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How Does Life Insurance Work?
Life insurance may provide a death benefit to your designated beneficiary if you pass away while your coverage is in force and the terms of the coverage are met. You pay the required premiums to maintain your coverage.
The application process, coverage duration, premiums, eligibility requirements and underwriting can vary depending on the type of life insurance you request. In general, the process looks like this:
1. Review your coverage needs
Consider who you want to help protect, how much coverage you may need and how long you want that protection to last.
2. Apply for coverage
Select the coverage you want to request and complete the applicable application. Depending on the coverage, eligibility questions, health information or additional underwriting may be required.
3. Pay the required premiums
Once coverage becomes effective, pay the required premiums according to its terms to keep your coverage in force.
4. A death benefit may be paid
If a covered death occurs while coverage is in force, the applicable death benefit may be paid to the designated beneficiary according to the terms of the coverage.
What’s the difference between term and permanent life insurance?
Term life insurance
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period of time or according to the terms of the coverage. It may be considered when you want protection during a particular stage of life or while certain financial responsibilities are greater.
Permanent life insurance
Permanent life insurance is designed to provide lifelong coverage as long as applicable requirements are met and required premiums are paid. Whole life insurance is one type of permanent life insurance and may also build cash value over time.
