benefits, including simplicity and affordability, making it an accessible choice for many. With the added advantage of flexibility, it allows policyholders to tailor coverage based on their specific needs and budget.
Dad and daughter having fun after dad researched how life insurance works

How Does Life Insurance Work?

Life insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company where the individual pays regular premiums, and in exchange, the insurance company provides a lump sum payment to the designated beneficiaries upon the insured person's death.
happy mature husband and wife embrace in the park as they discuss options for buying life insurance

How to Choose Life Insurance: Explore Your Options in 5 Simple Steps

To choose life insurance, it is important to understand different policy types, evaluate coverage needs, assess costs and financial ratings, and seek guidance from a financial representative.
A couple filing their taxes wonders, are life insurance premiums tax-deductible

Are Life Insurance Premiums Tax-Deductible?

Life insurance premiums are generally not tax-deductible, but beneficiaries usually receive tax-free death benefits, and policies with cash value offer potential tax advantages.
A mature couple sits together on a couch and reviews their overfunded life insurance policy

What Is Overfunded Life Insurance?

Overfunded life insurance is an approach where you contribute more funds to a permanent life insurance policy than is required to pay the premiums. This method helps boost your policy's cash value growth, potentially providing tax benefits and opportunities for financial flexibility and long-term wealth building.
An older woman standing outside thinking about what happens to life insurance during divorce

What Happens to Life Insurance in Divorce?

Life insurance policies generally remain in effect during and after divorce, but it's important to review and potentially update them, adjust coverage, and beneficiaries, and consider policies related to child support or alimony.
friends throw confetti at bride and groom and counsel them later about when should you get life insurance

Life Insurance for Newlyweds

Life insurance for newlyweds is crucial in helping secure a stable financial future. It helps protect both partners and provides tranquility and economic security as you start your journey together.
middle-aged couple checks map on hike as they consider buying convertible term life insurance

Is Convertible Term Life Insurance Right for You?

Convertible term life insurance can be a good fit for those who want the flexibility to switch to permanent coverage in the future without undergoing a health exam.
Happy family enjoying a sunny day in the park after discussing the cost of life insurance

9 Factors That Could Affect the Cost of Life Insurance

The cost of life insurance is influenced by factors such as death benefit amount, type of policy, riders, age, gender, health, tobacco use, family history, lifestyle, and occupation.
senior couple at home researches on laptop how to spot five common online life insurance scams

How to Spot 5 Common Online Life Insurance Scams

Common online life insurance scams involve tactics such as falsely claiming issues with your policy, surprising you as a beneficiary, creating fake websites, offering unrealistic teaser rates, and providing dishonest online quotes to deceive individuals seeking life insurance coverage.
Mother and father with two kids laughing after researching life insurance settlement options

What Are Your Life Insurance Settlement Options?

Life insurance settlement options include lump-sum payment, interest income, interest accumulation, fixed period, and lifetime income, providing beneficiaries with flexibility in receiving funds and ensuring regular income.
A family of four discusses the advantages of life insurance while on a sunny hike

4 Potential Advantages of Life Insurance

There are a number of potential benefits that come with purchasing a life insurance policy. Here are a few to consider. 
A couple weighs the pros and cons of term vs. permanent life insurance

Term Life vs. Permanent Life Insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period and offers a death benefit if the insured passes away, while permanent life insurance provides coverage for the entire lifetime and includes an investment component.
A couple keeps their options open with a guaranteed insurability rider.

What Is a Guaranteed Insurability Rider?

A guaranteed insurability rider can help keep future insurance options open. Here's insight into when this feature makes sense.
Person reviewing finances wonders, "Is the cash value of life insurance taxable?"

Is Cash Value Life Insurance Taxable?

Cash value life insurance is generally not taxable as it grows within the policy. However, taxes may apply to withdrawals, loans, or surrenders that exceed the total premium payments made, so it's essential to understand the specific rules and consult a tax advisor for guidance.
A young couple can relax, knowing they are protected by their waiver of premium rider.

What Is a Waiver of Premium Rider?

A Waiver of Premium Rider is an optional add-on to a life insurance policy that will waive or pay your life insurance premiums for you if you become disabled and unable to work. This ensures your policy stays in force even if you can no longer afford the premiums yourself.
A father and son enjoy quality time after applying for life insurance as a stay-at-home parent

Life Insurance for Stay-at-Home Parents

The work stay-at-home-parents do is valuable, which is why life insurance can be essential for them. 
A mature couple checks the balance on their cash value life insurance

What Is Cash Value Life Insurance & How Does It Work?

Cash value life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance with both a death benefit and a cash value component. A portion of your premium payments goes towards building this cash value with the potential to earn interest and grow.
A mother and daughter discuss the choice between a revocable beneficiary and irrevocable beneficiary

What Is a Revocable Beneficiary?

A revocable beneficiary allows the policy owner to change beneficiaries without restrictions, providing flexibility for adapting to changing life circumstances and goals.
A mother plays with her young daughter after paying her life insurance premium

What Is a Life Insurance Premium?

