
Considering life insurance policy options can be a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in securing your loved ones' financial future.
There are many different types of life insurance policies to choose from, including term life and whole life insurance.
Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period of time, usually 10 to 30 years, and typically has lower premiums than whole life insurance.
Types of Life Insurance
If you're looking to purchase a life insurance policy, you have two main options: Term Life and Whole Life. Term Life insurance is available in 10-, 15-, 20-, or 30-year options.
Term Life insurance costs less upfront, but the death benefit is only payable if you pass away within the selected term period. The premium payments stay the same during the selected term period, and there's no cash value feature.
Whole Life insurance, on the other hand, stays in effect for your entire lifetime, as long as you make payments. The death benefit stays the same, and you can even borrow against the policy's cash value.
Here's a comparison of the two options:
Term

Term life insurance is a type of protection that offers affordable coverage for a set period, with the option to convert to a permanent policy.
This type of insurance is designed to provide financial support to your loved ones in case of your unexpected passing, and it's often less expensive than permanent life insurance policies.
You can choose the length of your term life insurance policy, which can range from a few years to several decades.
Term life insurance is often used to cover financial obligations such as mortgages, car loans, and other debts that may not be fully paid off during your lifetime.
The affordability of term life insurance makes it a popular choice for many people, especially those on a tight budget.
By understanding the specifics of term life insurance, you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for your needs.
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Financial Security
Financial security is the number one reason to get an insurance policy immediately. This financial assurance is not just for your loved ones but can help you achieve long-term goals.

Having a life insurance policy provides your family with a reserve of funds to fulfill both short-term and long-term needs. You can name one or more beneficiaries to receive the lump sum of the face value of your life insurance policy.
The significant tax respite in life insurance policies makes them an attractive option for building long-term wealth. If you are trying to save up for a particular goal, few investment options are as efficient as these.
Life insurance policies offer a death benefit, which pays a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you pass away. Most insurers pay the death benefits within a period of 30 days of the claim, and the sum awarded during death benefits is also exempted from taxes.
You can choose a term life insurance policy or a permanent life insurance policy, depending on your needs. Both types of policies offer financial security, but they differ in their duration and premiums.
Here are some examples of permanent life insurance policies that offer a death benefit and a cash value component:
- PruLife Essential UL
- PruLife Founders Plus UL
- Prudential Momentum IUL
- Prudential FlexGuard Life IVUL
- VUL Protector
- PruLife Custom Premier II
These policies can help you achieve long-term financial goals, such as saving for your children's education or retirement.
Why Life Insurance is Important

Purchasing a life insurance policy is especially vital if you're the sole earning member of your family. It's a crucial step in safeguarding their financial stability.
Getting the right policy can help avoid financial hurdles. This is especially important if you're the primary breadwinner.
Having a life insurance policy in place can cultivate a habit of saving. It's a mindset shift that can benefit you and your loved ones in the long run.
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Policy Features and Benefits
Life insurance policies offer a range of features and benefits that can help you achieve your long-term goals.
You can choose a policy with a fixed period, known as the policy tenure, which can be based on your retirement goals, such as retiring in 15 years.
Most insurers pay death benefits within 30 days of the claim, and this sum is exempt from taxes.
You can also opt for a policy that offers both death and maturity benefits, such as endowment life insurance, which can provide a tax-free method to grow your money.
If you're looking to provide an extra death benefit for your family, you can consider adding riders to your policy, such as child term riders or accidental death benefits.
Worth a look: House Insurance after Death of Policyholder
Term vs. Whole

If you're considering life insurance, you're probably wondering about the differences between term life and whole life policies. Term life insurance is generally less expensive and provides coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 15, 20, or 30 years.
The cost of term life insurance is lower than whole life insurance, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget. However, the death benefit is only payable if you pass away within the term period you select.
One of the key benefits of term life insurance is that premium payments stay the same during the selected term period. This can be a big plus for those who want to budget their insurance costs. On the other hand, whole life insurance provides a death benefit that stays the same as long as you make payments, and it also builds a cash value over time.
Here's a comparison of term and whole life insurance in a nutshell:
Ultimately, the choice between term life and whole life insurance depends on your individual needs and financial goals. If you're looking for a more affordable option with a specific coverage period, term life might be the way to go. But if you want a policy that provides lifetime coverage and builds cash value, whole life could be the better choice.
Universal

