Insurance Glossary

Accelerated death benefits

An insurance policy with an accelerated death benefits provision will pay - under certain conditions - all or part of the policy death benefits while the policyholder is still alive. These conditions include proof that the policyholder is terminally ill with a life expectancy of less than 12 months, has a specified life-threatening disease or is in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home. For group term life policies or certificates, the amount of accelerated benefit is limited by law to the greatest of $25,000 or 50 percent of the death benefit. By accepting an accelerated benefit payment, a person could be ruled ineligible for Medicaid or other government benefits. The proceeds may also be taxable.

Accident

An unforeseen, unintended event.

Accident-only policies

Policies that pay only in cases arising from an accident or injury.

Actual cash value (ACV)

The value of your property, based on the current cost to replace it minus depreciation. Also see "replacement cost."

Adjuster

An individual employed by an insurer to evaluate losses and settle policyholder claims. Also see "public insurance adjuster."

Administrative expense charge

An amount deducted, usually monthly, from the policy.

Annuitant

A person who receives the payments from an annuity during his or her lifetime.

Annuity

A contract in which the buyer deposits money with a life insurance company for investment. The contract provides for specific payments to be made at regular intervals for a fixed period or for life.

Annuity certain

An annuity that provides a benefit amount payable for a specified period of time regardless of whether the annuitant lives or dies.

Annuity period

The time span between the benefit payments made under an annuity contract.

Application

A form to be filled out with personal information that an insurance company will use to decide whether to issue a policy and how much to charge.

Assignment

The transfer of all or part of a policy owner´s legal title and rights to a policy to another person. It is possible to change this type of transfer at a later date.

Beneficiary 

The person, people, or entity designated to receive the death benefits from a life insurance policy or annuity contract.

Binder 

A temporary insurance contract that provides proof of coverage until a permanent policy is issued.

Bodily injury (BI) 

Physical injury to a person, including death.

Cancellation 

Termination of an insurance policy by the company or insured before the renewal date.

Capitation 

A system where an HMO pays a doctor or hospital a flat monthly fee for the care of each health plan member whether or not any services are delivered.

Carrier 

A company or HMO that provides health care coverage.

Cash surrender option 

Nonforfeiture option that specifies the policy owner can cancel the coverage and receive the entire net cash value in a lump sum.

Cash value 

The amount of money the life insurance policy owner will receive as a refund if the policy owner cancels the coverage and returns the policy to the company. Also called "cash surrender value."

Certificates of coverage 

Printed material showing members of a group health benefit plan the benefits provided by the group master policy.

Churning 

This can occur when an agent persuades a consumer to borrow against an existing life insurance policy to pay the premium on a new one.

Claimant 

A person who makes an insurance claim.

Claim 

A policyholder's request for reimbursement from an insurance company under a home insurance policy for a loss to property.

Coinsurance maximum 

The most you will have to pay in coinsurance during a policy period (usually a year) before your health plan begins paying 100 percent of the cost of your covered health services. The coinsurance maximum generally does not apply to copayments or other expenses you might be required to pay.

Coinsurance 

The percentage of each health care bill a person must pay out of their own pocket. Non-covered charges and deductibles are in addition to this amount.

Collision coverage 

Pays for damage to a car without regard to who caused an accident. The company must pay for the repair or up to the actual cash value of the vehicle, minus the deductible.

Complaint history 

Information collected or maintained by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) relating to the number of complaints received against a particular insurer, agent, or premium finance company and the disposition of the complaints.

Complaint 

A written communication primarily expressing a grievance against an insurance company or agent.

Comprehensive coverage (physical damage other than collision) 

Pays for damage to or loss of your automobile from causes other than accidents. These include hail, vandalism, flood, fire, and theft.

Conditional receipt 

A premium receipt given to an applicant that makes a life and health insurance policy effective only if or when a specified condition is met.

Contestable period 

A period of up to two years during which a life insurance company may deny payment of a claim because of suicide or a material misrepresentation on an application.

Contingent beneficiary 

Another party or parties who will receive the life insurance proceeds if the primary beneficiary should predecease the person whose life is insured.

Contract 

In most cases, an insurance policy. A policy is considered to be a contract between the insurance company and the policyholder.

Conversion privilege 

The right to change (convert) insurance coverage from one type of policy to another. For example, the right to change from an individual term insurance policy to an individual whole life insurance policy.

