What Is The Difference Between Term And Permanent Life Insurance
What Is The Difference Between Term And Permanent Life Insurance?
When it comes to life insurance, there are two main types that you need to know about: term and permanent. While both policies provide financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your death, they differ in a few key ways that could impact your decision when purchasing a policy. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the main differences between term and permanent life insurance, so that you can make an informed choice that suits your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
When it comes to life insurance, there are two main types: term and permanent. While both provide financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your death, there are some key differences between the two. Here is a list of the main differences between term and permanent life insurance:
- Length of coverage: Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, typically 10, 20, or 30 years. Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, provides coverage for your entire life.
- Cost: Term life insurance is generally less expensive than permanent life insurance, especially for younger individuals. This is because term policies only provide coverage for a set period of time, whereas permanent policies provide coverage for life.
- Cash value: Permanent life insurance policies have a cash value component, which means that a portion of your premiums goes towards building up a cash value that you can borrow against or use to pay your premiums. Term life insurance policies do not have a cash value component.
- Flexibility: Term life insurance policies are generally more flexible than permanent policies. You can choose the length of coverage that best fits your needs, and you can often convert your policy to a permanent policy if you decide you need longer-term coverage. Permanent policies, on the other hand, are more rigid and do not offer as much flexibility.
- Estate planning: Permanent life insurance policies are often used as part of an estate planning strategy, as they can provide tax-free death benefits to your beneficiaries. Term life insurance policies do not offer this same benefit.
Where Should Group Term Life Insurance Be Reported?
Group-term life insurance coverage provided under a policy carried directly or indirectly by an employer is excluded from taxes if the total amount does not exceed $50,000, as per IRC section 79. However, if the coverage exceeds $50,000, the imputed cost of coverage must be included in income and is subject to social security and Medicare taxes.
| Policy carried directly or indirectly by the employer | Policy not carried directly or indirectly by the employer |
|---|---|
| Subject to social security and Medicare taxes if coverage exceeds $50,000 | No tax consequences to the employee |
| Employees are taxed on the cost of coverage over $50,000 | Employer has no reporting requirements |
A policy is considered carried directly or indirectly by the employer if:
- The determination of whether the premium charges straddle the costs is based on the IRS Premium Table rates, not the actual cost.
- The employer subsidizes and/or redistributes the premium cost through its role.
A taxable fringe benefit arises if coverage exceeds $50,000 and the policy is considered carried directly or indirectly by the employer. If there is more than one policy from the same insurer, a combined test is used to determine whether it is carried directly or indirectly by the employer. However, policies can be tested separately if the costs and coverage can be clearly allocated between the two policies.
If coverage is provided by more than one insurer, each policy must be tested separately to determine whether it is carried directly or indirectly by the employer. The cost of employer-provided group-term life insurance on the life of an employee’s spouse or dependent, paid by the employer, is not taxable to the employee if the face amount of the coverage does not exceed $2,000. This coverage is excluded as a de minimis fringe benefit.
Example 1: All employees for Employer X are in the 40 to 44 year age group. The employer pays the full cost of the insurance. If at least one employee is charged more than the IRS Premium Table rate, and at least one is charged less, the coverage is considered carried by the employer. Therefore, each employee is subject to social security and Medicare tax on the cost of coverage over $50,000.
Example 2: All employees are charged the same rate, which is set by the third-party insurer. The employer pays nothing toward the cost. It does not matter what the rate is if the employer does not subsidize the cost or redistribute it between employees.
Example 3: A 47-year old employee receives $40,000 of coverage per year under a policy carried directly or indirectly by her employer. She is also entitled to $100,000 of optional insurance at her own expense. This amount is also considered carried by the employer. The cost of $10,000 of this amount is excludable; the cost of the remaining $90,000 is included in income.
It is important to understand the tax consequences of group term life insurance coverage provided by an employer to avoid any issues with reporting and taxes.
Is Term Life Insurance Convertible?
Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period, typically for 10, 15, or 20 years, and can be an affordable way to protect your loved ones. However, if you feel that you will need life insurance beyond that period, it might be worth considering trading in your term policy for permanent coverage. Permanent insurance can last as long as you live and offer other benefits, although it is usually more expensive than term coverage.
Most term life insurance policies are convertible, meaning they can be exchanged for permanent policies issued by the same insurance company. The term policy will state whether it is convertible, along with any time limits on making the move. If your policy does not have this information, contact your insurer or talk to a financial professional about your options.
Whether to convert your policy depends on your situation and financial goals. Consider converting if you can afford the higher premiums and want:
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lifetime coverage | Permanent insurance provides coverage for your entire life, unlike term insurance which expires after a set period. |
| Cash value | Permanent insurance policies accumulate cash value over time, which can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums. |
| Estate planning | Permanent insurance can be used to transfer wealth to heirs and pay estate taxes. |
Policy details may differ, but for most term conversions, you can convert just part of your policy to permanent insurance if you want to keep some term insurance. Combining term and permanent insurance can make sense if, for example, you want extra protection until your kids graduate from college but want to focus on other financial needs afterward.