Universal life insurance offers flexible premium payments and the potential to build cash value while earning a minimum interest rate. This type of insurance allows you to adjust your premium payments as your income changes, making it a great option for those with fluctuating incomes.
A death benefit with no-lapse guarantees is another key feature of universal life insurance. This means that your policy will not lapse as long as you continue to pay your premiums, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Indexed universal life insurance is a type of universal life insurance that offers various crediting options for cash value growth potential. This means that your cash value can grow based on the performance of a specific index, such as the S&P 500.
Here are some popular types of universal life insurance:
- PruLife Essential UL
- PruLife Founders Plus UL
- Prudential Momentum IUL
- Prudential FlexGuard Life IVUL
- VUL Protector
These policies can provide a death benefit, as well as cash value growth potential, making them a great option for those looking for a comprehensive life insurance policy.

Universal life insurance can also be used to provide a tax-free method to grow your money. This is especially useful for those who want to save for long-term goals, such as retirement or a down payment on a house.
Overall, universal life insurance is a great option for those who want a flexible and comprehensive life insurance policy that can provide both a death benefit and cash value growth potential.
Here's an interesting read: How to Open a Index Universal Life Insurance Policy
Tax-Saving
Life insurance plans offer a tax break on premiums and payout amounts, making them an attractive investment option. The Income Tax Act of 1961 considers life insurance a tax-free investment, with no deductions for payments made or withdrawn.
This tax benefit can add up over time, making life insurance a savvy financial choice.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Selling Life Insurance Policy Tax Consequences
If You Become Seriously Ill
If you become seriously ill, a rider can help. This rider accelerates your death benefit while you're alive, allowing you to use the money in any way you want.
Related reading: A Rider Attached to a Life Insurance Policy

You'll need additional underwriting and pay an extra cost to add the rider to your policy. If both people insured by the policy become chronically or terminally ill at the same time, or if the survivor becomes chronically or terminally ill, this rider can help.
There are specific criteria that need to be met for the rider to take effect. If you're diagnosed with a terminal illness or need a vital organ transplant or expect to be permanently confined to a nursing home, this rider can also help.
Here are some policies that offer this rider:
- Term Essential
- PruTerm One
- PruLife Essential UL
- PruLife Founders Plus UL
- Prudential Momentum IUL
- Prudential FlexGuard Life IVUL
- VUL Protector
- PruLife Custom Premier II
The Terminal Illness Rider is available without an extra premium, but obtaining benefits under the terms of the rider will reduce and may eliminate the death benefit.
For another approach, see: Term Life Insurance Rider
Policy Planning and Selection
Choosing the right life insurance policy can be a daunting task, but it's essential to get it right. Ensure your future with a term plan by considering your financial security as the top priority.

Financial security is the number one reason to get an insurance policy immediately. This financial assurance is not just for your loved ones but can also help you achieve long-term goals.
To choose the best policy for your needs, you must assess several factors in detail, including the face value, duration, and premiums.
Having clarity on your maturity period will help you select a policy that caters explicitly to your needs. The policy tenure should be based on your long-term financial goals and affordability.
The significant tax respite in life insurance policies makes them an attractive option for building long-term wealth. If you are trying to save up for a particular goal, few investment options are as efficient as these.
To determine the right policy for you, use a life insurance calculator to help assess your needs.
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Policy Riders and Add-ons
If you're looking to purchase a life insurance policy, you'll want to consider adding a Terminal Illness Rider to your policy. This rider is available without an extra premium, and it can accelerate your death benefit if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness.
For another approach, see: How Much Critical Illness Cover Do I Need

The Terminal Illness Rider can be added to a variety of policies, including EssentialTerm, PruTerm One, and PruLife Essential UL. You'll need to go through additional underwriting and pay an extra cost to add the rider to your policy.
Some policies, like PruLife Custom Premier II, may not charge a fee to add the rider, but you'll only be charged if you use it. The rider is not available in all states, so be sure to check your state's laws before purchasing.
Here are some policies that offer the Terminal Illness Rider:
- Term Essential
- PruTerm One
- PruLife Essential UL
- PruLife Founders Plus UL
- Prudential Momentum IUL
- Prudential FlexGuard Life IVUL
- VUL Protector
- PruLife Custom Premier II
Survivorship Benefit Rider
The Survivorship Benefit Rider is a type of policy rider that can provide financial support to a beneficiary when the primary policyholder passes away.
This rider can be added to a life insurance policy, annuity, or other types of insurance contracts, and it typically pays out a portion of the policy's death benefit to the beneficiary.
The Survivorship Benefit Rider can be a valuable addition to a policy, especially for couples who are jointly insured or for families with multiple dependents.
Broaden your view: Who Receives the Death Benefit from a Life Insurance Policy

