|
Life insurance offers financial protection for personal assets, savings and family futures. A life insurance policy can relieve the financial burden placed on families after death of a loved one. The types of policies available on the market differ, and it is important to understand what is available before making a purchase.
Insurance companies offer two primary types of life insurance: whole life and term life policies. While both offer a death benefit, the policies have different features. Knowing whether term or whole life offers the best financial protection is a matter of understand personal finances.
Whole life policies have been on the market for a very long time. In many families, parents obtained a whole life policy for children when they were born. Whole life policies are intended to cover the policyholder for their entire life. Periodic payments are made to the insurance company, and the total amount of the death benefit is paid to beneficiaries when the policyholder dies. Whole life policies come in a variety of monetary values, which policyholders can choose, depending on their expected needs.
In addition to the death benefit, whole life policies also collect a cash value. Part of all periodic premium payments made goes toward an investment for the policyholder. Once the cash value has reached a specified amount, the policyholder can use it as an asset, for a cash advance from the policy or as collateral for a loan.
Term life policies are typically cheaper than a whole life policy, but do not collect a cash value. A term life policy is intended to protect a policyholder for a specific period of time. Policyholders can select the amount of coverage they want, along with the amount of time they want to be protected by the policy.
The death benefit of a term life policy pays in the same way a whole life policy pays. If the policyholder dies during the term of the policy, the beneficiaries will receive the face value of the policy. At the end of the term, the policyholder typically has the option to extend the policy, or let the policy terminate. Once the policy is terminated, the policyholder is no longer covered.
Choosing the right type of policy depends on individual and family needs. Life insurance offers powerful protection, and can provide financial protection for everyone. Companies offering whole life and term life policies offer a number of life insurance products, and can provide the perfect coverage for any individual or family.
 |
