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HOW TO GET WHOLE OF LIFE INSURANCE

Learn the steps to getting whole of life insurance in a straightforward way.
Written by Mia Coverall
Reviewed by: Charlie Coverall
Last updated February 26, 2024
Reading Time: 6 minutes read

Navigating the world of life insurance can be confusing, leaving you unsure if you’re making the right choice for lifelong coverage.

Without clear guidance, you risk choosing a policy that may not fully align with your long-term needs and financial objectives.

This article simplifies the process. We’ll explore what Whole of Life Insurance is, how to apply for it, its worth, different types available, whether it expires, and the possibilities of cashing out.

Quick Answer

  • Whole of Life Insurance is a type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for the policyholder’s entire lifetime, with the guarantee of a payout upon their death, as long as premiums are paid.
  • To apply for Whole of Life Insurance you typically need to provide personal and health information, choose your coverage amount, and possibly undergo a medical exam, depending on the policy.
  • Whether Whole of Life Insurance is worth it depends on individual financial goals, need for lifelong coverage, and the desire to leave a financial legacy or support for dependents.
  • Types of Whole Life Insurance include traditional whole life, universal life, and variable life, each varying in terms of premium flexibility, cash value growth, and investment options.
  • Whole Life Insurance does not expire as long as premiums are paid; it provides lifelong coverage and remains active until the policyholder’s death.
  • Whole Life Insurance can be cashed out, which means policyholders can access the policy’s cash value through loans or withdrawals, but this may reduce the death benefit and can have tax implications.

What Is whole of life insurance?

Whole of Life Insurance is a type of insurance that covers you for your entire life.

Unlike term insurance, which covers you for a specific period, Whole of Life Insurance doesn’t expire as long as you keep paying the premiums.

When you pass away, it pays a sum of money to your family or whoever you choose as your beneficiary. This makes it a great way to leave some financial support behind for your loved ones.

How to apply for whole of life insurance

Applying for Whole of Life Insurance is a straightforward process.

Here’s what you typically need to do:

  1. Research: Start by looking at different insurance providers. Compare their plans to see which one suits your needs and budget.
  2. Get Quotes: Contact insurers or use online tools to get quotes. This will give you an idea of how much your premiums might be.
  3. Provide Information: You’ll need to give the insurer some personal details, like your age, health, lifestyle, and medical history.
  4. Health Assessment: Some insurers might ask you to undergo a medical exam or answer health-related questions.
  5. Choose Coverage: Decide how much coverage you want. This will affect your premiums and the payout your family will receive.
  6. Fill Out Application: Complete the insurance application form with all the required details.
  7. Review and Submit: Double-check your application for any errors, then submit it to the insurer.
  8. Wait for Approval: The insurer will review your application and decide if they’ll provide you with coverage.

Is whole of life insurance worth It?

Deciding if Whole of Life Insurance is worth it depends on your personal circumstances.

Here are some points to consider:

Lifelong Coverage

It covers you for your entire life, which is great if you want long-term security.

Higher Cost

These policies usually cost more than term life insurance, so think about whether you can afford the premiums in the long run.

Cash Value

Some policies build cash value over time, which you might be able to borrow against. This can be helpful, but it also makes the policy more expensive.

Financial Future

If leaving money to your family or covering costs like funeral expenses is important to you, this insurance can be a good choice.

Investment Aspect

Some people see Whole of Life Insurance as an investment. While it can grow cash value, it’s generally not as effective for investment as other options.

Overall, Whole of Life Insurance is worth considering if you need lifelong coverage and are comfortable with the higher cost. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option or a simple way to protect your family for a specific period, term life insurance might be better.

What types of whole life insurance are there?

  • Traditional Whole Life Insurance: This is the most standard type. It guarantees a death benefit and has fixed premiums. The policy also accumulates cash value at a guaranteed rate.
  • Universal Life Insurance: Offers more flexibility. You can adjust your premium payments and death benefit within certain limits. The cash value grows based on a variable interest rate.
  • Variable Life Insurance: This type allows you to invest the policy’s cash value in different accounts, like stocks and bonds. The value can grow more, but there’s also a higher risk if your investments don’t perform well.
  • Variable Universal Life Insurance: Combines features of both variable and universal life insurance. It offers investment options and flexibility in premiums and death benefits.

Each type has its advantages and suits different financial needs and risk tolerances. It’s important to choose one that aligns with your long-term financial goals and life situation.

Does whole life insurance expire?

Whole Life Insurance does not expire as long as you keep paying the premiums.

It’s designed to provide coverage for your entire life, unlike term life insurance, which only covers you for a specific period.

With Whole Life Insurance, you have the assurance that your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit no matter when you pass away, as long as the policy is active and in good standing.

This lifelong coverage is one of the key features that distinguishes Whole Life Insurance from other types of life insurance policies.

Can whole life insurance be cashed out?

Whole Life Insurance can be turned into cash if needed. Here’s a simple way to understand it:

  1. Building Cash Value: Some of the money you pay for the insurance over time is saved up. This saved money is called ‘cash value.’
  2. Taking Out Money: You can take out some of this cash value or borrow against it. It’s like having a savings account within your insurance.
  3. Effect on Insurance: If you take out money, it might lower the amount your family gets from the insurance when you pass away.
  4. Ending the Policy: If you decide you don’t want the insurance anymore, you can cancel it and get the cash value, but then your insurance coverage stops.
  5. Think About Taxes: When you take out this money, there might be some tax stuff to think about, so it’s a good idea to talk to a financial expert.

Turning your Whole Life Insurance into cash can be handy, but remember it affects your insurance and might have other impacts too.

Mia Coverall
Mia Coverall is the heart of the CoverMe123 family, bringing a nurturing touch to everything she does. Her special skill is in making complicated insurance stuff feel simple and cosy, like a chat over a cup of tea.
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