Universal Life Insurance
Universal Life Insurance:
Pays a death benefit.
A form of permanent insurance.
Coverage can last for your lifetime.Cash value component that is separate from the death benefit.
Flexible premium payments.
More affordable than whole life insurance.
Living Benefits Riders
Allows the insured to use some of the death benefits before death.
Terminal illness
Many insurance providers include at no extra cost.
Also called accelerated death benefits, this rider can help provide funds if you receive a terminal diagnosis that shortens your life expectancy to two years or less.
Critical illness
May include an additional fee.
This can provide funds to help pay medical expenses for certain qualifying illnesses that have high medical costs and shortened life expectancy.
Chronic illness
May include an additional fee.
This is like a critical illness rider but applies if you are diagnosed with a chronic illness that prevents you from being able to complete at least two of six determined "activities of daily living" (ADLs). These ADLs include eating, bathing, using the bathroom, getting dressed, transferring, and continence.
Not all term policies include living benefits.
Additional Common Riders
Conversion or Guaranteed Insurability Rider
Allows policyholders to "convert" a term life insurance policy to a permanent policy without having to take a medical exam or go through any underwriting.
Accidental Death Rider
Pays additional death benefit if insured dies as the result of an accident.Waiver of Premium Rider
Future premiums are waived if the insured becomes permanently disabled.Child Term Rider
Provides death benefit in case a child dies before a specified age.
The coverage is convertible once the child reaches maturity.
What can I expect when applying for life insurance?
Application
This can be done using paper or online. Some companies offer both means of processing applications and some only one. In many cases, it depends on the product you are applying for.Paramedical exam
In most cases, the examiner will collect blood and urine samples. They will weigh you, check your blood pressure and ask additional personal medical questions.
Can you avoid a medical exam?
Yes, there are ways to avoid taking a medical exam. One way is to consider applying for simplified issue term insurance.
I don't believe I can qualify for life insurance. What are my options?
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance is your best option if you cannot qualify for life insurance. You do not answer any medical questions or undergo a medical exam.