It's worth noting that the specifics of the Survivorship Benefit Rider can vary depending on the insurance company and the policy type, so it's essential to review the policy details carefully.
A key benefit of the Survivorship Benefit Rider is that it can help ensure that the beneficiary receives a steady income or a lump sum payment after the policyholder's passing, which can be a significant help during a difficult time.
The amount of the payment will depend on the terms of the policy and the insurance company's rules.
Recommended read: Juvenile Life Insurance Policy Rider
Terminal Illness Rider
The Terminal Illness Rider is a valuable feature that can provide financial relief when it's most needed. This rider is available without an extra premium and can accelerate your death benefit if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness.
To qualify for benefits, you'll need a licensed physician to certify that you're terminally ill, which means you have a life expectancy of six months or less. The rider may not cover all of the costs associated with terminal illness, but it can help with some of the expenses.
The Terminal Illness Rider is a life insurance accelerated death benefit product, and it's generally not subject to health insurance requirements. However, tax laws related to the receipt of accelerated death benefits are complex, and benefits may be taxable in certain circumstances.
If you're considering adding this rider to your policy, you should consult tax and legal advisors prior to initiating any claim. The rider form number may vary depending on your state, and you can find the specific form number on your policy documents.
The following policies have the Terminal Illness Rider as an available feature: Term Essential, PruTerm One, PruLife Essential UL, PruLife Founders Plus UL, Prudential Momentum IUL, Prudential FlexGuard Life IVUL, VUL Protector, and PruLife Custom Premier II.
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Policy Contract and Risk Management
Life insurance policies are contracts between you and the insurer, with clear roles defined for both parties. You, the insured, promise to pay premiums semi-annually or annually, while the insurer promises to pay a lump sum in case of your demise or policy maturity.
For more insights, see: Can You Pay off a Whole Life Insurance Policy Early
The insurer's liability is tied to your premium payments, so make sure to stay on top of those payments to ensure the policy remains valid. If you're regular with your payments, the insurer will pay out as promised.
The life insurance pool stores your premiums alongside those of other users, creating a shared risk mechanism. This means that if one policyholder passes away, the pool's funds are allocated to their family.
Provides Liability Coverage
Life insurance provides a safety net for your loved ones in case of unexpected expenses. This can include debts that may linger even after your passing.
Your family might be left with unpaid credit, such as mortgages or car loans, which can be a significant burden. Life insurance can help cover these liabilities.
Having a life insurance policy can give you peace of mind, knowing that your family's financial stability is protected. This can be especially important when you're taking on significant financial responsibilities, like buying a home or a new car.
Life insurance operates on a risk-sharing mechanism, where premiums are collected and stored in a pool with the premiums of other users. This means that every user shares a risk, and if one policyholder passes away, their family receives a payout.
A unique perspective: What Happens If You Stop Paying Whole Life Insurance Premiums
Insured and Insurer Contract

The insured and insurer contract is a crucial aspect of life insurance policies. The insured is the person who pays premiums according to the contract conditions.
The insurer is the other party that promises to pay a lump sum to the insured or their beneficiaries in case of their demise or policy maturity.
The insurer's liability is clear: they must pay the agreed amount if the insured passes away or reaches the end of the policy term, provided the premiums are paid on time.
Check this out: A Life Insurance Policy Is a Unilateral Contract Because
Frequently Asked Questions
What is purchasing a life insurance policy in order to avoid a forced sale of assets upon death?
Purchasing a life insurance policy to avoid a forced sale of assets upon death is called estate funding. This strategy helps ensure your loved ones can keep your assets without having to sell them to pay off debts.
Which of the following is true about mandatory free look in a life insurance policy?
The mandatory free look provision allows you to return a policy for a full refund if you're not satisfied. This provision typically applies to policies purchased within a specified time frame, usually 10-30 days.
Sources
- https://www.coloniallife.com/individuals/products/life-insurance
- https://www.pnbmetlife.com/articles/protection/why-life-insurance-is-important.html
- https://www.prudential.com/personal/life-insurance
- https://www.nationallife.com/Resource-center/FAQ/Individuals-and-Families
- https://www.prudential.com/personal/life-insurance/find-life-insurance-policy/life-insurance-riders
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