Coordination of benefits 

A group plan provision that stipulates the primary carrier when you have more than one health plan. This ensures that payments made by the carriers do no exceed the cost of the services provided.

Copayment 

The amount you must pay out of your own pocket when you receive medical care or a prescription drug. Copayments usually refer to set fees that insurance companies charge to access health care services.

Credit life insurance 

This is a special type of coverage usually designed to pay off a loan or charge account balance if the policyholder dies. Some lenders or sellers may require credit life insurance before they will approve a loan. If credit life is required, the lender or seller cannot require the policyholder to purchase it from them or a particular insurance company. If the policyholder has an existing life policy, the creditor has to accept an assignment of benefits under their existing policy instead of requiring them to purchase a credit life policy. Credit life insurance premium rates for loans of 10 years or less are regulated by TDCI, but premium rates for loans that are more than 10 years old are unregulated.

Death benefit 

Amount paid to the beneficiary upon the death of the insured.

Declarations page 

The page in a policy that shows the name and address of the insurer, the period of time a policy is in force, the amount of the premium, and the amount of coverage.

Deductible 

The amount the insured must pay in a loss before any payment is due from the company.

Deferred annuity 

An annuity under which the annuity payment period is scheduled to begin at some future date.

Depreciation 

Decrease in the value of property over time due to use or wear and tear.

Diminished Value

the real or perceived reduction in market value of a vehicle as a result of damage sustained due to involvement in an accident.

Disability benefits 

Insurance company coverage that pays for lost wages when you are unable to work because of an illness or injury.

Dread disease policies 

Policies that pay only if you contract the illness specified in the policy. (Also called specified disease policies.)

Earned premium 

The portion of a policy premium that has been used to actually buy coverage, or that the insurance company has "earned." For instance, if a policyholder has a six-month policy that was paid for in advance, two months into the policy, there would be two months of earned premium. The remaining four months of premium is "unearned premium."

Effective date 

The date on which an insurance policy becomes effective.

Eligible employee 

An employee who meets the eligibility requirements for coverage in a group plan. To be eligible to join a small group plan, you usually must work full-time for at least 30 hours a week. Some group plans may require employees to be a certain pay grade or job classification to be eligible for coverage.

Emergency care 

Health care services provided in a hospital emergency facility or comparable facility to evaluate and stabilize sudden and severe medical conditions.

Endorsement 

A written agreement attached to a policy expanding or limiting the benefits otherwise payable under the policy. Also called a "rider."

ERISA plan 

Health plans created under the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974. These plans are self-funded, which means that claims are paid strictly from employer contributions and employee premiums. ERISA plans are administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. (Also known as a self-funded plan.)

Escrow 

Money placed in the hands of a third party until specified conditions are met.

Evidence of insurability 

To qualify for a particular policy at a particular price, companies have the right to ask for information about health and lifestyle. An insurance company will use this information

Exclusions or limitations 

Provisions that exclude or limit coverage of certain named diseases, medical conditions, or services, as well as some sicknesses or accidents that occur under specified circumstances.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

similar to an HMO, but with network only benefits

Expiration date 

The date on which an insurance policy expires.

Extended term insurance option 

A policy provision that provides the option of continuing the existing amount of insurance as term insurance for as long a period of time as the contract's cash value will purchase.

Face value 

The initial amount of death benefit provided by the policy as shown on the face page of the contract. The actual death benefit may be higher or lower depending on the options selected, outstanding policy loans, or premium owed.

First

A claim filed by an insured against his or her own insurance policy.

Free examination period 

Also known as "10-day free look" or "free look," it is the time period after a life insurance policy, annuity policy or health insurance policy is delivered during which the policy owner may review it and return it to the company for a full refund of the initial premium.

Gap insurance 

Insurance that pays the difference between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the amount still to be paid on the loan. Some gap policies may also cover the amount of the deductible.

Grace period(s) 

The time - usually 31 days - during which a policy remains in force after the premium is due but not paid. The policy lapses as of the day the premium was originally due unless the premium is paid before the end of the 31 days or the insured dies.

Grievance procedure 

The appeal process an HMO or health insurance company provides for you to protest a decision regarding medical necessity or claim payment.

Group life insurance 

This type of life insurance provides coverage to a group of people under one contract. Most group contracts are sold to businesses that want to provide life insurance for their employees. Group life insurance can also be sold to associations to cover their members and to lending institutions to cover the amounts of their debtor loans. Most group policies are for term insurance. Generally, the business will be issued a master policy and each person in the group will receive a certificate of insurance.

