What is Life Insurance and How Does It Work?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Life insurance is a policy that pays a death benefit to beneficiaries after the policyholder passes, providing financial security for loved ones.¹
There are several types of life insurance policies, each of which may have different features and customizations available.
Aflac offers term, whole, and final expense life insurance policies for individuals with comprehensive coverage that can help you meet your financial planning needs.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a policy that helps protect your beneficiaries if you pass away by paying them a lump sum, known as a death benefit. In exchange, you pay regular premiums to maintain coverage. The goal of life insurance is to provide loved ones with an added safety net in case you pass away. It can help them cover lost income, pay debts or funeral expenses, save for emergencies, and fund long-term financial goals like college.

Life insurance features

Life insurance policies may contain several features, including the following:

Death benefit

The death benefit, also called the face amount, is the amount the insurer pays to beneficiaries if the policyholder passes during the policy term. Beneficiaries should file a claim with the life insurance company after the policyholder passes away to claim the death benefit.

Premium

Premiums are the amounts the policyholder pays to maintain their coverage. Without paying premiums, the policy can lapse, causing the policyholder to lose coverage. Most insurers allow policyholders to pay premiums annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly.²

Coverage length

Coverage length, or term length, is the time the life insurance policy is active. Some policies, such as term life insurance, only last for a fixed period, while permanent policies last for life.

Cash value

Cash value is a growth component of permanent life insurance that allows you to build wealth through your life insurance policy. The insurer puts part of each premium payment into the cash value, growing tax-deferred at a rate that varies by policy type. As this component grows, you can borrow or withdraw from it. If you surrender your policy, you get your cash value back minus surrender charges.

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Types of life insurance policies

Term life insurance

A term life plan covers you for a period, typically from 10 to 30 years.³ If you pass away while the plan is active, your beneficiaries can file a claim to get the death benefit. However, your policy will expire if you live through the policy term. You must renew your term policy or apply for a new one to keep your coverage. Term life insurance premiums are typically lower when compared to the sizable death benefit. Aflac can help you get a term life insurance policy if you need coverage that fits your budget.

Whole life insurance

Whole life insurance is permanent, so it lasts for a lifetime and comes with cash value. The cash value accumulates at a fixed, guaranteed rate that depends on prevailing interest rates. This means the cash value grows more slowly, but you typically don’t have to worry about losses. If you’re looking for lifelong coverage and guaranteed cash value growth, Aflac can help you get a whole life insurance policy.

Final expense insurance

Final expense insurance is a smaller whole life plan that helps cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses. The death benefit is small, but premiums are typically lower, and there is typically no medical exam. These policies also cover you for life and offer cash value. Aflac final expense insurance comes with competitive premiums and lifelong coverage.

Universal life insurance

A universal life insurance plan is a form of permanent life insurance that lets you adjust your premiums and death benefit within limits. Raising your death benefit increases premiums, while lowering your premiums reduces your death benefit. Additionally, universal life insurance tends to cost less than whole life insurance.⁴ Universal life insurance may also let you pay premiums with cash value when it grows large enough. However, if the policy shrinks too much, coverage can lapse. Aflac does not offer universal life insurance.

Variable life insurance

Variable life insurance coverage operates the same way as universal life insurance. However, you can invest your cash value into individual securities, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. As a result, you can potentially enjoy faster growth. However, you also risk incurring losses. It’s smart to work with a financial advisor to select investments for your variable life insurance cash value. Aflac does not offer variable life insurance.

There are several common life insurance policy types, including:¹

Term life insurance

A term life insurance plan covers you for a specific time period, typically between 10 to 30 years.3 If you pass away while the plan is active, your beneficiaries can file a claim to get the death benefit. However, you must renew your term policy or apply for a new one if you outlive the term. Term life insurance premiums are typically lower than whole life insurance premiums. Aflac’s term life insurance for individuals can give you coverage that fits your budget.

Whole life insurance

Whole life insurance is permanent, so it lasts for a lifetime and comes with cash value. The cash value accumulates at a fixed, guaranteed rate that depends on prevailing interest rates. If you’re looking for lifelong coverage and guaranteed cash value growth, Aflac offers whole life insurance that can fit your goals.

Final expense insurance

Final expense insurance is a smaller whole life plan that helps cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses. The death benefit is small, but premiums are typically lower and policies do not require a medical exam. These policies also cover you for life and offer cash value. Aflac offers final expense insurance that comes with competitive premiums and lifelong coverage.

Universal life insurance

Universal life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance that lets you adjust your premiums and death benefit within limits. Raising your death benefit increases premiums, while lowering your premiums reduces your death benefit. Additionally, universal life insurance tends to cost less than whole life insurance.⁴

Who should get life insurance?

Many people can benefit from a life insurance policy. It’s never too late to determine when you should get life insurance and what your options are. However, there are a few instances where it can be particularly helpful for you and your loved ones:

If you have children or dependents: Life insurance could help provide financial protection for your kids or dependents when a main source of income dissolves. Should you get life insurance, you’ll want to determine how much your dependents would need if you were no longer around, how long you’ll need coverage for and the policy cost.
If you have a partner: Life insurance can help provide your partner or spouse with financial security. This may be especially beneficial if you have outstanding debts that will need to be paid off or when burial expenses arise.
If you’re a senior: Life insurance for seniors can also prove beneficial. The types of life insurance plans available will change as you get older, but they still can help provide for loved ones and help with funeral costs.⁵

How to get a life insurance policy

Here’s how to get a life insurance policy:

1. Decide which policy type fits your needs: Consider how long you need coverage and if you want additional wealth-building opportunities.
2. Determine how much coverage you need: Consider aiming for at least 10 times your annual salary.⁵ However, this can vary by family size, living expenses, financial goals, and more.
3. Shop around and compare quotes: This helps you find the lowest rates and best terms on the coverage you need.
4. Apply for the policy: Fill out the application online or in person. You may also need to schedule and take a medical exam.
5. Wait for underwriting: This can take several weeks. But keep in mind it may take only a few days if you apply for a no-exam policy. Regardless, you must wait until the insurer contacts you.
6. Sign the documents and pay your first premium: If you like the terms the insurer offers, sign the documents and pay your first premium.

Get a quote for Aflac life insurance

Life insurance can help protect your loved ones, build wealth and provide added peace of mind. There are many types available, making it easier to customize your coverage to your circumstances.

Aflac offers several life insurance policies for individuals, including final expense, term, and whole life insurance. Chat with an agent today to explore your options and find the best life insurance policy for your needs.

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