If you renew your term policy, the policy’s term and set cost will expire, but you can continue coverage if you are willing to pay more. Some policies are renewable and can be extended, often one year at a time, until a certain age, like 90 or 95. Although you likely won’t need a medical exam to renew, the cost will increase because it will be based on your age at the time.
In conclusion, if you already have a term policy, find out if it’s convertible and what, if any, limits apply. If you’re planning to buy term insurance and want to be able to convert it, be sure to specify that you want convertible term. Combining term and permanent insurance can be a smart way to protect your loved ones while also addressing your long-term financial goals.
What Are The Benefits Of Permanent Life Insurance Vs Term?
When it comes to life insurance, there are two main types of policies: term life insurance and permanent life insurance. While both offer benefits, there are key differences between the two.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is temporary and lasts for a specific period of time, usually between one and 30 years or until a certain age. Term policies offer a death benefit only if the insured person dies during the coverage term. If the insured person is still alive when the term expires, no refund of premiums will be made. However, some term policies offer a return of premium (ROP) option, where premiums will be refunded at the end of the term if the insured person is still living. Term policies do not carry any cash value, and premiums generally stay level throughout the term.
Below is a table comparing the monthly costs of term life insurance policies for a 35-year-old female and male for a 20-year term with $1 million in coverage:
| Company | Female Monthly Cost | Male Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Company 1 | $XX.XX | $XX.XX |
| Company 2 | $XX.XX | $XX.XX |
| Company 3 | $XX.XX | $XX.XX |
Permanent Life Insurance
Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, lasts for as long as you live, as long as premiums are paid. Premiums generally stay level throughout your life, and death benefits are guaranteed, meaning they will be paid regardless of when the insured person dies. Permanent life insurance also carries a savings or investment component, called cash value, which grows tax-deferred over time and may be withdrawn or borrowed against while you’re still alive. However, doing so can decrease the amount of the policy’s death benefit if those funds aren’t repaid.
Below are some types of permanent life insurance policies:
| Policy Type |
|---|
| Whole Life Insurance |
| Universal Life Insurance |
Permanent life insurance policies are generally more expensive than term policies due to the cash value component. However, they offer lifelong coverage and a savings component.
Ultimately, the type of life insurance policy you choose depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Before purchasing a policy, it’s important to evaluate your financial situation and speak with a financial advisor or insurance agent to determine the best option for you.
Is Permanent Life Insurance The Same As Whole Life?
When it comes to life insurance, there are two primary types of policies: term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Permanent life insurance is a type of policy that provides coverage for the entire life of the insured person, unlike term life insurance, which only covers a specified term or period of time. A whole life policy is a type of permanent life insurance.
| Term Life Insurance | Whole Life Insurance |
|---|---|
| Provides coverage for a specific term or period of time. | Provides coverage for the entire life of the insured person. |
| Is typically less expensive than permanent life insurance. | Is more expensive than term life insurance. |
| Has no cash value component. | Includes a cash value component that can be used while the insured person is still alive. |
While both term and permanent life insurance policies provide a death benefit to beneficiaries, a whole life policy includes a cash value component. This cash value grows over time on a tax-deferred basis, meaning that the insured person does not pay taxes on the gains. The policyholder can borrow money against the cash value in the form of loans or withdrawals, use it to pay premiums, or even surrender it for cash to supplement their retirement income. A whole life policy is simpler than other types of permanent life insurance policies, such as universal life insurance and variable life insurance.
When deciding between a term and a whole life insurance policy, it is essential to consider your specific situation and what matters most to you. Factors that can impact the cost of a life insurance policy include the type of policy, age, health, gender, driving record, occupation, hobbies, and the amount your loved ones would receive. If you want life insurance coverage that lasts your entire lifetime and provides a cash value component, a whole life policy may be the best choice for your needs.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a term or a whole life policy should be guided by your unique situation in life and the things that matter to you. To find the best life insurance policy for your needs, consider speaking with a financial professional who can help you understand your options and choose the right policy to protect your family’s finances over the long term.
What Are The Different Types Of Permanent Life Insurance?