Group of companies 

Several insurance companies under common ownership and often common management.

Guaranteed renewable 

Policies that may not be non-renewed or canceled, except in certain cases. An insurer may cancel a guaranteed renewable policy for failure to pay premiums, fraud, or intentional material misrepresentation. It also may cancel your policy if the company formally leaves the individual or group health market.

Health benefit plan 

In most cases, health care services provided to employees by an employer. It can be an indemnity plan or an HMO plan.

Health care reimbursement accounts 

Although not an insurance benefit, these accounts allow you to set aside pre tax dollars to pay for medical care or medical costs not covered by your regular health benefit plan.

Health maintenance organization (HMO) 

Managed care plans that provide health care services to their members through networks of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. HMOs are popular alternatives to traditional health care plans offered by insurance companies because they cover a wide variety of services, usually at a lower cost.

Hospital confinement policies 

Policies that pay a fixed amount each day you are in the hospital.

Incontestability 

A provision that places a time limit up to two years on a life insurance company´s right to deny payment of a claim because of suicide or a material misrepresentation on your application.

Independent adjuster 

A person who charges a fee to an insurance company to adjust the company´s claim.

Independent Review Organization (IRO) 

If your health insurer or HMO declines to pay for health care you believe is medically necessary or appropriate, you may request that it contact TDI and request that an independent group (IRO) review the decision. An IRO review is not required for self funded ERISA plans. Unless your condition is life threatening, you must complete the standard appeal process before requesting an IRO review. IROs are not affiliated with your health plan. The health plan must pay for treatment the IRO determines is necessary.

Inflation protection 

Automatically adjusts home insurance policy limits to account for increases in the costs to repair or rebuild a property.

Inpatient medical care 

Medical and surgical care usually received in a hospital or skilled nursing home environment.

Insurable interest 

Any financial interest a person has in the property or person insured. In life insurance, a person´s or party´s interest financial or emotional in the continuing life of the insured.

Insured 

The person or organization covered by an insurance policy.

Insurer 

The insurance company.

Interpleader 

This is a procedure when conflicting claims are made on a life insurance policy by two or more people. Using this procedure the insurance company pays the policy proceeds to a court, stating the company cannot determine the correct party to whom the proceeds should be paid.

Irrevocable beneficiary 

A named beneficiary whose rights to life insurance policy proceeds are vested and whose rights cannot be canceled by the policy owner unless the beneficiary consents.

Justified complaint 

A complaint that exposes an apparent violation of a policy provision, contract provision, rule, or statute; or which indicates a practice or service that a prudent layperson would regard as below customary business or medical standards.

Lapse 

The termination of an insurance policy because a renewal premium is not paid by the end of the grace period.

Liability coverage

Covers losses that an insured is legally liable. For homeowners insurance, for example, liability coverage protects the policyholder against financial loss if they are sued and found legally responsible for someone else's injury or property damage.

Liability insurance 

An auto insurance coverage that pays for injuries to the other party and damages to the other vehicle resulting from an accident the policyholder caused. It also pays if the accident was caused by someone covered by the policyholder's policy, including a driver operating the car with their permission.

Liability 

Responsibility to another for one´s negligence that results in injury or damage.

Long-term care benefits

Coverage that provides help for people when they are unable to care for themselves because of prolonged illness or disability. Benefits are triggered by specific findings of "cognitive impairment" or inability to perform certain actions known as "Activities of Daily Living." Benefits can range from help with daily activities while recuperating at home to skilled nursing care provided in a nursing home.

Loss history 

Refers to the number of insurance claims previously filed by a policyholder. A company will consider loss history when underwriting a new policy or considering a renewal of an existing policy. Companies view loss history as an indication of the likelihood that an insured will file a claim in the future.

Loss of use 

A provision in homeowners and renters insurance policies that reimburses policyholders for the additional costs (housing, food, and other essentials) of having to live elsewhere while the home is being restored following a disaster.

Loss 

The amount an insurance company pays on a claim.

Major medical policies 

Health care policies that usually cover both hospital stays and physicians´ services in and out of the hospital.

Managed health care 

A system that organizes physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers into networks with the goal of lowering costs while still providing appropriate medical services. Many managed care systems focus on preventive care and case management to avoid treating more costly illnesses.

