How Does Life Insurance Work'

By Tom Martens

Life insurance is simply that'an insurance policy on your life. You purchase a life insurance policy from a qualified provider, paying them a premium. The premium is either paid monthly or in a lump sum (usually annually or every six months). The insurance company then agrees to pay an agreed upon amount of money after the insured person dies. The amount of money paid from a life insurance policy goes to the policy's designated beneficiaries in a lump sum payment. If no beneficiaries are designated, then the payment is made to the estate of the deceased.

There are two types of life insurance policies: Protection policies: these are commonly called term life insurance. These policies are temporary and provide coverage for a specific number of years for a specific premium.

Term life insurance does not accumulate cash value. When you buy term life, you are just buying your family or loved ones or business partners protection in the event of your death.

Whole life, also sometimes called permanent life insurance. The objective of whole life insurance is to accumulate money through the payment of regular or lump-sum premiums on which interest is paid, while also providing coverage in the event of death. Whole life coverage is sometimes also called permanent life insurance. The premiums you pay for whole life do not change, and there is a fixed, guaranteed cash value for the policy. The funds accumulated from the payment of premiums each year can be paid to you whether or nor you die, for emergencies, vacations, retirement, or other expenses. If you take these funds for other purposes, of course, they are not paid when you die.

The type of coverage you buy generally depends on the goals you want life insurance to accomplish. Many people find that term coverage suits their needs, if they just want to make sure that their bills are paid and that their heirs receive some cash after their deaths. Other people want a reliable source of cash accumulating year after year as they pay their premiums. You can speak with qualified life insurance agent to determine which kind of policy is best for you.

Life insurance policies usually cover death, although they may also cover dismemberment or serious illness, and give extra benefits in the event of accidental death, depending on the policy purchases. Proof of death or injury is always required before payment, regardless of the type of coverage. Remember, to get your coverage, you will have to get a physical examination from a company-approved doctor to give the company an accurate picture of your medical history. And even after you pass your physical, the coverage does not start before premiums are paid. Once premiums are paid, the policy is activated.

A qualified life insurance provider can give you the answers to all your questions. Let them help you customize your life insurance coverage to meet the needs of your family. - 33372

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here