Permanent life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for the life of the insured, as long as premiums are paid. It also includes a savings component that can accumulate cash value over time. There are several different types of permanent life insurance policies, each with its own unique features and benefits:
| Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Whole Life Insurance | This is the most common type of permanent insurance policy. It offers a death benefit along with a savings account. The savings element grows based on dividends the company pays to you. Whole life insurance offers less flexibility than other types of permanent life insurance. |
| Universal Life Insurance | This policy offers more flexibility than whole life insurance. You may be able to increase the death benefit if you pass a medical examination. The savings account generally earns a money market rate of interest. After money has accumulated in your account, you will also have the option of altering your premium payments, providing there is enough money in your account to cover the costs. |
| Variable Life Insurance | This policy combines death protection with a savings account that you can invest in stocks, bonds, and money market mutual funds. The value of your policy may grow more quickly, but you also have more risk. If your investments do not perform well, your cash value and death benefit may decrease. |
| Variable Universal Life Insurance | If you purchase this type of policy, you get the features of variable and universal life policies. You have the investment risks and rewards characteristic of variable life insurance, coupled with the ability to adjust your premiums and death benefit that is characteristic of universal life insurance. |
It’s important to carefully consider your options and choose the type of permanent life insurance that best fits your needs and goals. Consult with a licensed insurance professional who can help you make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
Is Permanent Life Insurance Worth It?
Permanent life insurance policies provide lifelong coverage and the opportunity to build cash value, which accumulates on a tax-deferred basis. While permanent life insurance is more expensive than term life insurance, it may be the best fit for you depending on your goals.
| Term Life Insurance | Permanent Life Insurance |
|---|---|
| Covers a set period of time | Covers you for life |
| Does not have a cash value component | Has a cash value component |
| Most affordable type of life insurance | More expensive than term life insurance |
| Good for finite life insurance needs | Good for those who want life insurance no matter when they die and to build cash value |
If you discover you need permanent coverage later, many term life policies have a conversion option to convert the policy to a permanent one. There are multiple types of permanent life insurance, including:
- Whole life insurance
- Universal life insurance
- Variable life insurance
- Burial insurance
- Survivorship life insurance
Permanent life insurance is good for people who want to build cash value and make sure there is a death benefit payout for their loved ones no matter when they die. Whole life insurance has fixed and guaranteed premiums, rate of return on cash value, and death benefit. Universal life insurance policies offer more flexibility than whole life insurance policies, while variable life insurance policies offer a death benefit with a cash value component that can be allocated across a variety of investments. Burial insurance is a small whole life insurance policy with a death benefit that’s usually between $5,000 and $25,000. Survivorship life insurance is usually a whole life insurance policy that insures two people—usually a married couple.
When considering life insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. A financial advisor can help you figure out where life insurance fits into your overall financial plan.
Why Is Permanent Life Insurance Bad?
Permanent life insurance is a policy that provides life coverage and investment opportunities to policyholders. It guarantees a death benefit as long as premiums are paid, and policyholders can access the cash value accumulated over time tax-deferred. While it may sound attractive, permanent life insurance may not be a good choice for everyone.
The Drawbacks of Permanent Life Insurance
Permanent life insurance policies are typically more expensive than term life policies, and the premiums can increase over time. The cash value component may not provide sufficient returns compared to other investment options. Additionally, permanent life insurance policies may have lower liquidity, meaning it can be challenging to access the cash value in emergencies. Surrendering or cashing out the policy may also incur costly charges and result in the loss of life insurance protection.
Alternative Insurance Options
Term life insurance is a more cost-effective option for those who need life coverage for a specific period. It provides a death benefit to beneficiaries if the policyholder passes away within the term. Another alternative is a hybrid policy that combines term and permanent life insurance, offering the flexibility to adjust coverage and premiums over time.
Conclusion
Permanent life insurance can be a beneficial policy for those who want lifelong coverage, flexible premiums, and access to cash value. However, it may not be the best choice for everyone due to its higher costs, lower liquidity, and potential drawbacks. Consider your individual needs and financial situation before choosing a life insurance policy. Consult with an experienced financial adviser to help you make the right decision.
| Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Whole life insurance | Provides coverage for the policyholder’s entire life, combines an investment component with the policy’s death benefit, and accumulates cash value that the policyholder can use or access while still alive. |
| Universal life insurance (UL) | Offers flexible premiums, death benefit options, and cash value accumulation, allowing policyholders to adjust their coverage as their needs change over time. |
| Variable universal life insurance (VUL) | Combines the benefits of both whole life and term insurance, allows policyholders to personalize their coverage by selecting varying death benefits and investment options. |
| Indexed variable universal life insurance (IVUL) | Offers an array of features designed to help policyholders protect their loved ones, accumulates tax-deferred cash value, provides access to additional funds during retirement or other major life events, and allows the policy’s cash value to be linked to market performance. |
What Is The Average Payout For Life Insurance After Someone'S Death?
Life insurance is a valuable financial tool that provides financial protection to the loved ones of a policyholder in the event of their death. The death benefit, which is a lump sum payment, can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, replace lost income, and secure the financial future of the beneficiaries. However, the timeline for receiving life insurance money after a policyholder’s death varies depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s processing time, the type of policy, and the documentation required.
