Cash Value Life Insurance

Updated: 20 October 2024

What Does Cash Value Life Insurance Mean?

Cash value life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides a death benefit while accumulating value over time. The policyholder can borrow against the cash value, use it to pay policy premiums later, pass it on to their heirs, or utilize it as a non-taxable investment.

Insuranceopedia Explains Cash Value Life Insurance

Cash value insurance typically costs more than term life insurance because it is a permanent policy that includes a savings component. There are three main types available:

  1. Whole Life: This type accumulates cash value based on the performance of the life insurance company’s investment portfolio.
  2. Variable Life: This allows the policyholder to choose investments from mutual funds and other investment vehicles.
  3. Universal Life: This expands investment options to include money market and Treasury securities.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which option best suits their needs and investment style. However, some critics have pointed out that these policies may have limited investment options and that the returns could be smaller than what an investor might achieve independently.

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