A life insurance premium is the amount you pay, typically regularly (e.g., monthly, quarterly, or annually), to your insurance company in exchange for life insurance coverage. It's like paying a subscription fee to keep your policy active and ensure that your beneficiaries will receive the death benefit if you pass away while the policy is in force.
Senior Woman Jogging Thinking About Life Insurance For Women

Life Insurance for Women

Life insurance is important for women, as it offers financial support to beneficiaries and covers various needs such as ongoing expenses, extended family support, business preservation, and recognition of women's contributions.
Parent with two adult children discussing whether they can buy life insurance for parents

Life Insurance for Your Parents

Life insurance helps cover funeral expenses, unpaid medical bills, and other costs for your parents. It can also replace income and provide an inheritance. Assess their needs and consult financial professionals to choose the right policy.
Father sitting with two children in front of computer researching life insurance for single parents

Life Insurance for Single Parents

Life insurance can offer single parents additional financial protection by providing a death benefit to beneficiaries and helping cover expenses for children in case of the parent's unexpected demise.
Senior Couple Enjoying A Walk Together.

What Is The Best Life Insurance for Seniors?

Life insurance for seniors is a financial safety net designed to help provide security in the later stages of life. Understanding your options is crucial whether you're looking to cover funeral expenses or leave a legacy.
Expecting mother dancing with child in kitchen

Life Insurance for Pregnant Women

Life insurance is an important consideration for pregnant women who want to help ensure financial security for both the mother and the unborn child. This guide will help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
An Asian family making dinner together and discussing what a contingent beneficiary is

What Is a Contingent Beneficiary?

A contingent beneficiary is someone who receives the proceeds of a life insurance policy if the primary beneficiary cannot, ensuring the distribution of assets according to the policyholder's wishes.
A happy family sharing the couch in a living room wondering is life insurance taxable

Is Life Insurance Taxable?

Life insurance death benefits are usually tax-free, except for large inheritances subject to federal estate taxes.
Woman drinking coffee, working at home, and researching insurance for the self-employed

Life Insurance for the Self-Employed

Life insurance for self-employed individuals provides financial protection for their families in the event of their death, helping to replace lost income and cover expenses.
Happy older couple exchanging Christmas gifts at home and wondering what is a 1035 exchange

What Is a 1035 Exchange?

A 1035 exchange is a tax-free transfer of assets between insurance products that allows policyholders to switch to a more suitable contract while deferring taxation on any gains.
Grandfather laughing with grandson after discussing a modified endowment contract

Understanding MEC Rules Impact on Life Insurance

Many don't know their life insurance could face adverse tax treatment, affecting financial plans and savings. Identify a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC) to avoid extra taxes and ensure your policy works best for you.
Young couple looking out at the harbor, symbolizing their insurance policy's free look period

What Is a Life Insurance "Free Look Period"?

Life insurance policies have a grace period, also known as a "free look period," during which you can review and evaluate a newly purchased policy without any financial risks. If you decide to cancel within this timeframe, you'll receive a full refund of any premiums paid, allowing you to make an informed decision without pressure.
mom cooks with daughter after researching difference between accidental death insurance and life insurance

What's the Difference Between Accidental Death Insurance & Life Insurance?

Accidental death insurance specifically covers death resulting from accidents, while life insurance provides broader coverage for most causes of death, making it important to choose the right policy for financial protection.
young couple reviews their budget and bills and thinks about canceling a life insurance policy

Should You Keep Your Life Insurance Policy During Tough Times?

It's important to carefully consider the long-term implications, such as potential financial burdens on your loved ones, before deciding to cancel your life insurance policy during tough times.
young father with dividend-paying whole life insurance policy plays soccer with his young son

What Is Dividend-Paying Whole Life Insurance?

Dividend-paying whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance policy that offers both a death benefit and the potential to receive dividends from the insurance company's profits. These dividends are not guaranteed and depend on the insurer's financial performance.
female doctor explains what to expect during the life insurance medical exam to her female patient

Life Insurance Medical Exam

Life insurance medical exams are necessary to gather accurate health information, determine risk category, and provide appropriate coverage based on the individual's health status.
daughter whispers to her dad sitting on park bench as he reviews his family’s life insurance needs

Is It Time to Review Your Life Insurance Needs?

Change is a part of life, but is your life insurance policy keeping up? Learn how a life insurance review could help you plan for the road ahead.
family meets real estate agent in front of house and considers mortgage protection with life insurance

How Life Insurance Helps Protect a Mortgage

Life insurance could help you keep your loved ones where they belong: at home. Learn more about mortgage protection with life insurance.
Brother playing with new sibling life insurance babies gift

Could Life Insurance for Babies Make the Perfect Gift?

Yes, life insurance for babies can make a perfect gift as it offers financial protection, potential growth in value, tax benefits, and the opportunity to provide a future gift for their own child.
mother and daughter read a book in her bedroom as mom considers buying permanent life insurance

What Is Permanent Life Insurance & Is It Right for You?

Permanent life insurance provides lifelong coverage and includes an investment component known as cash value. This type of policy offers both death benefits and a savings element, which can grow over time. Understanding how permanent life insurance works can help you make an informed decision about your financial future.
grandfather looks lovingly at his granddaughter as he considers buying multiple life insurance policies

Can You Have Multiple Life Insurance Policies?

Yes, you can have multiple life insurance policies. By strategically combining them, you can tailor coverage to different needs and ensure comprehensive protection for your loved ones and financial goals.
happy retired couple uses a tablet computer on the beach to research when should you get life insurance

When Should Retirees Get Life Insurance?

Retirees should evaluate their financial situation and specific needs to determine if obtaining life insurance is necessary to safeguard their loved ones' financial well-being.
Couple getting life insurance after career change

When Should Somebody Changing Careers Get Life Insurance?

It is important for individuals changing careers, especially primary breadwinners with dependents, to assess their life insurance needs and consider getting their own policy to help with financial protection and their peace of mind.
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