Mandated benefits 

Health care benefits that state or federal law says must be included in health care plans.

Mandated offerings 

Health care benefits that must be offered to the employer or organization sponsoring a group policy. The sponsor is not required to include the benefits in its group plan.

Market value 

The current value of an item. The market value of a home includes the price of land.

Material misrepresentation 

A significant misstatement on an application form. If a company had access to the correct information at the time of application, the company might not have agreed to accept the application.

Maximum out-of-pocket expense

The maximum amount someone covered under a health care plan must pay during a certain period for expenses covered by the plan. Until the maximum is reached, the person covered is required to pay a copayment or a percentage on each claim.

Medical payments and personal injury protection (PIP) 

Both auto insurance coverages pay limited medical and funeral expenses if the policyholder, a family member, or a passenger in the car is injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. PIP also pays lost

Medically necessary care 

Health care that results from illness or injury or is otherwise authorized by the health care plan. This term can be defined differently from one health care plan to another.

Mortality charge 

The cost of the insurance protection element of a universal life policy. This cost is based on the net amount at risk under the policy, the insured´s risk classification at the time of policy purchase, and the insured´s current age.

Mortality expenses 

The cost of the insurance protection based upon actuarial tables which are based upon the incidence of death, by age, among given groups of people. This cost is based on the amount at risk under the policy, the insured´s risk classification at the time of policy purchase, and the insured´s current age.

Multiple employer plans 

Benefit plans that serve employees of more than one employer and are set up under terms of a collective bargaining agreement.

Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs) 

In general, employee association plans (not set up under a collective bargaining agreement) that provide benefits to employees of more than one employer. If the MEWA assumes all or part of the plan´s insurance risk, it must be licensed by TDCI.

Named driver policy 

An auto insurance policy that doesn't provide coverage for an individual residing in a named insured 's household specifically unless the individual is named on the policy. The term includes an auto insurance policy that has been endorsed to provide coverage only for drivers specifically named on the policy.

Named person exclusion 

An endorsement to an auto insurance policy that provides that a policy does not cover losses when a specifically named person is the party involved in the loss.

Network 

All physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other providers who have agreed to provide medical care to insured under terms of the contract with an HMO or insurance company.

Non network providers 

Health care providers and treatment facilities not under contract with the HMO or insurance company.

Non owners policy 

Auto insurance coverage that offers liability, uninsured motorist, and medical payments to a named insured who does not own a vehicle.

Non renewal 

A decision by an insurance company not to renew a policy.

Nonparticipating policy 

A life insurance policy that does not grant the policy owner the right to policy dividends.

Out of network services 

Health care services from providers not in an HMO´s or a PPO´s network. Except in certain situations, HMOs will only pay for care received from within its network. If you´re in a PPO plan, you will have to pay more to receive services outside the PPO´s network.

Out of pocket maximum 

The most you will have to pay during a policy period (usually a year) before you no longer have to pay your share of coinsurance for covered health services. Once you've reached your out-of-pocket maximum, your health plan generally pays 100 percent of your health care costs. You are still responsible for paying your premium.

Outpatient services 

Services usually provided in clinics, physician or provider offices, hospital based outpatient departments, home health services, ambulatory surgical centers, hospices, and kidney dialysis centers.

Paid up additions 

Additional amounts of life insurance purchased using dividends; these insurance amounts require no further premium payments.

Paid up 

This event occurs when a life insurance policy will not require any further premiums to keep the coverage in force.

Peril 

A specific risk or cause of loss covered by a property insurance policy, such as a fire, windstorm, flood, or theft. A named peril policy covers the policyholder only for the risks named in the policy. An all risk policy covers all causes of loss except those specifically excluded.

Personal property 

All tangible property (other than land) that is either temporary or movable in some way, such as furniture, jewelry, electronics, etc.

Personal Risk Insurance

Insurance on family dwellings of not more than four units, household goods, farm premises, buildings, machinery, equipment or livestock, private passenger vehicles, and watercraft.

Policy loan 

An advance made by a life insurance company to a policy owner. The advance is secured by the cash value of the policy.

Policy owner 

The person or party who owns an individual insurance policy. This person may be the insured, the beneficiary, or another person. The policy owner usually is the one who pays the premium and is the only person who may make changes to a policy.

Policy period 

The period a policy is in force, from the beginning or effective date to the expiration date.