Factors Affecting the Timeline for Receiving Life Insurance Money
The processing time for life insurance claims can vary among different insurance companies. While some companies may process claims relatively quickly, others may take longer due to internal processes and procedures. Therefore, it is essential to know the average processing time of the insurance company where the policy is held to manage expectations.
On average, beneficiaries can receive life insurance money for a few weeks to several months. The process usually involves the beneficiaries submitting a claim to the insurance company and the necessary documentation, such as the death certificate and policy details. The insurance company then reviews the claim and verifies the information before processing the payout.
The average payout amount for a life insurance policy depends on various factors, including the policyholder’s age, health condition, coverage amount, and premium payments made. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average life insurance policy payout in the United States is around $160,000. However, this is just an average, and actual payout amounts can vary widely depending on the individual policy and its specific terms.
Tips to Expedite the Payout Process
While the timeline for receiving life insurance money is mainly dependent on the insurance company’s processing time and the complexity of the claim, there are some tips that beneficiaries can follow to potentially expedite the payout process:
- File the claim yourself
- Submit all required documentation promptly
- Follow up with the insurance company
- Seek professional assistance if needed
- Manage expectations and be patient throughout the process
Payment Options for Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries of life insurance payouts can choose how they want to receive the money, whether in a lump sum or installments.
- Lump-sum distribution: the most common payment method that helps beneficiaries cover expenditures incurred from the policyholder’s death. These payments are tax-free.
- Installments: paid out with an annuity, allowing beneficiaries to get the death benefit over fixed installments for a specific time.
In conclusion, understanding the timeline for receiving life insurance money after a policyholder’s death and managing expectations can benefit beneficiaries during a challenging time. Life insurance is a valuable financial tool that can provide financial protection to the loved ones of a policyholder.
| Factors Affecting Payout Timeline | Tips to Expedite Payout Process | Payment Options for Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance company’s processing time | File the claim yourself | Lump-sum distribution |
| Type of policy | Submit all required documentation promptly | Installments |
| Policy amount | Follow up with the insurance company | |
| Complexity of the claim | Seek professional assistance if needed |
What Is The Minimum Age Requirement For Whole Life Insurance?
Life insurance is an essential investment for many Americans, and the good news is that there is no real minimum age for purchasing a policy. In fact, life insurance policies can be purchased for children as young as 14 days old.
| Considerations when shopping for life insurance: |
|---|
| 1. Have financial and familial responsibilities |
| 2. Plan on significant life events such as buying a home or having children |
While there is no minimum age for life insurance, it is most useful for adults with financial and familial responsibilities. Life insurance policies can provide crucial support for your loved ones in the event of your death. That’s why experts recommend purchasing a policy as you plan for major life events such as buying a home or starting a family.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to invest in life insurance. Shop around for policies that fit your needs and budget to protect your loved ones from financial hardship in the event of your death.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Permanent Life Insurance?
The two common types of life insurance are term life insurance and permanent life insurance. While the latter provides coverage for your entire life as well as a cash value component that can grow over time, it has some downsides that should be considered before making a decision.
Types of Permanent Life Insurance Policies
| Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Whole life insurance | Offers a death benefit as well as a savings component. Regular premiums are paid for a set death benefit amount, and the savings portion is contingent upon the dividends that a company pays. |
| Universal life insurance | Has more flexibility than whole life policies, with adjustable premiums that are typically lower than whole life insurance premiums. |
| Variable universal life insurance | Has a savings component that can be invested in stocks, bonds and money market funds. The value of this policy can grow quickly, but the risk of the stock market may affect the value as well. Some variable universal life policies have a guarantee that your death benefit will not fall below a minimum amount. |
| Indexed universal life insurance | Allows policyholders to allocate the cash value of the policy to a fixed account or an equity index account. You can grow your cash value tax-deferred for retirement while still growing your death benefit. |
| Guaranteed life insurance | Has a guaranteed death benefit provided that the policyholder pays the premiums to keep the policy active. It typically has lower premiums than whole life insurance, because it does not have a cash value accumulation. |
Disadvantages of Permanent Life Insurance
The biggest drawback of permanent life insurance is that it is significantly more expensive than term life insurance. In addition:
- If you miss a payment or cannot afford to make payments anymore, your policy could cancel.
- The longevity of permanent life insurance policy is a disadvantage, because if you buy a policy and discover you no longer need coverage, you would have paid premiums up until this point and lose all the money you had already paid into the policy.
- They cannot be converted into another type of policy.
- The terms of permanent life insurance policies are more complex than those of term life alternatives and thus harder for customers to understand.
- Because of the higher premiums, these policies may produce a mediocre return on the investment.
While there are advantages to purchasing this type of policy, there are also downsides. Therefore, before committing to buy a permanent life insurance policy, whether whole life or cash value, universal or variable, make sure you know what you’re getting – and not getting.
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