What Is Whole Life Insurance?

Whole Life Insurance is a type of permanent life insurance designed to provide lifelong coverage as long as premiums are paid according to the policy terms. It can provide a death benefit for beneficiaries and may include a cash-value component that accumulates over time.

The policy’s benefits, premiums, cash-value growth, guarantees and access features depend on the specific contract. Policy terms, conditions and applicable provisions determine what the policy provides.

How Whole Life Insurance Works?

01

Premium Payments

You pay premiums as agreed.

→
02

Life Insurance Protection

Provides a death benefit to your beneficiaries.

→
03

Cash-Value Component

May build cash value over time.

→
04

Long-Term Policy Structure

Designed for lifelong protection.

Potential Benefits of Whole Life Insurance

Lifetime Protection

Designed to provide permanent life insurance protection, subject to the policy terms and required premium payments.

Death Benefit

Provides a death benefit for beneficiaries according to the policy contract.

Cash-Value Component

May accumulate cash value over time, depending on the policy provisions.

Predictable Premium Structure

Whole Life policies commonly use a structured premium approach; exact premiums and provisions depend on the policy.

Long-Term Planning

May form part of a long-term financial or estate-planning strategy, depending on individual goals and circumstances.

Who Needs This Insurance?

  • Cash value may grow over time according to policy provisions.
  • It can be accessed through loans or withdrawals.
  • Access may affect policy values, benefits, and coverage.
  • May provide financial flexibility.
i
Loans and withdrawals may reduce cash value and death benefit, affect policy status and may have tax consequences. Review your policy details.
FEATURE WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE TERM LIFE INSURANCE
Coverage Duration Designed for lifetime coverage
(while policy remains in force)
Coverage for a specific term
(10, 20, 30 years, etc.)
Cash Value May include cash-value component Generally does not include cash value
Premium Structure Typically level premiums Typically lower premiums for a term period
Death Benefit Death benefit provided according to policy terms Death benefit provided during the term
Primary Concept Long-term protection Temporary protection

Who May Consider Whole Life Insurance?

People Seeking Long-Term Protection

People who want to explore permanent life insurance rather than coverage limited to a specific term.

Families Planning Ahead

Families considering long-term financial goals and protection needs may explore permanent coverage.

People Interested in Permanent Coverage

People who want to compare lifelong coverage with temporary insurance may consider Whole Life.

People Interested in Cash-Value Options

People interested in a policy with a cash-value component may want to understand how Whole Life works.

Individuals With Long-Term Financial Goals

Individuals with long-term protection, estate or financial-planning objectives may discuss whether Whole Life fits their circumstances.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Policy?

Coverage amount

how much life insurance protection may be appropriate for your needs.

Long-term financial goals

what you want the policy to accomplish over time.

Premium affordability

whether the required premium fits your budget over the expected policy period.

Cash-value features

how the policy's cash value works and what access options are available.

Policy terms and conditions

understand guarantees, limitations, exclusions, charges and other provisions

▶
0:00 / 0:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Whole Life Insurance is a type of permanent life insurance designed to provide lifelong protection as long as the policy requirements are met. It may also include a cash-value component. Benefits and features depend on the specific policy.

You pay premiums according to the policy agreement, and the policy provides life insurance protection and a death benefit according to its terms. A Whole Life policy may also build cash value over time, depending on its provisions.

Cash value is a component of some Whole Life policies that may accumulate value over time according to the policy provisions. Depending on the policy, it may be accessed through loans or withdrawals, which can affect policy values and benefits.

Whole Life Insurance is designed for permanent coverage and may include a cash-value component. Term Life Insurance generally provides coverage for a specified period and generally does not include cash value. Features, premiums and provisions vary by policy.

People seeking permanent life insurance, long-term protection, a cash-value component or support for certain long-term financial goals may want to explore Whole Life Insurance. Whether it is appropriate depends on individual needs, budget, goals and policy features.

Let's Talk About Your Life Insurance Needs

We'll help you explore options and understand what
may be right for your goals, budget, and long-term needs.