Policy 

The contract issued by the insurance company to the insured.

Pre existing condition 

A medical problem or illness you had before applying for health care coverage.

Precertification 

A requirement that the health care plan must approve, in advance, certain medical procedures. Precertification means the procedure is approved as medically necessary, not approved for payment.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) 

A type of plan in which physicians, hospitals, and other providers agree to discount rates for an insurance company. These providers are part of the PPO´s network. Insurance contracts with PPO provisions reimburse at a higher percentage if you use providers in the network. If you go to providers outside the PPO´s network, you will have to pay more for your care.

Premium load 

An amount deducted from each life insurance premium payment, which reduces the amount credited to the policy.

Premium 

The amount paid by an insured to an insurance company to obtain or maintain an insurance policy.

Preventive care 

Health care services such as routine physical examinations and immunizations that are intended to prevent illnesses before they occur.

Property damage (PD) 

Physical damage to property.

Provider network 

All the doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers who agree to provide medical care to members under terms of a contract with the HMO or insurance company.

Provider 

A hospital, pharmacist, registered nurse, organization, institution, or person licensed to provide health care services in Tennessee. A physician also may be referred to as a provider. The term provider is often used collectively to refer to individual or facilities who provide health services.

Public insurance adjuster 

An individual employed by a policyholder to negotiate a claim with the insurance company in exchange for a percentage of the claim settlement. Public insurance adjusters must be licensed by TDCI.

Rated policy 

A policy issued at a higher premium to cover a person classified as a greater than average risk, usually due to impaired health or a dangerous occupation.

Refund 

An amount of money returned to the policyholder for overpayment of premium or if the policyholder is due unearned premium.

Reinstatement 

The process by which a life insurance company puts a policy back in force after it lapsed because of nonpayment of renewal premiums.

Renewal 

Continuation of a policy after its expiration date.

Rental reimbursement coverage 

Auto insurance coverage that pays a set daily amount for a rental car if the policyholder's car is being repaired because of damage covered by the auto policy.

Renters insurance 

A form of property insurance that covers a policyholder's belongings against perils. It also provides personal liability coverage and additional living expenses. Possessions can be covered for their replacement cost or the actual cash value, which includes depreciation.

Replacement cost 

Insurance coverage that pays the dollar amount needed to replace the structure or damaged personal property without deducting for depreciation but limited by the policy's maximum dollar amount.

Rescission 

The termination of an insurance contract by the insurer when material misrepresentation has occurred.

Return premium 

A portion of the premium returned to a policy owner as a result of cancelation, rate adjustment, or a calculation that an advance premium was in excess of the actual premium.

Rider 

A written agreement attached to the policy expanding or limiting the benefits otherwise payable under the policy. Also called an "endorsement."

Rule of 78 

This is a method for calculating the amount of unused premium that takes into account the fact that more insurance coverage is required in the early months of the loan, since the payoff of the loan is greater. As the loan is paid off, less coverage is being paid for, so the refund percentage decreases.

Self funded plans 

Plans funded strictly from employer contributions and employee premiums. These plans are authorized by the federal Employee Retirement and Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 and are regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor. State regulation of these plans is limited. Although an insurance company may be hired to administer the plan, the insurance company assumes no risk. (Also known as ERISA plans.)

Service area 

The counties, or portions of counties, where an HMO or PPO provides coverage.

Single premium whole life policy 

A type of limited payment policy that requires only one premium payment.

Skilled nursing care 

Care needed after a serious illness. It is available 24 hours a day from skilled medical personnel such as registered nurses or professional therapists. A doctor orders skilled nursing care as part of a treatment plan.

Specified disease policies 

Policies that pay only if you contract the illness specified in the policy. (Also called dread disease policies.)

Subrogation 

Assignment of rights of recovery from insured.

Suicide clause 

Life insurance policy wording which specifies that the proceeds of the policy will not be paid if the insured takes his or her own life within a specified period of time after the policy´s date of issue.

Surcharge 

An extra charge added to a premium by an insurance company. For automobile insurance, a surcharge is usually added if a policyholder has at fault accidents.

Surplus lines 

Coverage from out of state companies not licensed in Texas but legally eligible to sell insurance on a "surplus lines" basis. Surplus lines companies generally charge more than licensed companies and often offer less coverage.

