Though the basic idea behind all life insurance is the same, there is an entire subset of different types of life insurance that the potential policy buyer can consider. Ranging from the basic and straightforward protection policy to somewhat complex investment-style policies, these life insurance categories differ enough to suit almost any buyer. Below is a short guide to policy types, and how they might suit certain buyers.
The aforementioned straightforward policy type is colloquially known as “term” life insurance. In this agreement, a buyer contracts with an insurer for a set period of time. While they hold the policy, the buyer makes periodic payments to the insurer. In exchange, the insurer guarantees an agreed-upon sum of money to named beneficiaries if the policy holder passes away before that term expires. Within this category, there are several subtypes, usually varying according to the length of term (which can be anywhere from 5 to 35 years), agreed upon amount the policy is for and regular premium the buyer pays.
Investment style policies, meanwhile, take a less direct form of risk hedging against the policy holder’s passing. As opposed to having an agreed upon term, these policies can only expire when they are actually claimed. Because a payout is all but guaranteed, these policies are seen as a tool for savings and investment as opposed to pure insurance against the risk of death. Like term life insurance, this permanent category of insurance has a few separate subtypes, most notably whole life and universal life coverage. The details in these contract types differ, but they operate in much the same way. As the buyer pays the insurer, their policy’s “cash value” grows, which gives it more utility for the insured than just being a payout in the event of death. A policy of this nature can be borrowed against, cashed out, and even withdrawn from if need be. Of course, it is important to note that taking this kind of action reduces the entitlement of beneficiaries in the event of the policy holder’s passing.