Surrender charges 

Charges that are deducted if a life insurance policy or annuity is cashed in (surrendered). These charges also are deducted if the policyholder borrows money on the policy or if the policy lapses for non

Telemetric Device

A devices installed on a vehicle that records and transmits data to the insurance company how the vehicle is driven. Data captured includes rapid acceleration, hard braking, etc. This data is used in the rate making process.

Tennessee Auto Insurance Plan 

An insurance plan created to provide automobile insurance to individuals or companies unable to obtain coverage through the voluntary market.

Third party administrator (TPA) 

An organization that performs managerial and clerical functions related to an employee benefit insurance plan by an individual or committee that is not an original party to the benefit plan.

Third party claim 

A claim filed against another person's insurance policy.

Title Insurance 

A form of insurance which insures against a financial loss from defect in title to real property and from invalid mortgage loans.

Towing and labor coverage 

Auto insurance coverage that pays for towing charges when a car can´t be driven. Also pays labor charges, such as changing a flat tire, at the place where the car broke down.

Underwriter 

The person who reviews an application for insurance and decides if the applicant is acceptable and at what premium rate.

Underwriting 

The process an insurance company uses to decide whether to accept or reject an application for a policy.

Unearned premium 

The amount of a pre paid premium that has not yet been used to buy coverage. For instance, if a policyholder paid in advance for a six month premium, but then cancel the policy after two months, the company must refund the remaining four months of "unearned" premium.

Unemployment Insurance 

Insurance typically purchased in connection with a consumer credit transaction to provide payment of a specified monthly amount in the event of involuntary unemployment.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage 

Auto insurance coverage that pays for the policyholder's injuries and property damage caused by a hit and run driver or a motorist without liability insurance. It will also pay when medical and car repair bills are higher than the other driver´s liability coverage.

Universal life insurance 

The key characteristic of universal life insurance is flexibility. Within limits, a policyholder can choose the amount of insurance and the premium they want to pay. The policy will stay in force as long as the policy value is sufficient to pay the costs and expenses of the policy. The policy value is "interest sensitive," which means that it varies in accordance with the general financial climate. Lowering the death benefit and raising the premium will increase the growth rate of your policy. The opposite also is true. Raising the death benefit and lowering the premium will slow the growth of your policy. If insufficient premiums are paid, the policy could lapse without value before the maturity date is reached. (The maturity date is the time your policy ceases and cash surrender value would be payable if the policyholder is still living.) Therefore, it is the policyholder's responsibility to consistently pay a premium that is high enough to ensure that the policy´s value will be adequate to pay the monthly cost of the policy. The company is required to send an annual report and also to notify the policyholder if they are in danger of losing their policy due to insufficient value.

Usual and customary 

The charge for medical services that refers to the amount approved by the carrier for payment. These charges may be based on rates usually charged by physicians and providers in your area; rate averages compiled by independent rating services; or rate averages compiled by the insurance company.

Utilization review 

The review process aimed at helping HMOs and insurance companies reduce health care costs by avoiding unnecessary care. The review includes evaluating requests for medical treatment and determining, on a case by case basis, whether that treatment is necessary.

Variable annuity 

A form of annuity policy under which the amount of each benefit payment is not guaranteed and specified in the policy, but which instead fluctuates according to the earnings of a separate account fund.

Variable life insurance 

A type of whole life policy in which the death benefit and the cash value fluctuate according to the investment performance of a separate account fund that the policyholder selects. Because the investment account is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the policyholder must be presented with a prospectus before they purchase a variable life policy.

Viatical settlement agreements 

Viatical settlements involve the sale of an existing life insurance policy by a viator (person with a life threatening or terminal illness) to a viatical settlement company in return for a cash payment that is a percentage of the policy´s death benefit.

Whole life insurance 

Whole life insurance policies are one type of cash value insurance. Whole life policies offer protection through a lifetime - that is, for a person´s "whole life." From the day a person buys the policy, they pay a scheduled premium. The scheduled premium may be level or may increase after a fixed time period, but it will not change from the amount(s) shown in the policy schedule. It is important to look at the policy schedule to understand what the premium payments will be and that they are affordable over time. This premium is based on age at the time of purchase. Initially, it will be higher than the premium paid for a term policy, but they are likely to decrease over time if the policy is kept for a long time. Part of each premium payment will go to cash value growth, part for the death benefit and part for expenses (such as commissions and administrative costs). There is no need to renew whole life policies. As long as the premium is paid when due, coverage will continue in force.